Quick question regarding tangential acceleration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of tangential acceleration, specifically exploring the forces responsible for it, its relationship with linear velocity, and the role of torque in rotational motion. Participants seek clarification on how tangential acceleration operates in various contexts, including rotating objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the force responsible for tangential acceleration and its effect on linear velocity, suggesting it acts parallel to the motion.
  • Another participant agrees that the force can be anything acting along the path, such as a jet engine or oars in a rowboat.
  • One participant proposes that torque is responsible for tangential acceleration, stating that increased torque leads to increased tangential acceleration.
  • A question is raised about whether any rotating object experiences tangential acceleration or if a force must be applied, using a bicycle wheel as an example.
  • A participant reiterates the idea that torque is linked to tangential acceleration, providing the relationship between torque, force, and distance from the axis of rotation, while also expressing uncertainty about confusing tangential acceleration with angular acceleration.
  • The same participant later acknowledges a misunderstanding, stating that tangential acceleration is equal to the radius times angular acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between torque and tangential acceleration, with some asserting the importance of torque while others focus on the role of forces acting along the path. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise conditions under which tangential acceleration occurs.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of tangential acceleration and angular acceleration, as well as the conditions required for tangential acceleration to manifest in rotating objects.

ace123
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What is the force that is responsible for the tangential acceleration? And how does this acceeleration work. I mean this must increase the object's linear velocity right? Since it acts parallel to it. Can someone help clarify this for me.

Thanks
 
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ace123 said:
What is the force that is responsible for the tangential acceleration? And how does this acceeleration work. I mean this must increase the object's linear velocity right? Since it acts parallel to it. Can someone help clarify this for me.

Thanks
What you say is correct. However, the force could by anything that acts along the path of the object, such as a jet engine or the oars of a rowboat.
 
I think torque is responsible for tangential acceleration. Increased torque will increase tangential acceleration.
 
So would any object that is rotating experience a tangential acceleration? Or does it need a force to be applied like in an example of a bicycle wheel?
 
Mr Noblet said:
I think torque is responsible for tangential acceleration. Increased torque will increase tangential acceleration.

Torque is equal to the perpendicular force times the distance r from the axis of rotation to the point of application of the force. I believe you got tangential acceleration confused with angular acceleration.

Or maybe I'am wrong.:smile:

Edit: Yes I'am wrong because I just read that tangential acceleration = r times angular acceleration.

Thanks
 
Last edited:

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