Radial Acceleration in cylindrical coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the radial acceleration formula in cylindrical coordinates, specifically Ar = &ddot;r - r˙θ2. The user initially referenced the formula aradial = v2/r but sought clarification on the differentiation process involved in arriving at the correct expression. The differentiation of the position vector r(cosθ, sinθ) was highlighted as a key step in understanding the derivation.

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  • Cylindrical coordinate system
  • Basic calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Understanding of angular velocity and acceleration
  • Familiarity with vector notation in physics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators teaching cylindrical coordinate systems and their applications in motion analysis.

VooDoo
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Hey guys,

Been given this formula for radial acceleration, I am not sure how they derived it. I have tried but the only formula I know is a(radial) = v^2/r

A_{r} = \ddot{r} - r\dot{\theta}^{2}EDIT - should be minus not plus
 
Last edited:
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Hi VooDoo! :smile:

They differentiated r.(cosθ.x + sinθ.y), twice! :smile:
 

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