How Do You Calculate the Components of Acceleration for a Car on a Curved Track?

In summary, the car is traveling around a horizontal circular track with a radius of 270 m at a constant speed of 17 m/s. At point A, the x component of the car's acceleration is unknown, but the y component is 1.07m/s^2. At point B, the x component of the car's acceleration is also unknown, but the y component is 1.07m/s^2. The direction of the acceleration for an object traveling in a circle at constant speed would be tangential to the circle.
  • #1
mattyc33
29
0
A car is traveling around a horizontal circular track with radius r = 270 m at a constant speed v = 17 m/s as shown. The angle θA = 23° above the x axis, and the angle θB = 58° below the x axis.

1. What is the x component of the car’s acceleration when it is at point A?

2.What is the y component of the car’s acceleration when it is at point A?

3.What is the x component of the car’s acceleration when it is at point B?

4. What is the y component of the car’s acceleration when it is at point B?


I found the magnitude of the car's acceleration to be 1.07m/s^2. But all the tangential and radial angles are really confusing me at the moment =(. If anyone could help me or just briefly explain that would be great.

[PLAIN]http://www.smartphysics.com/images/content/mechanics/ch3/CarOnCurve2.png
 
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  • #2
For an object traveling in a circle at constant speed, in what direction does the acceleration point? (If you don't know, there should be a discussion in your physics textbook that addresses my question.)
 
  • #3
Use triangles.
 

1. What is rotational motion?

Rotational motion is the movement of an object around an axis or center point. This type of motion involves circular or curved paths, as opposed to linear motion which involves straight paths.

2. What is the difference between linear and rotational motion?

The main difference between linear and rotational motion is the path of movement. Linear motion involves movement in a straight line, while rotational motion involves movement around an axis or center point. Additionally, linear motion involves displacement and velocity, while rotational motion involves angular displacement and angular velocity.

3. What is angular velocity?

Angular velocity is the rate at which an object rotates around an axis or center point. It is measured in radians per second and is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. It represents the object's change in angular displacement over time.

4. How is rotational motion related to torque?

Rotational motion and torque are closely related as torque is the force that causes an object to rotate. The magnitude of torque is equal to the product of the force applied and the distance from the axis of rotation.

5. What are some real-life examples of rotational motion?

Some examples of rotational motion in everyday life include spinning a top, swinging a bat, the motion of a Ferris wheel, and the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Rotational motion is also present in machines such as motors and turbines, as well as in the movement of planets around the sun.

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