Rotational Motion (should be easy-need quick tip)

[mistymoon_38]

Homework Statement

A car starts from rest and moves around a circular, horizontal, level track of radius 30 m. Its speed increases at the constant rate of 0.5 m/s^2. (a) What is the magnitude of the net acceleration 15 s later? (b) What angle does the net acceleration make with the car's velocity at this time?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I think I got part A. I just found the vector sum of of the centripetal acceleration, V^2/R (found V by taking integral of 0.5 from 0-15s), and the given tangental accereration of 0.5.
Does this sound right?
As for part B I have no idea. I don't think I can use constant acceleration kinematic equations...

Also- is there a difference between the angular acceleration and the net acceleration?

 

[Kurdt]

For B you know the components of the acceleration. All you need to do is find the angle between the tangential acceleration and the resultant or net acceleration.

Yes angular acceleration is different to the net acceleration. This page may be of use to you.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/HBASE/rotq.html#drot

 

[mistymoon_38]

thanks i think i got it now.