Tangential Acceleration of uniform motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tangential acceleration in the context of uniform circular motion. Participants explore the application of formulas related to tangential acceleration and clarify the distinctions between tangential and radial components of acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the magnitude of tangential acceleration in uniform circular motion is zero, as there is no change in speed.
  • Others propose that tangential acceleration can exist if the speed of the object changes, suggesting that the centripetal force may vary with speed.
  • A participant mentions the formula At = [dv/dt] and clarifies that for uniform circular motion, dv/dt equals zero.
  • Another participant challenges the application of the formula V^2/r, stating it pertains to radial acceleration rather than tangential acceleration.
  • One participant seeks to express the condition that tangential acceleration is zero in uniform circular motion using both verbal explanation and an equation.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of angular acceleration and its relationship to tangential acceleration, indicating a potential connection to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and calculation of tangential acceleration in uniform circular motion, with no consensus reached on the correct interpretation or application of the relevant formulas.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of uniform versus non-uniform circular motion, as well as the conditions under which tangential acceleration is considered.

student 1
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How do you find the Magnitude of tangential acceleration if you have uniform circular motion? I know the formula for Tangential Acceleration; however I have no clue how to apply it to determine the Magnitude?
 
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Its just the magnitude of the vector. It should just be V^2/r.
 
student 1 said:
How do you find the Magnitude of tangential acceleration if you have uniform circular motion? I know the formula for Tangential Acceleration; however I have no clue how to apply it to determine the Magnitude?

The formula in the previous post is incorrect (that's the magnitude of the *radial* component of the acceleration). What formula are you using for tangential acc?
 
student 1 said:
How do you find the Magnitude of tangential acceleration if you have uniform circular motion? I know the formula for Tangential Acceleration; however I have no clue how to apply it to determine the Magnitude?
Do you mean centripetal acceleration? If something is performing uniform circular motion, its tangential acceleration is zero. Or do you mean non-uniform circular motion, which will have a tangential component of acceleration?
 
No, I mean tangential acceleration. That's probably the answer I'm looking for I just have to know how to express that the acceleration would be zero if it was uniform circular motion using words and one equation.
 
Im suppose to use At=[dv/dt].
 
student 1 said:
Im suppose to use At=[dv/dt].
OK, where v is the speed, not the velocity vector. For uniform circular motion, dv/dt = 0.
 
Tangental acceleration can still exist on a object traveling in a circular path. The centripetal force just needs to change with respect to speed2, so it always equals m |v|2 / r.

The magnitude of tangental acceleration would be the magnitude of angular acceleration times r = |angular acceleration| x r.
 
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