Tangential Acceleration Problem.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the tangential acceleration of three cars traveling at 21 m/s on a hilly road. The user initially confuses tangential acceleration with radial acceleration, using the formula a = v^2 / r, which is incorrect for this context. They acknowledge the correct formula for tangential acceleration, a = (alpha)(r), but lack the necessary information to calculate alpha. The user seeks guidance on relating radial and tangential accelerations to solve the problem. The inquiry highlights the need for additional data, such as time or angular acceleration, to proceed with the calculations.
Shipman515
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Okay. So I've got three cars that are traveling along a hilly road. One is at the beginning, where its flat, one is at the bottom of the hill, one is at the top. Each is traveling at 21 m/s. I am supposed to find tangential acceleration for each.

I tried:
a = v^2 / r but that is radial acceleration.
I know the formula for tangential acceleration is a = (alpha)(r)

but i am given no times or anything to calculate alpha.


I'm thinking I need a relation of some sort between radial and tangential accelerations.

Anyone have any guidelines?
 

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Guess I should have posted this in homework help section. Apologies, I will from this point on.
 

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