Tangential Acceleration Problem.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tangential acceleration of three cars traveling at 21 m/s along a hilly road. The user initially confused radial acceleration with tangential acceleration, recognizing that the correct formula for tangential acceleration is a = (alpha)(r). However, the user lacks the necessary time data to calculate alpha, prompting a request for guidance on relating radial and tangential accelerations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematics, specifically tangential and radial acceleration.
  • Familiarity with angular acceleration (alpha) and its relation to linear motion.
  • Knowledge of the formula a = (alpha)(r) for tangential acceleration.
  • Basic principles of motion on curved paths.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between radial and tangential accelerations in circular motion.
  • Study how to derive angular acceleration (alpha) from linear motion parameters.
  • Explore examples of tangential acceleration calculations in physics problems.
  • Learn about the effects of incline on acceleration in hilly terrains.
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of tangential acceleration problems.

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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