Tangential acceleration - unknown term

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the tangential acceleration of a man walking outward on a rotating turntable. The established formula for tangential acceleration is given as (r*alpha) + (2wv), where r is the radius, alpha is the angular acceleration, and w is the angular velocity. The additional term 2wv accounts for the Coriolis effect, which describes the apparent deviation of an object’s path due to the rotation of the turntable. Understanding this relationship is crucial for solving problems involving rotating reference frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular velocity (w) and angular acceleration (alpha)
  • Familiarity with radial acceleration and its formula (-rw^2)
  • Basic knowledge of Coriolis force and its implications in rotating systems
  • Ability to apply kinematic equations in non-inertial reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Coriolis effect in detail and its mathematical representation
  • Learn about non-inertial reference frames and their impact on motion
  • Explore examples of tangential and radial acceleration in rotating systems
  • Investigate the relationship between angular momentum and tangential acceleration
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of non-inertial reference frames and their effects on motion.

LCattell
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Homework Statement



A man walks steadily outwards on a turntable (radius r) with radial velocity v. The turntable rotates with angular velocity w and angular acceleration alpha (anti-clockwise). What is the tangential component of acceleration?

Homework Equations



radial acceleration = -rw^2
tangential acceleration = r*alpha

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer given for the tangential acceleration is (r*alpha)+(2wv)
I understand the r*alpha bit, but could someone please enlighten me as to what the 2wv part refers to?

Thanks very much

LC
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you learned about Coriolis force?
 
I thought that Coriolis was where an object appeared to deviate from its path. How is it related to this problem?
 

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