Tangential and Radial Acceleration

[llauren84]

Homework Statement

A train slows down as it rounds a sharp horizontal turn slowing from 90.0km/h to 50.0km/h in the 15.0s that it takes to round the bend. The radius of the curve is 150m. Compute the acceleration at the moment the train reaches 50.0km/her. Assume it continues to slow down at this rate.

Homework Equations

V_f = V_i + a*t
A_c = V² / r

The Attempt at a Solution

I am totally confused and have to hand in this problem tomorrow and I don't have the textbook to reference.

 

[LowlyPion]

You have the equations, so what is the acceleration for each of the accelerations when it hits 50 km/hr? Linear and radial?

Once you have calculated those values then you would add them as vectors.

One acceleration is radially inward. The other is slowing and so it is trailing.

Since they are ⊥ then just use Pythagoras to get'er done.

Oh, and as usual be careful with your units.

 

[llauren84]

Thanks, actually that helped. I got the correct answer =) I just had trouble relating the two equations for some reason.