- #1
mike 2012
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we already know that the scalar component of the Centripetal ( Radial ) Acceleration vector is always negative because it's ALWAYS directed to the opposite direction of its unit vector ( toward the center of the circle ) , and this is satisfying to me and to the formula .
however , when it comes to the scalar component of the Tangential Acceleration vector , I get confused because its formula always gives positive outputs . which means it's always directed to the same direction of its unit vector .
the question is : why can the scalar component of the Tangential Acceleration vector not be negative and directed to the opposite direction of its unit vector ?
if it can be negative and directed to the opposite direction of its unit vector , why does not the formula satisfy negative outputs ?
http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/26/hhhhjz.png
however , when it comes to the scalar component of the Tangential Acceleration vector , I get confused because its formula always gives positive outputs . which means it's always directed to the same direction of its unit vector .
the question is : why can the scalar component of the Tangential Acceleration vector not be negative and directed to the opposite direction of its unit vector ?
if it can be negative and directed to the opposite direction of its unit vector , why does not the formula satisfy negative outputs ?
http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/26/hhhhjz.png
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