- #1
Garen
- 28
- 0
Homework Statement
The Attempt at a Solution
I thought I could take the second derivative and get the angular acceleration from which I could use
Why Didn't Taking the Second Derivative Solve the Angular Acceleration Problem?
- Thread starter Garen
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the misunderstanding of calculating total linear acceleration in angular motion. The participants clarify that total linear acceleration comprises both tangential acceleration and centripetal acceleration, not just the tangential component. The correct approach involves using the formula for centripetal acceleration alongside the previously determined angular velocity. The total linear acceleration is then obtained by vector summation of both components.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of angular motion concepts
- Familiarity with tangential and centripetal acceleration
- Knowledge of vector addition in physics
- Basic proficiency in calculus for derivatives
- Study the formula for centripetal acceleration in detail
- Learn about vector addition and its application in physics
- Review angular motion equations, including angular velocity and acceleration
- Practice problems involving total linear acceleration in circular motion
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts of angular motion and acceleration.
I thought I could take the second derivative and get the angular acceleration from which I could use
- #2
alphysicist
Science Advisor
- 2,500
- 2
Hi Garen,
Are you saying that you put in the tangential acceleration as your answer? If so, remember that they are asking for the total linear acceleration, and there is more to the total acceleration than just the tangential part.
Garen said:Homework Statement
The Attempt at a Solution
I thought I could take the second derivative and get the angular acceleration from which I could usewhere ω is the angular velocity,
is the linear tangential acceleration, and r is the radius of curvature. But for some reason, it didn't give me the right answer, anyone know where I went wrong?
Are you saying that you put in the tangential acceleration as your answer? If so, remember that they are asking for the total linear acceleration, and there is more to the total acceleration than just the tangential part.
- #3
livewire852
- 3
- 0
aaaah thank you so much. i was totally stalking this post and you replied to it in a MOMENT OF PARADISE!
- #4
Garen
- 28
- 0
alphysicist said:
Oh, I thought that total linear acceleration was only the tangential acceleration...Would I have to include centripetal acceleration? If so, how?
- #5
alphysicist
Science Advisor
- 2,500
- 2
Garen said:
What is the formula for centripetal acceleration? (And remember that you have already found the angular velocity!)
Once you have found both components (the tangential and centripetal), the total is just the vector sum.
- #6
Garen
- 28
- 0
alphysicist said:
I got it! Thanks a lot for your help.
- #7
alphysicist
Science Advisor
- 2,500
- 2
Garen said:
Sure, glad to help!
Similar threads
- · Replies 17 ·
- · Replies 17 ·
- · Replies 11 ·
- · Replies 10 ·
- · Replies 2 ·