TANGENTIAL ACCELERATION Meaning and
Definition
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Tangential acceleration is a term used in physics to describe the rate at which an object's tangential velocity changes over time. It is a measure of how quickly and in what direction the object's speed is changing.
In simpler terms, tangential acceleration refers to the change in the magnitude or direction of an object's velocity as it moves along a curved path. This acceleration component is perpendicular to the object's radial acceleration, which is directed toward the center of curvature.
Tangential acceleration is caused by various factors, such as changes in the object's speed when moving along a curve or changes in the object's direction. For example, when a car goes around a bend, it experiences tangential acceleration because its velocity changes as it follows the curved path. If the car speeds up or slows down during the turn, it experiences an increase or decrease in its tangential acceleration.
Mathematically, tangential acceleration can be determined by differentiating the magnitude of an object's velocity with respect to time. It is represented by the symbol "aT" and is usually expressed in meters per second squared (m/s²) or feet per second squared (ft/s²).
Understanding the concept of tangential acceleration is crucial in the analysis of various dynamic systems involved in motion, such as rotating objects or objects moving along curved paths. It helps explain how and why objects change their velocity as they move in circular or curved trajectories.
Etymology of TANGENTIAL ACCELERATION
The word "tangential" originates from the Latin word "tangens", which means "touching". In physics, the term describes something that is perpendicular to the radius of a circle or curve (i.e., touching it). "Acceleration" comes from the Latin word "accelerare", which means "to quicken" or "to hasten". Thus, "tangential acceleration" refers to the acceleration that occurs tangent to a curved or circular path. It represents the change in velocity of an object as it moves along the path, changing its direction while maintaining a constant speed.
