Answer to Question #86209 in Mechanics | Relativity for godwina t

Question

A cyclist enters a curve of 30 m radius at a speed of 12 m s-1. He applies the
brakes and decreases his speed at a constant rate of 0.5 m s-2. Calculate the
cyclist’s centripetal (radial) and tangential accelerations when he is travelling at a speed of 10 m s-1.

Answer 1

Solution:

We can be found the radial acceleration from the formula:

$$a_r=v^2/r$$

So, we get

$$a_r=10^2/30=3.3 m/s^2$$

A cyclist reduces speed at a speed of 0.5 ms^-2 This means that at any time or speed its tangential acceleration is 0.5. Therefore, when he travels at a rate of 10 ms^-1, his tangential acceleration is -0.5 ms^-2 because he slows down.

$$a_t = -0.5 m/s^2$$

Answer: 3.3 ms^-2, -0.5 ms^-2