EN PH 131 (EB02) – Lecture 7 – Jan.
20th, 2023
Chapter 12.7 (Kinematics of a Particle)
Prof. Charlebois (Dr. C)
Greek Alphabet
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Section 12.7
Normal and Tangential Components
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Curvilinear Motion: Normal And Tangential
Components
Objective:
• Determine the normal and
tangential components of
velocity and acceleration of a
particle traveling along a
curved path.
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Examples and Questions #1
Car traveling along a racetrack
experiences an acceleration due to
a change in magnitude of the
velocity (speed) and due to a
change in direction of the velocity.
If the car’s speed is increasing at a
known rate as it travels along a
curve, how we can we determine
magnitude and direction of its total
acceleration?
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Examples and Questions #2
As the boy swings upward with a
velocity v, his motion can be
analyzed using normal-
tangential (n-t) coordinates.
As he rises, the magnitude of his
velocity is changing, and thus his
acceleration is also changing.
How can we determine velocity and acceleration at the bottom of arc?
Can we use different coordinates, such as n-t coordinates, to describe
his motion? Which coordinate system would be easier to use to
describe his motion? Why?
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Normal and Tangential Components
When a particle moves along a curved path, it is sometimes
convenient to describe its motion using coordinates other than
Cartesian (x-y). When the path of motion is known, normal (n)
and tangential (t) coordinates are often used.
In the n-t coordinate system, the origin
is located on the particle, thus the
origin and coordinate system move
with the particle.
The t-axis is tangent to the path (curve) at the instant considered
with the positive in the direction of the particle’s motion.
The n-axis is perpendicular to the t-axis with the positive
direction toward the center of curvature of the curve.
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Normal and Tangential Components cont.
The positive n and t directions are
defined by the unit vectors un and ut ,
The center of curvature, O’, always
lies on the concave side of the
curve. The radius of curvature, r ,
is defined as the perpendicular
distance from the curve to the
center of curvature at that point.
The position of the particle at any
instant is defined by the distance,
s, along the curve from a fixed
reference point.
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Velocity in the n-t Coordinate System
The velocity vector is
always tangent to the path
of motion (t-direction).
The magnitude is
determined by taking
the time derivative of
the path function, s ( t ) .
v = v ut where v = s = ds dt
Here v defines the magnitude of the velocity (speed) and ut
defines the direction of the velocity vector.
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Acceleration in the n-t Coordinate System
Acceleration is the time rate of change of velocity:
a = dv dt = d (vut ) dt = vu
t + vut
v represents the change in the
Here
magnitude of velocity and ut
represents the rate of
change in the direction of ut
After mathematical manipulation, the
acceleration vector can be expressed as:
t+
a = vu (v 2
r ) u n = a t ut + a n u n .
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Acceleration in the n-t Coordinate System cont.
So, there are two components to the
acceleration vector:
a = a t ut + a n u n
• The tangential component is tangent to
the curve and in the direction of
increasing or decreasing velocity.
at = v or at ds = v dv
• The normal or centripetal component is always
directed toward the center of curvature of the curve, an = v 2 r
• The magnitude of the acceleration vector is
( )
2 2
a= ( an ) + at
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Concept Quiz (Your Turn!)
1. If a particle moves along a curve with a constant speed, then
its tangential component of acceleration is ________
A) positive. B) negative.
C) zero. D) constant.
2. The normal component of acceleration represents ________
A) time rate of change in the magnitude of the velocity.
B) time rate of change in the direction of the velocity.
C) magnitude of the velocity.
D) direction of the total acceleration.
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