A particle moves in a circle of radius 4 m. Its speed varies as v = 2t² m/s. At t = 1 s, if a² = N (m/s²)², find N.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Tangential acceleration aₜ = dv/dt = 4t, hence at t=1 s, aₜ=4 m/s². Radial acceleration a_c = v²/R. At t=1 s, v=2 m/s, so a_c=4/4=1 m/s². Therefore a² = aₜ²+a_c² = 16+1 = 17. Hence N=17.