Tangential Acceleration Formula

Home » How To Find Tangential Acceleration » Tangential Acceleration Formula

Maybe your like

softschools.com Toggle navigation
  • Topics
    • Math
    • Algebra
    • Calculus
    • Math Worksheets
    • Language Arts
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • Languages
    • Facts
    • Quizzes
    • Flashcards
    • Timelines
    • Login
  • 6th and 7th Grade
  • 8th Grade
  • High School
  • Notes
  • Formulas
  • Examples
  • Literature
  • Literature Summaries
  • Fun Games
Home > Formulas > Physics Formulas > Tangential Acceleration Formula Tangential Acceleration Formula Tangential Acceleration Formula

In rotational motion, tangential acceleration is a measure of how quickly a tangential velocity changes. It always acts perpendicular to the centripetal acceleration of a rotating object. It is equal to the angular acceleration α, times the radius of the rotation.

tangential acceleration = (radius of the rotation)(angular acceleration)

atan = rα

atan = tangential acceleration

r = radius of the object's rotation

α = angular acceleration, with units radians/s2

Tangential Acceleration Formula Questions:

1) A car that has tires with radius 20.0 cm (0.200 m) begins to accelerate forward. The acceleration comes from the engine, which produces an angular acceleration of the tires α = 12.0 radians/s2. What is the tangential acceleration of the tires?

Answer: The tangential acceleration of the tires can be found from the formula:

atan = rα

atan = (0.200 m)(12.0 radians/s2)

atan = 2.40 m/s2

The tangential acceleration of the tires is 2.40 m/s2 (this is also the resulting acceleration of the car).

2) A child spins a toy top, applying a force to the peg in the middle. The force applied results in a tangential acceleration of the peg. If the radius of the peg is 0.50 cm (0.0050 m), and the tangential acceleration applied is atan = 0.540 m/s2, what is the angular acceleration of the top?

Answer: The angular acceleration can be found by rearranging the equation:

α =

α = 108 radians/s2

The angular acceleration of the top is 108 radians/s2.

Related Links:
Tangential Acceleration Formula

More Topics

  • Handwriting
  • Spanish
  • Facts
  • Examples
  • Formulas
  • Difference Between
  • Inventions
  • Literature
  • Flashcards
  • 2020 Calendar
  • Online Calculators
  • Multiplication

Educational Videos

  • Quizzes
  • Flashcards
  • Coloring Pages
  • Links
  • Link us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Search

© 2005-2020 Softschools.com

Tag » How To Find Tangential Acceleration