Answer to Question #123148 in Mechanics | Relativity for Geoffrey

Question

What is the difference between radial and tangential acceleration

Answer 1

Answer: Tangential (tangential) acceleration is a component of the acceleration vector directed along the tangent to the trajectory at a given point of the trajectory. Tangential acceleration characterizes the change in velocity modulo with curvilinear motion.

The component of the acceleration vector that is directed perpendicular to the velocity vector, and therefore along the normal to the trajectory, is called radial (centripetal) acceleration.

Tangential acceleration characterizes the change in velocity in magnitude. Radial acceleration characterizes the change in velocity in direction.