Worksheet: Acceleration for non-uniform circular motion
An object is moving around a circle in a clockwise direction. At t=0, the object is at the position 60
degrees as shown below and has a speed of 10 m/s. Later, at t=2 sec, the object is at the position 0
degrees and is found to be going 20 m/s.
1. Where is the object at t=1 sec? Mark this location on the circle with a star.
2. Using a protractor, draw velocity vectors for t=0 and t=2 sec.
3. Using the back side of this paper, or graph paper, or a table, subtract these vectors and show
your work.
4. Draw the resultant vector on the circle with its tail at the star (the location at 1 sec).
5. Draw a coordinate system at the location for t=1 sec. Make the coordinates for the radial and
the tangential direction.
6. Show the tangential and radial components of the vector you drew in #4.
7. What is the meaning of the tangential component?
8. What is the meaning of the radial component?