Question

What is the difference between tangential and radial acceleration for a point on a rotating body?

Short answer

The difference between tangential and radial acceleration for a point on a rotating body is explained below.

Step-by-step solution

Concept/Significance of tangential and radial acceleration

The radial acceleration is developed due to Centripetal force. It direction of the radial acceleration is towards the center. It is measured in . The tangential acceleration is developed when a body moves with a non-uniform speed.

Determine the difference between tangential and radial acceleration for a point on a rotating body

The tangential acceleration is given by,

$a_T=r\alpha$

The radial acceleration is given by,

$a_R={\omega }^{2}r$

The tangential acceleration $\left(a_T\right)$is the component parallel to the instantaneous velocity. It acts to change the magnitude of the particles speed, and it is equal to the rate of change of speed. The radial acceleration $\left(a_R\right)$is associated with the change of direction of the particle’s velocity.

The tangential acceleration also exists in linear motion, while the radial acceleration exists only in the case of rotational motion.