Separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration

Thread starter Sam Smith
Start date Dec 4, 2014
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Acceleration Centripedal acceleration Centripetal Gravitational Gravitational acceleration

In summary, centripetal acceleration is the acceleration towards the center of a circular path, while gravitational acceleration is caused by the force of gravity acting on an object. They can act in the same direction, as seen in the orbit of a planet around a star. To separate them mathematically, the equation a = v²/r can be used. Real-life examples include the motion of a roller coaster loop. In space travel, separating out these accelerations is crucial for accurately calculating orbits and trajectories.

Dec 4, 2014

Sam Smith

Has anyone got any experience of this using a dual axis sensor on a pendulum? I have attempting to do itt however I am not completely satisfied that my method is successful

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Dec 4, 2014

Sam Smith

Just to add to this. I have researched a method known as Type_linear _acceleration but I am having difficult implementing this algorithm

Related to Separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration

What is centripetal acceleration and how is it different from gravitational acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration an object experiences when moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle. Gravitational acceleration, on the other hand, is the acceleration due to the force of gravity acting on an object. While centripetal acceleration is caused by a change in direction, gravitational acceleration is caused by a change in speed or distance from a massive object.

Can centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration act in the same direction?

Yes, it is possible for centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration to act in the same direction. This can occur when an object is moving in a circular orbit around a massive object, such as a planet orbiting a star. In this case, both the centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration are directed towards the center of the orbit.

How do you mathematically separate out centripetal and gravitational acceleration?

To separate out centripetal and gravitational acceleration, you can use the equation a = v²/r, where a is the centripetal acceleration, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circular path. This equation only considers the centripetal acceleration, so any other accelerations, such as gravitational acceleration, must be subtracted from the total acceleration to get the centripetal acceleration.

What are some real-life examples of separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration?

One example of separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration is in the motion of a roller coaster loop. As the roller coaster car moves through the loop, it experiences both centripetal acceleration due to the circular path and gravitational acceleration due to the force of gravity. By using the equation a = v²/r, it is possible to calculate the centripetal acceleration and determine the minimum speed the roller coaster car needs to safely complete the loop.

What are the implications of separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration in space travel?

Separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration is important in space travel because it allows for the accurate calculation of orbits and trajectories. By understanding and accounting for both centripetal and gravitational accelerations, scientists and engineers are able to plan and execute space missions with precision, ensuring the safety and success of astronauts and spacecraft.