2.5. Linear Acceleration for Rotating Links

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define linear acceleration in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about speed changes and direction.

2. 2.

   What is the formula for tangential acceleration?

   Hint

   Remember that α is angular acceleration.

3. 3.

   What type of acceleration changes a body's speed along a circular path?

   • Centripetal
   • Tangential
   • Constant

   Hint

   Think about motion along the path!

4. 4.

   True or False: Centripetal acceleration is directed outward from the center of rotation.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Imagine riding a carousel.

5. 5.

   Calculate the tangential and centripetal acceleration of a point on a rotating disk with a radius of 2 m, rotating with an angular speed of 5 rad/s.

   Hint

   Remember to apply the formulas carefully.

6. 6.

   For a closed-loop mechanism, if the position vectors are r1 = 3i + 4j and r2 = -3i + 2j, write the loop closure equation.

   Hint

   Think about the geometrical representation of loop closure.