A rigid body rotates about a fixed axis with a constant angular acceleration. Which one of the following statements is true concerning the tangential acceleration of any point on the body? A)The tangential acceleration is zero m/s². B)The tangential acceleration depends on the angular velocity. C)The tangential acceleration is equal to the centripetal acceleration. D)The tangential acceleration is constant in both magnitude and direction. E)The tangential acceleration depends on the change in the angular velocity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the body has a constant angular acceleration, the tangential acceleration of any point on the body is given by a = rα, where r is the distance from the axis of rotation to the point, and α is the angular acceleration. As the angular velocity of the body changes, so does its angular acceleration, causing a change in the tangential acceleration of any point on the body. Therefore, the tangential acceleration depends on the change in the angular velocity, and the correct answer is E.

A Rigid Body Rotates About a Fixed Axis with a Constant