Question Detail
Question
If a rotating object has both angular acceleration α and angular speed ω, the magnitude of its resultant linear acceleration a is given by
Correct Answer
Option B is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The resultant linear acceleration has two perpendicular components: tangential acceleration a_t = rα and centripetal acceleration a_c = rω². Since they are perpendicular, the magnitude of the total acceleration is the square root of the sum of the squares: a = √(a_t² + a_c²) = √[(rα)² + (rω²)²].
Hint
Tangential acceleration is due to changing speed, and centripetal acceleration is due to changing direction. These components are perpendicular.