Tangential and normal components

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May 22nd 2008, 04:47 AM
kenshinofkin

Tangential and normal components

If $r(t) = <t^2, 3t, e^t>$ , find the tangential and normal components of the acceleration vector.
May 22nd 2008, 05:26 AM
kenshinofkin

This is what I have so far

$a(t) = r"(t) = <2, 0, e^t>$

$T = r'(t)/||r'|| = <2t,3,e^t>/(4t^2 + 9 + e^t^2) = ?$

Am I on the right track? My algebra is a rusty. Can I do anything with T.
May 22nd 2008, 03:23 PM
kenshinofkin

There was an error let me try this again.

$<br /> T = r'(t)/||r'|| = <2t,3,e^t>/(4t^2 + 9 + (e^t)^2)^(1/2)<br />$

So am I on the right track? How can i reduce T? The next step is to find N then do a dot T and a dot N correct?
May 22nd 2008, 05:16 PM
kenshinofkin

Anyone out there that can help please!

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