Chapter 7, Problem 2RQ

What does it mean to say something moving in a curve has a tangential velocity?

To determine

The means to say something moving in a curve has a tangential velocity.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

It means the object has some velocity along the tangent of that curve.

Explanation of Solution

The velocity of an object can be described as the shift in the position in a unit time. When an object travels in a path that follows the straight line, then the velocity is termed as linear velocity. And if the object follows a curved path, then the velocity along the tangent of that curve is termed as tangential velocity.

The velocity parallel to the surface of the earth can also be described as tangential velocity. And this tangential velocity provides the tangential acceleration to the object in a tangential direction to the curve when its velocity changes with time.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it means the object has some velocity along the tangent of that curve.