Serway & Jewett — Motion in Two Dimensions: Problem 42

A pendulum with a cord of length \( r = 1.00 \text{ m} \) swings in a vertical plane (Fig. P4.42). When the pendulum is in the two horizontal positions \( \theta = 90.0^\circ \) and \( \theta = 270.0^\circ \), its speed is \( 5.00 \text{ m/s} \). Find the magnitude of (a) the radial acceleration and (b) the tangential acceleration for these positions. (c) Draw vector diagrams to determine the direction of the total acceleration for these two positions. (d) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the total acceleration at these two positions.