I just need to be clear on these two concepts, because I'm really confused now. What is the difference between tangential acceleration and centripetal acceleration?

Question

owlet · Answer

centripetal force always go towards the center right? 

so it will be like this? |dw:1445908069441:dw|

owlet · Answer

**centripetal acceleration not force

matt101 · Answer

Yes. The centripetal acceleration contributes to the centripetal force, which is what causes the object to move around in a circle rather than travel in a straight line. It is directed radially inward towards the center of the circle. The tangential acceleration refers the change in "linear" speed of an object moving in a circular path. It is directed tangent to the circular path as you've shown in your diagram.

owlet · Answer

ah okay, thanks for clarifying it :)