Final answer:
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) monitors throttle opening and indicates the power demand on the engine in a car's engine management system. It functions by changing its resistance value as the throttle position changes, thereby sending a corresponding voltage signal to the control unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device used for detecting the angular position of the throttle shaft in a car is commonly referred to as the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). It plays a crucial role in the engine management system by monitoring the throttle opening which reflects the power demand on the engine. The TPS is a variable resistor that changes its resistance value according to the throttle position. As the throttle valve opens, the sensor's resistance decreases, and the sensor generates a voltage signal that corresponds to the throttle opening. This signal is then sent to the engine's control unit, which adjusts the fuel injection and ignition timing accordingly to meet the power demand.
In relation to the concept of angular acceleration and torque in an automotive engine, Newton's second law for rotation is applied to determine the angular acceleration. For example, if an engine produces 200 Nm of torque, and 95.0% of this torque is applied to various components of the car, we calculate angular acceleration by considering the moment of inertia for each component such as wheels, tires, axle, and drive shaft, and using the formula τ = Iα, where τ represents torque, I is the moment of inertia, and α is the angular acceleration.