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Centripetal Acceleration Formula:
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Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle. It is responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity vector while maintaining constant speed.
The calculator uses the centripetal acceleration formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that centripetal acceleration increases with the square of velocity and decreases with increasing radius.
Details: Centripetal acceleration is fundamental in understanding circular motion, from planetary orbits to vehicle dynamics on curved roads. It's essential in engineering, physics, and various real-world applications.
Tips: Enter velocity in meters per second (m/s) and radius in meters (m). Both values must be positive, with radius greater than zero.
Q1: What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal acceleration?
A: Centripetal acceleration is the real inward acceleration toward the center, while centrifugal acceleration is the apparent outward force felt in a rotating reference frame.
Q2: How does centripetal acceleration relate to centripetal force?
A: Centripetal force is the net force causing centripetal acceleration, related by Newton's second law: \( F_c = m \times a_c \).
Q3: What are some real-world examples of centripetal acceleration?
A: Cars turning on curves, satellites orbiting Earth, amusement park rides, and electrons orbiting atomic nuclei all experience centripetal acceleration.
Q4: Can centripetal acceleration change an object's speed?
A: No, centripetal acceleration only changes the direction of velocity, not its magnitude. The speed remains constant in uniform circular motion.
Q5: What happens if centripetal force is removed?
A: The object will move in a straight line tangent to the circular path at the point where the force was removed, following Newton's first law.