Centripetal Acceleration
Key Stage 5
Meaning
Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the centre of the circle.
About Centripetal Acceleration
- Centripetal acceleration is always directed towards the centre of the circular path.
- Centripetal acceleration requires a constant centripetal force.
- Constant centripetal acceleration is necessary for maintaining uniform circular motion.
- The magnitude of centripetal acceleration increases with the square of the velocity.
- Centripetal acceleration is essential in understanding the motion of planets, satellites, and objects in circular motion.
- Centripetal acceleration can be derived from Newton's second law for rotational motion.
- Centripetal acceleration is relevant in designing safe turns for roads and roller coasters.
Formula
Centripetal acceleration is given by the formula:
- \(𝑎=\frac{𝑣^2}{𝑟}\)
Where
𝑎 is the acceleration of the object
𝑣 is the velocity
and
𝑟 is the radius of the circular path.
Examples
- A car turning around a circular track experiences centripetal acceleration towards the centre of the track.
- Satellites orbiting the Earth are in constant centripetal acceleration towards the Earth’s centre.