What is the Centripetal Acceleration of Earth's Orbit Around the Sun?

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the centripetal acceleration of Earth based on its orbit around the sun. The formula Fc = mv^2/R is mentioned, and it is noted that only the distance (radius) is provided. The person attempting the problem mentions that they did not receive the mass of Earth. They are given a hint to find a relationship between the centripetal acceleration and the period of rotation, but their calculations were incorrect.
  • #1
mrmoar
2
0

Homework Statement



Observing an orbit of Earth around the sun, calculate the centripetal acceleration of Earth.

Homework Equations



Fc = mv^2/R
Only the distance aka radius was provided, to be 1.496x10^11m.

The Attempt at a Solution



No mass of Earth provided.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
mrmoar said:

Homework Statement



Observing an orbit of Earth around the sun, calculate the centripetal acceleration of Earth.

Homework Equations



Fc = mv^2/R
Only the distance aka radius was provided, to be 1.496x10^11m.

The Attempt at a Solution



No mass of Earth provided.
Welcome to Physics Forums mrmoar.

HINT: Can you find a relationship between the centripetal acceleration and the period of rotation?
 
  • #3
okay thanks for the hint but i didnt really get the answer. taking the formula

Acc = radius x omega^2
omega = 2pie (1orbit) / time

i took time to be 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60 to get s.

My results were wrong :(
 
  • #4
mrmoar said:
okay thanks for the hint but i didnt really get the answer. taking the formula

Acc = radius x omega^2
omega = 2pie (1orbit) / time

i took time to be 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60 to get s.

My results were wrong :(
Perhaps if you showed us your calculations, we could point out where you're going wrong.
 

1. What is centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path. It is responsible for keeping an object moving in a circular motion.

2. How is centripetal acceleration different from normal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is a specific type of acceleration that only occurs when an object is moving in a circular path. Normal acceleration, on the other hand, can occur in any direction.

3. What causes centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is caused by a centripetal force, which is a force directed towards the center of the circular path. This force is necessary to keep an object moving in a circular motion.

4. What is the formula for calculating centripetal acceleration?

The formula for calculating centripetal acceleration is a = v^2 / r, where a is the centripetal acceleration, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circular path.

5. Can centripetal acceleration be negative?

Yes, centripetal acceleration can be negative. This means that the object is slowing down in its circular motion and the direction of the acceleration is opposite to the direction of the object's velocity.

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
585
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
886
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
928
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
Back
Top