What Is Centripetal Acceleration?

Thread starter I Tree
Start date Mar 9, 2022
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Acceleration Centripetal Centripetal acceleration

In summary, centripetal acceleration is the measure of the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is dependent on the object's speed and radius of rotation. This type of acceleration is crucial in understanding circular motion and is utilized in various fields such as physics, engineering, and even sports.

Mar 9, 2022

I Tree

Homework Statement: Consider a rider at the following points while riding a Ferris Wheel that is rotating counter-clockwise in a circle at a constant speed:
A.The rider is at the top of the Ferris Wheel
B.The rider is at the side of the Ferris Wheel, moving down
C.The rider is at the bottom of the Ferris Wheel
D.The rider is at the side of the Ferris Wheel, moving up

a. In which of the above scenarios is your apparent weight the lowest?
Explain why this is the case (draw a free body diagram to help with your explanation, try to be accurate with the scale)

b.In which of the above scenarios is your apparent weight the highest?
Explain why this is the case (draw a free body diagram to help with your explanation, try to be accurate with the scale)

Relevant Equations: F = mv^2/R

Unsure

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Mar 9, 2022

berkeman

Mentor

Please repost your question and show your work. Thank you.

1. What is centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is caused by the centripetal force acting on the object.

2. How is centripetal acceleration calculated?

Centripetal acceleration can be calculated using the formula a = v^2/r, where a is the centripetal acceleration, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circle.

3. What is the difference between centripetal acceleration and centrifugal force?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration towards the center of the circle, while centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced by an object moving in a circular path. Centrifugal force is not a real force, but rather a result of inertia.

4. How does centripetal acceleration affect the speed of an object?

Centripetal acceleration does not directly affect the speed of an object, but it does affect the direction of the object's velocity. As an object moves in a circular path, its velocity is constantly changing due to the centripetal acceleration.

5. What are some real-life examples of centripetal acceleration?

Some common examples of centripetal acceleration include the motion of a car around a curve, the rotation of a Ferris wheel, and the orbit of planets around the sun. Any object moving in a circular path experiences centripetal acceleration.