Centripetal Acceleration increases with greater radius?

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SUMMARY

Centripetal acceleration does not increase with a greater radius when considering the formula a = v^2/R, which indicates that acceleration is inversely proportional to radius for a constant speed. However, when using the angular velocity formula a = (omega)^2R, centripetal acceleration increases with radius if angular velocity remains constant. The relationship between linear velocity (v) and angular velocity (omega) is defined by the equation v = r * omega, confirming that both expressions are equivalent under the right conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with the equations a = v^2/R and a = (omega)^2R
  • Knowledge of linear and angular velocity relationships
  • Basic grasp of circular motion dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity in circular motion
  • Explore the implications of varying radius on centripetal acceleration
  • Learn about the effects of constant angular velocity on circular motion
  • Investigate real-world applications of centripetal acceleration in engineering
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Physics students, educators, and professionals in engineering or mechanics who are interested in understanding the dynamics of circular motion and centripetal acceleration.

eurekameh
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Does centripetal acceleration increase with a greater radius?
According to a = v^2/R, it does not.
According to a = (omega)^2R, it does.
So which is it?
I think that as you go further out to a greater radius, speed also increases, and so a = v^2/R would also make sense in terms of a greater centripetal acceleration with a greater radius.
 
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Careful—you forgot that [itex]v=r \omega[/itex]. Your two expressions are equivalent.
 

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