Direction of Acceleration Vector

[laurenbaboran]

Homework Statement

What is true about the direction the acceleration vector points in circular motion situations?

Homework Equations

a It is perpendicular to the motion.
b There is no acceleration.
c It points opposite the motion.
d It points parallel to the motion.

The Attempt at a Solution

I got a, because if the object goes in a circle and the centripedal force pulls it it, it's perpendicular. Am I right?

 

[Enigman]

centripedal force pulls it it, it's perpendicular. Am I right?

Centripetal perhaps? And yes, you are correct.

 

[laurenbaboran]

Thank you so much :) Good to know about the spelling. You learn something new every day!

 

[Tanya Sharma]

The direction of centripetal acceleration is perpendicular to the motion .But the question asks direction of acceleration vector which may or may not be perpendicular to the motion .The direction of net acceleration vector is perpendicular only in case of uniform circular motion.

The question should either specify that it is a uniform circular motion or should ask the direction of centripetal acceleration .Only then ,the options make sense.

 

[Nickie]

Yes, you are correct. In circular motion situations, the acceleration vector is always directed towards the center of the circle, which is perpendicular to the motion of the object. This is known as the centripetal acceleration, and it is responsible for keeping the object moving in a circular path. This can be seen in the equation for centripetal acceleration, where the magnitude of the acceleration is equal to the square of the velocity divided by the radius of the circle. So, the direction of the acceleration vector is essential in understanding the motion of an object in circular motion situations.