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.