Simple centripetal acceleration question

[StephenD420]

Hello everyone

When do you use -v^2/R instead of positive v^2/R for the acceleration in circular motion?

Thanks.
Stephen

 

[p21bass]

Remember that velocity and acceleration are vectors.

 

[StephenD420]

so whenever the velocity is pointing to the left?

 

[cantgetaname]

Centripetal acceleration keeps changing its direction, so I don't think the sign has any significance there.

 

[Doc Al]

When do you use -v^2/R instead of positive v^2/R for the acceleration in circular motion?

v^2/R gives you the magnitude of the acceleration; the direction is always towards the center.