Two equations for centripetal acceleration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between centripetal acceleration (Ac) and radius (r) as expressed in two different equations: Ac = V²/r and Ac = 4π²r/T². Participants explore the conditions under which Ac is inversely or directly proportional to r, seeking to understand the underlying principles and relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Ac is inversely proportional to r when velocity (v) is constant, as in the equation Ac = V²/r.
  • Others argue that Ac is directly proportional to r when the period (T) is constant, as in the equation Ac = 4π²r/T².
  • A participant requests further elaboration on the explanation of these relationships to enhance understanding.
  • Another participant introduces the equation a = rω², explaining its derivation and connection to centripetal acceleration.
  • One participant discusses the relationship between arc length, radius, and angular velocity, suggesting that substituting these relationships can clarify the equations for centripetal acceleration.
  • A participant reflects on their own explanation of the relationships, seeking feedback on how to improve their reasoning without using angular velocity concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the conditional nature of the relationships between Ac and r, depending on whether velocity or period is held constant. However, the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best way to articulate these relationships and the implications of the different equations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the constancy of variables (v or T) and the potential for confusion regarding the relationships between velocity, period, and radius.

AARMA
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My question is how can Ac (centripetal acceleration) be both inversely related to radius and directly related in two equations:
1) Ac = V2/r
2) Ac = 4pi2r/T2
In the first equation Ac is inversely proportional to radius in the second one Ac is directly proportional to radius. Why and how is that so?
 
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It is inversely proportional to r for constant v and directly proportional to r for constant T.
 
Dadface
Can you please elaborate on that explanation.. can you go more in depth, I really want to understand.
 
Yet another expression is a=rω2, from which your second expression arises, AARMA. Another expression related to this expression for acceleration is that for velocity, v=rω. Thus v2=r2ω2. Dividing by r yields rω2, the equation for acceleration.
 
Do you know the equation for the arc length, when you know the radius and the angle tended by the arc?

S = r \theta

If you take the time derviative of this, you get v = r \omega
When you substitute this into the the equation for centripetal acceleration then you get
a = \omega^2 r

When \omega is constant, then you can use the definition \omega = \frac{2 \pi }{T}
which gives you the equation you wanted when you substitute in.
 
Last edited:
Hello AARMA,in each of the two equations you presented there are two possible variables r being one of the variables and featuring in both equations.In the first equation the other possible variable is v and A is inversely proportional to r but only if v does not vary and is constant.In the second equation T is the second variable and A is directly proportional to r but only if T is constant.There are other ways to express the equation as shown by DH.
 
Hi AARMA, you might find it instructive to find the relationship between v and T. If that relationship depends on r then it makes sense that the power of r would change in the two expressions. In fact, once you have the relationship between v and T you should be able to substitute it into one of the above expressions and get the other.
 
Thank you for the help. This is what I wrote for my extra credit on a test and got only +1

The reason why centripetal acceleration (Ac) is inversely related to radius (r) in the equation:
Ac = V2/r and directly related to the radius in the equation: Ac = 4pi2r/T2 is because in the first equation if you keep the velocity constant the bigger the radius the slower the object is going to move and the smaller the centripetal acceleration is going to be because that object is going to change its direction at a slower rate.
On the other hand, in the second equation if the period (T) is kept constant then the bigger the radius the bigger the velocity is going to get and thus the bigger the centripetal acceleration.
I couldn't use the angular velocity explanation because we learned nothing of that concept so I just tried explaining it in simple terms. Can you tell me what could have I added to this explanation to make it better?
 

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