Centripetal acceleration — Science definition
The acceleration of an object moving in a circle, always directed toward the center; a = v²/r.
Where it is taught
- Circular Motion & Gravitation — Forces, Rotation & Equilibrium, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
The acceleration always points toward the center of the circle and is called centripetal acceleration, given by the clean formula a = v²/r, where v is the speed and r is the radius.
Circular Motion & Gravitation
Questions using centripetal acceleration
Problem 1
A car rounds a curve of radius 50 m at a speed of 10 m/s. Find its centripetal acceleration.
Answer and explanation
2 m/s²
a = v²/r = 10² ÷ 50 = 100 ÷ 50 = 2 m/s², directed toward the center of the curve.
Problem 2
A car rounds a curve of radius 40 m at a speed of 8 m/s. Find its centripetal acceleration.
Answer and explanation
1.6 m/s²
a = v²/r = 8² ÷ 40 = 64 ÷ 40 = 1.6 m/s², directed toward the center.