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What is the centripetal acceleration of an object moving at constant speed $v$ in a circle of radius $r$?

Study flashcard from the deck Gaokao essentials: original practice.

Answer

$a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} = \omega^2 r$, directed radially inward toward the center of rotation.

Explanation

Centripetal acceleration alters the direction of velocity without changing speed. Centripetal force required is $F_c = m a_c = \frac{m v^2}{r}$.

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