Example 1
At 10 m/s on a 20 m radius curve, centripetal acceleration is 5 m/s².
Mendeleev
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Physics tools › Centripetal acceleration
Mendeleev · Physics
Centripetal acceleration
Even at constant speed, circular motion involves acceleration because the velocity direction continually changes.
Formula useda₍c₎ = v²/r
Visual cue · circular motion
Calculate
Centripetal acceleration
What do the symbols mean?
aacceleration
vspeed
rradius
Two worked examples
Example 2
Doubling speed at the same radius multiplies centripetal acceleration by four.
Good to knowThe acceleration points toward the centre of the circular path.