Circular Motion Physics Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
A car drives around a circular track of radius 50 m50 \text{ m} at a constant speed of 10 m/s10 \text{ m/s}. What is the centripetal acceleration?

Solution

  1. 1
    Centripetal acceleration is directed toward the center of the circle: ac=v2ra_c = \frac{v^2}{r}.
  2. 2
    ac=10250=10050=2 m/s2a_c = \frac{10^2}{50} = \frac{100}{50} = 2 \text{ m/s}^2
  3. 3
    This acceleration changes the direction of velocity, not its magnitude.

Answer

ac=2 m/s2 toward centera_c = 2 \text{ m/s}^2 \text{ toward center}
In circular motion, even at constant speed, the velocity direction changes continuously. This requires a centripetal (center-seeking) acceleration, which is always directed toward the center of the circle.

About Circular Motion

Motion of an object along a circular path where the speed may be constant but the velocity is continuously changing direction, requiring a centripetal acceleration.

Learn more about Circular Motion →

More Circular Motion Examples

Example 2 medium

A satellite orbits Earth at a radius of [formula] with a period of [formula]. What is its orbital sp

Example 3 medium

A car travels around a circular track of radius 50 m at 20 m/s. Find the centripetal acceleration.

Example 4 medium

A point on the rim of a bicycle wheel ([formula]) moves at [formula]. What is the period of rotation

Example 5 hard

A ball on a [formula] string is swung in a vertical circle. What minimum speed must it have at the t

← All Circular Motion Examples Circular Motion Concept