9702 · 12.2
Centripetal acceleration flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9702 Centripetal acceleration (syllabus 12.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What causes an object moving at a constant speed in a circle to accelerate?
Its velocity vector's direction is continuously changing.
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In which direction does centripetal acceleration always point?
Towards the centre of the circular path.
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State the formula for centripetal acceleration using linear speed ($v$).
$a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$
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State the formula for centripetal acceleration using angular speed ($\omega$).
$a_c = \omega^2 r$
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How is centripetal force ($F_c$) related to centripetal acceleration ($a_c$)?
$F_c = m a_c$, where $m$ is the object's mass.
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What is the direction of the centripetal force?
Always towards the centre of the circular path.
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How are the instantaneous linear velocity and centripetal acceleration related in terms of direction?
They are always perpendicular to each other.
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What does '$r$' represent in the centripetal acceleration formulas?
The radius of the circular path.
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Is centripetal force a fundamental force?
No, it's the resultant force, provided by other forces like tension, gravity, or friction.