Centripetal acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object moving in a circular path at any instant, directed towards the center of the circle. Centripetal acceleration depends on the linear velocity of motion and the curvature radius of the trajectory as follows:
$$a = \frac{{v^2}}{R}$$
where,
aβ centripetal acceleration (m/sΒ²);
vβ velocity (m/s);
Rβ radius (m).
Centripetal acceleration expressed through angular velocity:
$${a} = {\omega}^2 \cdot r$$
where,
aβ centripetal acceleration (m/sΒ²);
\(\omega\)β angular velocity (rad/s);
rβ radius (m).
Centripetal Acceleration FAQ
What is centripetal acceleration?
It is the acceleration directed toward the center of circular motion.
What is the formula?
a = vΒ²/R and a = ΟΒ²r.
