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Centripetal acceleration

Free notes · JEE Main Physics

Formulas

ac=v2r=ω2r=4π2rT2a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} = \omega^2 r = \frac{4\pi^2 r}{T^2}

Centripetal acceleration forms

Worked example

In uniform circular motion, the acceleration of the particle is directed:

  1. Speed is constant but velocity direction changes continuously.
  2. The change in velocity points toward the centre → centripetal acceleration a_c = v²/r toward the centre.

Answer: Toward the centre of the circle