An object moves in a circular path with a constant speed. Which one of the following statements is correct ?
- A.The centripetal acceleration of the object is smaller for a gentle curve (i.e., curve of larger radius) than that for a sharp curve (i.e., curve of smaller radius).
- B.The centripetal acceleration is greater for a gentle curve than that for a sharp curve.
- C.The centripetal acceleration is the same for both, the gentle and sharp curves.
- D.The centripetal acceleration causes the object to slow down.
Show answer
At a fixed speed v, centripetal acceleration equals v²/r, so a larger radius gives a smaller acceleration. An object moving in a circle at constant speed is still accelerating, because its direction keeps changing.
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