After reviewing this site, you should be able to answer these questions:
|
| As an object moves in a circular path, the force of gravity dictates the
acceleration of the object toward the center of the circle. This is called Centripetal
Acceleration, literally meaning "desirous of the center."
The centripetal acceleration of an object can be calculated by using the following
equation, where v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circle: ac = v2/r Centripetal Force can be calculated by multiplying the centripetal acceleration by the mass of the object. The applet below gives an example of centripetal force on a well-known heavenly body.
The satellite above is subjected to centripetal acceleration - even though it's velocity remains constant. Since velocity is a vector quantity measured in magnitude and direction, a change in velocity can mean a change in speed or a change of direction.
|
What force affects this hurricane?
Who formulated the theories and laws
of circular motion?
What type of motion does this
heavenly body exhibit with respect to the Earth?
Send e-mail to: tbone_tabor@hotmail.com
with questions and comments.