Consider an object travelling with uniform circular motion at speed v moving in a short time-interval δt along the perimeter of a circle radius r. Let the distance moved by the object in that time be δs. If the distance is small, then δs can be considered to be a straight line.By similar triangles δv/v = δs/rSince v = δs/δt then δs can be replaced by vδt. Rearranging gives a = v2/r
Proof - centripetal acceleration
Read the text
Read the text and highlight anything you think is important. When you go on, the text is hidden and you answer from memory.
Specification: Edexcel Physics (9PH0), A-level, Topic 6: Further Mechanics. Topic: Further Mechanics.
More in Further Mechanics
- Uniform Circular Motion
- Angular Displacement
- Angular Speed
- Centripetal Acceleration
- Centripetal Force
- On the Road
- The London Eye
- A Spin Dryer
All 15 lessons in Further Mechanics · All Edexcel A-level Physics topics