STANDARDPhysics-Circular Motion

STANDARD Physics Centripetal Acceleration MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-conceptual-Medium

Centripetal acceleration is

A

a constant vector

B

a constant scalar

C

a magnitude changing vector

D

not a constant vector

Correct Answer

Option D

Detailed Explanation

Centripetal acceleration, a_c = rac{v^2}{R}, where v is the speed of an object and R is the radius of the circle. It is always directed towards the centre of the circle. Since v and R are constants for a given uniform circular motion, the magnitude of centripetal acceleration is also constant. However, the direction of centripetal acceleration changes continuously. Therefore, a centripetal acceleration is not a constant vector.

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