Nano PHYSICS . MECHANICS . DYNAMICS . CIRCULAR MOTION

Centripetal Acceleration

The acceleration points toward the center. For constant-speed circles, ac = v²/r. Do not confuse acceleration with velocity.

Physics · Mechanics · Dynamics · Circular Motion · Centripetal Acceleration
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Unsigned visitors can show & copy prompts for Steps 1-3. Signed-in free accounts can also Run with AI for Steps 1-2. Paid accounts unlock everything (Steps 1-6 + Help prompts + AI).
Steps 1-3 Free Steps 4-6 Paid
STEP 1
Orient: understand centripetal acceleration
Free
Establish why changing direction of velocity means acceleration is present.
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Goal: explain why centripetal acceleration points inward toward the center.
STEP 2
Conceptual grounding: build the circular-motion model
Free
Build the relationship among speed, radius, and inward acceleration.
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Goal: use the magnitude relation for constant-speed circular motion.
STEP 3
Real-world connection: identify radial force and motion
Free
Apply the acceleration model to strings, cars, rotating platforms, and constant-speed turns.
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Goal: distinguish speed, velocity, acceleration, and force in circular motion.
STEP 4
Check your understanding: diagnostic mini-quiz
Paid
Attempt each question before revealing the circular-motion reasoning.
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Goal: identify and correct direction, force-source, component, and constant-speed errors before they become algebra errors.
STEP 5
Practice: solve increasingly rich circular-motion situations
Paid
Apply the model to circular-motion scenarios that grow in complexity.
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Goal: produce clear, physically justified circular-motion solutions.