a = v²/r

Centripetal acceleration

Doubling speed quadruples radial acceleration.

MINTSI
01

Inputs

Radial acceleration toward centre.

Instantaneous path speed.

Radius of circular path.

02

Result

Select a target and calculate.

Calculation

a = v² / r

Doubling speed quadruples radial acceleration.

Understand the inputs
  • Centripetal acceleration aRadial acceleration toward centre.
  • Tangential speed vInstantaneous path speed.
  • Circle radius rRadius of circular path.
Example

10 m/s at 10 m radius gives 10 m/s².

Assumptions and limits

Constant radius and speed.

Sources