Question
Define centripetal acceleration. Give two examples.
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Answer
Acceleration needed for a particle to undergo uniform circular motion is called 'centripetal acceleration'. It is directed along the radius of circular path towards its centre.
Two common examples are:
- An electron revolving around the nucleus of an atom in a uniform circular motion experiences a centripetal acceleration on account of Coulombian electrostatic force on electron due to nucleus.
- A satellite revolving around the earth in a circular orbit experiences a centripetal acceleration on account of gravitational force due to the earth.
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