AP Physics 1 : Centripetal Force and Acceleration
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1
All AP Physics 1 Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #51 : Centripetal Force And Acceleration
It takes a disc player 
Similar to linear acceleration, angular acceleration is related to the angular velocity by the following
from here we simply plug in our values of 
Example Question #52 : Centripetal Force And Acceleration
You decide to ride an attraction at the fair; it is a circular, flat, ride that spins very fast; so fast, that it's nearly impossible to fall to the ground. Riders "stick" to the walls when the ride hits its top speeds.
Let's say the attraction spins in a clockwise manner. While riding the attraction, toward which direction is the centripetal (net) force pointing?
Outward
Inward
Against motion (counter clockwise)
With motion (clockwise)
Inward
Most of the success for this ride experience can be credited to Newton's Third Law. It states that if object 1 exerts 
The same thing applies on the attraction. Your body is pushing outward on the walls of the ride. If no centripetal force was present, your body would project on a tangent as depicted in the diagram below. However, centripetal force is present. This is the force that is countering your body; it is pushing you towards the center. Now as we know, centripetal force isn't ever drawn on a diagram because it is a "net" force, or a collection of forces. But what we do know is that during circular motion, centripetal force (and acceleration) point towards the center.
During the ride, your body is trying to follow the tangental paths shown, but the reciprocal force, 
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All AP Physics 1 Resources
