A driver is driving around a circular track at a speed of 45 m/h. How is the driver's velocity compared to his acceleration?

1 Answer
May 1, 2018

#a_c = v^2/r#

Explanation:

I will assume that you meant that the car's speed was 45 m/ s . (45 m/h could be accomplished by the average turtle.)

With constant speed, the only acceleration must be centripetal acceleration. The formula for centripetal acceleration, #a_c#, is

#a_c = v^2/r#

Plugging in the speed,

#a_c = (45 m/s)^2/r#

Let's assume the radius of this curve is 250 m. Then

#a_c = (45 m/s)^2/(250 m) = 8.1 m/s^2#

I hope this helps,
Steve