Question

When the acceleration is acting towards the centre of the circle, it is known as :

• A. Centrifugal acceleration
• B. Circular acceleration
• C. Centripetal acceleration
• D. Tangential acceleration

Hint:

Centripetal acceleration always acts toward the center of a circular path and keeps the object moving in a circle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: In circular motion, an object continuously changes its direction of motion. To maintain this circular path, an acceleration directed toward the center of the circle is required. This acceleration is called centripetal acceleration. The magnitude of centripetal acceleration is given by: \[ a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} \] where:
• \(v\) = velocity of the object
• \(r\) = radius of the circular path

Step 1: Understand acceleration in circular motion.
An object moving in a circle must experience an inward acceleration to keep changing direction.

Step 2: Identify the acceleration directed toward the centre.
Acceleration acting toward the center of the circle is called: \[ \text{Centripetal acceleration} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(C)\ \text{Centripetal acceleration}} \]