Centripetal force and balancing (C13)

Abstract

Fig. 13.1 represents a point A on a rotating tyre when it has moved to point B. The tyre is rotating at a constant angular velocity. Point A has a velocity perpendicular to OA, and when it moves to point B its velocity will be perpendicular to OB, hence, although the rotational speed is constant, the direction of the velocity has changed, and is changing for as long as the circular path is maintained. This continual change in direction causes an acceleration towards the centre or origin O, and is termed centripetal acceleration. If a vector diagram is drawn, see Fig. 13.2.