Education Technology


Centripetal Acceleration

Activity Overview

To observe the centripetal acceleration of an object in uniform circular motion.

Relate the changes in velocity and radius to the centripetal acceleration.

Before the Activity

Students should have access to the TI-83.

During the Activity

To observe the centripetal acceleration of an object in uniform circular motion.

Relate the changes in velocity and radius to the centripetal acceleration.

After the Activity

Discussion Questions:

  • How did your calculated values of centripetal acceleration compare to those recorded from the CBL?
  • What is the relationship between radius and centripetal acceleration?
  • What is the relationship between velocity and centripetal acceleration?