Question

If an object travels at a constant speed in a circular path, the acceleration of the object is:

1- larger in magnitude the smaller the radius of the circle.

2- smaller in magnitude the smaller the radius of the circle.

3- in the same direction as the velocity of the object.

4- in the opposite direction of the velocity of the object.

5- zero.

Answer 1

Answer:

1- The acceleration of the object is larger in magnitude the smaller the radius of the circle.

Explanation:

The acceleration of an object in a circular path is

$a = \frac{v^2}{r}$

As can be seen from the equation, if the radius of the circle is decreases, the magnitude of the acceleration increases.

As for the direction of the acceleration, it is always towards the center, and it is always perpendicular to the direction of the velocity.