Question

A car drives toward the right over the top of a hill, as shown below.

An illustration of car at the top of a hill pointing right and looking at the side of the car. The is a vector up labeled Z, a vector down labeled X, a vector left labeled Y and a vector right labeled W.

Which arrow represents the centripetal acceleration?
W
X
Y
Z

Answer 1

The arrow representing the centripetal acceleration is the one labeled “X”. This is because the car is moving in a circular path and the centripetal acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle.

In the context of circular motion, the centripetal acceleration is a crucial concept linked to the vehicle's trajectory. In this scenario, the arrow denoted as "X" accurately represents the centripetal acceleration for a compelling reason.

As the car navigates along a circular path, the centripetal acceleration invariably points towards the center of the circle, ensuring that the vehicle is constantly pulled inward. This force is pivotal for sustaining the circular motion and preventing the car from deviating tangentially.

By labeling the arrow as "X," the illustration effectively communicates the direction of the centripetal acceleration, emphasizing its radial orientation. Understanding and visualizing this directional attribute aids in comprehending the dynamic interplay of forces at play when an object undergoes circular motion, enriching our grasp of fundamental principles in physics.