Question

question 23 of 25
a cyclist rides in a circle with speed 3.2 m/s. what is his centripetal acceleration if the circle has a radius of 12 m?
a. 3.8 m/s²
b. 0.27 m/s²
c. 0.85 m/s²
d. 1.4 m/s²

Explanation:

Step1: Recall centripetal - acceleration formula

The formula for centripetal acceleration is $a_c=\frac{v^{2}}{r}$, where $v$ is the speed and $r$ is the radius.

Step2: Substitute given values

Given $v = 3.2\ m/s$ and $r=12\ m$. Substitute into the formula: $a_c=\frac{(3.2)^{2}}{12}$.

Step3: Calculate the value

$(3.2)^{2}=3.2\times3.2 = 10.24$. Then $a_c=\frac{10.24}{12}\approx0.85\ m/s^{2}$.

Answer:

C. $0.85\ m/s^{2}$