Summarizing Centripetal Acceleration

Summary

• Centripetal acceleration \({a}_{\text{c}}\) is the acceleration experienced while in uniform circular motion. It always points toward the center of rotation. It is perpendicular to the linear velocity \(v\) and has the magnitude
  \({a}_{\text{c}}=\frac{{v}^{2}}{r};\phantom{\rule{0.25em}{0ex}}{a}_{\text{c}}={\mathrm{r\omega }}^{2}.\)
• The unit of centripetal acceleration is \(\text{m}/{\text{s}}^{2}\).

Glossary

centripetal acceleration

the acceleration of an object moving in a circle, directed toward the center

ultracentrifuge

a centrifuge optimized for spinning a rotor at very high speeds