A car is going around a circular track at a constant speed of 17.5 m/s. The track has a radius of 75.5 meters. In units of meters per second squared, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the car?

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**Question:**

A car is going around a circular track at a constant speed of 17.5 m/s. The track has a radius of 75.5 meters. In units of meters per second squared, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the car?

**Diagram Explanation:**

The diagram shows a circular track with a radius of 75.5 meters. A car is positioned on the circle's path, moving in a direction tangential to the circle. The velocity vector \( \vec{v} \) is depicted as an arrow pointing along the tangent to the circle, indicating the car's direction of motion relative to the circular path.

The diagram also includes a coordinate system with \( x \) and \( y \) axes intersecting at the center of the circle. The \( y \) axis is vertical, and the \( x \) axis is horizontal, creating a standard Cartesian plane centered on the circle's midpoint.

To solve for the magnitude of the acceleration:

The formula for centripetal acceleration (\( a_c \)) is:

\[
a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}
\]

Where:
- \( v \) = velocity of the car = 17.5 m/s
- \( r \) = radius of the circle = 75.5 m

Plug these values into the formula:

\[
a_c = \frac{(17.5)^2}{75.5} = \frac{306.25}{75.5} \approx 4.06 \, \text{m/s}^2
\]

Thus, the magnitude of the acceleration of the car is approximately \( 4.06 \, \text{m/s}^2 \).
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** A car is going around a circular track at a constant speed of 17.5 m/s. The track has a radius of 75.5 meters. In units of meters per second squared, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the car? **Diagram Explanation:** The diagram shows a circular track with a radius of 75.5 meters. A car is positioned on the circle's path, moving in a direction tangential to the circle. The velocity vector \( \vec{v} \) is depicted as an arrow pointing along the tangent to the circle, indicating the car's direction of motion relative to the circular path. The diagram also includes a coordinate system with \( x \) and \( y \) axes intersecting at the center of the circle. The \( y \) axis is vertical, and the \( x \) axis is horizontal, creating a standard Cartesian plane centered on the circle's midpoint. To solve for the magnitude of the acceleration: The formula for centripetal acceleration (\( a_c \)) is: \[ a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} \] Where: - \( v \) = velocity of the car = 17.5 m/s - \( r \) = radius of the circle = 75.5 m Plug these values into the formula: \[ a_c = \frac{(17.5)^2}{75.5} = \frac{306.25}{75.5} \approx 4.06 \, \text{m/s}^2 \] Thus, the magnitude of the acceleration of the car is approximately \( 4.06 \, \text{m/s}^2 \).
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