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| Expression for Centripetal Force |
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| Consider a particle moving in a circle or radius r with a constant speed v. Let it move from A to B in time t. |
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| Triangle AOB and triangle PQS are similar |
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| 'a' gives the magnitude of centripetal acceleration |
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 (where n is the frequency of revolution) |
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 When a satellite revolves around the Earth, its centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force of attraction with the Earth. |
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 When an electron spins around the nucleus, the centripetal force is provided by the electrostatic force of attraction between the nucleus and the electron. |
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 When a stone is tied to a string and revolved in horizontal circles, the centripetal force is provided by the tension in the string. |
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