A cyclist races around a circular track at the constant speed of 20 m/s. The radius of the track is 40 m. The dentripetal acceleration of the cyclist is A) zero. B) 10 m/s², toward the center of the track. C) 10 m/s², downward. D) 20 m/s², in the direction of travel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The centripetal acceleration of an object moving in a circular path is given by the equation a = v^2/r, where v is the velocity of the object and r is the radius of the circular path. In this case, the cyclist has a constant speed of 20 m/s and is moving in a circular path with a radius of 40 m. Therefore, the centripetal acceleration is a = (20 m/s)^2/40 m = 10 m/s^2, which is directed toward the center of the track. Therefore, the best choice is B.

A Cyclist Races Around a Circular Track at the Constant