A model airplane is being flown at the end of a cord 20 feet long. If the speed of the airplane remains constant, but the cord is shortened to 15 feet, what will be the effect on the radial acceleration of the airplane?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radial acceleration is given by the formula $ a_r = \frac{v^2}{r} $, where $ v $ is the speed and $ r $ is the radius of the circle. If the radius $ r $ decreases while $ v $ remains constant, the radial acceleration $ a_r $ will increase.

A Model Airplane Is Being Flown at the End of a Cord