A solar-powered car is traveling at constant speed around a circular track. What happens to the centripetal acceleration of the car if the speed is doubled?
A)The centripetal acceleration remains the same.
B)The centripetal acceleration increases by a factor of 2.
C)The centripetal acceleration increases by a factor of 4.
D)The centripetal acceleration is decreased by a factor of one-half.
E)The centripetal acceleration is decreased by a factor of one-fourth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula for centripetal acceleration is a = v^2/r, where v is the speed and r is the radius of the circular track. If the speed is doubled, the centripetal acceleration will increase by a factor of 4 (since acceleration is proportional to the square of the speed). Therefore, the correct choice is C.

A Solar-Powered Car Is Traveling at Constant Speed Around a Circular