Question

Three kids A, B and C are playing in a merry-go-round turning at a constant velocity, in a park. They are located at radial distances RA, RB and RC from the centre of merry-go-round such that RA < RB < RC. Who will experience the highest acceleration?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. A and B

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : A

The correct answer is option 1) i.e. A

CONCEPT:

• ​Centripetal acceleration: The acceleration associated with a change in velocity in a circular motion is called centripetal acceleration. It is directed towards the centre of the circular path.
  • The centripetal acceleration of an object moving with a velocity v in a circular path of radius r is given as

ac = \(\frac{v^2}{r}\)

EXPLANATION:

The merry-go-round rotates about a fixed centre.

In the given scenario, the merry-go-round is turning with a constant velocity (v). Therefore, every person will experience a centripetal acceleration.

Considering the centripetal acceleration, ac = \(\frac{v^2}{r}\)

For constant velocity, a_c ∝ \(\frac{1}{r}\)

Since RA < RB < RC, the centripetal acceleration will be maximum at the least distance i.e. R_A.

Therefore, A experiences maximum acceleration.