Draw a vector diagram to show that the acceleration of a particle moving with
uniform speed in a circle is directed toward the center of the circle.
The velocity vector is tangential to the circular path; as the object moves, the
direction of the displacement vector changes, but not its magnitude.
v2
v1
ac
mg
Using the relation tan = sin / cos, the equations can be combined
to give:
tan = v2 / gR
2. Friction (acting sideways on the tires of a car turning a corner).
On a flat track, centripetal force is provided by friction
between the tires and track.
R