Centripetal force

[labqi]

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Hey guys
Hope studying is well. I was wondering if centripetal force is always constant? I think I may have misread that. I feel like when you go on a roller coaster loop. The centripetal force is greatest is at the top. And the lowest at the bottom. Is that correct? In what cases, will the centripetal force be constant (rock on a string, banked race track, the amusement park ride that pins you against the wall).

I was just wondering because, I know acceleration is not constant as direction is always changing. Magnitude stays the same (in most cases) but changes direction. But if force always points toward the center how can acceleration change?
Just confusing myself 🙁

 

[Sammy1024]

Acceleration points towards the center and doesn't change. Velocity is constantly changing during centripetal motion.

 

[labqi]

Thanks. But if velocity is changing, isn't acceleration changing?

 

[Sammy1024]

Nope. Think of it this way. Centripetal acceleration is ALWAYS pointing to the center so it's direction is always the same direction with the same magnitude.

Velocity can be considered as the tangents on a circle, so every second the direction of velocity is changing, while its magnitude remains the same.

So velocity is changing, but acceleration is not. :]

 

[labqi]

Perfect. Thanks! That makes sense. I just got confused.

 

[Sammy1024]

It's all good. Happens to the best of us! Good luck in your studies. :]