For a particle in uniform circular motion (radius R and angular velocity ω), the magnitude and direction of acceleration, respectively are
ω2R, towards the centre of the circle
In uniform circular motion, the speed stays constant but the direction of velocity continuously changes, which requires a centripetal (centre-seeking) acceleration.
Using \(v = \omega R\), the centripetal acceleration is \(a = \dfrac{v^2}{R} = \dfrac{(\omega R)^2}{R} = \omega^2 R\), and it is always directed radially inward, towards the centre of the circle, so that the particle keeps curving along the circular path instead of moving off in a straight line.
Hence, the magnitude and direction of the acceleration are ω2R, towards the centre of the circle.
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Which of the following changes when a body performs uniform circular motion?
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