# Centripetal Acceleration And Gravity : 7 Important Facts

We are all aware of the terms acceleration and gravity, but in this post, we will learn more detailed facts regarding centripetal acceleration and gravity.

When a body is allowed to move in a circular trajectory, the direction keeps changing so that there will be a change in the velocity resulting in the acceleration of the body. This body acceleration in circular motion is mainly concentrated at the circle’s center. This type of acceleration influences gravity.

In the planet’s motion around the sun, we can observe how centripetal acceleration and gravity are related. The centripetal acceleration is due to the exertion of centripetal force on the planet. The exertion of centripetal force is due to gravity influencing the body.

## Is centripetal acceleration equal to gravity?

Gravity can be referred to as centripetal force exerted on the body traveling in a circular path. For example, consider the motion of a satellite around a celestial body. They trace a circular path around the celestial body. The circular motion is due to the centripetal force, and thus, the satellite acquires centripetal acceleration.

Since a gravitational attraction is exerted on the satellite to be in a circular motion around the celestial body, the gravitational attraction is the same as the centripetal force exerted on the satellite. Thus, it shows that centripetal acceleration and gravity are equal.

In another aspect, we can state that acceleration due to gravity and centripetal acceleration is the same in a geostationary orbit. This is because the acceleration of the satellite revolving around the earth exactly matches the rotational speed of the earth.

## When gravity is equal to centripetal acceleration?

If any object is moving in a circular path, there must be some change in the object’s angle. It is said that if the force of exertion is much larger than the change in acceleration, then the acceleration would be entirely concentrated over the center and become equal to the gravity.

When the centripetal force is exerted on the object, the pathway of the object does not remain as a uniform circular path but is oval shape. Since we know that the trajectory of the planetary motion is also somewhat oval, say elliptical. It shows that centripetal acceleration and gravity are equal when there is a change in angle, and the trajectory is oval.

## Similarities between gravity and centripetal acceleration

Since gravity is considered a centripetal force and centripetal acceleration results from the centripetal force, both centripetal acceleration and gravity are equal when the body is under uniform circular motion.

## Difference between gravity and centripetal acceleration

Even though gravity serves as a centripetal force, there is some difference between centripetal acceleration and gravity. A few differences between centripetal acceleration and gravity are listed below.

## Find gravity using centripetal acceleration.

The centripetal acceleration is due to a change in velocity of a body under uniform circular motion in which the entire body mass is concentrated towards its center. Hence to find centripetal acceleration, we need to know the body’s velocity.

Let us assume that v is the velocity of the body in a circular path whose radius is r; then, centripetal acceleration is given by

$a_c=\frac{v^2}{r}$

Since centripetal acceleration is due to centripetal force exerted on the body, using Newton’s second law F=ma, we can give centripetal force as,

$F_c=\frac{mv^2}{r}$

We know that gravity can also act as a centripetal force so we can rewrite the gravity formula as

$F_c=\frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$

Where G is the gravitational force constant, m1 and m2 are the masses, and r is the radius.

Equating the above two equation we get

$\frac{mv^2}{r}=\frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$

But $\frac{v^2}{r}=a_c$; then the equation for gravity is given by

$a_c=\frac{Gm_1m_2}{mr^2}$

This equation holds good only for small objects.

## How does centripetal acceleration balance gravity?

Gravity is the fundamental force of nature exerted on every object on the earth. Meanwhile, if we talk about centripetal acceleration, which is due to centripetal force, a form of generic force acting on the rotator system. Since the earth is a rotator system, there must be a balance between centripetal acceleration and gravity.

In astronomy, all-stars and planets require some force to trace the circular path that must be proportional to the centripetal acceleration. This force is managed by gravity by balancing gravitational attraction and centripetal force between the planet and celestial stars. This balance is obtained by estimating the mass and the radius of given stars and planets.

In the same way, the centripetal force is balanced by a reaction force called centrifugal force. You may have experienced them if you ever ride on the merry-go-round.

Merry-go-round is not a centripetal force example but a good example of centripetal acceleration. While riding on the merry-go-round, one can experience a pseudo force pushing the person away from the center. This center-fleeing force balances the centripetal acceleration and gravity in opposite directions.

## Why is centripetal acceleration always pointed towards the center?

Centripetal acceleration causes the constant speed of the body under circular motion. If acceleration is not oriented towards the center, it wouldn’t be centripetal.

In a circular trajectory, the direction is variable, which causes acceleration. Newton stated in his laws that the acceleration of any object must be in the direction of the net force. In a circular path, the net force acting on the object is towards the center. Thus, centripetal acceleration is also directed towards the center.

## Why is centripetal acceleration not constant?

In a circular path, radial acceleration can be kept constant but not centripetal.

In most cases, the magnitude is constant, but its direction is not constant throughout the process. Since there is frequent change in the direction of motion along the circular path, the velocity keeps changing, which accelerates the body. This acceleration varies with the velocity along with the direction change.

#### Conclusion

Let us wrap up this post by stating that centripetal acceleration is gravity are related to one another as the main cause of centripetal acceleration is centripetal force. In some contexts, gravity can be referred to as centripetal force.

Keerthi Murthi

I am Keerthi K Murthy, I have completed post graduation in Physics, with the specialization in the field of solid state physics. I have always consider physics as a fundamental subject which is connected to our daily life. Being a science student I enjoy exploring new things in physics. As a writer my goal is to reach the readers with the simplified manner through my articles. Reach me – keerthikmurthy24@gmail.com
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