a bike racer follows a circular indoor track racing at constant speed in what direction is their acceleration and why
In the direction of motion accelerating their speed
counter to the direction of motion keeping her speed constant
inward to the center of the track the direction of the force needed to keep her on this path
outward the direction she would go if not constrained by the track
The direction of acceleration for a bike racer following a circular indoor track at constant speed is inward towards the center of the track. This is because in order to stay on a curved path, an object needs to experience a centripetal acceleration towards the center of the curve. The centripetal acceleration is required to counterbalance the inward centripetal force that is responsible for keeping the rider on the circular track.
The direction of the racer's acceleration is inward, towards the center of the track. This is because in order for the racer to maintain a circular path, there must be a force acting towards the center to counterbalance the centrifugal force pushing them away from the center. This inward acceleration is necessary to constantly change the direction of the racer's velocity in order to keep them on the circular path.
The direction of acceleration for a bike racer following a circular indoor track depends on the specific scenario.
In general, if the racer maintains a constant speed while racing along a circular track, their acceleration will be directed inward, towards the center of the track. This is because in order for the racer to continuously change their direction and stay on the circular path, a centripetal force is required. This force is directed towards the center of the circle and is provided by a combination of factors such as friction between the tires and the track, as well as the gravitational force between the bike and the track.
If the racer were to suddenly stop applying this inward force or if the force were to be removed, they would continue moving in a straight path according to Newton's first law of motion. This path would be tangential to the circular track and would result in the racer moving outward from the track.
Therefore, in the case of a bike racer following a circular indoor track at constant speed, their acceleration is directed inward, towards the center of the track, which is the direction of the force required to keep them on the circular path.