Vector calculus · circular motion · manipulative

r, v and a on a circle

Toggle the vectors. Acceleration points to the centre with length ω²R — scrub ω or R and watch |a| match ω²|r|.

r v a

Pause and scrub the angle · |a| should equal ω² times |r|

Show vectors

Position r
from centre to the particle
Velocity v
tangent; length = ωR
Acceleration a
from the particle, toward the centre · |a| = ω²R
0.80 rad
3.0
1.0

At this instant