a = v² / r

Where:

* a is the centripetal acceleration (measured in m/s²)

* v is the tangential velocity of the object (measured in m/s)

* r is the radius of the circular path (measured in meters)

Explanation:

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that is directed towards the center of the circular path. It is responsible for keeping an object moving in a circular path. The formula shows that the centripetal acceleration is directly proportional to the square of the velocity and inversely proportional to the radius of the circular path.

Key Points:

* Centripetal acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle.

* The direction of the centripetal acceleration is constantly changing as the object moves in a circle.

* The formula is valid for uniform circular motion, where the speed of the object is constant.

Example:

Let's say a car is traveling at 20 m/s on a circular track with a radius of 50 meters. The centripetal acceleration of the car is:

a = v² / r = (20 m/s)² / 50 m = 8 m/s²