Exam-style question
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What happens to the centripetal force if the speed of an object in circular motion is doubled?.
- A.The centripetal force remains the same.
- B.The centripetal force is halved.
- C.The centripetal force is doubled.
- D.The centripetal force is quadrupled.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The centripetal force is quadrupled.
Explanation
Why this works
Centripetal force is proportional to the square of the speed (F = mv^2/r). If the speed is doubled, the centripetal force increases by a factor of four (2^2 = 4).
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