(a) the sun orbits the milky way galaxy once every 2.60 ⨯ 108 years, with a roughly circular orbit averaging 3.00 ⨯ 104 light years in radius. (a light year is the distance traveled by light in one year.) calculate the centripetal acceleration of the sun in its galactic orbit. m/s2 (b) calculate the average speed of the sun in its galactic orbit. 217476.485 m/s

The magnitude of the net of force is about 37 Newton

Centripetal Acceleration can be formulated as follows:

a = Centripetal Acceleration ( m/s² )

v = Tangential Speed of Particle ( m/s )

R = Radius of Circular Motion ( m )

Centripetal Force can be formulated as follows:

F = Centripetal Force ( m/s² )

m = mass of Particle ( kg )

v = Tangential Speed of Particle ( m/s )

R = Radius of Circular Motion ( m )

Let us now tackle the problem !

Given:

period of the circular motion = T = 2.60 × 10⁸ = 8.20 × 10¹⁵ seconds

radius of the orbit = R = 3.00 × 10⁴ light years = 2.84 × 10²⁰ m

Unknown:

(a) centripetal acceleration = a = ?

(b) average speed = v = ?

Solution:

Grade: High School

Subject: Physics

Chapter: Circular Motion

answer: option c.

explanation: