For a particle revolving in a circular path, the acceleration of the particle is

For a particle revolving in a circular path, the acceleration is primarily characterized by centripetal acceleration. Centripetal acceleration is defined as 'center-seeking' and is always directed inward toward the center of the circular path [t1][t3]. This acceleration acts in the radial direction, perpendicular to the tangential velocity [t3][t4]. While non-uniform circular motion may also involve tangential acceleration (along the tangent), the fundamental acceleration required for any circular motion to exist is centripetal acceleration [t1][t2]. Without this radial acceleration, the object would not maintain a circular path and would instead move in a straight line [t5]. Therefore, in the context of standard physics problems regarding the nature of circular motion acceleration, it is defined as being along the radius towards the center [t3][t9].

Sources

1. [1] https://web.chem.ox.ac.uk/teaching/Physics%20for%20CHemists/Rotation/Circular.html