Answer:
v_maria > 4.5 m/s
v_samantha > 3.8 m/s
Explanation:
Formula for centripetal acceleration is;
a_c = v²/r
Where;
v is speed
r is radius
For Maria;
r = 12 m
v = 4.5 m/s
Thus;
a_c = 4.5²/12
a_c = 1.6875 m/s²
For Samantha;
r = 6
v = 3.8 m/s
Thus;
a_c = 3.8²/6
a_c = 2.41 m/s²
We want to find how could each skater increase her centripetal acceleration without changing the size of her path.
From the centripetal acceleration formula, since the size of path can't be changed it means the radius can't be changed and so the only thing that can now increase the centripetal acceleration is when the speed increases.
Thus;
For Maria, she has to move with a faster speed. Thus: v_maria > 4.5 m/s
For Samantha, she also has to move with a faster speed. Thus; v_samantha > 3.8 m/s