AP Circular Motion and Gravitation

Front

What is the definition of circular motion?

Back

Circular motion is the motion of an object that revolves around a fixed point in a circular path.

Front

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Back

Speed is a scalar quantity that refers to how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction.

Front

What is centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path, which keeps an object moving in that path.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

The formula for centripetal acceleration (a_c) is a_c = v^2 / r, where v is the linear speed and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What is the role of centripetal force in circular motion?

Back

Centripetal force is the net force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

Front

What is the concept of centrifugal force?

Back

Centrifugal force is often described as an apparent force that acts outward on a body moving in a circular path, but it is not a real force; it is a result of inertia.

Front

How does the velocity of an object in uniform circular motion change?

Back

In uniform circular motion, the speed remains constant, but the direction of the velocity vector changes continuously.

Front

What is the relationship between gravitational force and mass?

Back

Gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the masses of two objects and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational force?

Back

The formula for gravitational force (F) is F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses, and r is the distance between their centers.

Front

What is the significance of the tear-drop shape of roller coaster loops?

Back

The tear-drop shape helps maintain a constant force on riders throughout the loop, reducing excessive G-forces at the bottom.