Circular Motion

Front

What is the Law of Universal Gravitation?

Back

It states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.

Front

What does it mean that the force of gravity is inversely proportional to distance?

Back

As the distance between two objects increases, the gravitational force between them decreases. Specifically, if the distance doubles, the gravitational force becomes one-fourth as strong.

Front

What supplies the centripetal force requirement for a car to move in a horizontal circle?

Back

Friction force is what allows a car to maintain circular motion; without it, the car would slide outward.

Front

In circular motion, how do the direction of velocity and acceleration relate?

Back

In uniform circular motion, the velocity vector is tangent to the circle, while the acceleration vector (centripetal acceleration) points towards the center of the circle.

Front

Which stars in a rotating galaxy move the fastest?

Back

Stars furthest from the center of the galaxy move the fastest due to their greater tangential velocity.

Front

Define centripetal acceleration.

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path, necessary for an object to maintain circular motion.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force (Fc) is given by the formula Fc = (mv^2)/r, where m is mass, v is velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What is the difference between centrifugal force and centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force is the real force that acts on an object moving in a circle, directed towards the center, while centrifugal force is a perceived force that appears to act outward on a mass moving in a circular path.

Front

What role does friction play in circular motion?

Back

Friction provides the necessary centripetal force that allows an object to move in a circular path, preventing it from sliding outward.

Front

What is uniform circular motion?

Back

Uniform circular motion is the motion of an object traveling at a constant speed along a circular path.