AP Physics Unit 2-3: Dynamics & Circular Motion

Front

What is the direction of velocity in circular motion?

Back

The velocity is always tangent to the line of a circle.

Front

What direction does centripetal acceleration act in circular motion?

Back

Centripetal acceleration acts towards the center of the circular motion.

Front

Can an object be moving to the right while having a free body diagram that shows no forces in the x-direction?

Back

Yes. It could be moving at a constant velocity.

Front

Under what condition can the normal force equal the gravitational force?

Back

Yes. If the surface is horizontal and Fg is perpendicular to the surface.

Front

Rank the tensions in the strings from highest to lowest: A, B, C, D.

Back

B > D > C > A

Front

What is the formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration (a_c) = v^2 / r, where v is the tangential velocity and r is the radius.

Front

Define centripetal force.

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 relationship between mass, acceleration, and net force according to Newton's second law?

Back

F = m * a, where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration.

Front

What happens to the centripetal force if the speed of an object in circular motion doubles?

Back

The centripetal force increases by a factor of four, since F_c = m * (v^2 / r).

Front

What is the effect of increasing the radius of a circular path on the centripetal acceleration?

Back

Increasing the radius decreases the centripetal acceleration for a constant speed, as a_c = v^2 / r.