Circular Motion

Front

What is Circular Motion?

Back

Circular motion is the motion of an object that moves along a circular path. It can be uniform (constant speed) or non-uniform (changing speed).

Front

What is 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 Centripetal Acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that occurs in circular motion, directed towards the center of the circle, and is responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity.

Front

What is the formula for Centripetal Acceleration?

Back

The formula for centripetal acceleration (a_c) is a_c = v²/r, where v is the linear speed and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What happens to the net force at the top of a vertical loop?

Back

At the top of a vertical loop, the net force acts downwards towards the ground, combining gravitational force and centripetal force.

Front

How does speed affect centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force increases with the square of the speed; if speed doubles, the required centripetal force increases by a factor of four.

Front

What is the relationship between velocity and acceleration in circular motion?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between linear speed and angular speed?

Back

Linear speed is the distance traveled per unit time along the circular path, while angular speed is the rate of rotation, measured in radians per second.

Front

What is the role of gravity in circular motion on a rollercoaster?

Back

Gravity acts as a centripetal force at the top of the loop, helping to keep the rollercoaster on its circular path.

Front

What is uniform circular motion?

Back

Uniform circular motion is when an object moves in a circle at a constant speed, meaning the magnitude of velocity is constant but the direction changes.