AP Physics 1 Centripetal Force

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 the formula for centripetal force?

Back

F_c = (mv^2)/r, where F_c is centripetal force, m is mass, v is velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

How does mass affect centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the object; as mass increases, centripetal force increases.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between centripetal force and radius?

Back

Centripetal force is inversely proportional to the radius; as the radius increases, centripetal force decreases.

Front

What is static friction?

Back

Static friction is the force that keeps an object at rest and prevents it from moving when a force is applied.

Front

What is the coefficient of static friction?

Back

The coefficient of static friction is a dimensionless value that represents the ratio of the maximum static frictional force to the normal force.

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are two or more forces acting on an object that are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces occur when two forces acting on an object are not equal, causing the object to accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Front

What provides the centripetal force in a car turning on a flat road?

Back

The centripetal force is provided by the frictional force between the tires and the road.