AP Physics - Unit 3

Front

What is linear velocity?

Back

Linear velocity is the rate at which an object moves along a path. It is a vector quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Front

Which has greater linear velocity: a kid near the center of a merry-go-round or a kid near the outside?

Back

A kid near the outside of the merry-go-round has greater linear velocity.

Front

What is centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path, experienced by an object moving in a circle.

Front

Why do objects experience centripetal acceleration?

Back

Objects experience centripetal acceleration because they are constantly changing direction, and the net change in velocity is directed inward.

Front

What happens to an object's speed as the radius of its circular path decreases?

Back

As the radius decreases, the object's speed decreases.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force (Fc) = (mass (m) * velocity (v)^2) / radius (r).

Front

Calculate the centripetal force required for a 5 kg ball moving at 4 m/s in a circle with a radius of 2 m.

Back

The centripetal force required is 40 N.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and centripetal force?

Back

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

Front

What is the effect of speed on centripetal force?

Back

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

Front

What is the direction of centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force always acts towards the center of the circular path.