Circular Motion

Front

What is the process or act of turning or circling around something?

Back

Rotation

Front

What direction does centripetal acceleration always point?

Back

Towards the center of the circle.

Front

What is the term for moving or tending to move toward a center?

Back

Centripetal force

Front

In circular motion, what is the direction of the net force when the rollercoaster is at the top of the loop?

Back

Towards the ground.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

a_c = v^2 / r, where v is the velocity and r is the radius.

Front

What is the difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between speed and radius in uniform circular motion?

Back

For a constant speed, as the radius increases, the centripetal acceleration decreases.

Front

What is the unit of centripetal acceleration?

Back

Meters per second squared (m/s²).

Front

What is the effect of mass on centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force increases with mass, as F_c = m * a_c.

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).