NEW Circular Motion and Gravitation Flashcard

Front

What is circular motion?

Back

Circular motion is the motion of an object that revolves around a fixed point or axis in a circular path.

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 formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration (a_c) = v^2 / r, where v is the linear speed 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 gravitational force if the distance between two masses is doubled?

Back

The gravitational force is halved when the distance between two masses is doubled.

Front

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

Back

For a constant centripetal force, increasing the radius decreases the speed required to maintain circular motion.

Front

What type of force keeps an object moving in a circular path?

Back

The force that keeps an object moving in a circular path is called centripetal force.

Front

What is the role of tension in circular motion?

Back

Tension can act as a centripetal force when an object is attached to a string and swung in a circular path.

Front

What is the effect of increasing speed on centripetal force?

Back

Increasing the speed of an object in circular motion increases the required centripetal force.

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force is the attractive force between two masses, proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.