Circular Motion

Front

What is uniform circular motion?

Back

Uniform circular motion refers to the motion of an object traveling at a constant speed along a circular path.

Front

What is the direction of the net force acting on an object in uniform circular motion?

Back

The net force on the object is directed toward the center of the circular path.

Front

What is centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed toward the center of a circular path, necessary for an object to maintain circular motion.

Front

How do you calculate centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration (a_c) can be calculated using the formula: a_c = v^2 / r, where v is the velocity and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What role does friction play in circular motion?

Back

Friction provides the centripetal force required for an object to move in a circular path; without it, the object would not be able to maintain circular motion.

Front

What is the difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force?

Back

Centripetal force is the real force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center. Centrifugal force is a perceived force that appears to act outward on a mass moving in a circular path.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force (F_c) can be calculated using the formula: F_c = m * a_c, where m is the mass of the object and a_c is the centripetal acceleration.

Front

What happens to the centripetal force if the speed of the object increases?

Back

If the speed of the object increases, the centripetal force must also increase to maintain circular motion, as it is proportional to the square of the speed.

Front

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

Back

In circular motion, the velocity of the object is constantly changing direction, which means there is always an acceleration (centripetal acceleration) directed toward the center of the circle.

Front

What is the significance of the radius in circular motion?

Back

The radius of the circular path affects both the centripetal acceleration and the centripetal force; a larger radius results in lower centripetal acceleration for the same speed.