Uniform Circular Motion

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Uniform Circular Motion Noun

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[yoo-nuh-form sur-kyuh-ler moh-shun]

Back

Uniform Circular Motion

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The motion of a body traveling in a circle at a constant speed, with a continuously changing velocity direction.

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Example: An object moving in a circle has a velocity (blue arrow) tangent to the path and an acceleration (red arrow) pointing towards the center.

Front

Tangential Adjective

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[tan-jen-shul]

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Tangential

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Describes the direction of velocity in circular motion, which is always tangent to the circle at any given point.

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Example: An object moving in a circle has a tangential velocity, which is its speed in a straight line at any single moment, tangent to the circular path.

Front

Centripetal Acceleration Noun

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[sen-trip-i-tl ak-sel-uh-rey-shun]

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Centripetal Acceleration

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The acceleration of an object moving along a circular path, which is always directed toward the center of the circle.

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Example: A car turning in a circle has an acceleration (ac) pointing toward the center of the curve, even if its speed is constant, because its direction of velocity (v) is changing.

Front

Centripetal Adjective

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[sen-trip-i-tl]

Back

Centripetal

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A term meaning 'center-seeking' that describes the force and acceleration directed toward the center of a circular path.

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Example: A centripetal force, like the pull from the string, constantly pulls the ball toward the center, forcing it to move in a circular path.

Front

Centripetal Force Noun

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[sen-trip-i-tl fors]

Back

Centripetal Force

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A net force that acts on an object to keep it moving in a circular path by constantly pulling it inward.

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Example: An object moving in a circle has a velocity pointing straight ahead (tangent) and a centripetal force pulling it inward toward the center.

Front

Inertia Noun

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[in-ur-shuh]

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Inertia

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The property of an object to resist changes in its state of motion, tending to maintain straight-line travel.

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Example: This image shows the materials for the 'tablecloth trick,' which demonstrates that objects at rest tend to stay at rest due to their inertia.

Front

Centrifugal Force Noun

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[sen-trif-yuh-guhl fors]

Back

Centrifugal Force

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A fictitious or inertial force perceived as pushing an object outward from the center in a rotating frame of reference.

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Example: As the carnival ride spins, the riders feel an apparent outward push, called centrifugal force, pressing them against the outer wall.

Front

Fictitious Force Noun

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[fik-tish-uhs fors]

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Fictitious Force

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An apparent force that arises in a non-inertial or accelerating frame of reference, not from a physical interaction.

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Example: In circular motion, a fictitious force is the apparent outward push an object feels, while its actual path, if released, is straight and tangent to the circle.

Front

Period (T) Noun

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[peer-ee-uhd]

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Period (T)

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The time required for an object to complete one full revolution or cycle in a circular path, measured in seconds.

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Example: This Ferris wheel shows an object in uniform circular motion. The Period (T) is the total time it takes for one car to complete one full circle and return to its starting point.

Front

Frequency (f) Noun

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[free-kwen-see]

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Frequency (f)

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The number of complete revolutions or cycles an object covers in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

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Example: This image compares a high-frequency wave, which has many cycles in a short space, to a low-frequency wave, which has fewer cycles.