Circular Motion: Rotation, Revolution, and Forces

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes centripetal force?

• A force that pulls objects toward the center of a circular path

• A force that pushes objects away from the center of a circle

• A force that acts only on stationary objects

• A force that slows down objects in a straight line

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between rotation and revolution?

• Rotation is turning around an internal axis, while revolution is turning around an external axis.

• Rotation is the same as revolution.

• Rotation is the movement of the Earth around the Sun, while revolution is the spinning of the Earth on its axis.

• Both involve turning around an internal axis.

Open Ended

Explain how the radius of a circular path affects the speed of an object moving along that path.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of centripetal acceleration?

• A car turning a corner

• A tin can on a string

• A ball falling straight down

• Clothes in a spinning washer

Open Ended

In the mathematical formula for centripetal force, what does each variable represent?

Multiple Choice

Which statement about centrifugal force is correct?

• It is a real force that acts outward.

• It is a perceived sensation, not a real force.

• It keeps objects moving in a circle.

• It is the same as centripetal force.