DC -- Circular Motion free-body diagrams

​DC: Uniform Circular Motion free-body diagrams

By TRACEY RANKIN

​The following slides describe examples of uniform circular motion of various objects.

Draw a free-body diagram for each example showing all forces acting on the objects.

​1. Ball on a String

A person holds a string with a ball attached to it. He holds it over his head and makes the ball revolve in a horizontal circle.

​2. Tetherball

The game of tether ball is played with a ball attached to a string on a pole. When the ball is struck, it whirls around the pole. Draw the free-body diagram, including the forces in the x- and y-directions

​3. Ball on a String Vertical

A ball on the end of a cord is swung in a vertical circle.
Draw the free-body diagram to include the forces at points 1 and 3.

​4. Car rounding a curve

A car travels along a flat curved road. Draw the free-body diagram showing the forces acting on the car as it moves around the curve.

​5. Car on a Banked Curve

NASCAR drivers are able to maintain high speeds when they turn on banked curves. Draw the free-body diagram showing the forces acting on the car. Resolve forces where appropriate.

​Finished!