Centripetal Force and Circular Motion

The video explores the physics of circular motion using a tennis ball on a string as an example. It explains how Newton's Second Law applies to objects moving in circles, introducing the concept of centripetal force, which always points towards the center of the circle. The video discusses how tangential velocity changes direction, leading to acceleration due to centripetal force. It also highlights real-world applications, such as roller coasters, where centripetal force plays a crucial role.

What is the initial example used to introduce the concept of circular motion?

• A tennis ball attached to a string

• A spinning top

• A car driving in a circle

• A planet orbiting the sun

How does Newton's Second Law apply to objects moving in a circle?

• It explains the net force as the cause of acceleration

• It describes the net force as zero

• It only applies to objects moving in a straight line

• It states that objects in circular motion have no acceleration

What does the term 'centripetal' mean?

• Center seeking

• Center fleeing

• Tangential force

• Circular motion

How does centripetal force affect the direction of an object in circular motion?

• It changes the speed of the object

• It directs the object towards the center of the circle

• It keeps the object moving in a straight line

• It has no effect on the object's direction

What happens to the ball if the string is cut while swinging?

• It flies off in the tangential direction

• It continues in a circular path

• It falls straight down

• It stops immediately

Why is the ball in circular motion constantly accelerating?

• Because its speed is increasing

• Due to the centripetal force

• Because it is slowing down

• Due to gravitational force

What is the relationship between tangential velocity and centripetal force?

• Centripetal force changes the direction of tangential velocity

• Tangential velocity is always greater than centripetal force

• Tangential velocity is the cause of centripetal force

• They are unrelated

What role does centripetal force play in a roller coaster's loop?

• It speeds up the roller coaster

• It keeps the roller coaster on the track

• It slows down the roller coaster

• It has no effect on the roller coaster

Which of the following is an example of centripetal force in action?

• A car accelerating on a straight road

• A satellite orbiting Earth

• A person jumping off a diving board

• A book resting on a table

What would happen to a roller coaster if centripetal force was absent during a loop?

• It would slow down but complete the loop

• It would stop at the top of the loop

• It would fly off the track

• It would continue the loop without any change