AP Uniform Circular Motion

Front

What is uniform circular motion?

Back

Uniform circular motion is the motion of an object traveling at a constant speed in a circular path. The direction of the object's velocity changes continuously, resulting in centripetal acceleration directed towards the center of the circle.

Front

What is centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. It is calculated using the formula a_c = v²/r, where v is the speed and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal force?

Back

The formula for centripetal force (F_c) is F_c = m * a_c, where m is the mass of the object and a_c is the centripetal acceleration. It can also be expressed as F_c = m * v²/r.

Front

What is the relationship between weight (W), normal force (N), and centripetal force (F_c) at the bottom of a Ferris wheel?

Back

At the bottom of a Ferris wheel, the relationship is N = W + F_c, where N is the normal force, W is the weight of the rider, and F_c is the centripetal force.

Front

What is the minimum speed required to complete a vertical loop of radius r?

Back

The minimum speed required to complete a vertical loop of radius r is v = √(rg), where g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Front

What happens to the net force on an object in uniform circular motion?

Back

The net force on an object in uniform circular motion is always directed towards the center of the circular path, providing the necessary centripetal force to keep the object moving in a circle.

Front

What is the role of tension in circular motion?

Back

Tension can provide the centripetal force needed for an object to move in a circular path, especially when the object is attached to a string or rod.

Front

How does mass affect centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is independent of mass; it depends only on the speed of the object and the radius of the circular path. However, the required centripetal force increases with mass.

Front

What is the effect of increasing the radius of a circular path on centripetal acceleration?

Back

Increasing the radius of a circular path decreases the centripetal acceleration for a given speed, as a_c = v²/r; a larger r results in a smaller a_c.

Front

What is the difference between speed and velocity in circular motion?

Back

In circular motion, speed is the magnitude of the velocity and remains constant, while velocity is a vector quantity that changes direction continuously as the object moves around the circle.