Circular Motion and Uniform Circular Motion

If an athlete is running along a hexagonal track, how many times does he change his direction of motion?

What happens to the shape of the track as the number of sides increases indefinitely?

Why does the velocity of an athlete running at constant speed on a circular track not remain constant?

How often does the direction of motion change when an athlete runs along an octagonal track?

Which statement best describes circular motion?

What is uniform circular motion?

Why is the movement in a circular path always considered accelerated?

Which statement best describes the motion of a stone tied to a thread and rotated in a circular path?

What will occur if a stone tied to a thread and rotated in a circular path is released at a certain point?

What role does force play in circular motion?

Circular Motion

Circular motion is the motion of a body or object in a circular path.
A circular path can be considered to be made up of an indefinite number of tiny sides.
When a body moves along a circular path, its direction of motion changes continuously.

Characteristics of Circular Motion

The velocity of a body moving in a circular path is not constant because the direction of speed changes continuously.
The motion along a circular path is said to be accelerated because the velocity changes due to continuous change in direction.
A body moving in a circular path with uniform speed (constant speed) is said to be in uniform circular motion.

Uniform Circular Motion

Uniform circular motion is when a body moves in a circular path with uniform speed.
The velocity of a body moving in a circle with uniform speed is not uniform because the direction of motion is constantly changing.
A body moving in a circular path with uniform speed travels equal distances in equal intervals of time.

Examples of Circular Motion

A stone tied to a thread and rotated in a circular path with uniform speed is an example of uniform circular motion.
The direction of speed of the stone changes continuously as it moves in a circular path, resulting in a change in velocity.

Force in Circular Motion

A force is needed to produce circular motion.
A force is needed to make a body move in a circle.

Understanding circular motion, uniform circular motion, and how it relates to a body's change in direction. Explore the concept of circular paths and their composition.