Physics Chapter: Circular Motion

What is the definition of uniform circular motion?

What direction does centripetal acceleration point?

What term describes the force that causes centripetal acceleration?

If a runner is moving at a speed of 8.8 m/s and rounds a bend with a radius of 25 m, what can be determined about the runner’s motion?

What is centrifugal force classified as?

What occurs to the speed of an object in uniform circular motion?

What is the primary role of centripetal force in circular motion?

What is the main characteristic of centrifugal force?

If a light bulb is positioned halfway along a 10 meter wire swung in a circle taking 0.8 seconds to complete one revolution, which statement about the light bulb's speed is true?

What is the centripetal acceleration of an object if it moves at a speed of 8.8 m/s around a bend with a radius of 25 m?

Uniform Circular Motion

Circular motion occurs when an object travels along a circular path.
Uniform circular motion is when an object moves in a circle at a constant speed.
The direction of the object is constantly changing.
Objects in uniform circular motion experience acceleration directed towards the center of the circle. This is called centripetal acceleration.
The speed of the object does not change.

Centripetal Force

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that occurs when an object moves in a circle at a constant speed.
The acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle.
Centripetal force is the net force that causes the centripetal acceleration.
This force is also directed towards the center of the circle.

Average Speed

The average speed of an object in circular motion is calculated by dividing the circumference of the circle by the time it takes for one revolution.
Average speed = (2 * π * radius) / time (T)

Equations

Centripetal Force = (mass * velocity²) / radius
Centripetal Acceleration = (velocity²) / radius

Examples

A 10-meter wire is swung in a circle. It takes 0.8 seconds to complete one revolution. The speed of the bulb is needed at different points of the wire.
A runner is moving at 8.8 m/s and rounds a bend with a 25-meter radius. Determine the runner's centripetal acceleration.

Centrifugal Force

Centrifugal force is a fictitious or apparent force.
It acts outward away from the centre of the rotation in a rotating frame of reference.
It is the apparent force that pushes an object away from the centre of rotation. This effect is apparent to the object in rotation but not to a stationary observer.

Explore the concepts of uniform circular motion and centripetal force in this quiz. Understand how objects maintain constant speed while traveling in circles and learn about the crucial role of centripetal acceleration and forces. Test your knowledge on the calculations of average speed in circular paths.