Circular Motion Terms IB Physics SL

Distance (s)

In meters, distance traveled along the curve of the circle of motion

Linear Velocity (v)

In meters / second, velocity tangental to the circular rotation.

Period (T)

In seconds, the time it takes to complete one revolution.

Angular Velocity (w)

In radians / second, how fast the object is spinning rotationally.

Linear Acceleration (a)

In meters / second², acceleration tangental to the circular motion.

Radius (r)

In meters, distance from center of circle to the object in motion.

Angular Displacement (θ)

In radians, How far the object moves around the circle.

Angular Acceleration (a)

In radians / second², rate of change in angular velocity.

Centripetal Acceleration (ac)

Measured in meters / second², always points to center of circle. Just causes object to change direction.

Centrepital Force (Fc)

Measured in Newtons, the force that causes the object to move in a circle (by providing acceleration).