Circular Motion and Forces

Flashcards about Circular Motion, Centripetal Force and Newton's Laws

Circular Motion

When an object is moving in a circular path.

Centripetal Force

A force that continuously acts on a body at 90 degrees to the instantaneous direction of motion, deviating it along a circular path.

Centripetal Acceleration

The acceleration implied by a centripetal force, mathematically expressed as a = v^2/r.

Variables in F = mv^2/r

v = linear velocity, r = radius of turn, m = mass

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist any change in its state of motion or rest.

tanθ

sinθ/cosθ

Adjacent side to the angle

Use cos(θ)

Opposite side to the angle

Use sin(θ)

Newton’s Second Law

The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration. F=ma

R

Normal force (upward)

mg

Weight (downward)

a = v^2/r

Centripetal acceleration, always towards the centre of the circle.

Periodic Time

The time taken for 1 complete circle

Total distance refers to

The circumference of the circle