Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

What is Uniform Circular Motion?

Uniform circular motion is the motion of an object moving in a circular path at a constant speed.

How does velocity change in Uniform Circular Motion?

In Uniform Circular Motion, although the speed may be constant, the velocity is not because the direction is always changing.

What causes acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion?

Since the velocity is changing in Uniform Circular Motion, there must be acceleration.

What is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

What is the purpose of Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is responsible for keeping the object moving in a circular path.

What is Centripetal Acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is what turns the velocity vectors to keep the object traveling in a circle.

What is the formula for Centripetal Acceleration?

a꜀ \= v^2/r

What is the formula for Centripetal Force?

F \= mv^2 / r

What are some examples of Uniform Circular Motion?

Examples include a car around a circular track, a satellite orbiting the Earth, and a ball on a string being swung in a circle.

What are the four fundamental forces in physics?

The four fundamental forces in physics are the gravitational force, the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the strong force.

What dominates at the largest mass and distance scales?

Gravity dominates at the largest mass and distance scales because its effects are proportional to the mass of the objects involved.

What is the Gravitational Force?

The gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses.

What is the formula for Gravitational Force?

F \= G * (m1 * m2) / r^2

What is the Coulomb's Law?

Coulomb's Law describes the attractive or repulsive force between two charged objects.

What is the formula for Electric Force?

F \= k * (q1 * q2) / r^2

What is Gravitational Acceleration?

Gravitational acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object due to the force of gravity.

What is the formula for Gravitational Acceleration?

g \= G * M / r^2

What is the value of gravitational acceleration on Earth?

On Earth, the value of gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.81 m/s^2.

What happens to an object in free fall?

If an object is in free fall, the gravitational force is the only force being exerted on the object.

What is the formula for Gravitational Field?

g = Gm/r^2