unit 6: circular motion & gravitation

uniform circular motion

• circular motion at a constant speed

• changing angular velocity and angular acceleration

• acceleration is always directed toward the centre of the circular path

• period is the time taken to complete one circle

centripetal force

• causes the centripetal acceleration

• towards the centre of the circle

• F=Mv²/r

• does no work, is a net force

centripetal acceleration

• gives rise to circular motion

• directed toward the centre of the circle

• perpendicular to instantaneous velocity

gravitational field strength

• g=F/m

• 9.81ms^-2 on earth