Uniform Horizontal Circular Motion

What is Horizontal Circular Motion?

Motion in a horizontal plane where the body does not experience acceleration in the vertical direction.

What forces are in equilibrium in Uniform Horizontal Circular Motion?

Vertically, forces are in equilibrium (N=mg for a ball on a smooth table).

What provides centripetal force for a ball on a smooth horizontal surface?

Tension in the string (T = mrω²).

What provides centripetal force for a Cyclist on a Horizontal Circular Track?

The frictional force (f) or the radial component of the total contact force (Rsinθ).

What is the ideal banking for a car on a banked road?

When the normal contact force (N) provides the entire centripetal force, and no sideward friction is needed (Nsinθ = mv²/r, Ncosθ = mg, so tanθ = v²/rg).

What happens if a car's speed is greater than ideal on a banked road?

Sideway friction acts down the slope to increase centripetal force; car tends to slide up.

What happens if a car's speed is smaller than ideal on a banked road?

Sideway friction acts up the slope to decrease centripetal force; car tends to slide down.