Circular Motion

Define time period

time for an object to travel a full circle

Define frequency

number of circles completed in one second

Define angular velocity and formula

rate of change of angle

𝜔 = θ/t

State the two equations for angular velocity using f and T

𝜔 = 2π/T

𝜔 = 2πf

What is centripetal force

As direction is constantly changing, so is velocity, therefore so is acceleration, and this acceleration is provided by the centripetal force, which acts perpendicular to the velocity

Where does centripetal force come from?

Centripetal force is provided by any kind of force, eg friction, tension, gravitational fields. When an object experiences multiple forces, resultant must be used

Explain how to carry out an experiment into circular motion

Tie a bung of mass m to a piece of string, and thread it through a glass tube. The other end of the string has weight suspended from it, thus providing centripetal force. String is whirled in a circle, and time taken for complete rotation is recorded. Centripetal force is given by Mg = mv²/r. Graph of v² against M shows straight line through origin