Circular Motion

These flashcards cover key concepts related to circular motion, coordinates systems, and Newton's laws as discussed in the lecture.

Cartesian Coordinates

A coordinate system that specifies each point uniquely by a pair of numerical coordinates, which are the signed distances from two fixed perpendicular oriented lines, measured in the same unit of length.

Polar Coordinates

A coordinate system where each point on a plane is determined by an angle and a distance from a reference point, typically used for circular motion.

Uniform Circular Motion

Circular motion in which the object moves at a constant speed along a circular path.

Centripetal Acceleration

The acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path that keeps an object moving in that path.

Radial Direction

The direction pointing toward or away from the center of a circle.

Newton's Second Law

The law that states the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F=ma).

Central Force

A force that acts along the line joining the center of an object to the object itself, acting towards or away from the center.

Tangential Acceleration

The acceleration that is tangential to the circular path of an object, indicating a change in the speed of motion along that path.

Radial Acceleration Formula

The formula for calculating radial acceleration as ar = v²/r.

Circular Motion Problems

Problems in physics that involve objects moving along a circular path, often analyzed using Newton's laws and the concepts of tension and forces.