Circular motion

What is centripetal acceleration?

The acceleration of an object towards the centre of a circle when an object is in motion around a circle at constant speed. It is perpendicular to the direction of linear speed.

What qualities does an object in uniform circular motion have?

a constant linear speed but a constantly changing changing velocity since it is continuously changing direction, therefore it is accelerating.

What is centripetal acceleration caused by?

A centripetal force of constant magnitude that also acts perpendicular to the direction of motion, the centripetal force and acceleration act in the same direction.

Why does centripetal acceleration point inward?

Velocity is tangent to circle, without any force acting on it, it would fly of into a straight line. To stay on circular path, object must be pulled back towards centre, this requires inward acceleration.

In circular motion what do you measure in?

Radians

What is the angular displacement of a body in circular motion?

The change in angle, in radians of a body as it rotates around a circle.

What is the equation for angular displacement?

S/r

S=arc length

r=radius

How can angular speed be calculated?

ω=∆θ/∆t (change in angular displacement/time interval)

ω=v/r = 2πf = 2π/T

How can centripetal acceleration be calculated?

a=v²/r 

a=rω²

a=vω

What is centripetal force?

The resultant force towards the centre of the circle required to keep a body in uniform circular motion.

What is the equation for centripetal force?

F= mv²/r = mrω² = mvω

When an object is in circular motion is there work done?

No since there is no change in kinetic energy.