Kinematics of Circular Motion Vocabulary

Flashcards on Kinematics of Circular Motion

Circular Motion

Movement of an object while rotating along a circular path.

Uniform Circular Motion

Circular motion where the angular rate of rotation and speed are constant.

Non-Uniform Circular Motion

Circular motion where the rate of rotation keeps changing.

Angular Displacement

The angle through which an object rotates, commonly measured in radians.

Angular Velocity

The rate of change of angular displacement, measured in radians per second (rad/s).

Angular Acceleration

The rate of change of angular velocity, measured in radians per second squared (rad/s²).

Centripetal Acceleration

Acceleration that is always directed towards the center of the circle in uniform circular motion.

Tangential Acceleration

Acceleration that causes a change in the speed of the object, acting tangent to the circular path.

Radial Acceleration

Also known as centripetal acceleration, responsible for changing direction.

Period (T)

The time it takes for one complete revolution, measured in seconds.

Frequency (f)

The number of revolutions per unit time, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Angular Velocity (ω)

ω = Δθ / Δt

Angular Acceleration (α)

α = Δω / Δt

Centripetal Acceleration (ac)

ac = v² / r = rω²