Chapter 10 – Circular Motion – Conceptual Physics

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, concepts, and formulas for Chapter 10 circular motion, including rotational speed, tangential speed, centripetal force, and inertia.

Tangential Speed (Linear Speed)

The linear speed of an object along a circular path, determined by the formula $v = r \times \text{rotational speed}$ ($v = r \times \omega$), which increases with distance from the axis of rotation.

Rotational Speed

The rate at which an object turns or spins, defined by the formula $\text{Rotational Speed} = \frac{\text{Number of Turns}}{\text{Time}}$.

RPM

Rotations per minute, a unit of rotational speed determined by the formula $\text{RPM} = \frac{\text{Rotations}}{\text{Minutes}}$.

Centripetal Force

A force directed inward toward the center ($\rightarrow \cdot$) that continually pulls an object to maintain its circular path.

Centrifugal Force

A fictitious (fake or apparent) force in physics caused by inertia rather than an actual physical force pushing outward.

Rotation

The motion that occurs when an object turns around an axis located inside itself (an internal axis), such as a toy top spinning on the floor.

Revolution

The motion that occurs when an object turns around an axis outside of itself (an external axis), such as Earth orbiting the Sun.

Inertia

The natural tendency of an object to keep moving straight at a constant velocity (Newton's First Law), which causes the apparent feeling of being thrown outward in a sharp turn.

Tangent Line Path

The straight-line path along which an object continues at constant velocity due to inertia when an inward centripetal force (such as a string) suddenly breaks.

Centripetal Acceleration ($a_c$)

The acceleration directed toward the center of a circular path resulting from the continuous change in direction of an object, even when moving at constant speed.

Center

The middle point of a circular path or the axis of rotation.

Inward

Directed toward the center ($\rightarrow \cdot$).

Outward

Directed away from the center ($\leftarrow \cdot$).

Tapered Train Wheels

Wheels shaped like cones instead of flat cylinders to allow different linear speeds on the left and right sides for the same rotational speed when rounding a curve.

Horizontal Component of Tension

The side-to-side ($\leftrightarrow$) vector component of tension in a conical pendulum string that points toward the center of the circular path to provide centripetal force.