2.6 Vertical Circular Motion

Vertical Circular Motion

  • gravity must be considered more carefully as it is acting in the plane of the circular path
  • equation can still be used when speed is constant, very rare in real-world scenarios - objects tend to slow down on the way up and speed up on the way down
  • Fc is a net force - it requires other forces

Inside the top

  1. Draw vector diagram of forces
  2. Towards centre = positive, Away = negative
  3. Find expression for FC
  • Fc = Fg + Fn
  • can be normal force or tension if attached to string or wire → Fc = Fg + Ft
  • If Fg > Fc, the object will fall, so to stay up ac > 9.8, so centripetal acceleration must be more or equal to 9.8
  • at minimum possible speed, Fn = 0
  • v = √rg
  • no reaction force if there is no surface - so it is tension of a string

Outside the top

  • the direction of the normal force is away from the centre
    • Fc = Fg - Fn
  • centripetal force reduces normal force
    • Fn = Fg - Fc
  • as v ⬆️ Fn ⬇️ - ⬇️ apparent weight in these situations
  • If Fc is bigger than Fg, the object will go flying straight off

Inside the Bottom

  • direction of the weight force is away from the centre
    • Fc = Fn - Fg
  • centripetal force increases normal force (or tension)
    • because its being added to the equation
    • Fn = Fc + Fg
  • as v ⬆️ Fn ⬆️ - ⬆️ apparent weight