quiz phydicd

FLASHCARDS: CIRCULAR & VERTICAL MOTION

Flashcard 1

Q: What is the formula for centripetal force?

A: F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}

(Force that keeps an object moving in a circle)

Flashcard 2

Q: What provides centripetal force at the top of a vertical circle?

A: Gravity and normal force or tension, acting together.

Flashcard 3

Q: What provides centripetal force at the bottom of a vertical circle?

A: Tension or normal force minus gravity.

Flashcard 4

Q: Net force at top of vertical circle?

A: F_{\text{net}} = F_g + F_n = \frac{mv^2}{r}

Flashcard 5

Q: Net force at bottom of vertical circle?

A: F_{\text{net}} = F_n - F_g = \frac{mv^2}{r}

Flashcard 6

Q: What’s the minimum speed to stay in a vertical loop?

A: Set F_n = 0:

v = \sqrt{gr}

Flashcard 7

Q: What happens if your speed is less than \sqrt{gr} at the top of a loop?

A: You fall out—no normal force holding you in.

Flashcard 8

Q: How do you calculate the normal force or tension at the top of a vertical circle?

A: F_n = \frac{mv^2}{r} - mg

Flashcard 9

Q: How do you calculate the normal force or tension at the bottom of a vertical circle?

A: F_n = \frac{mv^2}{r} + mg

Flashcard 10

Q: What does a negative normal force mean?

A: You’re not in contact with the surface — you’re airborne!

Flashcard 11

Q: In rollercoaster problems, what does the scale read?

A: It reads the normal force.

Flashcard 12

Q: How do you calculate speed at the bottom of a swing (Tarzan problem)?

A: Use:

T - mg = \frac{mv^2}{r} \Rightarrow v = \sqrt{\frac{(T - mg)r}{m}}

Flashcard 13

Q: What’s always true about circular motion?

A: The net force points toward the center of the circle.

Flashcard 14

Q: What units should you always use?

A:

• Mass in kg

• Speed in m/s

• Radius in m

• Force in Newtons (N)