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Circular Motion

Uniform circular motion involves an object moving along a circular path at a constant speed, with only its direction changing. Centripetal force is the force acting towards the center of the circle that causes the change in direction and keeps the object moving in a circular path. It depends on the mass of the object, its velocity, and the radius of the circle. Centripetal force can be supplied by tension, gravity, or other forces. Angular speed, period, frequency, and their relationships are also defined.

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17 views

Circular Motion

Uniform circular motion involves an object moving along a circular path at a constant speed, with only its direction changing. Centripetal force is the force acting towards the center of the circle that causes the change in direction and keeps the object moving in a circular path. It depends on the mass of the object, its velocity, and the radius of the circle. Centripetal force can be supplied by tension, gravity, or other forces. Angular speed, period, frequency, and their relationships are also defined.

Uploaded by

munenyashachizaza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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4 CIRCULAR MOTION

UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

Uniform circular motion is motion along a circular path in which there is no change in speed,
only a change in direction.

As an object moves in a circle, it is constantly changing its direction.


• In all instances, the object is moving tangent to the circle

Constant velocity tangent to path


Constant force toward the center

If the object is moving from A-B so that the radius A moves in an angle Ꝋ as in the diagram
below. Its angular speed (ω) about O is defined as the change in angle per unit time.

Ꝋ (radians)
Angular speed (ω) =
t (s)

A full circle has exactly 2π radians.


360˚= 2π radians= Ꝋ

2 π (1 revolutoin)
ω= .
T −Peri o d(t ime)

2π
PeriodT , is given by T =
ω

Time Period: Time taken by a body moving in a circle to complete one cycle is called time
period. It is denoted by T.

If s is the length of the arc AB then; s= r Ꝋ

Perimeter of circumference = 2 πr

From s = r Ꝋ

s rꝊ
Dividing by t both sides =
t t

s Ꝋ
Since = v(velocity) and =¿ ω (angular speed)
t t

Therefore, v = r ω

Example

A ball attached to a string is moving counterclockwise in a vertical circle. If the string is cut
exactly at the point where the ball is at the top of its motion (the top of the circle), what direction
will the ball move in initially?

CENTRIPETAL MOTION

The force acting along the radius towards the centre of circle to keep a body moving with
uniform speed in a circular path is called centripetal force. It is denoted by F c.

2
mv
Centripetal force F c=
r

For example, a stone tied at one end of a string whose other end is held in hand, when round in
the air, the centripetal force is supplied by the tension in the string.

We know that, F c =ma


Since the acceleration for circular motion points toward the center of the circle, we call it
centripetal acceleration.
Centripetal force acts towards the center of the circle.
The word "centripetal" means "center- seeking

Centripetal Force is equal to the mass of the object times the square of its velocity, divided by
the radius of the orbit or rotation

The force toward the center may be caused by gravity, friction, or another force

Centripetal force holds an object in a circular path.

We know that, F=ma

2
mv
Centripetal force, F=
r

2
v
Meaning, a=
r
2
(r ω)
But v = r ω then, a=
r
Therefore, F c =mr ω2
2
F c=mr ( 2 π )
T
2
4 π mr
Fc = 2
T

2π
From, ω =
T
Frequency (f): The number of cycles completed by a body is called frequency. It is measured in
Hz.
1
It is reciprocal of time period f =
T
1
Since is the frequency, ω=¿ 2 π f
T

Questions
1. A 2kg object is kept in orbit by a 500N force, rotates at 50Hz. Calculate the radius of
rotation.
2. Show that angular velocity ω=¿ 2 π f

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