Circular Motion - A2
Circular Motion - A2
[1.2] Centripetal (a) Describe qualitatively motion in a curved path due to a perpendicular force, and understand the
acceleration centripetal acceleration in the case of uniform motion in a circle.
and (b) Recall and use centripetal acceleration equations a = rω2 and a = v2/r.
centripetal force (c) Recall and use centripetal force equations F = mrω2 and F = mv 2/r
ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT :
The angle through which the object has moved, on a circle, is known as angular displacement.
It is measured in radian.
As shown, an object moves from a point P to P’, on a circle of radius r by
tracing an arc of length s and an angle .
length of arc s
θ= = =angular displacement
radius r
360°
To convert radians to degree, multiply by
2π
ANGULAR VELOCITY :
Angular velocity is the rate at which an object moves around a circular path.
It is defined as the rate of change of angular displacement.
Its unit is rad/s or rad s-1.
It is represented by symbol: (Greek latter omega)
∆θ θ
ω= ∨ω=
∆t t
2
ω=
T
FREQUENCY: [f]
Number of rotations per second (in 1 s).
2π 2π ω
ω ω= =, =2 πf , f =
f¿ [Angular frequency for one rotation = T 1 2π ]
2π
f
ω
for given time, t, f ¿ ×t
2π
Practice Question:
CENTRIPETAL ACCELERATION :
Consider a particle is moving in on a circular path.
Its velocities at point A and B are VA and VB respectively.
Even though, its speed is same but the direction of velocity is changing continuously.
Means, it has been accelerating.
Note that the direction of change in velocity is towards the centre of the circular path, means the
particle has an acceleration towards the centre.
This acceleration is known as centripetal acceleration.
a = v/t , From fig. = v/v, so v = v
a = v /t, but = t
a = v, a = 2 r (v = r), a = v2 / r , (v = r),
CENTRIPETAL FORCE :
To produce a centripetal acceleration, a centripetal force is needed, which is necessary to keep an
object to move on a circular path.
This force always acts towards the centre of the circle (centre seeking).
F=ma
F=mv
F = m 2 r
F = m v2 / r
3. An aircraft banking:
In an aircraft, to change the direction, the pilot tips the aircraft’s wings.
The vertical component of the lift force L on the wings is balanced by
the weight of the aircraft.
The horizontal component of the lift force L provides the necessary
centripetal force to the aircraft.
4. Conical pendulum:
A stone being whirled in a horizontal circle, the vertical component of the tension
T is balanced by the weight of the stone.
The horizontal component of T provides the necessary centripetal force for the
circular motion.
5. At the fairground:
As the cylinder spins, the floor drops away.
Our weight is balanced by the friction.
The normal contact force N provides the necessary centripetal force.
You feel as though you are being pushed back against the wall; what you
are filling is the push of the wall on your back.