2.6 Circular Motion Flashcards
What is centripetal acceleration?
The acceleration of an object moving in a circle
When does an object only accelerate?
When a force is acting on it
What is the force that acts on an object spinning in a circle?
Centripetal force
Where does the centripetal force always act?
Towards the centre of the circle
What happens to the moving object if the centripetal force stops acting on it?
It will continue to move in a straight line at a tangent to the circle
Name 3 ways to increase the centripetal force needed to make an object perform circular motion
- increase the mass
- increase the speed of the object
- decrease the radius of the circle
Name 4 types of centripetal force
- electrostatic force
- friction
- gravity
- tension
Name an example of an electrostatic force acting on an object in circular motion
An electron orbiting the nucleus
Name an example of friction acting on an object in circular motion
A car travelling round a bend
Name an example of gravity acting on an object in circular motion
A planet moving around the sun
Name an example of tension acting on an object in circular motion
A stone whirled around on the end of a string
What does the centripetal force cause for the object it is acting on?
Causes it to accelerate towards the centre of the circle
Why is an object moving in a circle at a constant speed thought to be accelerating?
It’s velocity is changing as it keeps moving directions so it is accelerating
