C16 - Circular Motion

Question 1

What is angular velocity?

Answer 1

The rate of change of an angle.

Question 2

What is centripetal force?

Answer 2

A force that keeps a body loving in a circular path at uniform speed, acting perpendicular to the direction of motion. Y

Question 3

What does centripetal acceleration depend on?

Answer 3

The speed of the object and radius of the circle.

Question 4

What equipment is used to investigate circular motion?

Answer 4

A weight (mg)

String

Paper clip or crocodile clip (act as a marker)

Glass tube

Mass on the other end of the string

As the mass is swung in a horizontal circle, the suspended weight remains stationary as long as the force it provides (mg) is equal to the centripetal force making the mass travel in a circle.

If centripetal force required is greater, the weight will mo upwards. V and r can then be investigated.

Question 5

What causes a weightlessness feeling in a vertical circular motion?

Answer 5

When stationary, the normal contact force is equal to weight.

At the top of the circle, (e.g. for a Ferris wheel), the normal contact force is reduced, resulting in a net force towards the centre of the circle.