Circular Motion Flashcards
Why is the velocity of an object moving in circular motion always changing?
Velocity has speed and direction. If you are moving in a circle then direction is always changing therefore you have a constantly changing velocity.
Why are objects that are moving in a circular motion always accelerating?
They have a constantly changing velocity there are always accelerating.
In which direction is acceleration always toward?
To the centre of the circle.
Give three example of circular motion and say what causes their centripetal force.
1) A satellite in orbit. CF caused by GRAVITY
2) Car turning corner. CF caused by FRICTION
3) Swinging a conker/sling shot. CF caused by TENSION in the rope.
What does there need to be in order for something to accelerate?
A resultant force.
What is centripetal force?
The force that keeps something moving in a circle.
What affects centripetal force?
1) MASS. Higher mass= bigger centripetal force.
2) SPEED. Faster object=bigger centripetal force.
3) RADIUS OF CIRCLE. Smaller circle= Larger force needed to keep it turning.
