Circular Motion & Gravitation (Circular Motion)

Question 1

Define Centripetal Motion

Answer 1

Motion along a circular path with no change in speed (only direction > velocity is changing)
* it is ACCELERATING b/c velocity is changing

Question 2

in Centripetal motion, where is the Velocity directed? Where is the Force directed?

Answer 2

Velocity is tangent to circular path

Force is towards the center

Question 3

What is Linear/Tangential Speed

Answer 3

Distance covered per unit time

v

Question 4

what is Angular/Rotational Speed

Answer 4

Radians per unit time
(ω)

• Complete circle = 2π radians

Question 5

Define Centripetal Force

Answer 5

the net force (towards the center) maintaining the centripetal motion
* this can be different forces or even multiple forces

Question 6

Define Critical Speed (in vertical circular motion) with an object on a string

Answer 6

the minimum speed required for the object to maintain circular motion. (Tension on the string is zero, Gravity is doing all the work)

Question 7

Describe a difference in vertical circular motion as opposed to horizontal circular motion

Answer 7

Speed is not always constant in vertical circular motion