P3 - Circular Motion Flashcards
1
Q
What is centripetal force?
A
The force that acts towards the centre of the circle and keeps something moving.
2
Q
What 3 things can provide the centripetal force in a situation?
A
Friction, tension, gravity.
3
Q
What does centripetal force depend on?
A
Mass, speed, radius.
4
Q
What affect does a faster speed have on centripetal force?
A
Makes it bigger.
5
Q
What affect does a larger mass have on centripetal force?
A
Increases it.
6
Q
What effect does a smaller radius have on the centripetal force needed?
A
Increases it.
7
Q
What is happening if an object is travelling in a circle?
A
It’s velocity is constantly changing - the object accelerates towards the circle’s centre.
