Physics 3 - Centripetal Force

Question 1

Give 2 factors that increase the centripetal force acting on an object.

Answer 1

A greater massA larger velocityA smaller radius of circular motion.

Question 2

Name the centripetal force acting on a satellite orbiting the Earth.

Answer 2

Gravity.

Question 3

Name the centripetal force acting when a dad is swinging his child around with them handing hands.

Answer 3

The tension in his arms. The tension in his musclesThe friction between dad’s hands and the child’s.

Question 4

Name the centripetal force acting on a ball in the swing ball game.

Answer 4

The tension on the string.

Question 5

Give the direction of the resultant force acting on an object moving in a circle.

Answer 5

Towards the centre of the circle the object is moving in. A resultant force shows it is always accelerating towards the centre of the circle.

Question 6

The the centripetal force keeping a car moving around a round a bout.

Answer 6

Friction between the road and the tyres.

Question 7

Name the centripetal force keeping electrons in orbit around the nucleus of an atom.

Answer 7

Electrostatic force (due to the attractive force of protons and electrons)

Question 8

What is constantly changing for an object in circular motion?

Answer 8

The direction of travel. Not its speed.

Question 9

Why is an object travelling at constant speed in circular motion always accelerating?

Answer 9

Its direction is constantly changing and so its velocity is too. Acceleration is change in velocity / time.