U1: Circular Motion and Ociliations

Question 1

In what direction does centripetal acceleration act?

Answer 1

Towards the centre of the circle

Question 2

Law’s of gravitation

Answer 2

F = ( G • M • m ) / r^2

And

g = ( G • M ) / r^2

Question 3

Definition of S.H.M

Answer 3

Has a acceleration proportional to its displacement from a fixed point.
Accelerates in the opposite direction to its displacement.

Question 4

Equation for S.H.M

Answer 4

a = - ( 2 • Pi • f )^2 • x

Solutions:

x = A • sin( 2• Pi • f • t )

Question 5

What is light, heavy and critical dampening with examples?

Answer 5

Light : small change in amplitude over time e.g: plucked string.
Heavy: large change in amplitude quickly returning to equilibrium e.g: sealed container pushed down in treacle.
Critical: Oscillation straight to rest, this transfer to equilibrium is known as critical dampening e.g: car suspension attempts this.

Question 6

What is resonance?

Answer 6

When a driver frequency causes an object to oscillate by having a similar frequency to the objects natural frequency

Question 7

Equation of centripetal acceleration

Answer 7

a = v^2 / r

Question 8

Given two velocities in a circle and the angle between them how can you find the change in velocity?

Answer 8

Drawing a vector triangle and using trigonometry to find the missing side

Question 9

Relationship between period and radius of an orbit and the equation linking them

Answer 9

T^2 is proportional to r^3

T^2 = ( 4 • Pi / G • M ) • r^3

G is the gravitational constant =
6.673x10^-11

Question 10

What is the Gravitational Constant (G)?

Answer 10

6.673x10^-11

Question 11

What is angular frequency?

Answer 11

Frequency of full oscillations in radons, given by:

2 • Pi • f