Weight and Circular Motion Flashcards
1
Q
What is weight?
A
Weight is the force acting downwards on an object due to gravity
2
Q
What can be used to measure weight?
A
- A calibrated spring balance
- A newton meter
3
Q
What is the equation to calculate weight?
A
4
Q
(Exam-style question)
Describe the mass and weight of an astronaut on the moon, compared to their mass and weight on Earth.
A
- Mass remains the same
- Weight decreases because gravitational force is lower on the moon
5
Q
What happens to an object that travels in a circle at a constant speed?
A
- The object constantly changes direction, therefore it changes velocity
- This means the object accelerates
6
Q
What is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path called?
A
Centripetal force
7
Q
In what direction does the force that keeps an object moving in a circle act?
A
Towards the centre of the circle
