Circular Motion and Centripetal Force

Front

What is Circular Motion?

Back

Circular motion is the motion of an object that travels along a circular path. It can be uniform (constant speed) or non-uniform (changing speed).

Front

What is Centripetal Force?

Back

Centripetal force is the net force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

Front

What happens to the centripetal force if the mass of the object increases?

Back

The centripetal force increases.

Front

What is the unit of centripetal acceleration?

Back

The unit of centripetal acceleration is m/s².

Front

What is the difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force?

Back

Centripetal force acts towards the center, while centrifugal force acts outward.

Front

What is the direction of centripetal acceleration?

Back

The direction of centripetal acceleration is towards the center of the circular path.

Front

What happens to the centripetal acceleration if the velocity of the object increases?

Back

The centripetal acceleration increases.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

The formula for centripetal acceleration (a_c) is a_c = v²/r, where v is the velocity and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What is the relationship between centripetal force and radius?

Back

Centripetal force is inversely proportional to the radius; as the radius increases, the centripetal force decreases for a constant mass and velocity.

Front

What is an example of centripetal force in everyday life?

Back

An example of centripetal force is the tension in a string when a ball is swung in a circular motion.