Topic 2.9 Circular Motion

Front

What is centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the component of an object’s acceleration directed toward the center of the object’s circular path.

Front

How is the magnitude of centripetal acceleration calculated?

Back

The magnitude of centripetal acceleration for an object moving in a circular path is the ratio of the object’s tangential speed squared to the radius of the circular path.

Front

In which direction is centripetal acceleration directed?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is directed toward the center of an object’s circular path.

Front

What can result in centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration can result from a single force, more than one force, or components of forces exerted on an object in circular motion.

Front

What is required at the top of a vertical, circular loop to maintain circular motion?

Back

At the top of a vertical, circular loop, an object requires a minimum speed to maintain circular motion. At this point, the gravitational force is the only force causing the centripetal acceleration.

Front

How do static friction and normal force contribute to centripetal acceleration on a banked surface?

Back

Components of the static friction force and the normal force can contribute to the net force producing centripetal acceleration of an object traveling in a circle on a banked surface.

Front

What role does tension play in centripetal acceleration for a conical pendulum?

Back

A component of tension contributes to the net force producing centripetal acceleration experienced by a conical pendulum.

Front

What is tangential acceleration?

Back

Tangential acceleration is the rate at which an object’s speed changes and is directed tangent to the object’s circular path.

Front

How is the net acceleration of an object moving in a circle determined?

Back

The net acceleration of an object moving in a circle is the vector sum of the centripetal acceleration and tangential acceleration.

Front

How is uniform circular motion described?

Back

The revolution of an object traveling in a circular path at a constant speed (uniform circular motion) can be described using period and frequency.