Lesson Plan

Define uniform circular motion and explain why an object in it is always accelerating

Describe centripetal acceleration and compute its magnitude using a_c = v²/r or a_c = rω²

Explain that centripetal force is the net inward force, supplied by real forces, and compute it using F_c = ma_c

Identify the real force (tension, gravity, friction, normal) playing the centripetal role in a given situation

Solve problems involving centripetal acceleration and centripetal force, including the friction needed to round a curve

6.2

"The simplest case of circular motion is uniform circular motion, where an object travels a circular path at a constant speed." "We call the acceleration of an object moving in uniform circular motion the centripetal acceleration $a_c$ because centripetal means center seeking." "The component of any net force that causes circular motion is called a centripetal force." "Centrifugal force is not a real force but the result of an accelerating reference frame, such as a turning car or the spinning Earth. Centrifugal force refers to a fictional center fleeing force."