"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."
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"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."
What you'll learn
- 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
Slides
Interactive presentations perfect for visual learners • In development
Slides
In development
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