Circular motion

A-level Physics

Unit G484: The Newtonian World

Motion in vertical circles

Circular motion

Learning objectivesAt the end of the lesson you will be able to:

Lesson focus• Identifying the origins of centripetal force

• use the equation for centripetal acceleration a = v2/r ;

• use the equation for centripetal force F = ma = mv2/r ;

• use these equations to describe uniform motion in vertical circles.

Circular motion

Learning outcomes

All of you should be able to• describe the centripetal force on an object as it moves at constant

speed in a vertical circle;

• explain how this force arises for

i) an object being swung on a string,

ii) a vehicle (e.g. roller coaster car) ‘looping the loop’.

Most of you will be able to• describe why an object can fall out of the circle in terms of the forces

on the object.

Circular motion LO 2: use the equation for centripetal force

Vertical circles LOs

Circular motion video

As seen on ‘Fifth gear’

click to start

Loop the loop LOs

Circular motion

1. Add labelled arrows to show

the forces on the car in each of

these positions.

2. In what direction must the

resultant act?

3. Under what conditions will the

car fall out of the track?

Loop the loop LOs

Circular motion

Loop the loop LOs

Circular motion

Vertical circlesG484 Jan., 2010

MS

LOs

Circular motionMS

Vertical circlesG484 Jan., 2010 LOs

Circular motionMS

Vertical circlesG484 Jan., 2010 LOs

Circular motionMS

Vertical circles

G484 Jan., 2010

LOs

Circular motion

Vertical circles LOs