Topic 7 Motion in A Circle
Topic 7 Motion in A Circle
Topic 7 Motion in A Circle
Summary
• Angles may be measured in radians (rad). One radian is the angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc
of the circle equal in length to its radius.
• Angular speed ω is the angle swept out per unit time by a line rotating about a point.
• A particle moving along a circle of radius r with linear speed v has angular velocity ω given by v = rω.
• A resultant force acting towards the centre of the circle, called the centripetal force, is required to make an
object move in a circle.
• An object moving along a circle of radius r with linear speed v and angular speed ω has an
acceleration a towards the centre (the centripetal acceleration) given by a = v /r = rω .
2 2
• For an object of mass m moving along a circle of radius r with linear speed v and angular speed ω, the
centripetal force F is given by F = mv /r = mrω .
2 2
• Centripetal acceleration = = rω
2
• A constant force acting perpendicular to the direction of motion is required for circular motion
Time period