Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

Centripetal Acceleration Hence, centripetal force is that force which is

(1) Acceleration acting on the object undergoing required to move a body in a circular path with uniform
uniform circular motion is called speed. The force acts on the body along the radius and
centripetal acceleration. v towards centre.
(2) It always acts on the object ac
Formulae for centripetal force :
along the radius towards the centre of
mv 2 m 4 π2 r
the circular path. F= =mω2 r=m 4 π 2 n2 r=
(3) Magnitude of centripetal r T2
Fig : 3.29
acceleration, Table 3.1 : Centripetal force in different situation
v2 4 π2
a = =ω2 r =4 π 2 n2 r= 2 r Situation Centripetal Force
r T
A particle tied to a string Tension in the string
(4) Direction of centripetal acceleration : It is and whirled in a

always the same as that of

Δ υ⃗ . When t decreases,  horizontal circle
Vehicle taking a turn on Frictional force exerted
also decreases. Due to which
Δ ⃗υ becomes more and
a level road by the road on the tyres
υ⃗
more perpendicular to . When  t  0,
Δ υ⃗
becomes A vehicle on a speed Weight of the body or a
perpendicular to the velocity vector. As the velocity breaker component of weight
vector of the particle at an instant acts along the Revolution of earth Gravitational force
Δ υ⃗ around the sun exerted by the sun
tangent to the circular path, therefore and hence
Electron revolving Coulomb attraction
the centripetal acceleration vector acts along the radius
around the nucleus in exerted by the protons in
of the circular path at that point and is directed towards
an atom the nucleus
the centre of the circular path.
A charged particle Magnetic force exerted
Centripetal force describing a circular by the agent that sets up
According to Newton's first law of motion, path in a magnetic field the magnetic field
whenever a body moves in a straight line with uniform
velocity, no force is required to maintain this velocity. Centrifugal Force
But when a body moves along a circular path with It is an imaginary force due to incorporated effects
uniform speed, its direction changes continuously i.e. of inertia. When a body is rotating in a circular path and
velocity keeps on changing on account of a change in the centripetal force vanishes, the body would leave the
direction. According to Newton's second law of motion, circular path. To an observer A who is not sharing the
a change in the direction of motion of the body can take motion along the circular path, the body appears to fly
place only if some external force acts on the body. off tangentially at the point of release. To another
Due to inertia, at every point of the circular path; observer B, who is sharing the motion along the circular
the body tends to move along path (i.e., the observer B is also rotating with the body
v
the tangent to the circular path with the same velocity), the body appears to be
v
at that point (in figure). Since stationary before it is released. When the body is
every body has directional released, it appears to B, as if it has been thrown off
F
inertia, a velocity cannot change F F along the radius away from the centre by some force. In
by itself and as such we have to F reality no force is actually seen to act on the body. In
apply a force. But this force absence of any real force the body tends to continue its
should be such that it changes v motion in a straight line due to its inertia. The observer
v
the direction of velocity and not Fig : 3.30 A easily relates this events to be due to inertia but since
its magnitude. This is possible the inertia of both the observer B and the body is same,
only if the force acts perpendicular to the direction of the observer B can not relate the above happening to
velocity. Because the velocity is along the tangent, this inertia. When the centripetal force ceases to act on the
force must be along the radius (because the radius of a body, the body leaves its circular path and continues to
circle at any point is perpendicular to the tangent at that move in its straight-line motion but to observer B it
point). Further, as this force is to move the body in a appears that a real force has actually acted on the body
circular path, it must acts towards the centre. This and is responsible for throwing the body radially out-
centre-seeking force is called the centripetal force. wards. This imaginary force is given a name to explain
the effects of inertia to the observer who is sharing the
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion
circular motion of the body. This inertial force is called Hence maximum angular velocity of rotation of the
centrifugal force. Thus centrifugal force is a fictitious
force which has significance only in a rotating frame of platform is √( μg/r ) , so that object will not skid on it.
reference. Bending of A Cyclist
Work Done by Centripetal Force A cyclist provides himself the necessary
centripetal force by leaning inward on a horizontal
The work done by centripetal S track, while going round a curve. Consider a cyclist of
force is always zero as it is weight mg taking a turn of radius r with velocity v. In
perpendicular to velocity and hence order to provide the necessary centripetal force, the
90o
instantaneous displacement. cyclist leans through angle  inwards as shown in
F
Work done = Increment in figure.
kinetic energy of revolving body The cyclist is under the action of the following
Work done = 0 forces :
Fig : 3.31
⃗F . ⃗S The weight mg acting vertically downward at the
Also W = = F  S cos = centre of gravity of cycle and the cyclist.
FS cos 90o = 0 The reaction R of the ground on cyclist. It will act
Example : (i) When an electron revolves around along a line-making angle  with the vertical.
the nucleus in hydrogen atom in a particular orbit, it The vertical component R cos of the normal
neither absorb nor emit any energy means its energy reaction R will balance the weight of the cyclist, while
remains constant.
the horizontal component R sin  will provide the
(ii) When a satellite established once in a orbit necessary centripetal force to the cyclist.
around the earth and it starts revolving with particular R
speed, then no fuel is required for its circular motion. mv 2
R sin θ= R cos
Skidding of Vehicle on A Level Road r …(i) 
When a vehicle takes a turn on a circular path it and R cos  = mg …(ii)
requires centripetal force. Dividing equation (i) by (ii), we
mvhave
2
/r R sin
If friction provides this centripetal force then 2
R sin θ m v /r
vehicle can move in circular path safely if =
R cosθ mg
Friction force  Required centripetal
force v2 mg
tanθ=
or rg …(iii)

Fig : 3.33
Therefore, the cyclist should bend through an

mg m 2 r angle
θ=tan−1 ( )v2
rg
mv 2 It follows that the angle through which cyclist
μ mg≥ should bend will be greater, if
r
(i) The radius of the curve is small i.e. the curve is
v ≤√ μ rg
 safe sharper
Fig : 3.32
This is the maximum speed by which vehicle can (ii) The velocity of the cyclist is large.
take a turn on a circular path of radius r, where
coefficient of friction between the road and tyre is .
Note : For the same reasons, an ice
skater or an aeroplane has to bend inwards, while
Skidding of Object on A Rotating Platform taking a turn.
On a rotating platform, to avoid the skidding of an
object (mass m) placed at a distance r from axis of
Banking of A Road
rotation, the centripetal force should be provided by For getting a centripetal force, cyclist bend
force of friction. towards the centre of circular path but it is not possible
Centripetal force  Force of friction in case of four wheelers.
m2r  mg Therefore, outer bed of the road is raised so that a
vehicle moving on it gets automatically inclined towards
ω max =√( μg /r) , the centre. R cos 
 R


R sin 




mg Fig.
(A)
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion
even if friction is sufficient to avoid skidding and its
inner wheel leaves the ground first

Weight of the car = mg

Speed of the car = v
Radius of the circular path = r
In the figure (A) shown reaction R is resolved into Distance between the centre of wheels of the car
two components, the component R cos balances = 2a
weight of vehicle Height of the centre of gravity (G) of the car from

 R cos θ=mg
the road level = h
…(i)
and the horizontal component R sin  provides Reaction on the inner wheel of the car by the
necessary centripetal force as it is directed towards ground = R1
centre of desired circle Reaction on the outer wheel of the car by the
2 ground = R2
mv
R sin θ= When a car move in a circular path, horizontal
Thus r …(ii) friction force F provides the required centripetal force
Dividing (ii) by (i), we have mv 2
2 F=
v i.e., R …(i)
tan θ=
rg …(iii) For rotational equilibrium, by taking the moment
2 of forces R1, R2 and F about G
ω r vω
tanθ= = Fh+R1 a=R2 a
or g g …(iv) [As v = r …(ii)
] As there is no vertical motion so R1 + R2 = mg
If l = width of the road, h = height of the outer …(iii)
edge from the ground level then from the figure (B) By solving (i), (ii) and (iii)
h h
tanθ= =
x l …(v) [since  is very small]
1
R1 = M g−
2 ra[
v2 h
] …(iv)
v2
From equation (iii), (iv) and (v)
2
tanθ=
rg
and
1
R2 = M g+
2 [
v2 h
ra ] …(v)
ω r vω h
= = = It is clear from equation (iv) that if v increases
g g l value of R1 decreases and for R1 = 0

Note : If friction is
v 2 μ+tan θ
=
also present v2 h
ra
=g
or
v=
√ gra
h

between the tyres and road then rg 1−μ tan θ i.e. the maximum speed of a car without overturning on

 Maximum safe speed on a banked v=

√ gra

√ rg( μ+tan θ) a flat road is given by h

v=
1−μ tan θ Motion of Charged Particle In Magnetic Field
frictional road
When a charged particle having mass m , charge
Overturning of Vehicle
q enters perpendicularly in a magnetic field B with
When a car moves in a circular path with speed velocity v then it describes a circular path.
more than a certain maximum speed then it overturns

R1 G R2
h
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion
Because magnetic force (qvB) works in the → → →
dυ dω dr
perpendicular direction of v and it provides required = ×⃗r + ω⃗ ×
centripetal force
dt dt dt …(ii)
→
Magnetic force = Centripetal force dv
       =⃗a ,
mv 2 Here, dt (Resultant acceleration) at
     v  a
qvB = r       
⃗a =⃗α × ⃗r + ω⃗ × ⃗υ
→ 
 radius of the circular path     
q  dω O ac P
F =⃗
α
mv      
dt (Angular acceleration)
r=       
qB ⃗
B a= ⃗
⃗ at + ⃗ac
       …(iii) Fig : 3.39
→
Fig : 3.36 dr
=⃗υ
Reaction of Road On Car dt (Linear velocity)
(1) When car moves on a concave bridge then Thus the resultant acceleration of the particle at P
has two component accelerations
R a =⃗α ×⃗r
⃗
 (1) Tangential acceleration : t
It acts along the tangent to the circular path at P
in the plane of circular path.
 v According to right hand rule since ⃗
α and ⃗
r are
mg cos
Concave bridge
perpendicular to each other, therefore, the magnitude
m of tangential acceleration is given by
g
Fig : 3.37 a t|=|⃗α × ⃗r|= α r sin 90o =α r .
|⃗
mv 2
= (2) Centripetal (Radial) acceleration :
R−mgcos θ r
Centripetal force = a c=⃗
⃗ ω×⃗v
mv 2 It is also called centripetal acceleration of the
R=mgcos θ+
and reaction r particle at P.
It acts along the radius of the particle at P.
(2) When car moves on a convex bridge
According to right hand rule since ⃗
ω and υ⃗ are
R perpendicular to each other, therefore, the magnitude
v of centripetal acceleration is given by
 mg cos
|⃗ac|=|⃗ω × ⃗υ |= ω υ sin 90 o 2 2
mg = ω υ = ω(ω r ) = ω r=υ /r
 Table 3.2 : Tangential and centripetal
acceleration
Convex bridge
Centripet Tangential Net Type of
Fig : 3.38 al acceleratio acceleration motion
acceleratio n
mv 2 n
=
Centripetal force = mg cosθ−R r ac = 0 at = 0 a=0 Uniform
2 translatory
mv
R=mgcos θ− motion
and reaction r
ac = 0 at  0 a = at Accelerated
Non-Uniform Circular Motion translatory
If the speed of the particle in a horizontal circular motion

motion changes with respect to time, then its motion is ac  0 at = 0 a = ac Uniform

said to be non-uniform circular motion. circular
motion
Consider a particle describing a circular path of
radius r with centre at O. Let at an instant the particle ac  0 at  0
a=√ a2c + a2t Non-

be at P and υ⃗ be its linear velocity and ⃗

ω be its angular
uniform
circular
velocity. motion
Then, ⃗υ =ω×⃗
⃗ r …(i)
Differentiating both sides of w.r.t. time t we have
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion
[As h = l – l cos = l (1 –
Note : Here at governs the magnitude
cos)]
⃗v ⃗
ac where l is the length of the string
of while its direction of motion.
(3) Force : In non-uniform circular motion the C
particle simultaneously possesses two forces
mv 2
F c=mac = =mr ω 2 D
l O B
Centripetal force : r  v

F t =mat h P
Tangential force : u
A
F net =ma m √ a2c +a2t Fig : 3.40
Net force : = (2) Tension at any point on vertical loop :
Note : In non-uniform circular motion
Tension at general point P, According to Newton’s
second law of motion.
⃗F ⊥ ⃗v Net force towards centre = centripetal force
work done by centripetal force will be zero since c
C
 In non uniform circular motion work mv 2
T −mg cosθ=
done by tangential force will not be zero since Ft  0 l
 Rate of work done by net force in non- mv 2 l
T =mg cos θ+D B
uniform circular motion = rate of work done by l O  T
or P
tangential force
m  mg cos
dW ⃗ T = [ u2 −gl(2−3 cos θ )]
P= =F t . ⃗v l A mg
+ mv2/r
i.e. dt
[As
v=√ u2 −2gl(1−cos θ) ] Fig : 3.41
Equations of Circular Motion

For accelerated motion For retarded motion Table 3.3 : Velocity and tension in a vertical loop
ω 2=ω1 + α t ω 2=ω1 −α t
Position Angle Velocity Tension
1 1
θ=ω1 t + α t 2 θ=ω1 t− α t 2 mu 2
2 2 A 0o u + mg
2 2 2 2
l
ω 2 =ω1 + 2 α θ ω 2 =ω1 −2 α θ
mu 2
α
θn =ω1 + (2 n−1)
α
θn =ω1 − (2n−1)
B 90o √ u2−2gl l
−2 mg
2 2
mu2
Where
C 180o √ u2−4 gl l
−5 mg
1 = Initial angular velocity of particle
mu 2
2 = Final angular velocity of particle
 = Angular acceleration of particle
D 270o √ u2−2gl l
−2 mg

 = Angle covered by the particle in time t

n = Angle covered by the particle in nth It is clear from the table that :
T A >T B >T C and
second TB = TD
Motion in vertical circle T A−T B=3 mg,
This is an example of non-uniform circular motion. T A−T C =6 mg
In this motion body is under the influence of gravity of T −T C =3 mg
earth. When body moves from lowest point to highest and B
point. Its speed decrease and becomes minimum at Table 3.4 : Various conditions for vertical motion
highest point. Total mechanical energy of the body Velocity at Condition
remains conserved and KE converts into PE and vice lowest point
versa.
(1) Velocity at any point on vertical loop : If u u A > √5 gl Tension in the string will not be zero at
any of the point and body will continue
is the initial velocity imparted to body at lowest point the circular motion.
then velocity of body at height h is given by
u A =√ 5 gl , Tension at highest point C will be zero
v=√ u2 −2gh=√u 2−2 gl(1−cosθ) and body will just complete the circle.
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

√ 2 gl<u A< √5 gl , Particle will not follow circular motion. u2

Tension in string become zero
h=
Height at which the velocity vanishes is 2g
somewhere between points B and C
whereas velocity remain positive. u 2 + gl
Particle leaves circular path and follow
h=
Height at which the tension vanishes is 3g
parabolic trajectory.
(3) Critical condition for vertical looping : If
u A =√ 2 gl Both velocity and tension in the string the tension at C is zero, then body will just complete
becomes zero at B and particle will revolution in the vertical circle. This state of body is
oscillate along semi-circular path.
known as critical state. The speed of body in critical
u A < √2 gl velocity of particle becomes zero state is called as critical speed.
between A and B but tension will not be
mu 2
zero and the particle will oscillate about −5 mg=0
the point A. From the above table 3.3 TC = l

Note : K.E. of a body moving in

√
 u= 5 gl
It means to complete the vertical circle the body
horizontal circle is same throughout the path but the
K.E. of the body moving in vertical circle is different at must be projected with minimum velocity of √ 5gl at the
different places. lowest point.
 If body of mass m is tied to a string of
length l and is projected with a horizontal velocity u
then :
Table 3.5 : Different variables in vertical loop

Quantity Point A Point B Point C Point D Point P

Linear velocity (v)
√ 5gl √ 3gl √ gl √ 3gl √ gl (3+2cosθ)

√ √ √ √ √
Angular velocity ()
5g 3g g 3g g
(3+2 cosθ )
l l l l l
Tension in String (T) 6 mg 3 mg 0 3 mg 3 mg (1+cosθ )
Kinetic Energy (KE) 5 3 1 3 mu 2
mgl mgl mgl mgl −5 mg=0
2 2 2 2 l
Potential Energy (PE) 0 mgl 2 mgl mgl mgl (1−cos θ)
Total Energy (TE) 5 5 5 5 5
mgl mgl mgl mgl mgl
2 2 2 2 2
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

(4) Motion of a block on frictionless hemisphere : A small block of mass m slides down from the
top of a frictionless hemisphere of radius r. The component of the force of gravity (mg cos) provides required
centripetal force but at point B it's circular motion ceases and the block lose contact with the surface of the
sphere.
A
B (r –
 h) r
 h

mg
Fig : 3.42

For point B, by equating the forces,

mv 2
mg cos θ=
r …(i)
For point A and B, by law of conservation of energy
Total energy at point A = Total energy at point B
K.E.(A) + P.E.(A) = K.E.(B) + P.E.(B) Fig : 3.45
1
mv 2 +mgh
0 + mgr = 2 
v= 2g( r−h) √ …(ii)

and from the given figure h=r cos θ …(iii)

By substituting the value of v and h from eq (ii) and (iii) in eqn (i)
n

mg ( hr )= mr (√ 2 g (r−h) ) 2


h=2 (r−h) 
2
h= r
3
2
r
i.e. the block lose contact at the height of 3 from the ground.
h 2
cos θ= =
and angle from the vertical can be given by r 3
2
θ=cos−1
 3.
Conical Pendulum
This is the example of uniform circular motion in horizontal plane.
A bob of mass m attached to a light and in-extensible string rotates in a horizontal circle of radius
r with constant angular speed  about the vertical. The string makes angle  with vertical and appears
tracing the surface of a cone. So this arrangement is called conical pendulum.
The force acting on the bob are tension and weight of the bob.
mv 2
T sin θ=
From the figure r ….(i)

and
T cos θ=mg ….(ii)
S


l
h

O r P

Fig : 3.43
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

√ ( )
2 2
v
T =mg 1+
(1) Tension in the string :
rg

T=
mg
=
mgl h √ l 2 −r 2
cos θ √ l 2−r 2 cos θ= =
[As
l l ]
S


T T cos

T sin P mv2/r
O

mg
Fig : 3.44 v2
tanθ=
(2) Angle of string from the vertical : rg

(3) Linear velocity of the bob :

v=√ gr tanθ
(4) Angular velocity of the bob :

ω=
√ g
r
g
tan θ= =
h √ √g
l cosθ
(5) Time period of revolution :

T P=2 π
√ l cosθ
g
=2 π
h
g √
=2 π
√ l 2 −r 2
g
=2 π
√ r
g tan θ

TT Tips &
Tricks
 Consider a projectile of mass m thrown with
velocity u making angle θ with the horizontal. It is
projected from the point O and returns to the ground
at G. Also M is the highest point attained by it. (See
figure). Y

u P (X,Y)
H
G
O X
R

(i) In going from O to M, following changes take place

–
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

(a) Change in velocity =u sin θ

(b) Change in speed =u(1−cosθ )=2ucos 2 (θ/2)

(c) Change in momentum =musin θ

(d) Change (loss) in kinetic energy =1/2 mu 2 sin 2 θ

(e) Change (gain) in potential energy =1 /2 mu 2 sin2 θ

(f) Change in the direction of motion =∠ θ
(ii) On return to the ground, that is in going from O to
G, the following changes take place
(a) Change in speed = zero

(b) Change in velocity = 2 u sin θ

(c) Change in momentum = 2 mu sin θ
(d) Change in kinetic energy = zero
(e) Change in potential energy = zero

(f) Change in the direction of motion = ∠2 θ

 (i) At highest point, the horizontal component of
velocity is vx=u cos  and vertical component of
velocity vy is zero.
(ii) At highest point, linear momentum of a particle
m vx = mu cos.
(iii) Kinetic energy of the particle at the highest point
1
mv 2x
= 2
1
= mu 2 cos 2 θ .
2
 At highest point, acceleration due to gravity
acting vertically downward makes an angle of 90°
with the horizontal component of the velocity of the
projectile.
 At the highest point, momentum of the projectile
thrown at an angle  with horizontal is
p cosθ and K.E.
= (K.E.)i cos2.
 In projectile motion, horizontal component ucos
of velocity u remains constant throughout, whereas
vertical component usin changes and becomes zero
at the highest point.
 The trajectory of a projectile is parabolic.
 For a projectile, time of flight and maximum
height depend on the vertical component of the
velocity of projection.
 The range of the projectile is maximum for the
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

angle of projection
θ=45 ° .

 The maximum range of the projectile is :

u2
R max =
g
 When the range is maximum, the height attained
by the projectile is :

u2 R max
H= =
4g 4
 When the range of the projectile is maximum, the
time of flight is :

T =2 t= √
2u
g
 The height attained by a projectile is maximum,
when θ=90 ° .

u2
H max =
2g
It is twice that of height attained, when the range is
maximum.
 The time of flight of the projectile is also largest
for
θ=90 ° .
2u
T max =
g
 The trajectory of the projectile is a symmetric
parabola only when g is constant through out the

motion and
θ is not equal to 0°, 90° or 180°.

 If velocity of projection is made n times, the

maximum height attained and the range become n2
times and the time of flight becomes n times the
initial value.
 If the force acting on a particle is always
perpendicular to the velocity of the particle, then the
path of the particle is a circle. The centripetal force is
always perpendicular to the velocity of the particle.
 If circular motion of the object is uniform, the
object will possess only centripetal acceleration.
 If circular motion of the object is non-uniform, the
object will possess both centripetal and transverse
acceleration.
 When the particle moves along the circular path
with constant speed, the angular velocity is also
constant. But linear velocity, momentum as well as
 Motion in Two Dimension -Circular Motion

centripetal acceleration change in direction, although

their magnitude remains unchanged.
 For circular motion of rigid bodies with uniform
speed, the angular speed is same for all particles, but
linear speed varies directly as the radius of the

circular path described by the particle (v ∝r ) .

 When a body rotates, all its particles describe
circular paths about a line, called axis of rotation.
 The centre of the circle describe by the different
particles of the rotating body lie on the axis of
rotation.
2
 Centripetal force Fc = mac , mω r where m =
mass of the body.
 Centripetal force is always directed towards the
centre of the circular path.
 When a body rotates with uniform velocity, its
different particles have centripetal acceleration
(a c ∝r )
directly proportional to the radius .
 There can be no circular motion without
centripetal force.
 Centripetal force can be mechanical, electrical or
magnetic force.
 Planets go round the earth in circular orbits due
to the centripetal force provided by gravitational
force of the sun.
 Gravitational pull of earth provides centripetal
force for the orbital motion of the moon and artificial
satellites.
 Centripetal force cannot change the kinetic
energy of the body.
 In uniform circular motion the magnitude of the
centripetal acceleration remains constant whereas its
direction changes continuously but always directed
towards the centre.
 A pseudo force, that is equal and opposite to the
centripetal force is called centrifugal force.
⃗ ⃗
 The θ , ω and ⃗
α are directed along the axis of the
circular path. Their sense of direction is given by the
right hand fist rule as follows : ‘If we catch axis of
rotation in right hand fist such that the fingers point
in the direction of rotation, then the outstretched
⃗θ , ω⃗
thumb gives the direction of and ⃗
α