HOW IT WORKS
Uniform Circular Motion and Centripetal Force
CONCEPT
KEY CONCEPT
- Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directing it towards the center of the circle.
- Centripetal force is always directed inward and perpendicular to the object's velocity vector.
- It is responsible for maintaining the object's acceleration towards the center of the circle, allowing it to stay on its curved path.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
- Circular motion refers to the movement of an object along a curved path or circular trajectory.
- In circular motion, the object continuously changes its direction, but its distance from a fixed point remains constant.
- The key characteristic of circular motion is the presence of a centripetal force that acts towards the center of the circle, continuously changing the object's direction and preventing it from moving in a straight line.
Formula for Centripetal Force
Formula for Centripetal Force
Formula and its Components
How changes in mass, velocity, or radius affect the centripetal force
Increase in mass (m): If the mass of an object experiencing circular motion increases, the centripetal force required to keep it in that motion will also increase.
Increase in velocity (v): When the velocity of an object in circular motion increases, the centripetal force needed to keep it moving in that path will also increase.
Decrease in radius (r): If the radius of the circular path decreases, the centripetal force required to keep the object in that path will increase.
These changes are interconnected and can affect each other. For example, increasing the velocity might require a larger centripetal force, which could be achieved by either increasing the mass or decreasing the radius.
Fc = (mv^2)/r
F = force
m = mass
v = velocity
r = radius
Centripetal Force in Real Life
Examples of Centripetal Force
Centripetal Force vs.
Centrifugal Force
Centripetal Force vs. Centrifugal Force
- Centrifugal force is a perceived outward force,
- while centripetal force is the actual inward force acting on an object
- A common misconception regarding centrifugal force is that it is an actual force acting outward from the center of rotation.
CENTRIPAETAL AND
CENTRIFUGAL