5.3.12

Circular Motion

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Circular Motion

An object moving at a constant speed in a circle (circular motion) is constantly changing direction.

Illustrative background for Velocity and acceleration are vector quantitiesIllustrative background for Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities ?? "content

Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities

  • Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities, so an object moving in a circle is constantly changing velocity and acceleration.
Illustrative background for Resultant force acts towards the centreIllustrative background for Resultant force acts towards the centre ?? "content

Resultant force acts towards the centre

  • The resultant force always acts towards the centre of the circle.
  • When on a roundabout, you have to pull yourself towards the middle to stop yourself falling off.
  • Therefore, the object is accelerating towards the centre of the circle.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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