1.6.1

Circular Motion

Test yourself

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

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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