Circular Motion
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 1.6.1
Circular Motion
An object moving at a constant speed in a circle (circular motion) is constantly changing direction.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Circular Motion
Which of the following are true?