Uniform circular motion

Angular displacement, angular velocity, angular

acceleration, period, frequency
Centripetal acceleration
Dynamic equation, Centripetal force
Linear vs circular motion
Newton’s Law of Gravitation
Weight, Gravity, and satellite in circular orbit

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 Lesson Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. define angular displacement, angular velocity, angular
acceleration, period and frequency.
2. state the relation between the linear and circular parts of
the motions.
3. apply Newton’s universal laws of gravitation to determine
the weight of a body.
4. use free-body diagrams to solve problems involving
centripetal forces and accelerations.

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Tie a string to a stone and then swing it above your
head horizontally.

The motion of the stone is an example of circular motion.

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 Uniform Circular Motion
It’s a motion of a particle around a circle or circular arc
at constant (uniform) speed.
The velocity is always directed tangent to the circle in
the direction of the motion.
2πr
v=
T
Period T, is the time
required to travel once
around the circle, that is to
complete one revolution.

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 Uniform circular motion
• In Fig. (a), at time t0 the
velocity is tangent to the
circle at point O and at Fig. (a)
a later time t the
velocity is a tangent at
point P.

As the object moves from O to P, the radius traces out the

angle θ , and the velocity vector change the direction.

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• In Fig. (b), the velocity vector at time t is redrawn
with its tail at O parallel to itself.
• The angle β between the two vectors indicates the
change in the direction.
• Since the radii CO and
CP are perpendicular to
the tangent at O and P so P
it follows that
α + β = 90°
and α + θ = 90°,
Fig. (b)
Thus β = θ

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• The acceleration a, is the change in ∆ v in velocity
divided be elapsed time ∆ t, a = ∆ v/∆ t.
•Fig. (c) shows two velocity vectors oriented at the angle
θ , together with the vector ∆ v that represents the
change in the velocity vectors (vt0 + ∆ v)= vt
• The resultant velocity vector, v,

has a new direction after an

elapsed time ∆ t = t - t0

Part of Fig. (b)

Fig. (c)

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 Part of Fig. (b)
• Fig. (d) shows the sector of
the circle COP.
• When ∆ t is very small the
arc length OP is straight line
and equals to the distance v∆ t
that traveled by the object.
• In this limit, COP is an
isosceles triangle with apex
angle θ .
Fig. (d)

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 Compare COP in Fig (d) with triangle
in Fig (c). They are similar because
both are isosceles triangles with apex
angles labeled θ are same. Thus
∆v v∆t Fig. (c)
=
v r
∆v
This equation can be solved for ,
∆t
to show the magnitude of centripetal
acceleration ac, O
∆v v 2
ac = =
∆t r Fig. (d)

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EPF 0014 PHYSICS I 02/12/09 10
 Linear vs Circular
s
θ=
r
dθ 1  ds  v
ω= =  =
dt r  dt  r

dω 1  dv  a
α= = =
dt r  dt  r

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 Dynamics of
uniform circular motion
When an object is moving in a uniform circular
motion, there is an acceleration towards the center of
the circular path. (centripetal acceleration)

The magnitude of the acceleration is

2
v
ac = =ω r
2

r
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To provide this acceleration, there must be a
force acts towards the center of the circular
path.
• The force is called the centripetal force.
• The magnitude of this force can be
calculated by using Newton’s 2nd . law of
motion.

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 Equations describing uniform
circular motion

∑ Fc = mac
2 2
v mv
 ∑ FC = m
r
=
r

 ∑F C
= mω r
2

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 Radius and Centripetal Acceleration
• The bobsled track contained turns with
radii of 33 m and 24 m. Find the
centripetal acceleration at each turn for
a speed of 34 m/s, a speed that was
achieved in the two-man event. Express
the answers as multiples of g = 9.8
m/s2.

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 Solution
• The magnitude can be obtained from the relation ac = v r
2

• Since the radius r is in the denominator on the right side,

the acceleration is smaller when r is larger
• For radius =33 and 24 m the centripetal acceleration is
v 2 ( 34 m /s)
2
For r = 33, ac = = = 35 m /s2 = 3.6g
r 33 m
v 2 ( 34 m/s)
2
For r = 24, ac = = = 48 m/s2 = 4.9g
r 24 m
• The acceleration approaches to zero when r is very large. UCM
along the arc of an infinitely large circle entails no acceleration,
because is just like at constant speed along straight line.

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 UCM and Equilibrium,
Conceptual Problem:
• A car moves at a constant speed, and there are
three parts to the motion. It moves along a
straight line toward a circular turn, goes around
the turn, and then moves away along a straight
line. In each of the parts, is the car in
equilibrium?

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 Answer
• The object is in equilibrium when it has zero acceleration.
• As the car approaches the turn, both the speed and
direction of motion are constant.
• Thus the velocity vector does not change and there is no
acceleration.The same is true when the car moves away
from the turn. For these parts of motion the car is in
equilibrium.
• As the car goes around the turn, the direction of the travel
changes, so car has a centripetal acceleration that is a
characteristic of UCM.
• Because of this acceleration the car is not in equilibrium
during the turn.
• An object that is in UCM can never be in equilibrium.

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 Speed and Centripetal Force
• The model airplane has a
mass of 0.90 kg and moves at
a constant speed on a circle
that is parallel to the ground.
The path of the airplane and
its guideline lie in the same
horizontal plane, because the
weight of the plane is
balanced by the lift generated
by its wings. Find the tension
in the guideline (length 17 m)
for speed of 19 and 38 m/s.

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 Solution
• Since the plane flies on a circular path, it experiences a
centripetal acceleration. that is directed towards the center.
• This acceleration is produced by a net force which is equal
to the tension T. Because T in the guideline is the only force
pulling the plane inward it must be the centripetal
force.Thus, Fc= T = mv2/r,
• T for the two speed are:
mv 2 ( 0.90 kg)(19 m/s) 2
T19 = Fc = = = 19 N 38 = 2(19)
r 17 m
mv 2 ( 0.90 kg)(38 m/s) 2 T38 = 4T19
T38 = Fc = = = 76 N
r 17 m
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Example
• A 1200.0 kg car rounded a corner of a radius r = 45 m. If the coefficient
of static friction µ s = 0.82, what is the greatest speed the car can have in
the corner without skidding?

Solution:
•The sum of F in x-direction for the force of static friction
and is 2
mv
∑F x = f s = µ s N = ma x = macp =
r
•The sum of y-components of force is

∑F y = N − W = ma y Thus N = W = mg

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•Substitute N and solve for v,
v2 v2
µ s mg = m , thus v = µ s rg or µ s =
r rg
Thus v = (082)(45 m)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 19 m/s

The mass of the car has been eliminated. Thus all cars,
heavy or light have the same maximum speed.
The speed it depends on µ s, thus the dry road allows
greater maximum speed than icy road.
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 Example
• If a lateral acceleration of 8.9 m/s2 represents the
maximum ac that can be attained without skidding out
of the circular path, and if the car is traveling at a
constant 45 m/s, what is a minimum radius of curve it
can negotiate? If the driver rounding a flat with
unbanked curve with radius R. If the coefficient of
friction between the tires and road is µ s, what is the
maximum speed v at which he can take the curve
without skidding?

EPF 0014 PHYSICS I 02/12/09 23

Solution
• (a) We have, ac = 8.9 m/s and v = 45 m/s.
• R = v2/ac,=(45 m/s)2/8.9 m/s2, = 230 m.
• (b) Acceleration v2/R toward the center of the curve must be
caused by friction force Fs, there is no vertical acceleration,
Thus, Fs = m v2/R, The normal force FN – mg = 0.
• We have Fs = µ s FN, , = µ s mg, which is constant and
determine the car’s maximum speed. v = (µ s gR)1/2 , if µ s =
0.91, R = 230 m, Then v = 45 m/s.

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 Banked Curve

A vehicle can negotiate a circular turn without relying

on static friction to provide the centripetal force if the
turn is banked at an angle relative to the horizontal.

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 To provide centripetal force
(without friction) : 2
mv
Fc = FN sin θ =
r
FN cos θ = mg
FN sin θ mv 2 / r
=
FN cos θ mg
v2
tan θ =
rg
For a given speed, v, the centripetal force needed for a turn of
radius r can be obtained by banking the turn at an angle θ ,
independent of the mass of vehicle.
What would happen if a vehicle moves at a speed much larger
or much smaller than v?

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 GRAVITY

• Gravity is a fundamental force in sense that cannot be

explained in terms of any other force.
• Fundamental forces are: gravitational, electromagnetic and
nuclear forces.
• These forces seem to be responsible for everything that
happens in the universe.
• Gravitational forces act between all bodies in the universe
and hold together planets, stars and galaxies of stars.

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Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
 Newton proposed a force law saying that every
particle attracts any other particle with a gravitational
force.
 Every particle of matter in the universe attracts
every other particle with a force that is directly
proportional to the product of the masses of the
particles and inversely proportional to the square of
the distance between them.

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Gravitational Attraction of Spherical Bodies
A uniform sphere with a radius R and mass M, and object of
mass m is brought near the sphere at the distance r from the
center.
Newton showed that, the net
force exerted by the sphere on
the mass, m is the same as if all
the masses of the sphere were
concentrated at its center this
force is, GmM
F =
r2

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Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
The force of gravity between any two point objects of
mass m1 an m2 is attractive and of magnitude

Gm1m2
F = 2
r
where G is the universal gravitational
constant, G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2/kg2

F-gravity forms action-reaction pair.

 Dependence of the Gravitational Force
on Separation Distance, r

Gm1m2
F = 2
r

The force diminishes rapidly with the distance, but never completely
vanishes. Thus, gravity is a force of infinite range

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 Weight
• Previously we defined the weight of a body as the attractive
gravitational force exerted on it by the earth.
• Now, we can broaden the definition as: the weight of the
body is the total gravitational force exerted on the body by
all other bodies in the universe.
• When the body near the earth, we can neglect all other
gravitational forces and consider the weight as just the
earth’s gravitational attraction.
• At the surface of the moon we can neglect all others forces
and consider the body’s weight to be gravitational attraction
of the moon, and so on.

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So, the weight of a body of mass, m, near the earth surface,
GmM e
F = mg = 2
re
where Me and re are the mass and radius of the earth respectively.

GM e Me= 5.98 × 1024 kg

so, g = 2 re= 6.38 × 106 m
re
For a body of mass, m, at a distance h from the earth surface,
GM e GmM e
g= So, Weight = mg =
( h + re ) 2
( h + re ) 2

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 Mass in Circular Orbit

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EPF 0014 PHYSICS I 02/12/09 35
 Gravitational and Inertial Mass
 We have had two definitions of mass:
• The property of an object that resists change in state
of motion.
• Appears as the constant in Newton’s second law
F = ma. It is called inertial mass.
•The property of an object that determines the
strength of the gravitational force
F = mg.
It is called gravitational mass.

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Example
• Find the acceleration of gravity on the surface of
the moon.
• The lunar rover has a mass of 225 kg. What is its
weight on the earth and on the moon?

[note, the mass of the moon is Mm = 7.35 x 1022 kg

and its radius is Rm = 1.74 x 106 m.]

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 Solution:
GM m 6.67 x10 −11 × 7.35 × 10 22
gm = = = 1 . 62 m/s 2

Rm (1.74 × 10 )
6 2

•This is about 1/6 of the g on the earth.

•On the earth the rover,s weight was
W = mg = 225kg × 9.81m / s 2 = 2210N
•On the Moon, its weight was
2
W = mg = 225kg × 1.62 m / s = 365N
•As expected 1/6 its earth weight.

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 Conceptual Question

• Other things being equal, would it be

easier to drive at high speed around
unbanked horizontal curve on the moon
than to drive around the same curve on
the earth? Explain.

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 REASONING AND SOLUTION
• The maximum safe speed with which a car can round
an unbanked horizontal curve of radius r is given by .
v = µ s rg
•Since the acceleration due to gravity on the moon is
roughly one sixth that on earth, the safe speed for the same
curve on the moon would be less than that on earth. In
other words, other things being equal, it would be more
difficult to drive at high speed around an unbanked curve
on the moon as compared to driving around the same curve
on the earth.

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 Conceptual Question
• A stone is tied to a string and whirled around in
a circular path at a constant speed. Is string
more likely to break when the circle is
horizontal or when it vertical? Account for to
your answer assuming the constant speed is
the same in each case.

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 REASONING AND SOLUTION
• When the string is whirled in a horizontal circle, the
tension in the string, FT, provides the centripetal force
which causes the stone to move in a circle. Since the
speed of the stone is constant, and the tension in the
string is constant.
• When the string is whirled in a vertical circle, the
tension in the string and the weight of the stone both
contribute to the centripetal force, depending on where
the stone is on the circle.

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• Now, however, the tension increases and decreases as the stone traverses
the vertical circle. When the stone is at the lowest point in its swing, the
tension in the string pulls the stone upward, while the weight of the stone
acts downward. Therefore, the centripetal force is .

2 2
mv mv
= FT − mg Thus FT = + mg
r r
• This tension is larger than in the horizontal case.
mv 2
FT =
r
• Therefore, the string has a greater chance of breaking
when the stone is whirled in a vertical circle.

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 Loop the Loop

The rider who perform

the loop-the loop trick
know that he must have
a minimum speed at
the top of the circle to
remain on the track.

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 mv 12
1. FN1 − mg =
r
mv 22
2. FN2 =
r

mv 32
3. FN 3 + mg =
r

mv 42
4. FN4 =
r

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