Circular Motion

CIRCULAR MOTION
———————————————————————————————————


CIRCULAR MOTION :
When a particle moves in a plane such that its distance from a fixed (or moving) point remains constant,
then its motion is known as circular motion with respect to that fixed (or moving) point. The fixed point is
called centre, and the distance of particle from it is called radius.

1. KINEMATICS OF CIRCULAR MOTION :

1.1 Variables of Motion :
(a) Angular Position : To decide the angular position of a point in space we need to specify (i)
origin and (ii) reference line.
The angle made by the position vector w.r.t. origin, with the reference line is called angular position.
Clearly angular position depends on the choice of the origin as well as the Y

reference line.
P'
Circular motion is a two dimensional motion or motion in a plane. P

Suppose a particle P is moving in a circle of radius r and centre O.

The angular position of the particle P at a given instant may be described O r X
by the angle  between OP and OX. This angle  is called the angular
position of the particle.
(b) Angular Displacement :
Definition : Angle through which the position vector of the moving particle rotates in a given time
interval is called its angular displacement. Angular displacement depends on origin, but it does not
depends on the reference line. As the particle moves on above circle its angular position  changes.
Suppose the point rotates through an angle  in time t, then  is angular displacement.
 Important points :
  Angular displacement is a dimensionless quantity. Its SI unit is radian, some other units are degree
and revolution.
2 rad = 360° = 1 rev
  Infinitesimally small angular displacement is a vector quantity, but finite angular displacement is a
scalar, because while the addition of the Infinitesimally small angular displacements is commutative,
addition of finite angular displacement is not.
d1  d2  d2  d1 but 1  2  2  1
  Direction of small angular displacement is decided by right hand thumb rule. When the fingers are directed
along the motion of the point then thumb will represents the direction of angular displacement.
(c) Angular Velocity 
(i) Average Angular Velocity
Angular displacement
av =
Total time taken
2  1 
av  
t 2  t1 t
where 1 and 2 are angular position of the particle at time t1 and t2. Since angular displacement
is a scalar, average angular velocity is also a scalar.
(ii) Instantaneous Angular Velocity : It is the limit of average angular velocity as t approaches
 d
zero. i.e.  = lim =
t 0 t dt
Since infinitesimally small angular displacement d is a vector quantity, instantaneous angular
velocity  is also a vector, whose direction is given by right hand thumb rule.

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Circular Motion
 Important points :
 Angular velocity has dimension of [T –1] and SI unit rad/s.
  For a rigid body, as all points will rotate through same angle in same time, angular velocity is a
characteristic of the body as a whole, e.g., angular velocity of all points of earth about earth’s axis is
(2/24) rad/hr.
  If a body makes ‘n’ rotations in ‘t’ seconds then average angular velocity in radian per second will be
2n
av 
t
2
If T is the period and ‘f’ the frequency of uniform circular motion av = = 2f
T

If angular displacement of a particle is given by   a  bt  ct , then find its angular velocity.

2
Example 1.
d
Solution :   b  2ct
dt
Example 2. Is the angular velocity of rotation of hour hand of a watch greater or smaller than the angular
velocity of Earth’s rotation about its own axis ?
Solution : Hour hand completes one rotation in 12 hours while Earth completes one rotation in 24 hours.
 2 
So, angular velocity of hour hand is double the angular velocity of Earth.    .
 T 
———————————————————————————————————
(d) Angular Acceleration 
(i) Average Angular Acceleration : Let 1 and 2 be the instantaneous angular speeds at times t1
  1 
and t2 respectively, then the average angular acceleration av is defined as av  2 
t 2  t1 t
(ii) Instantaneous Angular Acceleration : It is the limit of average angular acceleration as t
 d
approaches zero, i.e.,   lim 
t0 t dt
d d d 
2
d
since   ,   = = 2 , Also   
dt dt dt d
 Important points :
  Both average and instantaneous angular acceleration are axial vectors with dimension [T –2] and
unit rad/s2.
 If  = 0, circular motion is said to be uniform.

1.2 Motion with constant angular velocity

 = t,  = 0
1.3 Motion with constant angular acceleration
0  Initial angular velocity
  Final angular velocity
  Constant angular acceleration
  Angular displacement
Circular motion with constant angular acceleration is analogous to one
dimensional translational motion with constant acceleration. Hence
even here equation of motion have same form.
1 2
 = 0 + t ;  = 0t + t
2
   0 
2 = 02 + 2  ;   =   t
 2 

nth = 0 + (n – n-1)
2
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Circular Motion
2. RELATION BETWEEN SPEED AND ANGULAR VELOCITY :
v   r
Here, v is velocity of the particle,  is angular velocity about centre of circular motion and ‘ r ’ is
position of particle w.r.t. center of circular motion.
Since   r
v =  r for circular motion.

Example 3. A particle is moving with constant speed in a circular path. Find the ratio of average velocity to

its instantaneous velocity when the particle describes an angle  =
2
 R R
Solution : Time taken to describe angle , t = = =
 v 2v
Total displacement 2 R 2 2
Average velocity = = = v
Total time R / 2v 
Instantaneous velocity = v
2 2
The ratio of average velocity to its instantaneous velocity = Ans.

Example 4. A fan is rotating with angular velocity 100 rev/sec. Then it is switched off. It takes 5 minutes to
stop. (a) Find the total number of revolution made before it stops. (Assume uniform angular
retardation) (b) Find the value of angular retardation (c) Find the average angular velocity
during this interval.
   0   100  0 
Solution : (a)  =   t =  2  × 5× 60 = 15000 revolution.
 2   
1
(b)  = 0 + t  0 = 100 –  ( 5 × 60)   = rev./sec2
3
Total Angle of Rotation 15000
(c) av  = = 50 rev./sec.
Total time taken 50  60
———————————————————————————————————
3. RELATIVE ANGULAR VELOCITY
Just as velocities are always relative, similarly angular velocity is also always relative. There is no such
thing as absolute angular velocity. Angular velocity is defined with respect to origin, the point from
which the position vector of the moving particle is drawn.
 Consider a particle P moving along a circular path shown in the
figure given below.
Here angular velocity of the particle P w.r.t. ‘O’ and ‘A’ will be
different
d
Angular velocity of a particle P w.r.t. O, PO =
dt
d
Angular velocity of a particle P w.r.t. A, PA =
dt
Definition :
Angular velocity of a particle ‘A’ with respect to the other moving particle ‘B’ is the rate at which position
vector of ‘A’ with respect to ‘B’ rotates at that instant. (or it is simply, angular velocity of A with origin
fixed at B). Angular velocity of A w.r.t. B, AB is mathematically define as
Component of relative velocity of A w.r. t. B, perpendicular to line (VAB )
AB = =
seperation between A and B rAB

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Circular Motion
Important points:
  If two particles are moving on two different concentric circles with different velocities then angular
velocity of B as observed by A will depend on their positions and velocities. Consider the case
when A and B are closest to each other moving in same direction as shown in figure. In this
situation

(VAB) = vrel | vB  v A | vB  v A
Separation between A and B is rBA = rB – rA
(VAB ) v  vA
so, AB = = B
rAB rB  rA
  If two particles are moving on the same circle or different B
B
coplanar concentric circles in same direction with different 
A
 A
uniform angular speed A and B respectively, the rate of O
O Initial line
Initial line
change of angle between OA and OB is
d
=B – A
dt
So the time taken by one to complete one revolution
around O w.r.t. the other
2 2 TT
T   1 2
rel 2  1 T1  T2
  B – A is rate of change of angle between OA and OB . This is not angular velocity of B w.r.t. A.
(Which is rate at which line AB rotates)

Example 5. Find the angular velocity of A with respect to B in the figure given below:

Solution : Angular velocity of A with respect to B ; 1

(VAB ) VA
AB =  A
rAB
VA

VB
sin

    (VAB) = VA sin 1  VB sin 2  r

1

2
    rAB = r
VB
sin

v A sin 1  vB sin 2 B
AB =
2

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Circular Motion
Example 6. Find the time period of meeting of minute hand and second hand of a clock.
2 2 Ref. line
Solution : min = rad/min., sec = rad/min
60 1
sec min = 2 (for second and minute hand to meet again)
(sec – min) t = 2
60
2(1 – 1/60) t = 2  t = min.
59

Example 7. Two particle A and B move on a circle. Initially Particle A and B are diagonally opposite to each
other. Particle A move with angular velocity  rad/sec., angular acceleration /2 rad/sec2 and
particle B moves with constant angular velocity 2 rad/sec. Find the time after which both the
particle A and B will collide.
Solution : Suppose angle between OA and OB =  then, rate of
change of ,
 = B– A2 –  = rad/sec

   B – A = – rad/sec2
2
If angular displacement is 
1
  t  t 2
2
for A and B to collide angular displacement  = 
1    2
  = t + t  t2 – 4t + 4 = 0  t = 2 sec. Ans.
2  2 
Example 8. A particle is moving with constant speed in a circle as shown, find the angular velocity of the
particle A with respect to fixed point B and C if angular velocity with respect to O is .

(v AO ) v
Solution : Angular velocity of A with respect to O is ; AO = = = 
rAO r
(v AB ) v  (v ) v 
 AB = = = and AC = AC  = =
rAB 2r 2 rAC 3r 3

Example 9. Particles A and B move with constant and equal speeds in a circle as shown, find the angular
velocity of the particle A with respect to B, if angular velocity of particle A w.r.t. O is .

(v AO ) v
Solution : Angular velocity of A with respect to O is ; AO = = = 
rAO r
(v AB )
Now, AB = vAB = 2v, Since vAB is perpendicular to rAB,
rAB
(v AB ) 2v
 (vAB) = vAB = 2v ; rAB = 2r  AB = = =
rAB 2r
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Circular Motion
Example 10. Find angular velocity of A with respect to O at the instant shown in the figure.

Solution : Angular velocity of A with respect to O is ;

(v )
 AO = AO 
rAO
v
vAO = v, (vAO) =
2

rAO = d 2
(v AO ) v/ 2 v
AO = = =
rAO d 2 2d

———————————————————————————————————
4. RADIAL AND TANGENTIAL ACCELERATION
There are two types of acceleration in circular motion ; Tangential acceleration and centripetal
acceleration.
(a) Tangential acceleration : Component of acceleration directed along tangent of circle is called
tangential acceleration. It is responsible for changing the speed of the particle. It is defined as,
dv d| v |
at = = = Rate of change of speed.
dt dt
at = r
 IMPORTANT POINT
(i) In vector form a t =   r
(ii) If tangential acceleration is directed in direction of velocity then the speed of the particle increases.
(iii) If tangential acceleration is directed opposite to velocity then the speed of the particle decreases.

(b) Centripetal acceleration : It is responsible for change in direction of velocity. In circular motion,
there is always a centripetal acceleration.
Centripetal acceleration is always variable because it changes in direction.
Centripetal acceleration is also called radial acceleration or normal acceleration.
(c) Total acceleration : Total acceleration is vector sum of centripetal acceleration and tangential
acceleration.
dv
a = ar  at
dt
a = a a
2 2 
t r

a
tan  = r
at
 IMPORTANT POINT
(i) Differentiation of speed gives tangential acceleration.
(ii) Differentiation of velocity ( v ) gives total acceleration.
dv d| v | dv
(iii) & are not same physical quantity. is the magnitude of rate of change of velocity, i.e.
dt dt dt
d| v |
magnitude of total acceleration and is a rate of change of speed, i.e. tangential acceleration.
dt
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Circular Motion
4.1 Calculation of centripetal acceleration :
Consider a particle which moves in a circle with constant speed v as shown in figure.

x
 change in velocity between the point A and B is ;

  v = vB  v A
Magnitude of change in velocity.
v  vB  v A  vB2  v 2A  2v A vB cos (  )
(vA = vB = v, since speed is same)

 | v | = 2v sin
2
Distance travelled by particle between A and B = r
r
Hence time taken, t =
v
v 2v sin  / 2 v 2 2sin  / 2
Net acceleration, anet =  =
t r / v r 

If t 0, then  is small, sin (/2) = /2

v dv v 2
lim  
t0 t dt r

v2 dv
i.e. net acceleration is but speed is constant so that tangential acceleration, at = = 0.
r dt

v2
 anet = ar =
r
** Through we have derived the formula of centripetal acceleration under condition of constant speed,
the same formula is applicable even when speed is variable.

 IMPORTANT POINT

In vector form ac   v

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Circular Motion

Example 11. The speed of a particle traveling in a circle of radius 20 cm increases uniformly from 6.0 m/s to
8.0 m/s in 4.0 s, find the angular acceleration.
Solution : Since speed increases uniformly, average tangential acceleration is equal to instantaneous
tangential acceleration
 The instantaneous tangential acceleration is given by
dv v  v1 8.0  6.0
at = = 2 = m/s2 = 0.5 m/s2.
dt t 2  t1 4.0
0.5m / s 2
The angular acceleration is  = at / r = = 2.5 rad/s2.
20cm
Example 12. A particle is moving in a circle of radius 10 cm with uniform speed completing the circle in 4s,
find the magnitude of its acceleration.
Solution : The distance covered in completing the circle is 2r = 2 × 10 cm. The linear speed is
2  10cm
v = 2r/t = = 5 cm/s.
4s
v2 (5 cm / s)2
The acceleration is a = = = 2.52 cm/s2.
r 10cm
Example 13. A particle moves in a circle of radius 2.0 cm at a speed given by v = 4t, where v is in cm/s and t
is in seconds.
(a) Find the tangential acceleration at t = 1s.
(b) Find total acceleration at t = 1s.
Solution : (a) Tangential acceleration
dv d
at = or at = (4t) = 4 cm/s2
dt dt
v2 (4)2
aC = = = 8 cm/s2  a = a2t  aC
2
 (4)2  (8)2  4 5 cm/s2
R 2
Example 14. A particle begins to move with a tangential acceleration of constant magnitude 0.6 m/s 2 in a
circular path. If it slips when its total acceleration becomes 1 m/s 2, Find the angle through which
it would have turned before it starts to slip.
Solution : aNet = a2t  ac2  2 = 2 + 2
 = 0 so 2 = 2 
2R = 2 (R)
ac = 2R = 2at
1= 0.36  (1.2 )2  1 – 0.36 = (1.2 )2 
0.8 2
       radian Ans.
1.2 3
———————————————————————————————————
5. DYNAMICS OF CIRCULAR MOTION :
If there is no force acting on a body it will move in a straight line (with constant speed). Hence if a body
is moving in a circular path or any curved path, there must be some force acting on the body.
If speed of body is constant, the net force acting on the body is along the inside normal to the path of
the body and it is called centripetal force.
mv 2
Centripetal force (Fc) = mac = = m 2 r
r
However if speed of the body varies then, in addition to above centripetal force which acts along inside
normal, there is also a force acting along the tangent of the path of the body which is called tangential force.
dv
Tangential force (Ft) = Mat = M = M  r ; where  is the angular acceleration
dt
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Circular Motion
 IMPORTANT POINT
mv 2
Remember is not a force itself. It is just the value of the net force acting along the inside normal
r
which is responsible for circular motion. This force may be friction, normal, tension, spring force,
gravitational force or a combination of them.
So to solve any problem in uniform circular motion we identify all the forces acting along the normal
mv 2
(towards center), calculate their resultant and equate it to .
r
If circular motion is non uniform then in addition to above step we also identify all the forces acting
mdv md | v |
along the tangent to the circular path, calculate their resultant and equate it to or .
dt dt

6. CIRCULAR MOTION IN HORIZONTAL PLANE :

Example 15. A block of mass 2kg is tied to a string of length 2m, the other end of which is fixed. The block is
moved on a smooth horizontal table with constant speed 5 m/s. Find the tension in the string.

Solution :

here centripetal force is provided by tension.

mv 2 2  52
T= = = 25 N
r 2

Example 16. A block of mass m moves with speed v against a smooth, fixed vertical circular groove of radius
r kept on smooth horizontal surface.

Find :
(i) normal reaction of the floor on the block.
(ii) normal reaction of the vertical wall on the block.
Solution : Here centripetal force is provided by normal reaction of vertical wall.
(i) normal reaction of floor NF = mg
mv 2
(ii) normal reaction of vertical wall NW = .
r

Example 17. A block of mass m is kept on the edge of a horizontal turn table of radius R, which is rotating
with constant angular velocity  (along with the block) about its axis. If coefficient of friction is ,
find the friction force between block and table
Solution : Here centripetal force is provided by friction force.
Friction force = centripetal force = m2R

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Circular Motion
Example 18. Consider a conical pendulum having bob of mass m is suspended from a ceiling through a
string of length L. The bob moves in a horizontal circle of radius r. Find (a) the angular speed of
the bob and (b) the tension in the string.
Solution : The situation is shown in figure. The angle  made by
the string with the vertical is given by
L2  r 2
sin = r / L, cos  = h/L = ...(i)
L
The forces on the particle are

(a) the tension T along the string and

(b) the weight mg vertically downward.
The particle is moving in a circle with a constant speed
v. Thus , the radial acceleration towards the centre has
magnitude v2 / r. Resolving the forces along the radial
direction and applying Newton’s second law,
Tsin  = m(v2 / r) ....(ii)
As there is no acceleration in vertical direction, we have from Newton’s law,
Tcos  = mg ....(iii)
Dividing (ii) by (iii),
v2
tan  = or, v = rg tan
rg
v gtan  g g g
 = = = = = Ans.
r r h L cos  1
2
(L  r2)2
mg mgL
And from (iii), T = = Ans.
cos  1
(L2
 r2)2
Example 19. A block of mass m is tied to a spring of spring constant k, natural length ,

and the other end of spring is fixed at O. If the block moves in a circular
path on a smooth horizontal surface with constant angular velocity , find
tension in the spring.
Solution : Assume extension in the spring is x.
Here centripetal force is provided by spring force.
m2
Centripetal force, kx = m2( + x)  x=
k  m2
km2
therefore, tension = kx = Ans.
k  m2
Example 20. A string breaks under a load of 50 kg. A mass of 1 kg is attached to one end of the string 10 m
long and is rotated in horizontal circle. Calculate the greatest number of revolutions that the
mass can make in one second without breaking the string.
Solution :   = 2n,
Tmax = 500 N, r = L sin  
Tsin = m2r 
    T = m2 L
 Tmax = m max
2
L
 Tmax = m(2nmax)2 L
1 Tmax 1 500 50
nmax = = = revolution per second. Ans.
2 mL 2 1 10 2
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Circular Motion
Example 21. A boy whirls a stone in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m and at height 4.9 m above level ground.
The string breaks, and the stone files off horizontally and strikes the ground at a point which is
10 m away from the point on the ground directly below the point where the string had broken.
What is the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the stone while in circular motion?
(g = 9.8 m/s2)
Solution :

2h 2  4.9
t=   1s
g 9.8
10 v2
v= = 10 m/s ; a = = 50 m/s2
t R

Example 22. A hemispherical bowl of radius R is rotating about its axis of symmetry which is kept vertical. A
small ball kept in the bowl rotates with the bowl without slipping on its smooth surface and the
angle made by the radius through the ball with the vertical is . Find the angular speed at which
the bowl is rotating.

Solution : Let  be the angular speed of rotation of the bowl. Two
force are acting on the ball.
1. Normal reaction N R 
2. weight mg N
The ball is rotating in a circle of radius r (= R sin ) with r A

centre at A at an angular speed . Thus, mg

N sin  = mr2 = mR2 sin 
N = mR2 .....(i)
and N cos  = mg .....(ii)
1 R2
Dividing Eqs. (i) by (ii), we get  
cos  g
g
    
R cos
———————————————————————————————————
7. RADIUS OF CURVATURE
Any curved path can be assumed to be made of infinite circular arcs. Radius of curvature at a point is
the radius of the circular arc at a particular point which fits the curve at that point.

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Circular Motion
If R is radius of the circular arc at a given point P, where velocity is v , then centripetal force at that
point is,
mv 2 mv 2
Fc =  R=
R FC
Now centripetal force Fc is simply the component of force perpendicular to velocity (let us say F ).
mv 2 v2
 R=  R=
F a
Where, aComponent of acceleration perpendicular to velocity. 
 If a particle moves in a trajectory given by y = f(x) then radius of curvature at any point (x, y) of the
3/2
  dy 2 
1    
  dx  
trajectory is given by  R=
d2 y
dx 2

Example 23. A particle of mass m is projected with speed u at an angle  with the horizontal. Find the radius
of curvature of the path traced out by the particle at the point of projection and also at the
highest point of trajectory.
Solution : at point of projection u
mv 2 mu2
R= =
F mg cos  

R=
u2
Ans. 
gcos  F=mgcos
at highest point F = mg
v 2
u cos 2 2
a = g, v = ucos : R= = Ans.
a g

Example 24. A particle moves along the plane trajectory y(x) with constant speed v. Find the radius of
curvature of the trajectory at the point x = 0 if the trajectory has the form of a parabola y = ax 2
where ‘a’ is a positive constant.
Solution : If the equation of the trajectory of a particle is given we can find the radius of trajectory of the
instantaneous circle by using the formula
3/2
  dy 2 
1    
  dx  
R=
d2 y
dx 2
dy d2 y
As ; y = ax2  = 2ax = 0 (at x = 0) and = 2a
dx dx 2
Now radius of trajectory is given by
[1  0]3 / 2 1
R= =
2a 2a
v2
Aliter : This problem can also be solved by using the formula : R = . y = ax2, differentiate
a
dy dx
with respect to time = 2ax ....(1)
dt dt
dy
at x = 0, vy = = 0 hence vx = v
dt
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Circular Motion
since vx is constant, ax = 0
2
d2 y d2 x  dx 
Now, differentiate (1) with respect to time = 2ax + 2a  
dt 2 dt 2  dt 
at x = 0, vx = v
net acceleration, a = ay = 2av2 (since ax = 0)
this acceleration is perpendicular to velocity (v x). Hence it is equal to centripetal acceleration
v2 v2 1
R= =  Ans.
a 2av 2 2a

———————————————————————————————————
8. MOTION IN A VERTICAL CIRCLE :
Let us consider the motion of a point mass tied to a string of
length  and whirled in a vertical circle. If at any time the body
is at angular position , as shown in the figure, the forces
acting on it are tension T in the string along the radius towards
the center and the weight of the body mg acting vertically
down wards.
Applying Newton’s law along radial direction
mv 2
T – mg cos  = m.ac =

mv 2
or T = + mg cos  .....(1)
The point mass will complete the circle only and only if tension
is never zero (except momentarily, if at all) if tension becomes
zero at any point, string will go slack and subsequently, the
only force acting on the body is gravity. Hence its subsequent
motion will be similar to that of a projectile.
From equation ...(1), it is evident that tension decreases with increase in  because cos  is a
decreasing function and v decreases with height. Hence tension is minimum at the top most point. i.e.
Tmin = Ttopmost.
T > 0 at all points.  Tmin > 0.
However if tension is momentarily zero at highest point the body would still be able to complete the
circle.
Hence condition for completing the circle (or looping the loop) is
Tmin  0 or Ttop  0.
mv 2top
Ttop + mg = .....(2)

Equation...(2) could also be obtained by putting  =  in equation ..(1).

For looping the loop, Ttop  0.

mv 2top
  mg  vtop  g .................(3)

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Circular Motion
Condition for looping the loop is vtop  g .
If speed at the lowest point is u, then from conservation of mechanical energy between lowest point and
top most point.
1 1
mu2 = m v 2top + mg . 2
2 2
using equation ..(3) for vtop we get u  5g
i.e., for looping the loop, velocity at lowest point must be  5g .

 If velocity at lowest point is just enough for looping the loop, value of various quantities. (True for a point
mass attached to a string or a mass moving on a smooth vertical circular track.)
P.E. = 0
By energy conservation, v =
2

T–mg =
could also be obtained by

anet = 5 g anet = g 10

C
v
aC
T=0
O aC = g
Ref.line at = 0

Fig. (3)

by energy conservation
+

A B,D C P(generalpo int)

1 Velocity 5g  3 g g g(3  2 cos )
2 Tension 6mg 3mg 0 3mg(1  cos )
3 PotentialEnergy 0 mg 2mg mg(1  cos )
4 Radial acceleration 5g 3g g g(3  2 cos )
5 Tangentialacceleration 0 g 0 g sin 
Note : From above table we can see, T bottom – Ttop = TC – TA = 6 mg , this difference in tension remain
same even if V > 5g
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Circular Motion

Example 25. Find minimum speed at A so that the ball can reach at point B as shown in figure. Also discuss
the motion of particle when T = 0, v = 0 simultaneously at  = 90º.

Solution : From energy conservation

1
mv 2A + 0 = 0 + mg (for minimum speed vB = 0)
2
vmin = 2g
at the position B, v = 0 and T = 0 (putting vB = 0 or  = 90º , in equation ............(1) )
ball will return back, motion is oscillatory
———————————————————————————————————
8.1. CONDITION FOR OSCILLATION OR LEAVING THE CIRCLE :
In case of non uniform circular motion in a vertical plane if velocity of body at lowest point is lesser than
5g , the particle will not complete the circle in vertical plane. In this case, the motion of the point
mass which depend on ‘whether tension becomes zero before speed becomes zero or vice versa.

Case : (Speed becomes zero before tension)

In this case the ball never rises above the level of the center O i.e. the body is confined to move within
C and B, (|  | < 90°) for this the speed at A, v < 2g (as proved in above example)
In this case tension cannot be zero, since a component of gravity acts radially outwards.
Hence the string will not go slack, and the ball will reverse back as soon as its speed becomes zero.
Its motion will be oscillatory motion.
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Circular Motion
Case : (Tension becomes zero before speed)
In this case the ball rises above the level of center O i.e. it goes beyond point B ( > 90°) for this
v > 2g (as proved in above example)

In this case a component of gravity will always act towards center, hence centripetal acceleration or
speed will remain nonzero. Hence tension becomes zero first.
As soon as, Tension becomes zero at any point, string will go slack and subsequently, the only force
acting on the body is gravity. Hence its subsequent motion will be similar to that of a projectile. In this
case motion is a combination of circular and projectile motion.

8.2 CONDITION FOR LOOPING THE LOOP IN SOME OTHER CASES

Case 1 : A mass moving on a smooth vertical circular track.

Case 2 : A particle attached to a light rod rotated in vertical

circle. Condition for just looping the loop, velocity v = 0 at
highest point (even if tension is zero, rod won’t slack, and a
compressive force can appear in the rod).
By energy conservation,
velocity at lowest point = 4g
Vmin  4g (for completing the circle)

Case 3 : A bead attached to a ring and rotated.

Condition for just looping the loop, velocity v = 0 at highest point (even if normal is zero, the bead will
not lose contact with the track, normal can act radially outward). By energy conservation,

velocity at lowest point = 4g

Vmin  4g (for completing the circle)

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Circular Motion
Case 4 : A block rotated between smooth surfaces of a pipe.
Condition for just looping the loop, velocity v = 0 at highest point (even if
normal is zero, the bead will not lose contact with the track, normal can act
radially outward).
By energy conservation, velocity at lowest point = 4g

Vmin  4g (for completing the circle)

Example 26. If a particle of mass M is tied to a light inextensible string fixed at

point P and particle is projected at A with velocity VA= 4gL as
shown. Find :
(i) velocity at points B and C
(ii) tension in the string at B and C
Assume particle is projected in the vertical plane.
Solution : VB = 2gL (from energy conservation) ; VC = 6gL
MvB2
TB + Mg =
L
TB = Mg
Mv C2
TC – Mg = ; TC = 7Mg (where M  Mass of the particle)
L
Example 27. Two point mass m are connected the light rod of length  and it is free to rotate in vertical plane
as shown. Calculate the minimum horizontal velocity is given to mass so that it completes the
circular motion in vertical lane.

Solution : Here tension in the rod at the top most point of circle can be zero or negative for completing the
loop. So velocity at the top most point is zero.
2
1 1 v 48g
From energy conservation mv 2 + m = mg(2) + mg(4) + 0  v = Ans.
2 2 4 5
Example 28. You may have seen in a circus a motorcyclist driving in vertical loops inside a ‘death well’
(a hollow spherical chamber with holes, so that the cyclist does not drop down when he is at
the uppermost point, with no support from below. What is the minimum speed required at the
uppermost position to perform a vertical loop if the radius of the chamber is 25 m?
Solution : When the motorcyclist is at the highest point of the death-well, the normal reaction R on the
motorcyclist by the ceiling of the chamber acts downwards. His weight mg also act downwards.
mv 2
Fnet = mac  R + mg =
r
Here v is the speed of the motorcyclist and m is the mass of the motorcyclist (including the mass
of the motor cycle). Because of the balancing of the forces, the motorcyclist does not fall down.
The minimum speed required to perform a vertical loop is given by equation (1) when R = 0.
2
mv min
    mg = or v2min = gr or vmin = gr = 9.8  25 m s–1 = 15.65 ms–1.
r
So, the minimum speed, at the top, required to perform a vertical loop is 15.65 m s–1.
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Circular Motion
Example 29. Prove that a motor car moving over a convex bridge is lighter than the same car resting on the
same bridge.
Solution : The motion of the motor car over a convex bridge AB is the R

motion along the segment of a circle AB (Figure) ;

The centripetal force is provided by the difference of weight mg
of the car and the normal reaction R of the bridge. A mg
B
2 2
mv mv
 mg – R = or R = mg –
r r
Clearly R < mg, i.e., the weight of the moving car is less
than the weight of the stationary car.

Example 30. Prove that a motor car moving over a concave bridge is heavier than the same car resting on
the same bridge.

Solution : The motion of the motor car over a concave bridge AB is R B

A
the motion along the segment of a circle AB (Figure) ;
The centripetal force is provided by the difference of
normal reaction R of the bridge and weight mg of the car. mg
2 2
mv mv
 R – mg = or R = mg +
r r
Clearly R > mg, i.e., the weight of the moving car is greater than the weight of the stationary car.

Example 31. A car is moving with uniform speed over a circular bridge of radius R which subtends an angle.
of 90° at its centre. Find the minimum possible speed so that the car can cross the bridge
without losing the contact any where.
Solution : Let the car losses the contact at angle  with the vertical
mv 2
mgcos – N =
R
mv 2
N = mgcos – ..........(1)
R
for losing the contact N = 0 ,
 v= Rgcos (from (1) )
for minimum speed, cos should be minimum so that  should be maximum.
1
max = 45°  cos 45° =
2
1/ 2
 Rg 
vmin =   Ans.
 2
So that if car cannot lose the contact at initial or final point, car cannot be lose the contact
anywhere.

Example 32. A block of mass m is released from the top of a frictionless fixed hemisphere as shown. Find
(i) the angle with the vertical where it breaks off. (ii) the velocity at the instant when it breaks off.
(iii) the height where it breaks off.
A

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Circular Motion
Solution : At B ; N = 0 A N
mvB2
 mgcos  =
>
B
R
R  h
 vB = gRcos ........... (1) mg vB
O
1 2
Now by equation of energy between A and B we have ; 0 + mgR = mvB + mgh
2
put vB from (1) and h = R cos 
2 2R
 vB = gR and h = from the bottom
3 3
Example 33. Consider a simple pendulum having a bob of mass m suspended by string of length L fixed at
its upper end. The bob is oscillating in a vertical circle. It is found that the speed of the bob is v
when the string makes an angle  with the vertical. Find (i) tension in the string and (ii)
magnitude of net force on the bob at the instant.
Solution : (i) The forces acting on the bob are :
(a) the tension T (b) the weight mg
/////////////
As the bob moves in a circle of radius L with centre

mv 2
at O. A centripetal force of magnitude is
L
required towards O. This force will be provided by T
the resultant of T and mg cos . Thus,
mv 2  v2 
or T – mg cos  = T = m  gcos    
L  L  mg sin 
 mg cos 
mg
2
 v2  v4
g sin 
2
(ii) anet = a2t  ar2 =    | Fnet | = manet = m g2 sin2  Ans.
  L2
 

Example 34. A particle is projected with velocity 3gL at point A (lowest point of the circle) in the vertical
plane. Find the maximum height above horizontal level of point A if the string slacks at the point
B as shown.

Solution : As tension at B ; T = 0
2
mvB
 mgcos  =
L
 vB = gL cos  .....(1)
Now by equation of energy between A and B.
1 1 2
0 + m 3gL = mvB + mgL (1+cos )
2 2
put vB
1
 cos  =
3
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Circular Motion
 height attend by particle after the point B where the string slacks is ;
v 2 sin2  gLcos (1  cos 2 ) 4L
h’ = B = =
2g 2g 27
L 4L 40L
 Maximum height about point A is given by ; Hmax = L + Lcos  + h’ = L + + =
3 27 27
———————————————————————————————————
9. CIRCULAR TURNING ON ROADS :
When vehicles go through turnings, they travel along a nearly circular arc. There must be some force
which will produce the required centripetal acceleration. If the vehicles travel in a horizontal circular
path, this resultant force is also horizontal. The necessary centripetal force is being provided to the
vehicles by following three ways.
1. By friction only
2. By banking of roads only.
3. By friction and banking of roads both.
In real life the necessary centripetal force is provided by friction and banking of roads both. Now let
us write equations of motion in each of the three cases separately and see what are the constant in
each case.

9.1 By Friction Only

Suppose a car of mass m is moving at a speed v in a horizontal circular arc of radius r. In this case, the
necessary centripetal force to the car will be provided by force of friction f acting towards center
mv 2
Thus, f 
r
Further, limiting value of f is N or fL  N  mg (N = mg)
mv 2 mv 2 v2
Therefore, for a safe turn without sliding  fL or  mg or  or v  rg
r r rg
Here, two situations may arise. If  and r are known to us, the speed of the vehicle should not exceed
v2
rg and if v and r are known to us, the coefficient of friction should be greater than .
rg

Example 35. A bend in a level road has a radius of 100 m. Calculate the maximum speed which a car turning
this bend may have without skidding. Given :  = 0.8.
Solution : Vmax = rg = 0.8  100 10 = 800 = 28 m/s

———————————————————————————————————
9.2. By Banking of Roads Only
Friction is not always reliable at circular turns if high speeds and sharp turns
are involved to avoid dependence on friction, the roads are banked at the
turn so that the outer part of the road is some what lifted compared to the
inner part.
Applying Newton’s second law along the radius and the first law in the
vertical direction.

mv 2
Nsin   or N cos = mg
r
from these two equations, we get

v2
tan   or v  rgtan 
rg
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Circular Motion

Example 36. What should be the angle of banking of a circular track of radius 600 m which is designed for
cars at an average speed of 180 km/hr ?
Solution : Let the angle of banking be . The forces on the car are (figure)
(a) weight of the car Mg downward and
(b) normal force N.
For proper banking , static frictional force is not needed.
For vertical direction the acceleration is zero. So,
Ncos  = Mg .....(i)
For horizontal direction , the acceleration is v2 / r towards the centre ,
so that
Nsin = Mv2/r .....(ii)
From (i) and (ii), tan  = v2 / rg
180(km / h)2
Putting the values, tan = = 0.4167 = 22.6º.
(600m)(10m / s2 )

———————————————————————————————————
9.3 By Friction and Banking of Road Both
If a vehicle is moving on a circular road which is rough and banked also, then three forces may act on
the vehicle, of these the first force, i.e., weight (mg) is fixed both in magnitude and direction.
N f N
 


mg f mg
 
Figure (i) Figure (ii)
The direction of second force, i.e., normal reaction N is also fixed (perpendicular to road) while the
direction of the third force i.e., friction f can be either inwards or outwards while its magnitude can be
varied upto a maximum limit (fL = N). So the magnitude of normal reaction N and directions plus
mv 2
magnitude of friction f are so adjusted that the resultant of the three forces mentioned above is
r
towards the center. Of these m and r are also constant. Therefore, magnitude of N and directions plus
magnitude of friction mainly depends on the speed of the vehicle v. Thus, situation varies from problem
to problem. Even though we can see that :
(i) Friction f will be outwards if the vehicle is at rest v = 0. Because in that case the component of
weight mg sin is balanced by f.
(ii) Friction f will be inwards if v  rgtan 
(iii) Friction f will be outwards if v  rg tan  and
(iv) Friction f will be zero if v  rgtan 
(v) For maximum safe speed (figure (ii)
mv 2
N sin + f cos = ........(i)
r
N cos – f sin = mg .......(ii)
As maximum value of friction
f = N
sin    cos  v2 rg(tan   )
 =  vmax =
cos    sin  rg (1   tan )
rg(tan   )
Similarly ; vmin =
(1   tan )
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Circular Motion

Note :
v2
 The expression tan  = also gives the angle of banking for an aircraft, i.e., the angle through
rg
which it should tilt while negotiating a curve, to avoid deviation from the circular path.
v2
 The expression tan  = also gives the angle at which a cyclist should lean inward, when
rg
rounding a corner. In this case,  is the angle which the cyclist must make with the vertical which
will be discussed in chapter rotation.

———————————————————————————————————
10. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE :
When a body is rotating in a circular path and the
centripetal force vanishes, the body would leave the
circular path. To an observer A who is not sharing the
motion along the circular path, the body appears to fly
off tangentially at the point of release. To another
observer B, who is sharing the motion along the circular
path (i.e., the observer B is also rotating with the body
which is released, it appears to B, as if it has been
thrown off along the radius away from the centre by
some force. This inertial force is called centrifugal
force.)
mv 2
Its magnitude is equal to that of the centripetal force. = = m2r. Direction of centrifugal force, it is
r
always directed radially outward.

Centrifugal force is a fictitious force which has to be applied as a concept only in a rotating frame of
reference to apply Newton’s law of motion in that frame. FBD of ball w.r.t. non inertial frame rotating
with the ball.
Suppose we are working from a frame of reference that is rotating at a constant, angular velocity  with
respect to an inertial frame. If we analyses the dynamics of a particle of mass m kept at a distance r
from the axis of rotation, we have to assume that a force mr2 react radially outward on the particle.
Only then we can apply Newton’s laws of motion in the rotating frame. This radially outward pseudo
force is called the centrifugal force.

Example 37. A ring which can slide along the rod are kept at mid point of a smooth rod of length L. The rod
is rotated with constant angular velocity  about vertical axis passing through its one end. Ring
is released from mid point. Find the velocity of the ring when it just leave the rod.

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Circular Motion
Solution : Centrifugal force m2x = ma
vdv
2x =
dx
L v


L/2
2 x dx = v
0
dv (integrate both side.)

L v
x 2   v2 
2   =  
 2  2 
 L / 2  0
 L2 L2  v2
2    =
 2 8 2
 
3
v= L.
2
Velocity at time of leaving the rod
2
 3  7
v´ = (L)2   L  = L Ans.
 2  2
 
———————————————————————————————————
11. EFFECT OF EARTHS ROTATION ON APPARENT WEIGHT :
The earth rotates about its axis at an angular speed of one revolution per
24 hours. The line joining the north and the south poles is the axis of rotation.
Every point on the earth moves in a circle. A point at equator moves in a
circle of radius equal to the radius of the earth and the centre of the circle is
same as the centre of the earth. For any other point on the earth, the circle
of rotation is smaller than this. Consider a place P on the earth (figure).
Draw a perpendicular PC from P to the axis SN. The place P rotates in a
circle with the centre at C. The radius of this circle is CP. The angle
between the line OM and the radius OP through P is called the latitude of
the place P. We have
CP = OP cos or, r = R cos
where R is the radius of the earth and  is colatitude angle.
If we work from the frame of reference of the earth, we shall have to assume the existence of pseudo
force. In particular, a centrifugal force mw2r has to be assumed on any particle of mass m placed at P.
If we consider a block of mass m at point P then this block is at rest with respect to earth. If resolve the
forces along and perpendicular the centre of earth then

N + mr2 cos  = mg 
  N = mg – mr2 cos  
  N = mg – mR2 cos2 

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Circular Motion

Note : At equator ( = 0) W app. is minimum and at pole ( = /2) W app. is maximum.

This apparent weight is not along normal but at some angle  w.r.t. it. At all point except poles and
equator ( = 0 at poles and equator)

Example 38. A body weighs 98N on a spring balance at the north pole. What will be the reading on the same
scale if it is shifted to the equator? Use g = GM/R2 = 9.8 m/s2 and Rearth = 6400 km.
Solution : At poles, the apparent weight is same as the true weight.
Thus, 98N = mg = m(9.8 m/s2)
At the equator , the apparent weight is
mg’ = mg – m2 R
The radius of the earth is 6400 km and the angular speed is 
2rad
     = = 7.27 × 10–6 rad/s
24  60  60s
mg’ = 98N – (10 kg) (7.27 × 10–5 s–1)2 (6400 km) = 97.66N Ans.

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Circular Motion

Problem 1. A fan rotating with  = 100 rad/s, is switched off. After 2n rotation its angular velocity becomes
50 rad/s. Find the angular velocity of the fan after n rotations.
Solution : 2 = 02 + 2 
502 = (100)2 + 2 (2 . 2n) .....(1)
If angular velocity after n rotation is n
n2 = (100)2 + 2 (2n) .....(2)
from equation (1) and (2)
502  1002 2(2.2n) 502  1002
= =2  2n    = 25 10 rad/s Ans.
n2  1002 22n 2
Problem 2. Find angular velocity of A with respect to B at the instant shown in the figure.

(v AB )
Solution : Angular velocity of A with respect to B is;AB =
rAB

vAB = 2 v = (vAB)  rAB = 2d

(v ) v 2 v
  AB = AB  = =
rAB d 2 d

Problem 3. A particle is moving with a constant angular acceleration of 4 rad./sec 2 in a circular path. At
time t = 0 particle was at rest. Find the time at which the magnitudes of centripetal acceleration
and tangential acceleration are equal.
v2 2R 2 t 2
Solution : at = R  v = 0 + Rt ac = =
R R
R t
2 2 2
1 1 1
|at| = |ac|  R =   t2 = =  t = sec. Ans.
R  4 2
Problem 4. The coefficient of friction between block and table is µ. Find the tension in the string if the block
moves on the horizontal table with speed v in circle of radius R.

mv 2
Solution : The magnitude of centripetal force is .
R
mv 2
(i) If limiting friction is greater than or equal to , then static friction alone provides
R
centripetal force, so tension is equal to zero.
T = 0 Ans.
mv 2
(ii) If limiting friction is less than , then friction as well as tension both combine to provide
R
the necessary centripetal force.
mv 2
T + fr = . In this case friction is equal to limiting friction, f r = mg
R
mv 2
 Tension = T = – mg Ans.
R
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Circular Motion
Problem 5. A block of mass m is kept on rough horizontal turn table at a distance r from centre of table.
Coefficient of friction between turn table and block is µ. Now turn table starts rotating with
uniform angular acceleration .
(i) Find the time after which slipping occurs between block and turn table.
(ii) Find angle made by friction force with velocity at the point of slipping.
Solution : (i) at = r
dv
speed after t time = r  v = 0 + rt
dt
v2
Centripetal acceleration ac = = 2rt2
r
Net acceleration anet = a2t  ac2 = 2r 2  4r 2t 4
block just start slipping
µmg = manet = m 2r 2  4r 2t 4
1/ 4 1/ 4
 µ2g2  2r 2   µg 2  1 2 
t=   t =  2      Ans.
 4r 2   r     
 
ac 2rt 2
(ii) tan =  tan  =   = tan–1 (t2) Ans.
at r
Problem 6. A block is released from the top of a smooth vertical track, which ends in a circle of radius r as shown.

(i) Find the minimum value of h so that the block completes the circle.
(ii) If h = 3r, find normal reaction when the block is at the points A and B.
(iii) If h = 2r, find the velocity of the block when it loses the contact with the track.
Solution : (i) For completing the circle, velocity at lowest point of circle (say A) is 5gr
1
  5r
2
from energy conservation mgh = m 5gr  h= Ans.
2 2
(ii) h = 3r
From energy conservation velocity at point A and B are
1
mg.3r = mvA2  vA = 6gr
2
1
mg.3r = mg2r + mvB2  vB = 2gr
2
Therefore normal reaction at A and B is -
2
mv A
NA – mg =  NA = 7mg
r
2
mvB
NB + mg =  NB = mg
r
(iii) h = 2r
It loses contact with the track when normal reaction is zero
mv 2
 mg cos  ......(1)
r
from energy conservation
1
mgh = mgr (1 + cos ) + mv2 .......(2)
2
2g(h  r) 2gr
from (1) and (2) ; v= = Ans.
3 3
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Circular Motion
Problem 7. A point mass m connected to one end of inextensible string of length  and other end of string
is fixed at peg. String is free to rotate in vertical plane. Find the minimum velocity give to the
mass in horizontal direction so that it hits the peg in its subsequent motion.

Solution : Tension in string is zero at point P in its subsequent motion, after this point its
motion is projectile.
mv 2
Velocity at point P, T = 0  mgcos =  v = g cos 
Assume its projectile motion start at point P and it passes through point C. So that
equation of trajectory satisfy the co-ordinate of C (sin , – cos)
Equation of trajectory
gx 2
y = xtan –
2v cos2 
2

g( sin )2
–  cos = sin tan –
2(g cos )cos2 
sin2  1 sin2 
 – cos = –
cos  2 cos3 
 – 2 cos4 = 2sin2 cos2 – sin2  sin2 = 2sin2 cos2 + 2cos4
 sin2 = 2cos2 (sin2 + cos2)  tan2 = 2
1 2
 tan  = 2    cos = , sin  =
3 3
From energy conservation between point P and A.
1 1
mu2 = mv2 + mg (1+cos)  u2 = v2 + 2g (1 + cos )
2 2

 
1 1/ 2
 u2 = 2g + 3gcos  u2 = 2g + 3g u =  2  3 g  Ans.
3  

Problem 8. A simple pendulum of length  and mass m free to oscillate in vertical plane. A nail is located at
a distance ‘d =  – a’ vertically below the point of suspension of a simple pendulum. The
pendulum bob is released from the position where the string makes an angle of 90° from
vertical. Discuss the motion of the bob if (a)  = 2a, (b)  = 2.5 a.
Solution : (a)  = 2a, Velocity at lowest point from energy conservation
1
0 + mg2a = mv2
2
v= 4ga
Here radius of circle is ‘a’ about nail and velocity at lowest point is not sufficient to complete
the loop. Therefore motion of bob is combination of circular and projectile motion. Because
velocity at lowest point is lie between 3ga and 5ga .
(b)  = 2.5 a, Velocity at lowest point from energy conservation
1
0 + mg(2.5a) = mv2  v = 5ga
2
here radius of circle is ‘a’ about nail and velocity at lowest point is just sufficient to complete
the loop so that here looping the loop about nail.
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