Circular Motion Notes
Circular Motion Notes
Circular Motion Notes
Target Motion
Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XII : Triumph Physics
12. An observer on the moving particle 24. If a body moves in a cylindrical well (well of
experiences only the centrifugal force, but an death,) the velocity required will be minimum
observer stationary with respect to the centre safest velocity and in this case the weight of
can experience or measure only the the body will be balanced by component of
centripetal force. normal reaction and the minimum safest
13. Whenever a particle is in a U.C.M. or non velocity is given by the formula µrg .
U.C.M., centripetal and centrifugal forces act
simultaneously. They are both equal and 25. Cyclist leans his cycle to make an angle to
opposite but do not cancel each other. avoid topling; not to provide centripetal force.
14. Centripetal force and Centrifugal force are 26. If a body is kept at rest at the highest point of
not action-reaction forces as action-reaction convex road and pushed along the surface to
forces act on different bodies. perform circular motion, the body will fall
15. The direction of centripetal force is same r
after travelling a vertical distance of from
whether the rotation of the circular path is 3
clockwise or anticlockwise. the highest point where r is the radius of the
16. Centripetal force is not responsible for circular path.
rotational motion of a body because only 27. When a body moves in a circular path with
torque can produce rotational motion.
constant speed, its linear momentum changes
17. Since the centripetal force acting on a particle at every point, but its kinetic energy remains
in circular motion acts perpendicular to its constant.
displacement (and also its velocity), the work
done by it is always zero. 28. In horizontal uniform circular motion, kinetic
energy and magnitude of linear momentum
18. Centrifuge is an apparatus used to separate
heavier particles from the lighter particles in remains constant, but the direction of linear
a liquid. momentum keeps on changing.
19. Range of acceleration in circular motion 29. Since the centripetal force is not zero for a
90° < θ ≤ 180°. particle in circular motion, the torque acting
→
20. The radius of the curved path is the distance is zero i.e., τ = 0 (as the force is central)
from the centre of curved path to the centre of Hence the angular momentum is constant i.e.
→
gravity of the body. It is to be considered L = constant.
when the centre of gravity of body is at a
height from the surface of road or surface of 30. Whenever the body moves, the force
spherical body. responsible for motion is the vector sum of all
the forces acting at that point.
21. Whenever a car is taking a horizontal turn, the For example, Lift going up and down with
normal reaction is at the inner wheel. acceleration ‘a’.
22. While taking a turn, when car overturns, its 31. If a particle performing circular motion comes
inner wheels leave the ground first. →
to rest momentarily, i.e. v = 0, then it will
23. For a vehicle negotiating a turn along a move along the radius towards the centre and
circular path, if its speed is very high, then the if its radial acceleration is zero, i.e. ar = 0,
vehicle starts skidding outwards. This causes then the body will move along the tangent
the radius of the circle to increase resulting in drawn at that point.
the decrease in the centripetal force.
32. For non uniform circular motion
1
[∵ Fcp ∝ ] → → → → →
T a = α × r + ω× v
4
Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01: Circular Motion
33. When a bucket full of water is rotated in a 5. To find out number of revolutions, always
vertical circle, water will not spill only if apply the formula,
velocity of bucket at the highest point is θ ωt 2πnt
Number of revolutions = = = = nt
≥ gr . 2π 2π 2π
→ →
34. If velocity imparted to body at the lowest 6. Since Fc ⊥ v , therefore, no work is done by
position is equal to 2rg , then it will oscillate the centripetal force. [2π rad = 360° = 1 rev.]
in a semicircle. 7. Angle which, a cyclist should make with the
vertical is the angle of banking along a curved
road.
Mindbenders
8. On frictional surface, for a body performing
1. The maximum velocity with which a vehicle circular motion, the centripetal force is
can go without toppling, is given by provided by the force of friction.
d fS = µN but on horizontal surface N = mg
v= rg = rg tan θ
2h 9. The minimum safe velocity for not
d gdr
where, tan θ = overturning is v =
2h 2h
d = distance between the wheels 10. While rounding a curve on a level road,
h = height of centre of gravity from the road centripetal force required by the vehicle is
g = acceleration due to gravity provided by force of friction between the tyres
2. Skidding of an object placed on a rotating and the road.
platform: mv2
= F = µR = µmg
The maximum angular velocity of rotation of r
the platform so that object will not skid on it is 11. To avoid dependence on friction for the
ωmax = (µg / r) supply of necessary centripetal force, curved
roads are usually banked by raising outer edge
3. The angle made by the resultant acceleration of the road above the inner edge.
with the radius,
⎛a ⎞ 12. The angle of banking (θ) is given by,
α = tan−1 ⎜⎜⎜ t ⎟⎟⎟ v2 h
⎝ a r ⎠⎟ tan θ = =
rg l − h2
2
14. Always remember the formulae for velocity of 19. The total energy of any body revolving in a
the body at the top, bottom and at the middle vertical circle is (5/2) mgr.
of a circle with two distinct cases:
i. path is convex 20. The distance travelled by the particle
performing uniform circular motion in t
ii. path is concave
2πr
Remember in both the cases, formula will be seconds is given by the formula, d = t.
different. T