CIRCULAR MOTION

Total Sessions – 08
SESSION  1
AIM
TO EXPLAIN ANGULAR KINEMATIC VARIABLES FOR CIRCULAR MOTION &EQUATIONS
OF MOTION
 Angular displacement
 Angular Velocity
 Angular acceleration

Circular Motion

Circular motion is another example of motion in two dimensions. To create circular motion in a
body it must be given some initial velocity and a force must then act on the body which is always
directed at right angles to instantaneous velocity.
Since this force is always at right angles to the displacement therefore no work is done by the force
on the particle. Hence, its kinetic energy and thus speed is unaffected. But due to simultaneous
action of the force and the velocity the particle follows resultant path, which in this case is a circle.
Circular motion can be classified into two types – Uniform circular motion and non-uniform circular
motion.
Variables of Circular Motion
1] Displacement and distance :When particle moves in a circular path describing an angle  during
time t (as shown in the figure) from the position A to the position B, we see that the magnitude of the
position vector r⃗ (that is equal to the radius of the circle) remains constant. i.e., a|r⃗1|=|⃗
r 2|=r nd the
direction of the position vector changes from time to time.
A] Displacement: The change of position vector or the displacement ∆ r⃗ of the particle from position A
to the position B is given by referring the figure.
∆ r⃗ =⃗ r 1 ⇒ ∆ r=|∆ ⃗r|=|⃗
r 2−⃗ r 1|
r 2−⃗
∆ r =√ r 21 +r 22−2 r 1 r 2 cos θ
Putting r 1=r 2=r we obtain
 ∆ r =√ r 2 +r 2−2 r . r cos θ ⇒ ∆ r =√ 2r 2 ¿ ¿
θ
∆ r =2 r sin
2
B] Distance: The distanced covered by the particle during the time t is given as d = length of the arc AB
= r
] Ratio of distance and displacement: d = rθ θ
= cosec(θ /2)
C ∆ r 2 r sin θ /2 2
2] Angular displacement () :The angle turned by a body moving in a circle from some reference line
is called angular displacement.
θ=(arc/radius)
i) Dimension = [ M o Lo T o]
ii) Units = Radian or Degree.
o
iii) 2 π rad =360 =1 Revolution
iv) Angular displacement is a axial vector quantity.
Its direction depends upon the sense of rotation of the object and can be given by Right Hand Rule;
which states that if the curvature of the fingers of right hand represents the sense of rotation of the
object, then the thumb, held perpendicular to the curvature of the fingers, represents the direction of
angular displacement vector.

O r

v) Relation between linear displacement and angular displacement ⃗s= ⃗θ× ⃗r or s=rθ
3] Angular velocity ():Angular velocity of an object in circular motion is defined as the time rate of
change of its angular displacement.
angle traced ∆ θ dθ
i) Angular velocity ω= = ¿ =
time taken ∆ t → 0 ∆ t dt
dθ
∴ ω=
dt
o o −1
ii) Dimension :[ M L T ]
iii) Units : Radians per second (rad.s–1) or Degree per second.
iv) Angular velocity is an axial vector.
Its direction is the same as that of . For anticlockwise rotation of the point object on the circular
path, the direction of , according to Right hand rule is along the axis of circular path directed
 upwards. For clockwise rotation of the point object on the circular path, the direction of  is along
the axis of circular path directed downwards.
v) Relation between angular velocity and linear velocity ⃗v =⃗
ω × ⃗r
vi) For uniform circular motion  remains constant where as for non-uniform motion  varies with respect
to time.

Note:
 It is important to note that nothing actually moves in the direction of the angular velocity vector ⃗ω.
The direction of ⃗ω simply represents that the circular motion is taking place in a plane perpendicular
to it.
4] Change in velocity :We want to know the magnitude and direction of the change in velocity of the
particle which is performing uniform circular motion as it moves from A to B during time t as
shown in figure. The change in velocity vector is
given as ∆ ⃗v =v 2−⃗
v1

or |∆ ⃗v|=|⃗ v 1|⇒ ∆ v=√ v 21 + v 22−2 v 1 v 2 cos θ

v 2−⃗
For uniform circular motion v 1=v 2=v
So ∆ v=√ 2 v 2 ¿ ¿
The direction of Δ ⃗v is shown in figure that can be given as
o
180 −θ o
∅= =(90 −θ /2)
2
5] Time period (T) :In circular motion, the time period is defined as the time taken by the object to
complete one revolution on its circular path.
i) Units : second.
ii) Dimension : [ M o Lo T ]
iii) Time period of second’s hand of watch = 60second.
iv) Time period of minute’s hand of watch = 60 minute
v) Time period of hour’s hand of watch = 12 hour
6] Frequency (n) :In circular motion, the frequency is defined as the number of revolutions completed
by the object on its circular path in a unit time.
i) Units :s–1 or hertz (Hz).
ii) Dimension : [ M o Lo T −1]
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS
 Relation between time period and frequency: If n is the frequency of revolution of an object in
circular motion, then the object completes n revolutions in 1 second. Therefore, the object will
complete one revolution in 1/n second.
∴ T =1/n
 Relation between angular velocity, frequency and time period: Consider a point object describing a
uniform circular motion with frequency n and time period T. When the object completes one
revolution, the angle traced at its axis of circular motion is 2  radians. It means, when time t = T,
θ=2 π radians. Hence, angular velocity
θ 2π
ω= = =2 πn (∵ T = 1/n)
t T
2π
ω= =2 πn
T
 If two particles are moving on same circle or different coplanar concentric circles in same direction
with different uniform angular speeds ❑ A and ❑B respectively, the angular velocity of B relative to A
will be
ω rel =ω B−ω A
So the time taken by one to complete one revolution around O with respect to the other (i.e., time in
which B complete one revolution around O with respect to the other (i.e., time in which B completes
one more or less revolution around O than A)

T=
2π
=
2π
=
T 1T 2
ωrel ω2−ω1 T 1−T 2 [
as T =
2π
ω ]
Special case:
If ω B=ω A , ω rel =0 and so T= ., particles will maintain their position relative to each other. This is
what actually happens in case of geostationary satellite (1 = 2 = constant)
7] Angular acceleration () :Angular acceleration of an object in circular motion is defined as the
time rate of change of its angular velocity.

i) If  be the change in angular velocity of the object in time interval t, while moving on a circular
2
∆ω d θ
path, then angular acceleration of the object will be α = ¿ = 2
∆ → 0 dt dt
ii) Units:rad. s–2
iii) Dimension: [M0L0T–2]
iv) Relation between linear acceleration and angular accelerationa⃗ =⃗
α × ⃗r
dω
v) For uniform circular motion since  is constant so α = =0
dt
vi) For non-uniform circular motion α ≠ 0
Illustration
a) Find the angular speed of second’s hand of a clock?
b) Find the angular speed of minute’s hand of a clock?
c) Find the angular speed of hour’s hand of a clock?
d) Find the angular speed of the earth’s rotation about its axis?
e) Find the angular speed of the earth’s rotation about the sun?

CLASS EXERCISE
1] The angular speed of a fly wheel making 120 revolutions/minute is
a)2 π rad /s b)4 π 2 rad / s c) π rad /s d) 4 π rad /s
2] The ratio of angular speeds of minute hand and hour hand of a watch is
a)1 : 12 b)6 : 1 c)12 : 1 d)1 : 6
3] The length of second's hand in a watch is 1 cm. The change in velocity of its tip in 15 seconds is
π
cm/sec
π π √2
a)Zero b) c) cm/ sec d) cm/ sec
30 √2 30 30
4] The angular velocity of a particle rotating in a circular orbit 100 times per minute is
a)1.66 rad/s b)10.47 rad/s c)10.47 deg/s d)60 deg/s
5] A particle comes round a circle of radius 1 m once. The time taken by it is 10 sec. The average
velocity of motion is
a)0.2 πm/s b)2 πm/ s c)2 m/s d)Zero
6] A wheel completes 2000 revolutions to cover the 9.5 km. distance. then the diameter of the wheel is
a)1.5 m b)1.5 cm c)7.5 cm d)7.5 m
7] The angular velocity of a wheel is 70 rad/sec. If the radius of the wheel is 0.5 m, then linear velocity
of the wheel is
a)70 m/s b)35 m/s c)30 m/s d)20 m/s
8] A scooter is going round a circular road of radius 100 m at a speed of 10 m/s. The angular speed of
the scooter will be
a)0.01 rad/s b)0.1 rad/s c)1 rad/s d)10 rad/s

HOME EXERCISE
1] If a body moves on the circumference of a circle in a horizontal plane with a speed equal to that it
would acquire by falling freely through half the radius of the circle.Its centripetal acceleration is
g g
a) b) c) g d) none
4 2
2] A particle is moving along acircular path angular speed about the axis passing through the centre.
What will be its angular speed about a pointon the other end of the diameter through the
instantaneous position of the particle?
a) 2 ω b)ω c)ω /2 d) ω /4
3] A wheel rotates about an axis passing through the centre and perpendicular to the plane with slowly
increasing angular speed. Thus it has
a) Radial velocity and radial acceleration
b) Tangential velocity and radial acceleration
c) Tangential velocity and tangential acceleration
d) Tangential velocity but acceleration having both components.
QUESTION FROM NCERT
4] A bob of mass 0.1 kg hung from the ceiling of a room by a string 2m long is set into oscillation. The
speed of the bob at its mean position is 1m s -1. What is the trajectory of the bob if the string is cut
when the bob is (a) At one of its extreme positions, (b) At its mean position?
5] The angular velocity of a wheel is 70 rad/sec. If the radius of the wheel is 0.5 m. then linear velocity
of the wheel is,
a) 25 m/s b) 35 m/s c) 30 m/s d) 40 m/s
6] In U.C.M. the linear acceleration is,
a) radial acceleration b) tangential acceleration
c) centripetal acceleration d) both ‘a’ or ‘c’
7] The angular speed of the hour hand of a clock is
a) 1.45 x 10-4 rad/sec b) 1.45 x 10-3 rad/sec
c) 1.45 x 10-2 rad/sec d)1.45 x 10-5 rad/sec
8] The earth moves round the sun once in a year with a speed of 30 km/sec. What is the centripetal
acceleration of the earth towards the sun (rsun = 1.5 x 1011 m)
a) 6 x 10-7 m/2 s b) 6 x 10-6 m/2s
c) 6 x 10-5m/2s d) 6 x 10-3 m/2s
9] A space man in training is rotated in a seat at the end of a horizontal rotating arm of length 5 m. If
he can with stand up to acceleration 9 g, what is maximum number of revolution per sec permissible
(g = 10 m/s2)
3 3π 3 √2 √2
a) rev/sec b) rev/sec c) rev/ sec d) rev/sec
π √2 √2 π 3π
10] What is the linear speed of tip of a second hand of a clock, if second hands 4 cm long
a) 0.42 x 10-2 cm/sec b) 0.42 x 10-2 m/sec
c) 4.2 x 10-2 m/sec d) 4.2 x 10-2 cm/sec
11] An electron of mass 9 x 10 -31 kg is revolving in a stable orbit of radius 5.37 x 10 -11 m. If
electrostatic force of attraction between electron and proton is 8 x 10 -8 N. The velocity of electron
is,
a) 2.2 x 106 m/sec b) 2.2 x 105 m/sec
c) 2.2 x 106 cm/sec d) 2.2 x 105 cm/sec
12] The ratio of angular speed of hours hand and seconds hand of a clock is
a) 1 : 1 b) 1: 60 c) 1 : 720 d) 3600 : 1
13] A wheel having radius 10 cm is coupled by a beet to another wheel of radius 30 cm. 1st wheel
increases its angular speed from rests at a uniform rate of 1.57 rad/s -2. The time for 2nd wheel to
reach a rotational speed of 100 rpm is
a) 30 s b) 20 s c) 40 s d) 15 s
 SESSION – 2
AIM
TO EXPLAIN LINEAR KINEMATICS FOR CIRCULAR MOTION
 Linear Velocity of particle in circular motion
 Linear acceleration of particle in circular motion
 Uniform Circular Motion & Centripetal force
 Centrifugal Force

EQUATIONS OF MOTION FOR A BODY UNDER CONSTANT ANGULAR

ACCELERATION
We have different kinds of motion in case of motion in one dimension such as motion with uniform
velocity and motion with uniform acceleration. Also in those cases we have kinematic relation
between the different linear variables. Similar derivation can be done in case of circular motion and
such kinematic relations can be obtained for angular variables also.
For uniform circular motion;
Angular displacement, t
For circular motion with uniform angular acceleration;

]
1 2
Δ θ=❑0 t+ α t
2
¿ ❑0 + αt
2 2
❑ =❑0−2 α Δ θ

LINEARKINEMATICSFORCIRCULARMOTION
In the previous article we have seen different angular kinematic variables and relation between them
in different types of motion. Now we will define linear velocity and linear acceleration of a particle
in circular motion.
As circular motion is the motion in a plane, we take two co-ordinate axes through center for the
linear kinematics analysis.
Suppose a particle P is moving on a circular path of radius R, the axes are taken as shown in figure.
At any moment its angular position is .
Y
P


X
O Q

Position vector of particle,r⃗ =⃗ OP = R cosi^  + R sin ^j 

OQ+ ⃗
Also,unit vector along OPe^ rcan be written as,
e^ r = cosi^  + sin ^j 
 Unit vector along tangential directione^ t is given by,e^ t = sinl^ + cos ^j 
Linear velocity and linear acceleration of particle in circular motion
In the previous discussion,
Position vector of particle, r⃗ = R cosi^  + R sin ^j 
⃗
Velocity of particle,= ⃗v = d r =R (−sinθ ) dθ i+ ^ R ( cosθ ) dθ ^j
dt dt dt
^
¿ R ⌊−sin θ i+cos θ ^j ⌋ ¿
|⃗v|= R and its direction is along the tangent to the path i.e. if a particle is moving on circular
path its velocity is of magnitude equal to product of radius of circular path and its angular velocity
and its direction is tangential to the circular path.
⃗d v
The Acceleration of particle in circular motion a⃗ =
dt
¿ equation(2)⃗a =R
[
d ^
dt
(−i sin θ+ ^j cos θ ) + d (−i^ sinθ+ ^j cos θ )
dt ]
[
¿ R −i^ cos θ
dθ ^
dt
− j sin θ
dθ
dt ]
⌊− i^ sin θ+ ^jcos θ ⌋ =−❑2 R e^ r +
Rd
e^
dt t
Therefore, acceleration of particle has two parts one along the tangent having magnitude Rd or
dt
2
dv v
Ror is called tangential acceleration. The other component of acceleration is 2R = along
dt R
the radial direction and is called as radial acceleration or centripetal acceleration.
Hence total acceleration of particle
at
ar
 a
O

2 2
√
a=√ at +a r = (❑ R ) + ( αR )
2 2 2

at
If direction of acceleration makes an angle β with radius then, tanβ =
ar
Centripetal Acceleration
1] Acceleration acting on the object undergoing uniform circular motion is called centripetal
acceleration.
2] It always acts on the object along the radius towards the centre of the circular path.
3] Magnitude of centripetal acceleration,
2 2
v 2 2 2 4π
a= =ω r=4 π n r = 2 r
r T
4] Direction of centripetal acceleration: It is always the same as that of ∆ ⃗v . When t decreases,  also
decreases. Due to which ∆ ⃗v becomes more and more perpendicular to ⃗v . When t 0, ∆ ⃗v becomes
 perpendicular to the velocity vector. As the velocity vector of the particle at an instant acts along the
tangent to the circular path, therefore ∆ ⃗v and hence the centripetal acceleration vector acts along the
radius of the circular path at that point and is directed towards the centre of the circular path.

Illustration1:
1] The moon orbits the earth with a period of 27.3 days at a distance of 3.84 ×108 m from the centre of
earth. Find its linear speed and centripetal acceleration.
Sol: The period of revolution of moon,T = 27.3 days = 2.36 × 106 s
8
Linear speed,vR = ¿ 2 π R= 2× 3.14 ×3.846× 10 =1021.83 m s−1
T 2.36 ×10
2
V 2 ( 1021.83 )
Centripetal acceleration = = =2.72 ×10−3 ms−2
R 3.84 ×10 8
Illustration2:
2] A particle moves in a circle of radius 20 cm. Its linear speed at any time is given by v = 2t where v is
in m/s and t is in seconds. Find the radial and tangential accelerations at t = 3 seconds and hence
calculate the total acceleration at this time.
Sol: The linear speed at 3 seconds is, v = 2 × 3 = 6 m/s
2
v 6× 6 2
The radial acceleration at 3 seconds ¿ = =180 m/s
r 0.2
The tangential acceleration is given by, dv = 2becausev = 2t
dt
tangential acceleration is 2 m/s2.
Total acceleration= ¿ √ a2r +a 2t =√ 1802+ 22=√ 32400+4
n
¿ √ 32404 2
s
Illustration3:
A wheel is subjected to uniform angular acceleration about its axis. Initially its angular velocity is
zero. In the first 2 sec., it rotates through an angle θ 1. In the next 2 sec., it rotates through an
additional angle θ 2. The ratio of θ 2/θ 1 is
a) 1 : 3 b) 2 : 3 c) 3 : 1 d) 5 : 3

CLASS EXERCISE
1] A particle moves in a circle of radius 25 cm at two revolutions per second. The acceleration of the
particle in m/s 2 is
a) π 2 b)8 π 2 c)4 π 2 d)2 π 2
2] An electric fan has blades of length 30 cm as measured from the axis of rotation. If the fan is rotating
at 1200 r.p.m. The acceleration of a point on the tip of the blade is about
a)1600 m/sec 2❑ b)4740 m/sec 2❑ c)2370 m/sec 2❑ d)5055 m/sec 2❑
3] A cycle wheel of radius 0.4 m completes one revolution in one second then the acceleration of a
point on the cycle wheel will be
2 2
a)0.8 m/s2 b)0.4 m/s2c) 1.6 π m/ s d)0.4 π 2 m/s 2
4] What is the value of linear velocity, if ⃗ ^
ω =3 i−4 ^j+ k^ ∧⃗r =5 i−6^ ^j+6 k^
^ ^j−3 k^
a) 6 i+2 b)−18 i−13^ ^j+2 k^
^
c)4 i−13 ^j+6 k^ ^
d)6 i−2 ^j+8 k^
5] The acceleration of a train travelling with speed of 400 m/s as it goes round a curve of radius 160 m,
is
m
a)1 km/s 2 b)100 2 c)10 m/s 2 d)1 m/s 2
s
6] What happens to the centripetal acceleration of a revolving body if you double the orbital speed v
and half the angular velocityω
a) The centripetal acceleration remains unchangedb)The centripetal acceleration is halved
c) The centripetal acceleration is doubled d) The centripetal acceleration is quadrupled
7] A stone ties to the end of a string 1 mlong is whirled in a horizontal circle with a constant speed. If
the stone makes 22 revolution in 44 seconds, what is the magnitude and direction of acceleration of
the stone
2
π −2
a) m s and direction along the radius towards the centre
4
b) π 2 m s−2 and direction along the radius away from the centre
c) π 2 m s−2and direction along the radius towards the centre
d) π 2 m s−2 and direction along the tangent to the circle
8] Angular displacementθ of a flywheel varies with time as θ = at + bt2 - ct3, then angular acceleration
is given by
a) a + 2 bt - 3 ct2 b) 2 b - 6 ctc) a + 2 b - 6 ctd) 2 b + 6 ct

HOME EXERCISE
1] What is the angular displacement of the minute hand in 20 minutes
a) 120° b) 60° c)180° d) 90°
2] An electric fan has blades of length 30 cm measured from the axis of rotation. If the fan is rotating at
120 rpm, the acceleration of a point on the tip of the blade is
a) 23.7 ms-2 b) 47.4 ms-2 c) 50.55 ms-2 d) 1600 ms-2
3] A car is moving on a circular path with constant speed 10 m/sec. What is the change in velocity
when it moves through 120°

a)10 √ 3 m/sec b) 10 √ 3m/sec c) 5 √ 3m/sec d)

√3 m/sec
10
4] The speed of a particle in a circle is 2m/s along the circumferences of a circle of radius. 0.5m If the
speed increases at the rate of 6m/s2. The acceleration of the particle at a given instant
a) 10 m/s2 b) 14 m/s2 c) 12 m/s2 d) 6 m/s2
5] A car of mass 80 kg moves onε circular track of radius 40 m. If the coefficient of friction is 0.5 then
maximum velocity with which the car can move is
a) 7 m/s b) 14 m/s c) 8 m/s d) 12 m/s
6] If the radii of circular paths of two particles of same masses are in the ratio of 1 : 2, then to have a
constant centripetal force their velocities should be in the ratio of
a)1 : √ 2 b)√ 2:1 c) 4 : 1 d)1 : 4

SESSION – 3

AIM
 Uniform Circular Motion & Centripetal force
 Centrifugal Force

Centripetal force
According to Newton's first law of motion, whenever a body moves in a straight line with uniform
velocity, no force is required to maintain this velocity. But when a body moves along a circular path
with uniform speed, its direction changes continuously i.e. velocity keeps on changing on account of
a change in direction. According to Newton's second law of motion, a change in the direction of
motion of the body can take place only if some external force acts on the body.
v
v

F
F F
F

v
v
Fig : 3.30

Due to inertia, at every point of the circular path; the body tends to move along the tangent to the
circular path at that point (in figure). Since everybody has directional inertia, a velocity cannot change
by itself and as such we have to apply a force. But this force should be such that it changes the
direction of velocity and not its magnitude. This is possible only if the force acts perpendicular to the
direction of velocity. Because the velocity is along the tangent, this force must be along the radius
(because the radius of a circle at any point is perpendicular to the tangent at that point). Further, as this
 force is to move the body in a circular path, it must acts towards the centre. This centre-seeking force
is called the centripetal force.
Hence, centripetal force is that force which is required to move a body in a circular path with
uniform speed. The force acts on the body along the radius and towards centre.
Formulae for centripetal force :
2 2 ❑
mv 2 2 2 m4π r
F= =mω r =m 4 π n r= 2
r T

Centripetal force in different situation

Situation Centripetal Force
A particle tied to a string and whirled in a Tension in the string
horizontal circle
Vehicle taking a turn on a level road Frictional force exerted by the road on the tyres
A vehicle on a speed breaker Weight of the body or a component of weight
Revolution of earth around the sun Gravitational force exerted by the sun
Electron revolving around the nucleus in an Coulomb attraction exerted by the protons in the
atom nucleus
A charged particle describing a circular path in Magnetic force exerted by the agent that sets up
a magnetic field the magnetic field

Work Done by Centripetal Force:

The work done by centripetal force is always zero as it is perpendicular to velocity and hence
instantaneous displacement.
Work done = Increment in kinetic energy of revolving body
Work done = 0
Also W =⃗ F . ⃗S=¿FScos = FScos 90o = 0
S

90o
F

Fig : 3.31

Example:
i) When an electron revolves around the nucleus in hydrogen atom in a particular orbit, it neither
absorb nor emit any energy means its energy remains constant.
ii) When a satellite established once in a orbit around the earth and it starts revolving with particular
speed, then no fuel is required for its circular motion.
Illustration 1:
A ball of mass 0.5 kg is attached to the end of a cord whose length is 1.50 m. The ball is whirled in a
horizontal circle. If the cord can withstand a maximum tension of 50.0 N, what is the maximum
speed the ball can have before the cord breaks?
Sol: Because the centripetal force in this case is the force T exerted by the cord on the ball, we have
2
v
T =m
r
Solving for v, we have v= Tr
√ m
The maximum speed that the ball can have corresponds to the maximum tension. Hence, we find
vmax=
√
Centrifugal Force:
T max × r
m √
=
(50.0 N )(1.50 m)
0.500 kg
=12.2
m
s

It is an imaginary force due to incorporated effects of inertia. 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 with the same velocity), the body appears to be stationary
before it is released. When the body is released, it appears to B, as if it has been thrown off along the
radius away from the centre by some force. In reality no force is actually seen to act on the body. In
absence of any real force the body tends to continue its motion in a straight line due to its inertia.
The observer A easily relates this events to be due to inertia but since the inertia of both the observer
B and the body is same, the observer B cannot relate the above happening to inertia. When the
centripetal force ceases to act on the body, the body leaves its circular path and continues to move in
its straight-line motion but to observer B it appears that a real force has actually acted on the body
and is responsible for throwing the body radially out-wards. This imaginary force is given a name to
explain the effects of inertia to the observer who is sharing the circular motion of the body. This
inertial force is called centrifugal force. Thus centrifugal force is a fictitious force which has
significance only in a rotating frame of reference.

EXPLANATION:
An observer in a rotating system is another example of a non-inertial observer. Suppose a block of
mass m lying on a horizontal frictionless turntable is connected to a string as in figure. According to
2
V
an inertial observer, if the block rotates uniformly, it undergoes an acceleration of magnitude
r
where v is the tangential speed. The inertial observer concludes that this centripetal acceleration is
2
mv
provided by the force exerted by the string T and writes Newton’s second law T =
r
According to a non-inertial observer attached to the turntable, the block is at rest. Therefore, in
applying Newton’s second law, this observer introduces a fictitious outward force of magnitude.
2
mv
According to the non-inertial observer, this outward force balances the force exerted by the
r
2
mv
string and therefore T − =0=0.
r
Infact, centrifugal force is a sufficient pseudo force only if we were analyzing the particles at rest in
a uniformly rotating frame. Therefore when we are working from a frame of reference that is
 rotating at a constant angular velocity  with respect to an inertial frame. The dynamics of a particle
of mass m kept at the distance r from the axis of rotation we have to assume that a force m 2r acts
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.
You should be careful when using fictitious forces to describe physical phenomena.
Note: Remember that fictitious forces are used only in non-inertial frames of references. When solving
problems, it is often best to use an inertial frame.

CLASS EXERCISE
1] Two particles of equal masses are revolving in circular paths of radii r 1 and r 2 respectively with the
same speed. The ratio of their centripetal forces is

√ () ( )
r2 2
r2 r2 r1
a) b) c) d)
r1 r1 r2 r1
2] A particle of mass m is executing uniform circular motion on a path of radius r . If p is the
magnitude of its linear momentum. The radial force acting on the particle is
2 2
rm mp p
a) pmr b) c) d)
p r rm
3] If a particle of mass m is moving in a horizontal circle of radius r with a centripetal force,
2
(−k /r )the total energy is
−k −k −2 k −4 k
a) b) c) d)
2r r r r
4] A body of mass 5 kg is moving in a circle of radius 1 m with an angular velocity of 2 radian/sec. The
centripetal force is
a)10 N b)20 N c)30 N d)40 N
5] A stone of mass of 16 kg is attached to a string 144 m long and is whirled in a horizontal circle. The
maximum tension the string can withstand is 16 Newton. The maximum velocity of revolution that
can be given to the stone without breaking it, will be
a)20 m s−1 b)16 m s−1 c)14m s−1 d)12 m s−1
6] A mass of 2 kg is whirled in a horizontal circle by means of a string at an initial speed of 5
revolutions per minute. Keeping the radius constant the tension in the string is doubled. The new
speed is nearly
a)14 rpm b)10 rpm c)2.25 rpm d)7 rpm
7] A bob of mass 10 kg is attached to wire 0.3 m long. Its breaking stress is 4.8 × 10 7N/m2. The area of
cross section of the wire is 10–6m2. The maximum angular velocity with which it can be rotated in a
horizontal circle
a)8 rad/sec b)4 rad/sec c)2 rad/sec d)1 rad/sec
8] If the radius of curvature of the path of two particles of same masses are in the ratio 1 : 2, then in
order to have constant centripetal force, their velocity, should be in the ratio of
a) 1 : 4 b)4 : 1 c)√ 2:1 d)1 : √ 2
9] An object of mass 0.4 kg is whirled in horizontal circle of radius 2 m. If it performs 60 rev/min the
centripetal force acting on it is
a) 31.55 N b) 315.5 dyne c) 315.5 N d) 31.55 dyne
10] A body of mass 100 g is rotating in a circular path of radius r cm with constant velocity. The work
done in one complete revolution is
a) 100 r J b) (r/100) J c) (100/r) J d) Zero
HOME EXERCISE
1] A ship is sailing along the equator from west to east with a speed ¿ w.r.t. earth. The angular velocity
of self-rotation of earth is '(' and radius of earth is R. The centripetal acceleration of the ship is
4R 2 4 ↑2 16
a) ¿¿ b) R ¿ ¿ c) R d) R ¿ ¿
9 3 3 9
2] A tube of length L is filled completely with an incompressible liquid of mass M and closed at both
ends. The tube is then rotated in a horizontal plane about one of its ends with a uniform angular
velocity. The force exerted by the liquid at the other end is
a) ¿ b) M L ¿ ¿ c)¿ d) ¿
3] The radial and tangential acceleration are represented by respectively. The motion of a particle will
be circular if
a) a ↓ r =0 but a ↓ t ¿ b) a r=0 but at =0
c) a ↓ r ¿ d) a ↓ r ¿
4] A car is moving with speed 30 m/s on a circular path of radius 500 m. Its speed is increasing at the
rate of 2m/s2. The acceleration of the car is
a) 2.7 m/s2 b) 2 m/s2 c) 1.8 m/s2 d) 9.8 m/s2
5] A hollow cylinder of radius 10 cm rotates about its axis which is vertical. A small body remains in
contact with the inner wall if the frequency of rotation is 200 per minute but falls at lower
frequencies. Find the coefficient of friction between the body and the cylinder :
a) 0.225 b) 0.220 c) 0.200 d) None
6] A particle is moving along a circular paths of radius 5m and with uniform speed 5 m/s. What will be
the average acceleration when the particle completes half revolution
a) zero b) 10 m/ s
2
c) 10 m/ s2
π
d) 10/ π m/ s
2

7] A body of mass 1kg is tied to a string and revolved in a horizontal circle of radius 1 m. The
maximum number of revolutions per minute, so that the string does not break? Breaking tension of
the string is 19.86 N
a) 30 rpm b) 60 rpm c) 20 rpm d) 10 rpm
8] A body of mass is tied to one end of a spring and whirled round in a horizontal plane with a constant
angular velocity and elongation in the spring is 1 cm. If the angular velocity is doubled, the
elongation in the spring becomes 5 cm. The original length of spring is
a) 10 cm b) 15 cm c) 30 cm d) 7.5 cm
9] A car moving on a horizontal road may be thrown out of the road in taking a turn
a) By a gravitational force
b) Due to lack of proper centripetal force
c) Due to the rolling frictional force between the type and road
d) Due to the reaction of the ground
10] A particle of mass m describes a circle of radius r. The centripetal acceleration of the particle is
4/r2.What will be the momentum of the particle?
2m 4m
a) 2m/r b) c) d) 4m/r
√r √r
11] A coin placed on a rotating turntable just slips if it is placed at a distance of 4 cm from the centre. If
the angular velocity of the turntable is doubled, it will just slip at a distance of
a)1 cm b)2 cm c)4 cm d)8 cm
12] When the road is dry and the coefficient of friction is , the maximum speed of a car in a circular
path is 10 ms-1. If the road becomes wet and 1= what is the maximum speed permitted?
a)5 ms-1 b)10 ms-1 c) 10 √ 2ms-1 d) 5√ 2ms-1
13] A mass of 2 kg is whirled in a horizontal circle by means of a string at an initial speed of 5 r.p.m.
Keeping the radius constant, the tension in the string is doubled. The new speed is nearly
a)14 r.p.m b)10 r.p.m c)20 r.p.m d)7 r.p.m
 SESSION – 4
AIM
 To study the applications of Horizontal Circular Motion
Motion of a cyclist on a circular path
i] Skidding of Vehicle on A Level Road
ii] Bending of A Cyclist
iii] Banking of A Road

Skidding of Vehicle on A Level Road

When a vehicle takes a turn on a circular path it requires centripetal force.
If friction provides this centripetal force then vehicle can move in circular path safely if
Friction force Required centripetal force

mg m2r

Fig : 3.32

2
mv
μ mg ≥
r
∴ v safe ≤ √ μrg
This is the maximum speed by which vehicle can take a turn on a circular path of radius r, where
coefficient of friction between the road and tyre is .
Skidding of Object on A Rotating Platform
On a rotating platform, to avoid the skidding of an object (mass m) placed at a distance r from
axis of rotation, the centripetal force should be provided by force of friction.
Centripetal force  Force of friction m2rmg

∴ ω max= (√ ugr ) ,
Hence maximum angular velocity of rotation of the platform is (√ ugr ) so that object will not skid
on it.
Illustration 1:
The coefficient of friction between the tyres and the road is 0.25. The maximum speed with
which a car can be driven round a curve of radius 40 m without skidding is (assume g = 10 ms–2)
a)40ms–1 b)20ms–1 c)15ms–1 d)10ms–1
Illustration 2:
If a cyclist moving with a speed of 4.9 m/s on a level road can take a sharp circular turn of radius
4 m, then coefficient of friction between the cycle tyres and road is
a)0.41 b)0.51 c)0.61 d)0.71

Bending of A Cyclist
A cyclist provides himself the necessary centripetal force by leaning inward on a horizontaltrack,
while going round a curve. Consider a cyclist of weight mg taking a turn of radius r withvelocity v.
In order to provide the necessary centripetal force, the cyclist leans through angle inwards as shown
in figure.
The cyclist is under the action of the following forces:
The weight mg acting vertically downward at the centre of gravity of cycle and the cyclist.The
reaction R of the ground on cyclist. It will act along a line-making angle with the vertical.

Rcos

mv2/r R sin

mg

The vertical component R cos of the normal reaction R will balance the weight of the cyclist,while
the horizontal component R sin  will provide the necessary centripetal force to the cyclist.
2
mv
R sin θ= …(i)
r
and Rcos = mg …(ii)
Dividing equation (i) by (ii), we have
2
R sin θ m v /r
=
R cos θ mg
2
v
or tanθ= …(iii)
rg
 ( )
2
v
Therefore, the cyclist should bend through an angle θ=tan−1
rg
It follows that the angle through which cyclist should bend will be greater, if
i) The radius of the curve is small i.e. the curve is sharper
ii) The velocity of the cyclist is large.
Note:
For the same reasons, an ice skater or an aeroplane has to bend inwards, while taking a turn.
Illustration 3:
A motor cyclist moving with a velocity of 72 km/hour on a flat road takes a turn on the road at
apoint where the radius of curvature of the road is 20 meters. The acceleration due to gravity is
10m/sec2. In order to avoid skidding, he must not bend with respect to the vertical plane by an
anglegreater than
a)θ=tan−1 6 b)θ=tan−1 2 c)θ=tan−1 25.92 d)θ=tan−1 4

Banking of A Road
For getting a centripetal force, cyclist bend towards the centre of circular path but it is notpossible in
case of four wheelers.
Rcos
R

R sin

mg Fig. (A)

l
h

x
Fig. (B)

Therefore, outer bed of the road is raised so that a vehicle moving on it gets automaticallyinclined
towards the centre.
In the figure (A) shown reaction R is resolved into two components, the component R cos balances
weight of vehicle
∴ R cos θ=mg …(i)
and the horizontal component R sin  provides necessary centripetal force as it is directed towards
centre of desired circle
2
mv
Thus R sin θ= …(ii)
r
Dividing (ii) by (i), we have
2
v
tanθ= …(iii)
rg
 2
ω r vω
Or tanθ= = …(iv) [As v = r ]
g g

If l = width of the road, h = height of the outer edge from the ground level then from the figure
h h
(B) tanθ= = …(v) [since  is very small]
x l
2 2
v ω r vω h
From equation (iii), (iv) and (v) tanθ= = = =
rg g g l
Note:
2
v μ+ tan θ
 =
If friction is also present between the tyres and road then
rg 1−μ tan θ
 Maximum safe speed on a banked frictional road v=√ rg¿ ¿ ¿

Illustration 4:
A circular road of radius 1000 m has banking angle45 o. The maximum safe speed of a car having
mass 2000 kg will be, if the coefficient of friction between tyre and road is 0.5
a)172 m/s b)124 m/s c)99 m/s d)86 m/s

CLASS EXERCISE
1] An aircraft executes a horizontal loop with a speed of 150 m/s with its, wings banked at an angle of
o 2
12 . The radius of the loop is ( g=10 m/s )
a)10.6 km b)9.6 km c)7.4 km d)5.8 km
2] A road is 10 m wide. Its radius of curvature is 50 m. The outer edge is above the lower edge by a
distance of 1.5 m. This road is most suited for the velocity
a)2.5 m/sec b)4.5 m/sec c)6.5 m/sec d)8.5 m/sec
3] A boy on a cycle pedals around a circle of 20 metres radius at a speed of 20 meters/ secThe
combined mass of the boy and the cycle is 90 kg. The angle that the cycle makes with the vertical so
that it may not fall is ¿
a)60.25 o b)63.90 o c)26.12o d)30.00o
4] Radius of the curved road on national highway is R . Width of the road is b . The outer edge of the
road is raised by h with respect to inner edge so that a car with velocity v can pass safe over it. The
value ofh is
2 2 2
v b v v R v b
a) b) c) d)
Rg Rgb g R
5] Find the maximum velocity for skidding for a car moved on a circular track of radius 100 m. The
coefficient of friction between the road and tyre is 0.2
a)0.14 m/s b)140 m/s c)1.4 km/s d)14 m/s
6] An unbanked curve has a radius of 60 mThe maximum speed at which a car can make a turn if the
coefficient of static friction is 0.75, is
a)2.1 m/s b)14 m/s c)21m/s d)7 m/s
7] A 100 kg car is moving with a maximum velocity of 9 m/s across a circular track of radius 30 m.
The maximum force of friction between the road and the car is
a)1000 N b)706 N c)270 N d)200 N
8] The maximum speed of a car on a road–turn of radius 30 m, if the coefficient of friction between the
tyres and the road is 0.4, will be
a)10.84 m/sec b)9.84 m/sec c)8.84 m/sec d)6.84 m/sec
9] A cyclist riding the bicycle at a speed of 14 √ 3ms–1 takes a turn around a circular road of radius 20 √ 3
m without skidding. Given g = 9.8 ms–2, what is his inclination to the vertical
a)30o b)90 o c)45 o d)60 o

HOME EXERCISE
1] An electron is revolving around the nucleus of hydrogen atom. If F is centripetal force on an
electron in 2nd orbit then the centripetal force on it in its 1st orbit is
a) F b) 4F c) 16F d) 32F
2] A car is moving along a circular track of radius 10 √ 3 m with a constant speed of 36 kmph. A plumb
bob is suspended from the roof of the car by a light rigid rod of length 1m. The angle made by the
rod with the track is (g=10 m s−2 )
a) 60 o b) 30o c)45 o d) 90 o
3] 4 point size steel spheres each of mass 1 kg are placed on a turn table are connected by 4 strings each
1
of length ‘a’ to form the square, the sphere are rotated with an angular velocity of rps. The
2π
tension in each string is [9/2].
5 7 9 2
a) b) c) d)
2 2 2 9
4] A train has to take a circular turn of radius 500 m with a speed of 36 km/h. By how much the outer
rail should be raised above the inner rail so that there is no side pressure on the rails ? The distance
between the rails is 1m ( g=10 m/s2 )
a) 2 cm b) 4 cm c) 6 cm d) 8 cm
5] A circular railway track of radius 400m is to be made so that a train can move with a speed of 10 m/s
without friction. If the distance between the two rails is 1 m, by how much the outer rail should be
raised (g=10 m/s2 )
a) 2.5 cm b) 5 cm c) 7.5 cm d) 10 cm
6] A disc revolves in horizontal plane at a steady rate of 3 rev/s. A coin just remains on the disc. If kept
at a distance of 2 cm from the axis of rotation. What is the coefficient of friction between the coin
and the disc?
a) 0.5 b) 0.65 c) 0.7 d) 0.75
7] A train has to take a circular turn of radius 500 m with a speed of 36 km/h. By how much the outer
rail should be raised above the inner rail so that there is no side pressure on the rails? The distance
between the rails is 1m ( g=10 m/s2 )
a) 2 cm b) 4 cm c) 6 cm d) 8 cm
8] A cyclist moves in a circular track of radius 100m. If the coefficient of friction is 0.2, then the
maximum speed with which the cyclist can take a turn without leaning inwards, in m/s, is
a) 9.8 b) 1.4 c) 14 d) 1.0
9] A circular railway track of radius 400m is to be made so that a train can move with a speed of 10 m/s
without friction. If the distance between the two rails is 1 m, by how much the outer rail should be
raised(g=10 m/s2 )
a) 2.5 cm b) 5 cm c) 7.5 cm d) 10 cm
10](i) A train runs along an unbanked circular track of radius 30m at a speed of 54 km/h. The mass of the
train is 106kg. What provides the centripetal force required for this purpose - The engine or the rails?
What is the angle of banking required to prevent wearing out of the rail?
a) Engine b) Rails c) Friction d) None
 SESSION – 5
AIM
To study the applications of Horizontal Circular Motion
 Overturning and skidding of cars
 Death - Well or Rotor
Overturning of Vehicle
Overturning and skidding of cars:
When a car takes a turn round a bend, whether the car tends to skid or topple depends ondifferent
factors. let us consider the case of a car whose wheels are “2a” metre apart and whosecentre of
gravity is “h” meters above the ground. Let the co-efficient of friction between thewheels and the
ground be.
Figure represents the forces on the car:
a) The weight Mg of the car acts vertically downwards through the centre of gravity G of the car.
b) The normal reactions of the ground R1 and R2 act vertically upwards on the inner and outer wheels
respectively.
c) The force of friction F between the wheels and the ground act towards the centre of the circle of
which the road forms a part.
Let the radius of the circular path be r, and the speed of the car be v.
Considering the vertical forces, since there is no vertical acceleration,
R1 + R2 = Mg ........ (i)
The horizontal force F provides the centripetal force for motion in a circle
2
mv
 F= ........ (ii)
r
Taking moments about G, if there is to be no resultant turning effect about the centre of gravity,
Fh + R1a = R2a ....... (iii)
Conditions for no skidding
From equation (ii) it is seen that as the speed increases , the force required to keep the car moving in
the circle also increases. However, there is a limit to the frictional force F, because
2a
R1 R2

G
F h
Mg

Fmax =  (R1 + R2)

Substituting from equation(i) Fmax = Mg
Substituting from equation .......(ii)
2
Mv
= Mg
r
 v2 = rg or v=√ μrg
This expression gives the maximum speed v with which the car could take the circular pathwithout
skidding. Conditions for no overturning From equation ......(iii)
(R2 - R1)a = Fh
2
Or (R2 - R1) = Fh = M v . h .........(iv)
a r a
 But R2 + R1 = Mg
2
Adding,2 R2= Mg + M v . h ........ (v)
r a

( )
2
2 R2 = v h
M g+ ....... (vi)
ra

( )
2
1 v h
R2= M g+
2 ra
Substituting for R2in equation (iv)

( )
2 2
1 v h Mv h
R2−R 1= M g+ −R 1=
2 ra ra

( ) ( )
2 2 2 2
1 v h Mv h 1 v h 2v h
R1= M g+ − = M g+ −
2 ra ra 2 ra ra

( )
2
1 v h
¿ M g− ...... (vii)
2 ra
Equation (vi) shows that the reaction R2 is always positive. However, equation (vii) shows that as the
2
v h
speed “v” increases, the reaction R1 decreases and when =g, R1 becomes zero. This means that
ra
the inner wheel is no longer in contact with the ground and the car commences to overturn outwards.
The maximum speed without overturning is given by

Note:
g=
v2 h
ra
v=
√
gra
h

The same expression applies also to the case of a train moving on rails in a circular path of radius
“r”. Here 2ais the distance between the rails and “h” the height of the centre of gravity above the
rails.
Illustration1:
A car sometimes overturns while taking a turn. When it overturns, it is
a) The inner wheel which leaves the ground first
b) The outer wheel which leaves the ground first
c) Both the wheels leave the ground simultaneously
d) Either wheel leaves the ground first

Motion of Charged Particle In Magnetic Field

When a charged particle having mass m , charge q enters perpendicularly in a magnetic field B with
velocity v then it describes a circular path.
Because magnetic force (qvB) works in the perpendicular direction of v and it provides
requiredcentripetal force
v

q
F

Fig : 3.36
Magnetic force = Centripetal force
2
mv
gvB=
r
radius of the circular path
mv
r=
qB

Reaction of Road on Car:

1] When car moves on a concave bridge then

v
mgcos
Concave bridge
mg

Fig : 3.37
2
mv
Centripetal force = R−mgcos θ=
r
2
mv
and reaction R−mgcos θ+
r
2] When car moves on a convex bridge

R
v
mgcos

mg

Convex bridge
Fig : 3.38
2
mv
Centripetal force = mg cos θ−R=
r
2
mv
and reaction R=mgcos θ− r

Illustration 2:
A motorcycle is going on an over bridge of radius R . The driver maintains a constant speed. As the
motorcycle is ascending on the over bridge, the normal force on it
a)Increases b)Decreases c)Remains the same d)Fluctuates

‘Death Well’ or Rotor:

In case of ‘death well’ a person drives a bicycle on a vertical surface of a large wooden well while in
case of a rotor at a certain angular speed of rotor a person hangs resting against the wall without any
support from the bottom. In death well walls are at rest and person revolves while in case of rotor
person is at rest and the walls rotate.
r f
N

f mg
N r
mg

(A ) (B )
D eath w ell R otor
cyclist on the bent road
In both cases friction balances the weight of person while reaction provides the centripetal force for
2
mv
circular motion, i.e., f = mg and N= = mr ❑2(v = r)
r
A cyclist on the bend of a road in fig. F=√ N + f
2 2

When the cyclist is inclined to the centre of the rounding of its path, the resultant of N, f and mg is
directed horizontally to the centre of the circular path of the cycle. This resultant force imparts a
centripetal acceleration to the cyclist.
 F
N
G m v2

G
 r

f
mg  mg
Resultant of N and f, i.e. F should pass through G, the centre of gravity of cyclist (for complete
f
equilibrium, rotational as well as translational). Hence tanθ=
N
2 2
mv v
where f = and N = mg tanθ=
r rg

CLASS EXERCISE
1] If the overbridge is concave instead of being convex, the thrust on the road at the lowest position
will be
2 2 2 2 2
mv mv m v g v g
a)mg+ b) mg− c) d)
r r r r
2] A car is moving on a circular path and takes a turn. If R1 and R2 be the reactions on the inner and
outer wheels respectively, then
a) R1=R 2 b) R1 < R2 c) R1 > R2 d) R1 ≥ R 2
3] A stone of mass of 16 kg is attached to a string 144 m long and is whirled in a horizontal circle. The
maximum tension the string can withstand is 16 Newton. The maximum velocity of revolution that
can be given to the stone without breaking it, will be
a)20 m s−1 b)16 m s−1 c)14m s−1 d)12 m s−1
4] A cylindrical vessel partially filled with water is rotated about its vertical central axis. It’s surface
will
a)Rise equally b)Rise from the sides
(c)Rise from the middle (d)Lowered equally
5] A particle describes a horizontal circle in a conical funnel whose inner surface is smooth with speed
of 0.5 m/s. What is the height of the plane of circle from vertex of the funnel ?
a)0.25 cm b)2 cm c)4 cm d)2.5 cm
6] A car of mass 800 kg moves on a circular track of radius 40 m. If the coefficient of friction is 0.5,
then maximum velocity with which the car can move is
a)7 m/s b)14 m/s c)8 m/s d)12 m/s
7] A person with his hands in his pockets is skating on ice at the velocity of 10 m/s and describes a
circle of radius 50 m. What is his inclination with vertical
a) tan ( )
−1 1
10
b)ta n
−1 3
5 () c) tan−1 (1) d) tan
−1 1
5()
–27
8] A proton of mass 1.6 × 10 kg goes round in a circular orbit of radius 0.10 m under a centripetal
force of 4 × 10–13N. then the frequency of revolution of the proton is about
a)0.08 × 108cyclespersec b)4 × 108cyclespersec
8 8
c)8 × 10 cyclesper secd)12 × 10 cyclespersec
9] A bob of mass 10 kg is attached to wire 0.3 m long. Its breaking stress is 4.8 × 10 7N/m2. The area of
cross section of the wire is 10–6m2. The maximum angular velocity with which it can be rotated in a
horizontal circle
a)8 rad/sec b)4 rad/sec c)2 rad/sec d)1 rad/sec
10] A ball of mass 0.1 Kg. is whirled in a horizontal circle of radius 1 m. by means of a string at an
initial speed of 10 R.P.M. Keeping the radius constant, the tension in the string is reduced to one
quarter of its initial value. The new speed is
a)5 r.p.m. b)10r.p.m. c)20r.p.m. d)14r.p.m.

HOME EXERCISE
1] A hollow cylinder of radius R lying on one of its base in vertical position is rotating about its own
axis at an angular speed. If a block lying on inner surface has to rotate along with the cylinder
without falling, the minimum coefficient of friction required

a)(√ Rg ) b)¿ c) g/ R(¿↑ 2) ¿ d)(√ Rr )

2] A motor cyclist rides on a cylindrical wall of a velodrome (hollow metal cylinder kept with the axis
vertical) of radius r rotating about its axis at the rate f rev/s. The least coefficient of friction
necessary so that he does not step down is
g 2 2
( 4 p f r)
2 2
(4 p f ) g
a) 2 2 b) c) d) 2 2
4p f r g gr (4 p r )
3] Two point size bodies of same mass are knotted to a horizontal string one at the end and the other at
the midpoint of it. The string is rotated in horizontal plane with the other end as centre. If T is
tension in the string between centre of ‘circles and first body, then tension in string between two
bodies is
2T 3T T
a) T b) c) d)
3 2 3
4] A string of length 1 m is fixed at one end and carries a bob of 100 g. If string is revolved by 4 rad/s
in horizontal plane as shown in fig. then tension in the string is :


1m

100g

a) 1.6 N b) 0.8 N c) 3.2 N d) 2.4 N

5] When the string of a conical pendulum makes an angle of 45 o with the vertical, its time period is T 1
.When the string makes an angle of 60 o with the vertical, its time period is T 2.Then, is
a)√ 2 b)√ 3 c)√ 5 d) √ 7
6] A hollow vertical cylinder of radius r and height h has smooth internal surface. A small particle is
placed in contact with the inner side of the upper rim, at a point P. It is given a horizontal speed u,
tangential to rim. It leaves the lower rim at point Q, vertically below P. The number of revolutions
made by the particle will be

a)n=
h
2π
b)n=
u
√2 gh
c)n=
2 πr
h
d) n=
u
2π √( 2h
g )
7](i) A stone of mass 0.25 kg tied to the end of a string is whirled round in a circle of radius 1.5 m with a
speed of 40 rev/ min in a horizontal plane. What is the tension in the string?
a) 10 N b) 8 N c) 9.9 N d) 9.8 N
7](ii) What is the maximum speed with which the stone can be whirled around if the string can withstand a
maximum tension of 200 N?
a) 24 rad /sec b) 23 rad / sec c)20 rad / sec d) None
8] If, in Exercise 9 the speed of the stone is increased beyond the maximum permissible value, and the
string breaks suddenly, which of the following correctly describes the trajectory of the stone after the
string breaks:
a) The some moves radially outwards.
b) The stone flies off tangentially from the instant the string breaks,
c) The stone flies off at an angle with the tangent whose magnitude depends on the speed of the
particle?
9] An aircraft executes a horizontal loop at a speed of 720 km /h with its wings banked at 15o . What is
the radius of the loop?
a) 14928.3 m b) 14890.5 m c) 15001.2 m d) None
 SESSION – 6
AIM
 To study in Non–Uniform Circular Motion various types of
a] Acceleration
b] Forces
c] Power

1] Non–Uniform Circular Motion

If the speed of the particle in a horizontal circular motion changes with respect to time, then
itsmotion is said to be non-uniform circular motion.
Consider a particle describing a circular path of radius r with centre at O. Let at an instant theparticle
be at P and υ⃗ be its linear velocity and ⃗
ω be its angular velocity.
Then, ⃗v =⃗
ω × ⃗r …(i)
Differentiating both sides of w.r.t. time t we have
at
a

ac P
O

⃗dv ⃗ dω ⃗
dr
= × ⃗r +⃗
ω× …(ii)
dt dt dt
⃗
dv
Here, =⃗a (Resultant acceleration)
dt
a⃗ =⃗α × ⃗r +⃗
ω × ⃗v
⃗dω
=⃗ α (Angular acceleration)
dt
a⃗ =⃗a t +⃗
ac …(iii)
⃗dr
=⃗v (Linear velocity)
dt
Thus the resultant acceleration of the particle at P has two component accelerations

1] Tangential acceleration:
a t=⃗
⃗ α × r⃗
It acts along the tangent to the circular path at P in the plane of circular path.
According to right hand rule since α⃗ and r⃗ are perpendicular to each other, therefore, the magnitude of
tangential acceleration is given by
|a⃗t|=|α⃗ × r⃗|=αr sin 90 o=αr
2] Centripetal (Radial) acceleration:
a c =⃗
⃗ ω × ⃗v
It is also called centripetal acceleration of the particle at P.
It acts along the radius of the particle at P.
According to right hand rule since ⃗ ω and ⃗v are perpendicular to each other, therefore, the magnitude
of centripetal acceleration is given by
|⃗
ac|=|ω ⃗ × ⃗v|=ωv sin 90 o=ωv=ω ( ωr )=ω2 r=v2 /¿ r ¿

Tangential and centripetal acceleration

Centripetal Tangential Net acceleration Type of motion
acceleration acceleration
ac = 0 at = 0 a=0 Uniform translatory motion
ac = 0 at 0 a = at Accelerated translatory motion
ac 0 at = 0 a = ac Uniform circular motion
ac 0 at 0 a=√ a2c +a 2t Non-uniform circular motion
Note: Here at governs the magnitude of ⃗v while ⃗
a c its direction of motion.

3] Force: In non-uniform circular motion the particle simultaneously possesses two forces
2
mv 2
Centripetal force: F c =m ac = =mr ω
r
Tangential force: F t=mat
Net force : F net=ma=m √ a 2c + a2t

4] Power: In non-uniform circular motion work done by centripetal force will be zero since ⃗ F c ⊥ ⃗v
 In nonuniform circular motion work done by tangential force will not be zero since F t ≠ 0

Rate of work done by net force in non-uniform circular motion = rate of work done by tangential
i.e. P= dW =⃗
F t , ⃗v
force dt

Illustration 1:
The kinetic energy k of a particle moving along a circle of radius R depends on the distance covered
s as k =as 2 where a is a constant. The force acting on the particle is

( )
2 2 1/ 2 2
s s R
a)2 a b) 2 as 1+ 2 c)2 as d)2 a
R R s
Illustration 2:
A particle of mass m is moving in a circular path of constant radius r such that its centripetal
acceleration a c is varying with time t as, a c =k 2 r t 2, The power delivered to the particle by the forces
acting on it is
4 2 5
mk r t
a)2 πm k 2 r 2 t b)m k 2 r 2 t c) d)Zero
3
Illustration 3:
A simple pendulum is oscillating without damping. When the displacement of the bob is less than
maximum, its acceleration vector ⃗
a is correctly shown in


a

a

a) b) a c) d)


a

Illustration 4:
A table with smooth horizontal surface is fixed in a cabin that rotates with angular speed in a
circular path of radius R. A smooth groove AB of length L (<< R) is made on the surface of table as
shown in figure. A small particle is kept at the point A in the groove and is released to move. Find
the time taken by the particle to reach the point B.
Sol: Let us analyse the motion of particle with respect to table which is moving with cabin with an
angular speed of . Along AB centrifugal force of magnitude m2R will act at A on the particle
which can be treated as constant from A to B as L << R.
Acceleration of particle along AB with respect to cabin a = 2R (constant)
Required time “t” is given by
B


A

R
S = ut + at2
1 2 2
L=0+ 2 × ω R t ⇒ t=
√ 2L
W2R
Illustration 5:
A car is moving in a circular horizontal track of radius 10 m with constant speed of 10 m/s. A plumb
bob is suspended from roof by a light rigid rod of length 1 m. The angle made by the rod with the
track is:
a) zero b) 30º c) 45º d) 60º
Sol: The different forces acting on the bob are shown in figure. Resolving the force along the length and
perpendicular to the rod, we have

Tcos
T 

T sin

Mg
2
mv
mg cos θ+ sin θ=T ;
R
2 2 2
mv v ( 10 ) −1 o
mg sin θ+ cos θ ; tanθ= = =1 ; θ=tan ( 1 )=45
R Rg (10)(10)
Illustration 6:
dv
A car goes on a horizontal circular road of radius R, the speed increasing at a rate = a. The
dt
friction co-efficient between road and tyre is μ. Find the speed at which the car will skid.
Sol: Here at any time t, the speed of car becomes V, the net acceleration in the plane of road is

√( )
2 2
v
+ a This acceleration is provided by frictional force. At the moment car will slide
2
R

√( )
2 2 1
v
+a =μMg ⇒ v =[ R ( μ g −a ) ]
2 2 2 2 2 4
M ⃗a=
R

Illustration 7:
A tube of length L is filled completely with an incompressible liquid of mass M and closed at both
the ends. The tube is then rotated in a horizontal plane about one of its ends with a uniform angular
velocity ω . The force exerted by the liquid at the other end is
2 2 2
ML ω ML ω ML ω
a) b) ML ω 2 c) d)
2 4 2
CLASS EXERCISE
1] A car is moving with speed 30m/sec on a circular path of radius 500 m. Its speed is increasing at the
rate of ,2 m/se c 2What is the acceleration of the car
a)2 m/se c 2 b)2.7 m/se c 2 c)1.8 m/se c 2 d)9.8 m/ se c 2
2] If the equation for the displacement of a particle moving on a circular path is given by
( θ ) =2t 2 +0.5, where θ is in radians and t in seconds, then the angular velocity of the particle after 2
sec from its start is
a)8 rad/sec b)12 rad/sec c)24 rad/sec d)36 rad/sec
3] For a particle in a non-uniform accelerated circular motion
a)Velocity is radial and acceleration is transverse only
b)Velocity is transverse and acceleration is radial only
c) Velocity is radial and acceleration has both radial and transverse components
d)Velocity is transverse and acceleration has both radial and transverse components
4] A coin, placed on a rotating turn-table slips, when it is placed at a distance of 9 cm from the centre.
If the angular velocity of the turn-table is tripled, it will just slip, if its distance from the centre is
a)27 cm b)9 cm c)3 cm d)1 cm
5] When a ceiling fan is switched off its angular velocity reduces to 50% while it makes 36 rotations.
How many more rotation will it make before coming to rest (Assume uniform angular retardation)
a)18 b)12 c)36 d)48
6] The coordinates of a moving particle at any time ‘t’ are given by x = t3 and y = t3. The speed of
the particle at time ‘t’ is given by
a)α 2+ β2 b)3 t √ α 2+ β2 c)3 t 2 √ α 2+ β 2 d)t 2 √ α 2+ β2
7] A particle moves in a circular path with decreasing speed. Choose the correct statement.
a)Angular momentum remains constant
b) Acceleration ( a⃗ ) is towards the center
c) Particle moves in a spiral path with decreasing radius
d)The direction of angular momentum remains constant
8] The angle turned by a body undergoing circular motion depends on time as θ=θ0 +θ1 t+θ 2 t 2. Then the
angular acceleration of the body is
a)θ1 b)θ2 c)2 θ1 d)2 θ2
9] If a r and a trepresent radial and tangential accelerations, the motion of a particle will be uniformly
circular if
a)a r=0 and a t=0 b)a r=0 but at ≠ 0
c)a r ≠ 0 but at =0 d)a r ≠ 0 but at ≠ 0

HOME EXERCISE
1] A fan is making 600 revolutions per minute. If after some time it makes 1200 revolutions per
minute, then increase in its angular velocity is10 πrad /sec
a)10 πrad /sec b)20 πrad /sec c)40 πrad / sec d)60 πrad /sec
2] A coin, placed on a rotating turn-table slips, when it is placed at a distance of 9 cm from the centre.
If the angular velocity of the turn-table is tripled, it will just slip, if its distance from the centre is
a)27 cm b)9 cm c)3 cm d)1 cm
3] Figure shows a body of mass m moving with a uniform speed v along a circle of radius r. The
change in velocity in going from A to B is
B

C A
O

D
v
a) v √ 2 b) c) v d)zero
√2
4] A particle is acted upon by a force of constant magnitude which is always perpendicular to the
velocity of the particle. The motion of the particle takes place in a plane. It follows that
a)Velocity is constant b)Acceleration is constant
c)Kinetic energy is constant d)It moves in a circular path
5] A car is moving in a circular horizontal track of radius 10 m with a constant speed of 10 m/sec. A
plumb bob is suspended from the roof of the car by a light rigid rod of length 1.00 m. The angle
made by the rod with track is
(a)Zero b)30o c)45 o d)60 o

v2/r

g
6] A particle P is sliding down a frictionless hemispherical bowl. It passes the point A at t=0 . At this
instant of time, the horizontal component of its velocity is v . A bead Q of the same mass as Pis
ejected from A at t=0 along the horizontal string AB (see figure) with the speed v . Friction between
the bead and the string may be neglected. Let t p and t Q be the respective time taken by Pand Q to
reach the point B. Then
Q
A B

v C
P
a)t p <t Q b)t p=t Q c)t p >t Q d)All of these
7] A stone tied to a string of length L is whirled in a vertical circle with the other end of the string at the
centre. At a certain instant of time, the stone is at its lowest position and has a speed u. The
magnitude of the change in its velocity as it reaches a position where the string is horizontal is
a)√ u2−2 gL b)√ 2 gL c)√ u2−gL (d)√ 2(u¿¿ 2−gL)¿
8] A bottle of sodawater is grasped by the neck and swing briskly in a vertical circle. Near which
portion of the bottle do the bubbles collect
a)Near the bottom b)In the middle of the bottle
c) Near the neck d)Uniformly distributed in the bottle
 SESSION – 7

AIM
 To study Motion of a body in Vertical Circle with Constant Energy

Motion in vertical circle

This is an example of non-uniform circular motion. In this motion body is under the influence of
gravity of earth. When body moves from lowest point to highest point. Its speed decrease and
becomes minimum at highest point. Total mechanical energy of the body remains conserved and KE
converts into PE and vice versa.
1] Velocity at any point on vertical loop:
If u is the initial velocity imparted to body at lowest point then velocity of body at height h is given
by
v=√ u2−2 gh=√ u2−2 gl ¿ ¿
¿
wherel is the length of the string
C

l O B
D
v
h P
u
A
Fig : 3.40

2] Tension at any point on vertical loop :

Tension at general point P, According to Newton’s second law of motion.
C

l B
D
O T
P
mgcos
+ mv2/r
A mg

Fig : 3.41

Net force towards centre = centripetal force

2
mv
T −mg cos θ=
l
2
mv
orT =mg cos θ+
l
m
T= ¿
l
As v= √ u2 −2 gl(1−cos θ)¿ ¿
Velocity and tension in a vertical loop
Position Angle Velocity Tension
2
mu
A 0o u +mg
l
2
mu
B 90o √ u2−2 gl l
−2 mg
2
mu
C 180o √ u2−4 gl l
−5 mg
2
mu
D 270o √ u −2 gl
2
l
−2 mg

It is clear from the table that:T A >T B >T C ∧T B =T D

T A−T B =3 mg
T A−T C =6 mg
andT B−T C =3 mg

Condition of Looping the Loop ¿

The particle will complete the circle if the string does not slack even at the highest point (θ=π ).
Thus, tension in the string should be greater than or equal to zero (T  0) at θ=π . In critical case
2
m v min❑
substituting T = 0 and  = in Eq. (iii), we get mg= Or v 2 min ¿ gR
R
or v min ¿ √ gR
Substituting θ=π in Eq. (i), h = 2R
Therefore, from Eq. (ii)u2 min ¿ v 2 min+ 2 gh
Oru2 min ¿ gR +2 g ( 2 R )=5 gR
Oru min ¿ √ 5 gR
Thus, if u ( √ 5 g R ) the particle will complete the circle. At u=√ 5 gR velocity at highest point is
v=√ gR and tension in the string is zero.
Substituting θ = 0 0 and v = v=√ 5 gR in Eq. (iii), we get T = 6 mg or in the critical condition tension
in the string at lowest position is 6 mg. This is shown in figure.
P
T=0

O
R
u m in = 5 g R
A
T=6 m g
Ifu ≤ √ 5 gR , following two cases are possible

Condition of Leaving the Circle ( √ 2 gR< u< √ 5 gR)

 If u, the tension in the string will become zero before reaching the highest point. From eq. (iii)
tension in the string becomes zero (T = 0)
2
−v
where, cos θ ¿
Rg
2
2 gh−u
orcos θ ¿
Rh
Substituting, this value of cos θ ❑in Eq. (i) we get
2 2
2 gh−u h u + Rg
=1− ∨h= =h1 (say)
Rg R 3g
Let, at height h2velocity of particle becomes zero
Now, the particle will leave the circle if tension in the string becomes zero but velocity is not zero,
or T = 0 but v  0.This is possible only when h1 <h 2
2 2
u + Rg u
Or <
3g 2g
Or2 u +2 Rg<3 u 2
2

Oru2 >2 Rg
Oru> √ 2 Rg
Therefore, if √ 2 Rg¿ u< √ 5 Rg, the particle leaves the circle.
From Eq. (iv), we can see that h > R if u2> 2gR. Thus, the particle, will leave the circle when
h > R or 90 o<<180o . The situation is shown in the figure.
v
P T=0
v 0

O  h >R
R
u
A
√ 2 gR< u< √ 5 Rg∨90o <θ <180o
Note: That after leaving the circle, the particle will follow a parabolic path.

Condition of Oscillation (0< u≤ √ 2 Rg)

The particle will oscillate if velocity of the particle becomes zero but tension in the string is not
zero. or v = 0, but T  0. This is possible when
2 2
u u + Rg 2 2
or h2 <h 1 < ∨3u < 2u +2 Rg
2g 3g
2
oru <2 Rg or u< s √ 2 Rg
2 2
u u + Rg 2 2
or < ∨3u < 2u +2 Rg
2g 3g
2
or u <2 Rg
or u< √ 2 Rg
Moreover, if h1=h2, u< √ 2 Rg and tension and velocity both becomes zero simultaneously.
 Further, from Eq. (iv) we can see that h R if y √ 2 Rg . Thus, for 0 <u √ 2 Rg , particle oscillates
in lower half of the circle ¿). This situation is shown in the figure.
0 < u √ 2 Rg or ¿).

V=0
u N 0
h R

Note: The above three conditions have been derived for a particle moving in a vertical circle attached to a
string. The same conditions apply if a particle moves inside a smooth spherical shell of radius R. The
only difference is that the tension is replaced by the normal reaction N.

Various conditions for vertical motion

Velocity at lowest point Condition
u A > √ 5 gl Tension in the string will not be zero at any of the point and body
will continue the circular motion.
u A =√ 5 gl Tension at highest point C will be zero and body will just
complete the circle.
√ 2 gl<u A < √ 5 gl Particle will not follow circular motion. Tension in string become
zero somewhere between points B and C whereas velocity remain
positive. Particle leaves circular path and follow parabolic
trajectory.
u A =√ 2 gl Both velocity and tension in the string becomes zero at B and
particle will oscillate along semi-circular path.
u A < √ 5 gl velocity of particle becomes zero between A and B but tension
will not be zero and the particle will oscillate about the point A.
Note: K.E. of a body moving in horizontal circle is same throughout the path but the K.E. of the body
moving in vertical circle is different at different places.
 If body of mass m is tied to a string of length l and is projected with a horizontal velocity u then :
2
u
Height at which the velocity vanishes is h=
2g
2
u + gl
Height at which the tension vanishes is h=
3g

Different variables in vertical loop

Quantity Point A Point B Point C Point D Point P

Linear velocity (v) √ 5 gl √ 3 gl √ gl √ 3 gl √ gl¿ ¿

√ √ √ √ √
Angular velocity () 5g 3g g 3g g
¿¿
l l l l l
 Tension in String (T) 6 mg 3 mg 0 3 mg 3 mg ¿
Kinetic Energy (KE) 5 3 1 3 mu
2
mgl mgl mgl mgl −5 mg=0
2 2 2 2 l
Potential Energy (PE) 0 mgl 2 mgl mgl mgl ¿
Total Energy (TE) 5 5 5 5 5
mgl mgl mgl mgl mgl
2 2 2 2 2

Illustration 1:
A heavy particle hanging from a fixed point by a light inextensible string of length l is projected
horizontally with speed √ gl. Find the speed of the particle and the inclination of the string to the
vertical at the instant of the motion when the tension in the string is equal to the weight of the
particle.
Sol: Let T = mg at angle as shown in fig.
h = l (1- cos) ----(i)
Applying conservation of mechanical energy between points A and B, we get
1
m ( u −v ) =mgh
2 2
2
Here, u2 = gl ----(ii)
and v = speed of particle in position B
2 2
v =u −2 gh ----(iii)
2 2
mv mv
Further,T - mg cos= ormg - mg cos= (T = mg)
l l
or v 2= gl(1 - cos ) ----(iv)
Substituting values of v 2 , u2 and h from Eqs. (iv), (ii) and(i) in Eq. (iii), we get
gl(1 – cos) = gl– 2gl (1–cos)
orcos ()
−1 2
3 ()
orθ=cos
−1 2
3
2
Substituting cos θ= in Eq. (iv), we get v=
3 √ gl
3

CLASS EXERCISE
1] A bucket tied at the end of a 1.6 m long string is whirled in a vertical circle with constant speed.
What should be the minimum speed so that the water from the bucket does not spill, when the bucket
is at the highest position¿
a)4 m/sec b)6.25 m/sec c)16 m/sec d)None of the above
2] A 1 kg stone at the end of 1 m long string is whirled in a vertical circle at constant speed of 4 m/sec.
The tension in the string is 6 N, when the stone is at (g = 10 m/sec2)
a)Top of the circle b)Bottom of the circle
c)Half way down d)None of the above
3] A block follows the path as shown in the figure from height h . If radius of circular path isr , then
relation that holds good to complete full circle is
 h

a)h<5 r /2 b)h>5 r /2 c)h=5 r /2 d)h ≥ 5 r /2

4] The maximum and minimum tension in the string whirling in a circle of radius 2.5 m with constant
velocity are in the ratio 5 : 3 then its velocity is
a)√ 98 m/s b)7 m/s c)√ 490 m/ s d)√ 4.9
5] A body of mass 1 kg is moving in a vertical circular path of radius 1m. The difference between the
kinetic energies at its highest and lowest position is
a)20J b)10J c)4 √ 5 J d)¿
10
6] A stone of mass 1 kg tied to a light inextensible string of length L= m is whirling in a circular
3
path of radius L in a vertical plane. If the ratio of the maximum tension in the string to the minimum
tension in the string is 4 and if g is taken to be 10 m/sec 2 ❑, the speed of the stone at the highest
point of the circle is
a)20 m/sec b)10 √ 3 m/sec c)5 √ 2m/ sec d)10 m/sec
7] A weightless thread can bear tension upto 3.7 kgwt. A stone of mass 500 gmsis tied to it and
revolved in a circular path of radius 4 m in a vertical plane. If g=10 ms−2, then the maximum
angular velocity of the stone will be
a)4 radians/sec b)16 radians/sec c)√ 21radians/sec d)2 radians/sec

HOME EXERCISE

1] A bucket full of water is rotated in a vertical circle of radius R. If the water does not split out, the
speed of the bucket at top most point will be

a)√ Rg b)√ 5 Rg c)√ 2 Rg d) (√ Rg )

2] A 4 kg stone tied at the end of a string 1 metre long is whirled in a vertical circle. At the instant
when the string makes an angle θ with the vertical, the speed of the stone is 4 ms -1 and the tension
in the thread is 103.2 newton. Then θ is
a)0 o b)30
o
c)60
o
d)90
o

3] A particle is projected from the ground with a velocity ‘u’ at an angle θ .Assuming the small part on
its path to be a part of a circle. The maximum and minimum radii possible for these circles are
2 2 2 2 2
u u cos θ u u cos θ
a) , b) 3
,
g cos θ g g cos θ g
2 2 2 2 2
u u cos θ u u cos θ
c) ❑ , d) 3
,
g cos θ g gco s θ g
4] A stone tied to a string of length L is whirled in a vertical circle with the other end of the string at the
centre. At a certain instant of time, the stone is at its lowest position and had speed u. The magnitude
of the change in velocity as it reaches a position where the string is horizontal is
a) √ u2−2 gL b)√ 2 gL c)√ u2−gL d) √ u2 +2 gL
5] The string of a pendulum of length l is displaced through 90 o from the vertical and released. Then
the minimum strength of the string in order to with stand the tension as the pendulum passes through
the mean position is
a) 3 mg b) 4 mg c) 5 mg d) 6 mg
6] A ball is suspended by a thread of length l from a point ‘A’. At the lowest position it is given a

velocity
√
7
2
gl in the horizontal direction. The string slackens after swinging through an angle with

the vertical is
a) 30o b) 60
o
c)90
o
d) 120
o

7] A nail is located at a certain distance below the point of suspension of a simple pendulum of length
1m.the pendulum is released from a position, where the string makes an angle 60 o with vertical. The
distance of the nail from the point of suspension such that the bob will complete vertical circular
motion about the nail is
a) 0.8m b) 0.4m c) 0.2m d) 0.5m
8] Three identical cars A, B and C are moving at the same speed on three bridges. The car A goes on a
plane bridge, B on a bridge convex upward and C goes on a bridge concave upward. Let F A, F B and
F C be the normal forces exerted by the cars on the bridges when they are at the middle of bridges.
Then
a) F Ais maximum of the three forces b) F B is maximum of the three forces
c) F Cis maximum of the three forces d) F A=F B =FC
9] A small body of mass m slides down from the top of a hemisphere of radius R. The surface of block
and hemisphere are frictionless. The height at which the body lose contact with the surface of the
sphere is
3 2 1 1
a) R b) R c) R d) R
2 3 2 3
10] A particle is released from rest on a fixed hemispherical bowl as shown. When the particle leaves
contact with the bowl the angle made by radius vector with horizontal is

√
1
−1 −1 1 2
a) 30o b)sin c)cos d) cos−1
√3 √3 3
11] A body released from an incline of vertical height hpasses through a groove of a vertical circle of
radius r = 2m and reaches the highest point of the circle. Then h is
a) 5m b) 2.5m c) 7.5m d) 10 m
 SESSION – 8

AIM
 To study the Motion of a block on frictionless hemisphere
 To study about the Conical Pendulum

1] Motion of a block on frictionless hemisphere :

A
B (r – h)
r
h

mg
Fig : 3.42

A small block of mass m slides down from the top of a frictionless hemisphere of radius r. The component
of the force of gravity (mgcos) provides required centripetal force but at point Bit's circular motion ceases
and the block lose contact with the surface of the sphere.
For point B, by equating the forces,
2
mv
mg cos θ= … … (i)
r
For point A and B, by law of conservation of energy
Total energy at point A = Total energy at point B
K . E .(A )+ P . E .( A)=K . E .(B)+ P . E . ( B )
1
0+ mgr= m v +mgh v =√2 g(r −h)
2
… (ii)
2
and from the given figure h=r cos θ … (iii)
By substituting the value of v and h from eq n (ii) and (iii) in eq n (i)

mg ()h m
r
2
= ( √ 2 g ( r −h ) ) ⇒ h=2 ( r−h ) ⇒ h= r
r
2
3
2
i.e. the block lose contact at the height of r from the ground.
3
h 2
and angle from the vertical can be given by cos θ= =
r 3
−1 2
∴ θ=cos .
3

Conical Pendulum
This is the example of uniform circular motion in horizontal plane.
A bob of mass m attached to a light and in-extensible string rotates in a horizontal circle of radiusr
with constant angular speed  about the vertical. The string makes angle  with vertical and appears
tracing the surface of a cone. So this arrangement is called conical pendulum.
The force acting on the bob are tension and weight of the bob.
 2
mv
From the figure T sin θ= ….(i)
r
andT cos θ=mg ….(ii)

l
h

A P
O r

Fig : 3.`43

√ ( )
2 2
1] Tension in the string :T =mg 1+ v
rg

T=
mg mgl
cos θ √ l −r
h
l [
= 2 2 as cos θ= = √
l 2−r 2
l ]
S

T
Tcos

T sin P
mv2/r
O

mg

2
v
2] Angle of string from the vertical : tanθ=
rg
3] Linear velocity of the bob : v=√ gr tanθ
4] Angular velocity of the bob :

5]
ω=
√
g
r
tan θ= =
g
h √ √
g
l cos θ
Time period of revolution :

T p=2 π
√ lcos θ
g
=2 π
h
g √
√ √
2 2
l −r r
¿2π =2 π
g g tanθ

Illustration 1:
A large mass M and a small mass m hang at the two ends of the string that passes through a smooth
tube as shown in figure. The mass m moves around in a circular path, which lines in the horizontal
plane. The length of the string from the mass m to the top of the tube is land  is the angle this length
makes with vertical. What should be the frequency of rotation of mass m so that M remains
stationary?
Sol: The forces acting on mass m and M are shown in figure. When mass M is stationary
T = Mg
...... (i)
T cos
T 

T sin
mg

Mg

Where T is tension in string

For the smaller mass, the vertical component of tension T cos θbalances mg and the horizontal
component T sin θ supplies the necessary centripetal force.
T cos θ=mg ...... (ii)
2
T sin θ=mr ω ......(iii)
ω being the angular velocity and r is the radius of horizontal circular path.

From (i) and (iii), Mg sin θ=mr ω2=

√ Mg sin θ
mr
=
√
Mg sin θ
ml sin θ
= (√ Mg
ml )
1
Frequency of rotation ¿ =
1 ω
T 2 πl 2 π ( )
∴ frequency=

Illustration2:
1
2π √ Mg
ml

The 4 kg block in the figure is attached to the vertical rod by means of two strings. When the system
rotates about the axis of the rod, the two strings of equal length are extended as indicated in figure.
How many revolutions per minute must the system make in order that the tension in upper string is
60 N. What is tension in the lower string? (given PB = 2m, PA = 1.25 mts)
Sol: The forces acting on block P of mass 4 kg are shown in the figure. If  is the angle made by strings
with vertical, T 1 and T 2 tension in strings for equilibrium in the vertical direction
T 1 cos θ=T 2 cos θ+ mg
( T 1−T 2 ) cos θ=mg
1 4 OP 1
cos θ= = [∵ cos θ= = ]
1.25 5 AP 1.25
 mg 5 mg 5
∴ T 1 −T 2= = = × 4 × 9.8=49 N
cos θ 4 4
Given T 1=60 N T 2=T 1−49=60 N −49 N =11 N
The net horizontal force ( T 1 sin θ+T 2 sin θ ) provides the necessary centripetal force m ω2 r .
2
∴ ( T 1+T 2 ) sin θ=m ω r
2 ( T 1 +T 2 ) sin θ
⇒ω =
mr

sin θ=√1−cos 2 θ= 1−
√
r =OA=√ 1.25 −1 =0.752
()
2
4 2 3
5
=
5

3
( 60+11 )
5
∴ ω2 = =14.2
4 × 0.75
ω=√ 14.2=3.768 rad /s
Frequency revolution = ¿ rev/sor36 rev /min

Illustration3:
A hemispherical bowl of radius R is rotating about its axis of symmetry which is kept vertical.
Asmall ball kept in the bowl rotates with the bowl without slipping on its surface. If the surface of
the bowl is smooth and the angle made by the radius through the ball with the vertical is. Find the
angular speed at which the bowl is rotating.
Sol: Let be the angular speed of rotation of the bowl. Two forces are acting on the ball.

R
N
A
r
mg
1. normal reaction N 2. weight mg
The ball is rotating in a circle of radius r (¿ R sin)with centre at A at an angular speed. Thus,
N sin=mr 2
¿ mR 2sin−−−−−−(i)
¿ mR 2sin−−−−−−−(ii)
and N cos=mg Dividing Eq. (i) by (ii), we get¿ ¿ ¿
CLASS EXERCISE
1] A particle describes a horizontal circle in a conical funnel whose inner surface is smooth with speed
m
of 0.5 .What is the height of the plane of circle from vertex of the funnel ?
s
a)0.25 cm b)2 cm c)4 cm d)2.5 cm
2] A particle originally at rest at the highest point of a smooth vertical circle is slightly displaced. It will leave
the circle at a vertical distance h below the highest point such that
h

R R 2R
a) h=r b) h= c)h= d) h=
3 2 3
3] A ball is moving to and fro about the lowest point A of a smooth hemispherical bowl. If it is able to rise
up to a height of 20 cm on either side of A, its speed at A must be (Take = 10 m/s2, mass of the body 5
g)
a)0.2 m/s b)2 m/s c)4 m/s d)4.5 ms – 1
2
4] A string of length L is fixed at one end and carries a mass M at the other end. The string makes
❑
revolutions per second around the vertical axis through the fixed end as shown in the figure, then
tension in the string is
S

a)ML b)2 ML c)4 ML d) 16 ML

5] A stone ties to the end of a string 1m long is whirled in a horizontal circle with a constant speed. If
the stone makes 22 revolution in 44 seconds, what is the magnitude and direction of acceleration of
the stone
2
π
(a) m s−2 and direction along the radius towards the centre
4
(b) π 2 m s−2 and direction along the radius away from the centre
(c) π 2 m s−2 and direction along the radius towards the centre
(d) π 2 m s−2 and direction along the tangent to the circle
6] A particle is kept at rest at the top of a sphere of diameter 42 m. When disturbed slightly, it slides
down. At what height ‘h’ from the bottom, the particle will leave the sphere
a)14 m b)28 m c)35 m d)7 m
7] A simple pendulum is constructed by attaching a bob of mass m to a string of length L fixed at its
upper end. The bob oscillates 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 the tension in the string and the magnitude of net force
on the bob at that instant.
8] The length of rod and the string each is 20cm and the angle made by the string with vertical is
θ=30 o. The rod rotates with contant angular speed. Find the angular speed of the rotation.

HOME EXERCISE
1] A weightless thread can bear tension upto 3.7 kg-wt. A stone of mass 500g is tied to it and revolved
in a circular path of radius 4m in a vertical plane. If g=10 ms−2, then the maximum angular velocity
of the stone will be
a) 2 rad s−1 b) 4 rad s−1 c) 16 rad s−1 d) rad s−1
2] A mass of 2 kg is tied to a string 5 m long and is rotated at a constant speed of 30 m s−1 in a vertical
circle. The ratio of the tensions at the top and the bottom is (g=10 m s−2 )
a)1: 2 b)13: 15 c)16: 17 d)17: 19
3] A particle starts from rest is moving in a circular path of radius R with angular acceleration ‘’.After
what time the acceleration is directed at 45 o to the velocity?

√
1 1 2 2
a) b) c) d)
√α √2 α α √α
4] The particle of mass ‘m’ moving in a vertical circle has a velocity √ 5 gR at the top most point. The
minimum breaking strength of the thread should be
a) 4 mg b) 6 mg c) 8 mg d) 10 mg
5] A mass of 2kg is tied to a string 5m long and is rotated at a constant speed of 30m/s a vertical circle.
Then the ratio of tensions at the top and bottom is (g=10 m/s2 )
a) 1:2 b) 17:19 c) 16:17 d) 13:15
6] A body of mass 100gm is suspended by a string of length 40cm. it is pulled to one side till the string
becomes horizontal and released. The tension in the string when the body reaches the lowest position
is ( g=10 m/s2 )
a) 1N b) 2N c) 3N d) 4N
7] A body of mass 5 kg is tied to a rope of length 1m and rotated in a vertical circular orbit with a speed
of 4 m/s. When the tension in the rope is 129 N .( g=9.8 m/s 2) the position of the body on the circle
is
8] A 4 kg stone tied at the end of a 1m long string is whirled in a vertical circle. At the instant when the
string makes an angle with the vertical, the linear speed of the stone is 4 m/s and the tension in the
string is 103.2 N. Then the value of
a) 0 o b) 30o c)60 o d) 90 o
9] A simple pendulum is oscillating with an angular amplitude of 90 oas shown in figure. The value off
or which the resultant acceleration of the bob is directed horizontally is

a) 0
o
b)90
o
c)sin
−1
( √13 ) d) cos
−1
( √13 )
10] A body of mass M kg is on the top point of a smooth hemisphere of radius 5m.It released to slide
down the surface of the hemisphere. It leaves the surface when it velocity is 5 ms -1.At this instant
the angle made by the radius vector of the body with the vertical is (g=10 ms-2)
a) 30o b) 45
o
c)60
o
d) 90
o

11] A small glass marble of mass ‘m’ oscillates between the two edges, inside a hemispherical glass
bowl of radius ‘r’. If V is its speed of the marble at lowest position, the thrust on the bowl at that
position is
2 2 2 2
mv 2m v 3mv 3mv
a) b) c) d)
r r r 2r
12] A frictionless wire is fixed between A and B inside a sphere of radius R. A small ball slips along the
wire. The time taken by the ball to slip from A to B will be
A

O
R

(√ Rg ) √ θ Rg
a)2 b)√ Rg cos θ c) 22 Rg cos d)
g √ g cos θ
13] A smooth circular tube is kept in a vertical plane. A particle of mass m, which can slide freely inside
the tube, is placed at the highest point in the tube. If the particle is displaced slightly from rest, the
force exerted by it on the wall of the tube at angular displacement is
a) mg(3 - 2 cos) b) mg (3 cos- 2)
c) mg (4cos - 3) d) mg (4 - 3 cos)
14] An army tank passes alternatively over a concave and then a convex bridge each of radius 40m with
a velocity 10m/s. the ratio of the reactions at the centers of the bridges exerted by the tank is
2
(g=10 m/s )
a)3:2 b) 5:3 c) 1:1 d) 2:1
15] A 70 kg man stands in contact against the inner wall of a hollow cylindrical drum of radius 3m
rotating about its vertical axis with 200 rev/ min. The coefficient of friction between the wall and his
clothing is 0.15. What is the minimum rotational speed of the cylinder to enable the man to remain
stuck to the wall (without falling) when the floor is suddenly removed?
a) 8 rad/s b) 4.7 rad/s c) 2.8 rad/s d) None
16] You may have seen in a circus a motorcyclist driving in vertical loops inside a ‘death well’ (ahollow
spherical chamber with holes, so the spectators can watch from outside). Explain clearly why the
motorcyclist 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 25m?