4.

1b Further Mechanics
Circular Motion
Breithaupt pages 22 to 33

December 26th, 2011

 AQA A2 Specification
Lessons Topics

1 to 3 Circular motion
Motion in a circular path at constant speed implies
there is an acceleration and requires a centripetal force.
Angular speed ω = v / r = 2π f
Centripetal acceleration a = v2 / r = ω2 r
Centripetal force F = mv2 / r = mω2 r
The derivation of a = v2/ r will not be examined.
 Uniform Circular Motion
Consider an object moving around a v
circular path of radius, r with a

v
constant linear speed , v
r

v
The circumference of this circle is 2π r.

v
r
The time taken to complete one circle,

r
r
the period, is T.

r
r
v

r
r
Therefore:

v
v = 2π r / T

v
v
But frequency, f = 1 / T and so also:
Note: The arrows represent the
v = 2π r f velocity of the object. As the
direction is continually
changing, so is the velocity.
 Question
The tyre of a car, radius 40cm, rotates with a frequency of
20 Hz. Calculate (a) the period of rotation and (b) the linear
speed at the tyres edge.

(a) T = 1 / f
= 1 / 20 Hz
period of rotation = 0.050 s

(b) v = 2π r f
= 2 π x 0.40 m x 20 Hz
linear speed = 50 ms-1
 Angular displacement, θ
Angular displacement, θ is equal
to the angle swept out at the
centre of the circular path. θ

An object completing a complete

circle will therefore undergo an
angular displacement of 360°.
½ circle = 180°.
¼ circle = 90°.
 Angles in radians
The radian (rad) is defined as the angle
swept out at the centre of a circle when s
the arc length, s is equal to the radius, r
of the circle.
θ
r
If s = r
then θ = 1 radian r
The circumference of a circle = 2πr
Therefore 1 radian = 360° / 2π = 57.3°

And so:
360° = 2π radian (6.28 rad)
180° = π radian (3.14 rad) Also: s = r θ
90° = π / 2 radian (1.57 rad)
 Angular speed (ω)
angular speed = angular displacement
time

ω = Δθ / Δt

units:
angular displacement (θ ) in radians (rad)
time (t ) in seconds (s)
angular speed (ω) in radians per second (rad s-1)
Angular speed can also be measured in revolutions per
second (rev s-1) or revolutions per minute (r.p.m.)

Question:
Calculate the angular speed in rad s-1 of an old vinyl record
player set at 78 r.p.m.

78 r.p.m.
= 78 / 60 revolutions per second
= 1.3 rev s-1
= 1.3 x 2π rad s-1
78 r.p.m. = 8.2 rad s-1
 Angular frequency (ω)
Angular frequency is the same as angular speed.

For an object taking time, T to complete one circle of

angular displacement 2π:

ω = 2π / T
but T = 1 / f
therefore: ω = 2π f

that is: angular frequency = 2π x frequency

 Relationship between angular
and linear speed
For an object taking time Therefore:
period, T to complete a circle
radius r:
v=rω
ω = 2π / T
and:
rearranging: T = 2π / ω
ω = v/r
but: v = 2π r / T
= 2π r / (2π / ω)
 Question
A hard disc drive, radius 50.0 mm, spins at 7200 r.p.m.
Calculate (a) its angular speed in rad s-1; (b) its outer edge
linear speed.

(a) 7200 r.p.m. = [(7200 x 2 x π) / 60] rad s-1

angular speed = 754 rad s-1

(b) v = r ω
= 0.0500 m x 754 rad s-1
linear speed = 37.7 ms-1
 Complete
Answers
angular speed linear speed radius

30 rad s-1 6 ms-1 0.20 m

40 rad s-1 20 ms-1 0.50 m
6 rad s-1 18 ms-1 3m
0.12 rad s-1 48 cms-1 4.0 m
45 r.p.m. 0.42 ms-1 8.7 cm
 Centripetal acceleration (a)
An object moving along a circular v
path is continually changing in
direction. This means that even if a
it is travelling at a constant speed, v
a r
v it is also continually changing its r
velocity. It is therefore undergoing

r
an acceleration, a.

a
This acceleration is directed

v
towards the centre (centripetal)
of the circular path and is given
by:
a = v2
r
but: v = r ω
combining this with: a = v2 / r

gives:
a = r ω2

and also:
a=vω
 Complete
Answers
angular linear speed radius centripetal
speed acceleration
4.0 rad s-1 8.0 ms-1 2.0 m 32 ms-2

2.0 rad s-1 1.0 ms-1 0.50 m 2.0 ms-2

9.0 rad s-1 27 ms-1 3.0 m 243 ms-2

1.5 rad s-1 6.0 ms-1 4.0 m 9.0 ms-2

33⅓ r.p.m. 0.52 ms-1 0.15 m 1.8 ms-2
 ISS Question
For the International Space
Station in orbit about the
Earth (ISS) Calculate:
(a) the centripetal
acceleration and
(b) linear speed
Data:
orbital period = 90 minutes
orbital height = 400km
Earth radius = 6400km
(a) ω = 2π / T
= 2 π / (90 x 60 seconds)
= 1.164 x 10-3 rads-1
a = r ω2
= (400km + 6400km) x (1.164 x 10-3 rads-1)2
= (6.8 x 106 m) x (1.164 x 10-3 rads-1)2
centripetal acceleration = 9.21 ms-1

(b) v = r ω
= (6.8 x 106 m) x (1.164 x 10-3 rads-1)
linear speed = 7.91 x 103 ms-1
(7.91 kms-1)
 Proof of: a = v2 / r
NOTE: This is not required for A2 AQA Physics
Consider an object moving at vA
constant speed, v from point A to A B
point B along a circular path of vB
radius r.
δθ

Over a short time period, δt it

covers arc length, δs and sweeps
C
out angle, δθ.

As v = δs / δt then δs = v δt.

The velocity of the object

changes in direction by angle δθ
as it moves from A to B.
 The change in velocity, δv
A B
δs vB = vB - vA
r r Which is equivalent to:
δθ
δv = vB + (- vA)
vB
C
δv δθ
If δθ is very small then δs
can be considered to be a -vA
straight line and the
shape ABC to be a Triangle ABC will have the
triangle. same shape as the vector
diagram above.

Therefore δv / vA (or B) = δs / r
 but δs = v δt
vB
and so:
δv δθ δv / v = v δt / r
-vA δv / δt = v2 / r

As δt approaches zero, δv / δt will

become equal to the instantaneous
acceleration, a.

Hence: a = v2 / r

In the same direction as δv, towards the

centre of the circle.
 Centripetal Force
Newton’s first law:
If a body is accelerating it must
be subject to a resultant force.

Newton’s second law:

The direction of the resultant
force and the acceleration must
be the same.
Tension provides the
Therefore centripetal CENTRIPETAL FORCE
acceleration requires a resultant required by the hammer
force directed towards the thrower.
centre of the circular path – this
is CENTRIPETAL FORCE.
 What happens when centripetal force
is removed

When the centripetal

force is removed the
object will move along
a straight line
tangentially to the
circular path.
Other examples of centripetal forces
Situation Centripetal force

Earth orbiting the Sun GRAVITY of the Sun

Car going around a bend. FRICTION on the car’s tyres

Airplane banking (turning) PUSH of air on the airplane’s

wings
Electron orbiting a nucleus ELECTROSTATIC attraction
due to opposite charges
 Equations for centripetal force
From Newton’s 2nd law of motion:
ΣF = ma
If a = centripetal acceleration
then ΣF = centripetal force
and so:
ΣF = m v2 / r
and ΣF = m r ω2
and ΣF = m v ω
Question 1
Calculate the centripetal tension
force in a string used to whirl a
mass of 200g around a horizontal
circle of radius 70cm at 4.0ms-1.
ΣF = m v2 / r
= (0.200kg) x (4.0ms-1)2 / (0.70m)
tension = 4.6 N
 Question 2
Calculate the maximum speed that a car of mass 800kg
can go around a curve of radius 40m if the maximum
frictional force available is 8kN.

The car will skid if the centripetal force required is

greater than 8kN
ΣF = m v2 / r
becomes: v2 = (ΣF x r ) / m
= (8000N x 40m) / (800kg)
v2 = 400
maximum speed = 20ms-1
 Question 3
A mass of 300g is whirled around a A
vertical circle using a piece of string
of length 20cm at 3.0 revolutions
per second.
Calculate the tension in the string at
positions:
C
(a) A – top
(b) B – bottom and
(c) C – string horizontal

The angular speed, ω = 3.0 rev s-1 B

= 6 π rad s-1
 (a) A – top
Both the weight of the mass and the
tension in the string are pulling the mass
mg towards the centre of the circle.

Therefore: ΣF = mg + T
and so: m r ω2 = mg + T
T giving: T = m r ω2 – mg
= [0.300kg x 0.20m x (6π rads-1)2]
– [0.300kg x 9.8 Nkg-1]
= [21.32N] – [2.94N]
tension at A = 18.4N
 (b) B – bottom
The weight is now acting away from
T the centre of the circle.

Therefore: ΣF = T – mg
and so: m r ω2 = T – mg
giving: T = m r ω2 + mg
= [0.300kg x 0.20m x (6π rads-1)2]
mg + [0.300kg x 9.8 Nkg-1]
= [21.32N] + [2.94N]
tension at B = 24.3N
 (c) C – horizontal string
The weight is acting perpendicular
T
to the direction of the centre of the
mg circle. It therefore has no affect on
the centripetal force.

Therefore: ΣF = T
and so: m r ω2 = T
giving: T = m r ω2
= [0.300kg x 0.20m x (6π rads-1)2]
tension at C = 21.3N
 Question 4 meow!

Calculate the maximum speed that Pat can drive

over the bridge for Jess to stay in contact with the
van’s roof if the distance that Jess is from the
centre of curvature is 8.0m.
Forces on Jess will remain in contact with the van’s roof
Jess as long as the reaction force, R is greater
than zero.
The resultant force, ΣF downwards on Jess,
R while the van passes over the bridge, is
centripetal and is given by:
ΣF = mg - R
and so: m v2 / r = mg - R
The maximum speed is when R = 0
and so: m v2 / r = mg
mg v2 / r = g
v2 = g r
maximum speed, v = √ (g r)
= √ (9.8 x 8.0)
= √ (78.4)
maximum speed = 8.9 ms-1
 Internet Links
Ladybug Revolution - PhET - Join the ladybug in an exploration of
rotational motion. Rotate the merry-go-round to change its angle, or
choose a constant angular velocity or angular acceleration. Explore
how circular motion relates to the bug's x,y position, velocity, and
acceleration using vectors or graphs.
Motion in 2D - PhET - Learn about velocity and acceleration vectors.
Move the ball with the mouse or let the simulation move the ball in four
types of motion (2 types of linear, simple harmonic, circle). See the
velocity and acceleration vectors change as the ball moves.
Motion produced by a force - linear & circular cases - netfirms
Uniform circular motion - Fendt
Carousel - centripetal force - Fendt
Relation between speed and centripetal force - NTNU
Vertical circle & force vectors - NTNU
Circular Motion & Centripetal Force - NTNU
Inertia of a lead brick & Circular motion of a water glass - 'Whys Guy'
Video Clip (3 mins) (2nd of 2 clips)
 Core Notes from Breithaupt pages 22 to 29
1. Define the ‘radian’. Convert to radians: (a) 360°; (b) 180°; (c) 90°;
(d) 45°. Convert to degrees: (a) 1 rad; (b) 2 rad; (c) π rad; (d) 2π
rad; (e) π/2 rad.
2. Explain what is meant by angular displacement and speed.
3. State the equations relating angular speed to (a) linear speed; (b)
frequency and (c) period.
4. Calculate the angular speed and rotational frequency for an object
travelling at 5.0ms-1 around a circle of radius 6 cm.
5. Explain why motion along a circular path implies centripetal
acceleration.
6. State equations showing how centripetal acceleration is related to
(a) speed and radius; (b) angular speed and radius.
7. What is meant by ‘centripetal force’? Give three examples.
8. State equations showing how centripetal force is related to (a)
speed and radius; (b) angular speed and radius.
9. Calculate the centripetal force acting on a mass of 600g being
whirled around a horizontal circle of radius 40cm at (a) a speed of
3.0ms-1 and (b) an angular speed of 4.0 rads-1.
 Notes from Breithaupt pages 22 & 23
Uniform circular motion
1. Define the ‘radian’. Convert to radians: (a) 360°; (b)
180°; (c) 90°; (d) 45°. Convert to degrees: (a) 1 rad; (b)
2 rad; (c) π rad; (d) 2π rad; (e) π/2 rad.
2. Explain what is meant by angular displacement and
speed.
3. State the equations relating angular speed to (a) linear
speed; (b) frequency and (c) period.
4. Calculate the angular speed and rotational frequency
for an object travelling at 5.0ms-1 around a circle of
radius 6 cm.

5. Try the summary questions on page 23

 Notes from Breithaupt pages 24 & 25
Centripetal acceleration
1. Explain why motion along a circular path implies centripetal
acceleration.
2. State equations showing how centripetal acceleration is related to
(a) speed and radius; (b) angular speed and radius.
3. What is meant by ‘centripetal force’? Give three examples.
4. State equations showing how centripetal force is related to (a)
speed and radius; (b) angular speed and radius.
5. Calculate the centripetal force acting on a mass of 600g being
whirled around a horizontal circle of radius 40cm at (a) a speed of
3.0ms-1 and (b) an angular speed of 4.0 rads-1.

6. Derive the equation a = v2 / r.

7. Try the summary questions on page 25
 Notes from Breithaupt pages 26 & 27
On the road
1. Describe how to calculate the maximum speed that a
car can travel over a hump back bridge without it
leaving the road.
2. Describe how to calculate the maximum speed that a
car can travel around a curve without it skidding.
Explain why an icy road would reduce this value.
3. Explain how a banked road can increase the maximum
speed for taking a curve. You should draw a force
diagram to illustrate your answer.
4. Try the summary questions on page 27
 Notes from Breithaupt pages 28 & 29
At the fairground
1. Explain how your apparent weight can increase on a
Big Dipper.
2. Explain how it is possible to travel upside down on a
fairground ride and not require being strapped to a seat.
3. Try the summary questions on page 29