Centripetal Force

• What is the force that keeps an object moving in a circle?

  Centripetal force

  
• Why is an object moving in a circle not in equilibrium?

  It has a resultant force acting on it
• How is centripetal force defined?

  Resultant force towards the circle's center
• In which direction is centripetal force always directed?

  Towards the center of rotation
• What is the relationship between centripetal force and direction of travel?

  Centripetal force is perpendicular to travel direction
• What does the symbol F represent in centripetal force equations?

  Centripetal force (N)
• What does the symbol v represent in centripetal force equations?

  Linear velocity (m/s)
• What does the symbol r represent in centripetal force equations?

  Radius of the orbit (m)

  
• How do centripetal force and centripetal acceleration relate?

  They act in the same direction
• What does Newton's Second Law state about centripetal force?

  Centripetal force is not a separate force
• What type of force can provide centripetal force?

  Any type of force depending on the situation
• For a mass orbiting a planet, what provides the centripetal force?

  The gravitational force
• Why is no work done when an object travels in circular motion?

  There is no change in kinetic energy
• What is the mass of a ball that travels in a circle of radius 0.8 m?

  300 g
• What is the maximum force a 300 g ball can withstand?

  60 N
• How do you rearrange the centripetal force equation for maximum speed?

  vmax = $\sqrt{\frac{rF_{max}}{m}}$
• What is the maximum speed of a ball with a radius of 0.8 m and a maximum force of 60 N?

  $12.6 \text{ m/s}$
• What are the steps to calculate maximum speed in circular motion?

  1. List known quantities (mass, radius, force)
  2. Rearrange centripetal force equation for speed
  3. Substitute values into the equation

  
• What are the key characteristics of centripetal force?

  • Acts towards the center of the circle
  • Perpendicular to the direction of travel
  • Not a separate force, can be any type