Circular Motion

• What are the two vector quantities mentioned in circular motion?

  Velocity and acceleration

  
• What characterizes an object in uniform circular motion?

  It has a constant linear speed
• Why does an object in circular motion have a constantly changing velocity?

  Because it is continuously changing direction
• What must be true about an object in circular motion?

  It must be accelerating
• How is acceleration defined in the context of circular motion?

  As the rate of change of velocity

  
• What is the name of the acceleration in circular motion?

  Centripetal acceleration

  
• In which direction does centripetal acceleration act?

  Perpendicular to the direction of linear speed
• What does the term 'centripetal' refer to in circular motion?

  It acts towards the centre of the circular path
• What direction do centripetal force and acceleration always point towards?

  Towards the centre of the circle

  
• What causes centripetal acceleration?

  A centripetal force of constant magnitude
• How does centripetal force relate to the direction of motion?

  It acts perpendicular to the direction of motion

  
• Which law explains the relationship between centripetal acceleration and force?

  Newton's Second Law
• How do centripetal acceleration and force relate in terms of direction?

  They act in the same direction

  
• What is another term for linear speed in circular motion?

  Tangential speed
• What is a tangent in relation to a circle?

  A straight line touching the circle at one point
• What is a key feature of a tangent to a circle?

  It always acts perpendicular to its radius
• What are the key concepts of circular motion?

  • Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities
  • Uniform circular motion has constant linear speed
  • Changing direction leads to changing velocity
  • Centripetal acceleration is perpendicular to linear speed
  • Centripetal force acts towards the center

  
• What are the relationships between centripetal acceleration, force, and Newton's Second Law?

  • Centripetal acceleration is caused by centripetal force
  • Both act towards the center of the circle
  • Newton's Second Law relates force to acceleration