Uniform Circular Motion
Chapter Name : Motion In Plane |
Sub Topic Code : 101_11_04_11_01 |
Topic Name : Uniform Circular Motion |
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Sub Topic Name : Uniform Circular Motion |
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Introduction
When an object follows a circular path at constant speed, the motion of the object is called uniform circular motion. The magnitude of its acceleration is ac = v2/R. The direction of ac is always towards the centre of the circle.
Pre-Requisites:
Position vector, tangent, velocity
Activity:
Develop knowledge of uniform circular motion in day to day life. Understand the concept of centripetal acceleration.
Real Life Question:
Why is the moon a satellite of Earth and revolves around it?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Uniform circular motion | When an object follows a circular path at constant speed, the motion of the object is called uniform circular motion. |
| Centripetal acceleration | The acceleration of an object moving with speed v in a circle of radius R has a magnitude v2/R and is always directed towards the centre. This is why this acceleration is called centripetal acceleration. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Banking of roads | Banking of road is done to prevent the vehicles from skidding. |
| Table fan | Observe how the fan leaves are in circular motion. |
Real life uses :
Uniform circular motion is used in banking of roads.
Places to visit :
Watch a death well/rotor in a fair near your place and observe how the stuntman rides his bike on the surface of the well.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| A car rounding a circle | When a car is moving round a circle, it experiences only centripetal acceleration and no tangential, hence it is a case of uniform circular motion. |
What you learn in Theory:
What is uniform circular motion?
What you learn in Practice:
Finding the formula for centripetal acceleration and expressing it in terms of frequency, radius and angular speed.