Circular motion

1. In the following examples name the force that is providing the centripetal force and draw it
on the diagram.
(a) A runner running round a circular track.

(b) A car on a rollercoaster.

2. A 2kg mass travels in a circle of radius 50cm. If the time for one revolution is 2s calculate:
(a) The angular velocity of the mass

(b) The centripetal acceleration of the mass

(c) The centripetal force of the mass

3. A ball rolls around the inside of a vertical cylinder as shown. Indentify the force that stops it
from falling down.

Formulae
ω=2π/T
F=mv2/r=mω2r

© Chris Hamper, InThinking

www.physics-inthinking.co.uk 1

1
Gravitational field
1. State Newton’s universal law of gravity.

2. Two masses are positioned as shown in the diagram.

Calculate the Force on the red one.

3. Define gravitational field strength.

4. Given that the mass of the moon is about 1/80 of the earth and its radius is ¼ estimate the
acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon.

Formulae
F=GMm/r2
G=6.7x10-11 m3kg-1s-2

© Chris Hamper, InThinking

www.physics-inthinking.co.uk 1

2
 E N D - O F -TO P I C Q U E S T I O N S

Solutions for Topic 6 – Circular motion and gravitation

1. ν

α P

2. friction between the tyres and the road.

3. F = _ mv2 .
r
4. a) (i) The drops are increasingly far apart and so the speed is increasing.
(ii) 5.6 s is 6 time intervals so the distance travelled is 14.4 cm on the scale, or 57.6 m on
the ground.
b) (i) centripetal force; acting towards the centre of the circle
(ii) Passengers are in a rotating frame of reference. Seen from above the passengers would
move in a straight line from Newton’s First Law of motion but friction acts at seat to provide
centripetal force to centre of circle. Passenger interprets the reaction to this force
as being flung outwards.
5. a) Circumference is 2π × 85 = 534 m. So linear speed is _ 534 = 0.297 m s–1.
30 × 60
m v2
_
b) (i) change in weight = m _ v so fractional change = _
2
r _v2 _ 0.592
mg = gr = 9.8 × 170 = 2.1 × 10
–4
r
(ii) a smaller apparent weight as in passenger frame of reference there is an apparent additional
upward force
c) Capsule turns 2π rad in 30 minutes, so 3.5 mrad s–1.
6. Angular speed of Earth = __ 2π = 7.3 × 10–5 rad s–1
24 × 60 × 60
Linear speed v = ω r cos θ where θ is the latitude.
a) 14’ of arc = 4.1 mrad, linear speed = 7.3 × 10–5 × 6.4 × 106 × 1 = 470 m s–1
b) 46° gives 320 m s–1
c) At the geographical south pole the linear speed is zero.
7. a) Maximum friction force = 6500 × 9.8 × 0.7 = 44.6 kN ___________

r 150
_______
max
44600 × 150 = 32 m s–1
6500 v2. So v = __
v2 = _
Centripetal force required = m _
6500 √
v
_2 __
b) m r < mg; v > √ rg . Maximum speed = √75 × 9.8 = 27 m s –1

8. The component of the normal reaction force acting horizontally contributes to the centripetal force
so the faster the cyclist is travelling, the greater the component required and this is achieved by
moving up the slope to a point where the slope angle is greater.
9. Gravitational force on planet provides the centripetal force on the planet (Keplar’s third law)
mS mp
so mp ω2R = G _
R2
m
re-arranging ω2 = G _3S
R
ω = 2πf = _2π
T
4π
and T2 = _ R
2 3

Gms

3
© Oxford University Press 2014: this may be reproduced for class use solely for the purchaser’s institute 1
 E N D - O F -TO P I C Q U E S T I O N S

10. a) Speed is a scalar but velocity is a vector. The direction of the velocity is constantly changing, so
the vector velocity is changing too. Acceleration occurs when velocity changes and so there is
acceleration in this case.
b) Work done = distance travelled × force in direction of distance travelled. The force
(acceleration) acting and the distance travelled are at 90° to each other so in this case no work
is done. OR
Work is done when kinetic energy or potential energy change. The speed is constant so kinetic
energy is constant. Distance from Earth is constant so gravitational potential energy does not
change. So no work is done.

11. g = _Gm
r2
GmE GmM
=
rE2
rM2
Where rE and rM are the distances from the centres of Earth and Moon respectively to the point
where the field strengths are equal (known as the Lagrangian point).
rE2 mE _ 6 × 1024 = 82
So r 2 = _ =
M
mM 7.3 × 1022
rE __
√
rM = 82 = 9.06
9
Therefore the point is th of the way from the Earth to the Moon (3.42 × 108 m).
10
G mM
12. a) (i) force on 1 kg of water = _ = 3.4 × 10–5 N due to Moon
r2
G mS
(ii) force on 1 kg of water = _ = 6.0 × 10–3 N due to Sun
r2
b) When the Moon is overhead there is a gravitational force of attraction (a tide) on objects. So
fluids are able to respond to this by an increase in the water level (tides are also observed in
the rocks). There are two tides because there is a corresponding bulge in the surface on the
opposite side of the Earth.
6.7 × 10–11 × 6 × 1024 = 7.3 N kg–1
GM = __
13. a) g = – _
r2 (7.4 × 106)2
b) The satellite orbits in 24 hours; orbital time = 86400 s. Angular speed = _2π =
86400
7.3 × 10–5 rad s–1
GME m ____
= 6.7 × 10 × 6 × 10 7 2× 1.8 × 10 = 560 N
–11
mv2 = _
c) _
24 3

r r 2
(3.6 × 10 )

4
© Oxford University Press 2014: this may be reproduced for class use solely for the purchaser’s institute 2
 7. When the child is on a level surface, the normal force between his chest and the sled
is equal to the child’s weight, and thus he has no vertical acceleration. When he FN
goes over the hill, the normal force on him will be reduced. Since the child is
moving on a5:curved
CHAPTER path, there
Circular must be Gravitation
Motion; a net centripetal force towards the center of
the path, and so the normal force does not completely support the weight. Write mg
Newton’s 2nd law for the radial direction, with inward as positive.
Answers toF Questions
We see
Topic 6.1a Circular Motion Problems
R
mg FN m v 2 r
that the normal
FN mg m v 2 r
force is reduced fromismg by thetocentripetal force. force, and so the water
1. The problem with the statement is that there nothing cause an outward
removed from the clothes is not thrown outward. Rather, the spinning drum pushes INWARD on the
8. clothes
When aand bicyclewater. rider But leans
where inward,
there the are bike holestire in pushes
the drum, down the on drum thecan’t
ground pushat anon the water, and so
angle. The road surfacein. then pushesthe back on the tire tangentially
both vertically (to rotation,
provide the
Conceptual the water
normal force Questions
is not
which
pushed
counteracts
Instead,
gravity)
water
and
moves
horizontally
to the
toward the center of the
out the holes, in a
straight
(These questions line,
are and
not in an so the water is separated from the clothes.
curve (to provide theIBcentripetal
style but instead frictional designed
force, to enabling
check yourthem understanding
to turn). of the concept of this topic.FYou N
should
CHAPTER try your best
5: Circular Motion; Gravitation to appropriately communicate your answer using prose) mg
2. The centripetal acceleration for an object moving in circular motion is inversely proportional Ffr to the
2
1. Sometimes
radius of thepeople curve, given say that water speed
a constant is removed a v from r . clothes
So for ain a spin-dryer
gentle curve (which by centrifugal
means a large force
Answers
9. throwing
to Questions
Airplanes
radius), thethe
bank water
whenoutward.
acceleration they is turn
smaller, What
becausewhile isinwrong
order
for a sharpwith
to turn,this
curvetherestatement?
mustmeans
(which be a a small radius), the
force that will
acceleration is be exerted towards the center of a circle. By tilting the
larger.
1. The problem with the statement is that there is nothing to cause an outward force, and so the Flift water
wings, the lift force on the wings has a non-vertical component which points
removed
toward the from
centerthe clothes is notproviding
thrown outward. Rather,force. the spinning drum pushes INWARD on Rthe
3. clothes
The forceand that the of
water. car
But
the curve,
exerts
where onthere
the road
are isthe
holes thecentripetal
in Newton’s
the drum, 3rdthelaw The
drum
banking
reaction to the on the water, and so
angle can
normal forcebe computed
of the road from
on thecar,
the free-body
and so diagram.
we can The sum
answer this of verticalinpush
question
can’t
terms out the holes, in a
the
forceswatermust is not pushed
beforce.
zero for in.
thecar Instead,
plane to the
execute watera moveslevel tangentially
turn, and so to the rotation, mg
of the normal The exerts the greatest force on the road at the dip FN
straight line, and so the water is separated from the clothes. mg
Flift cos twomg
between . The
hills. Therehorizontal
the normal componentforce from of the thelifting
road has force tomust
both provide
support the
2. The weight AND
the centripetal
centripetalforceprovide a centripetal
to movefor
acceleration upward
theanairplane
object moving force
in a circle. to make the car move
in circular motion is inversely in an proportional to the
2. A girl is whirling a ball
upward curved path. Theon a
car string
exerts
mg around
the least her
force head
2
on in
the a
roadhorizontal
at
v 2 the top plane.
of a She wants to let go at
radius
hill. We Fof the
havecurve,
sin allmfeltv 2given
the a constant
r “floating upward”
sin a2 rv r as
speedm vsensation .tan
So
wefor have a gentle
drivencurve over (which means a large should
precisely lift the right time so that the ball will hit a target on the other side of the yard. When
F mg
the crestthe
radius), of acceleration
a hill. In thatiscase, cos
smaller, therewhile mustfor be aa sharp
net downwardcurve (which Rg
centripetal
means force a small radius),N the
she let go of
to cause the circular
the string?
acceleration is larger.motion, and so the normal force from the road does not
10. completely
She should let support
go ofthe theweight.
string when the ball is at a position where
the tangent line
3. The force that the car exerts on to the circle at thetheball’s
road islocation,
the Newton’s 3rd law reaction to the
when extended,
4. normal
There are
passes through at least
force ofthe three
thetarget’s distinct
road onposition. major
the car, and forces
That on
sotangent the
we can line child.
answer The
indicates force of target’s
this question gravity
in termsis acting downward
on the
thethe
of child. of
direction
normal There isThe
the velocity
force. a normal
caratexerts force
that thefrom
instant, the seat
and
greatest theofcentripetal
ifforce thethe
on horseroadacting location
at theupward
dip on the child. FN There mg
must
force be
between friction
is removed,
two hills. between
then
There thethe ball
the seatwill
normal offollow
the
force horsethat
from and thethe
line childhasastowell,
horizontally.
road bothorsupport
the child thecould not be
accelerated
See theAND
weight byprovide
top-view thediagram.
horse. It is that upward
a centripetal friction force that provides
to makethe thecentripetal
car move inacceleration.
an There may be
smaller forces as well, such as a reaction
upward curved path. The car exerts the least force on the road at the top of aforce on the child’s hands if the child is holding on to part
rd
of
Thetheapple
11. hill. horse. does Any exert forcea that has
gravitational a radially
force inward
on
We have all felt the “floating upward” sensation as we have driven over the component
Earth. By will
Newton’s contribute
3 law, tothethe centripetal
force on the Earth
3. Aacceleration.
bucket
duecrest
of
to theofapple
water can be whirled in a vertical circle without the water spilling out,
F even mg at the top
the a hill.is In thethatsame case,magnitude
there must as the
be aforce on the apple
net downward due to the
centripetal Earth – the weight
force N of the
of
to the
apple.
cause circle
The when
the force
circular is the
also bucket
motion, andissoupside-down.
independent the of normal
the stateforce ofExplain.
motion
from the of the
roadapple.does not So for both a hanging apple
5. completely
For
and the water
a falling to remain
apple,
support in theon
force
the weight. bucket,
the Earth theredue mustto the be aapplecentripetal
is equalforce to the forcing
weightthe ofwater to move in a
the apple.
circle along with the bucket. That centripetal force gets larger with the tangential velocity of the
water, are
4. There since at least
FR three m v 2 distinct
r . The major centripetal forcesforce on the at the M topMThe
child. ofMoon
theforcemotion comesisfrom
of gravity actinga combination
downward
12. on Thethe gravitational
child. There forceis a on the Moon
normal force isfrom
given theby seat G of Earththe , where R is the radius of the Moon’s
2horse acting upward on the child. There
of the downward force of gravity and the downward normal R force of the bucket on the water. If the
must
bucket beisfriction between the seat ofminimum
the horsespeed, and thethe child as well, or the child could not bebucket is
orbit. This is a radial force, and so can be expressed as water
moving faster than some M Moon will 2
vMoon stayR . inThisthe bucket.
can If the
be changed using
accelerated by the horse. It is that friction that
moving too slow, there is insufficient force to keep the water moving in the circular provides the centripetal acceleration. There
path, and may be
it spills
2 2
smaller
the
out. forces
relationship as vwell,
Moon
such
2 R asT a, reaction
where T force
is the on the
orbital child’s
period hands
of the if the
Moon, child
to 4is holding
M Moon
R onT to . part
If we
of the horse.
equate these two Anyexpressions
force that has forathe radially
force,inward we get component
the following: will contribute to the centripetal
acceleration.
6. The three major “accelerators” are the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, and the steering wheel.

© 2005The
Pearsonaccelerator
Education, Inc., pedal Upper (orSaddle
gas River,
pedal) NJ.can All be
rightsused to increase
reserved. This materialspeed (by depressing
is protected the pedal)
under all copyright laws as theyor to
5. For
currently theNo
decrease
exist. water
speed toofinremain
portion combination
this in the
material may bucket,
bewith there
friction
reproduced, must
(byform
in any beor abycentripetal
releasing the pedal).
any means, forcepermission
without forcing
The brakeinthe water
pedal
writing can
from tothebe
move usedintoa
publisher.
circle along with the bucket. That centripetal force gets larger with the tangential velocity of the
decrease speed by depressing it. The steering wheel 101
is used to change direction, which also is an
2
water, since FThere
acceleration. R
m vare r .
some The centripetal
other controls force
which at the
could topalsoof the be motion
considered comes from a combination
accelerators. The
of the downward force of gravity and the downward normal force of the bucket on the water. Iftothe
parking brake can be used to decrease speed by depressing it. The gear shift lever can be used
decrease
bucket is speed
moving byfaster
downshifting.
than someIfminimum the car has a manual
speed, transmission,
the water will stay then in thethe clutch Ifcan
bucket. thebebucketused to is
© 2005moving too slow,
Pearson Education, Inc.,there
Upperis insufficient
Saddle River, NJ. forceAll rights toreserved.
keep the Thiswater
materialmoving
is protected inunder
the circular
all copyright path,
laws as andtheyit spills
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
out.
publisher.
100
6. The three major “accelerators” are the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, and the steering wheel.
The accelerator pedal (or gas pedal) can be used to increase speed (by depressing the pedal) or to
decrease speed in combination with friction (by releasing the pedal). The brake pedal can be used to
decrease speed by depressing it. The steering wheel is used to change direction, which also is an
acceleration. There are some other controls which could also be considered accelerators. The
parking brake can be used to decrease speed by depressing it. The gear shift lever can be used to

decrease speed by downshifting. If the car has a manual transmission, then the clutch can be used to
5
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
 F m vR R . EquateR these
T two expressions GTfor the force on the moon, and substitute the relationship
Thus a value for the mass of Pluto
for a circular orbit that v 2 R T . can be calculated knowing the period and radius of the moon’s
orbit.
GmM mv 2 4 2 mR 4 2 R3
M .
R2 R T2 GT 2
Solutions to Problems
Thus a value for the mass of Pluto can be calculated knowing the period and radius of the moon’s
orbit.
Topic 6.1a Circular Motion Problems
1. (a) Find the centripetal acceleration from Eq. 5-1.
2
aR v2 r 1.25 m s 1.10 m 1.42 m s 2
Solutions to Problems
(b) The net horizontal force is causing the centripetal motion, and so will be the centripetal force.
Calculation-based
1. (a) Find the maQuestions
FR centripetal
R
acceleration
25.0 m s 2Eq. 5-1.
kg 1.42from 35.5 N
2
aR v 2 r 1.25 m s 1.10 m 1.42 m s 2
1.
2. Calculate
Find The
(b) thehorizontal
centripetal
the centripetal
net acceleration
acceleration
force from Eq.
is causing of5-1.
the the Earth in
centripetal its orbit
motion, andaround thethe
so will be Sun, and theforce.
centripetal net force
exerted onFthe
2
Earth. What
ma 525 m25.0
2
s kgexerts this sforce
1.42 m 2
2
on1the
35.5gN Earth? Assume that the Earth’s orbit is a circle
a v R r 11 R
of radius 1.5x10 6.00
m. You 45.94 m s 4.69
upg'son the Internet or data booklet.
10 may
m need to look other9.80 mconstants
R 3
s2
[3 marks]
2. Find the centripetal acceleration from Eq. 5-1.
2 2
525 m s 1g
aR v r 2
45.94 m s 2
2 REarth2 T 4.694g's2 REarth
6.00 10 3 m 2 9.80 morbits orbit
3. The centripetal acceleration is aR v REarth 2
. The force (from
orbit REarth T
orbit 2
nd 2
Newton’s 2 law) is FR mEarth aR . The period is2 one REarth
year,T converted
4 REarth
into seconds.
2 orbit orbit
3. The centripetal
4 2 Racceleration
2
is aR 11v REarth 2
. The force (from
Earth
orbit
4 1.50 10 m orbit R Earth
T
aR 2 2
5.97 10 3orbit
m s2
T 7
Newton’s 2nd law) is FR 3.15mEarth10aR sec
. The period is one year, converted into seconds.
4 2 REarth
FR ma 5.97 102 24 kg 5.9711 10 3 m s 2 3.56 10 22 N
orbit
4 1.50 10 m
aR exerts 2this force on the Earth.2 It is 5.97
The Sun 10 3 m s 2force.
a gravitational
T 7
3.15 10 sec
4. The speed can be found from the centripetal
3 force and centripetal acceleration.
2. A horizontal
FR maforce5.97
of 210N is exerted on am2.0kg discus as itNrotates uniformly in a horizontal circle
24 2 22
10 kg 5.97 10 s 3.56 10
F r 210 N 0.90 m
(at
Thearm’s
FR length)
Sun ofvforce
maR this
exerts m radius
2
r on0.90m. Calculate
R
thev Earth. the speed of
It is a gravitational the discus.
force. 9.7 m s
m 2.0 kg [2 marks]
4. The speed can be found from the centripetal force and centripetal acceleration.
2 FR r 210 N 0.90 m
© 2005 Pearson FREducation,
maR Inc.,mUpper
v r Saddle River,
v NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected
9.7 munder
s all copyright laws as they
m in any form or2.0
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, kg means, without permission in writing from the
by any
publisher.
104
3. Suppose the space shuttle in orbit 400km from the Earth’s surface, and circles the Earth about once
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
every
currently exist.90
Nominutes.
portion of thisFind the
material centripetal
may acceleration
be reproduced, in ofmeans,
any form or by any the space shuttleininwriting
without permission its orbit.
from theExpress your
answer in terms of g, the gravitational acceleration at the Earth’s surface. You may need
publisher. to look up
Giancoli 104 Physics: Principles with Applications, 6th Edition
some other constants on the Internet.
[3 marks]
5. The orbit radius will be the sum of the Earth’s radius plus the 400 km orbit height. The orbital
period is about 90 minutes. Find the centripetal acceleration from these data.
60 sec
r 6380 km 400 km 6780 km 6.78 106 m T 90 min 5400 sec
1 min
2
4 2
r 4 6.78 106 m 1g
aR 2 2
9.18 m s 2
0.937 0.9 g's
T 5400 sec 9.80 m s 2
Notice how close this is to g, because the shuttle is not very far above the surface of the Earth,
relative to the radius of the Earth.

6. To find the period, the rotational speed (in rev/min) is reciprocated to have min/rev, and then
converted to sec/rev. Use the period to find the speed, and then the centripetal acceleration.
1 min 60 sec sec 2 r 2 0.16 m
T 1.333 r 0.16 m v 0.754 m s
45 rev 1 min rev T 1.333 sec
6
2
2 0.754 m s
aR v r 3.6 m s 2
0.16 m
 Ffr
period is about
frictional 90 minutes.
force between Find of
the back thethe
centripetal
rider andacceleration fromNewton’s
the wall. Write 2nd
these data.
law for the vertical forces, noting that there is no vertical acceleration. 60 sec
r 6380 km 400 km 6780 km 6.78 106 m T 90 min 5400 sec
Fy Ffr mg 0 Ffr mg 1 min FN
mg
If we assume that the static
2
6.78friction
106 mforce is a maximum, then
4 2r 4 2 1g
afrR
F F
s 2N
mg FN
m
2
g s
9.18
. m s 0.937 0.9 g's
T 5400 sec 9.80 m s 2
But the normal force must be the force causing the centripetal motion – it is the
Notice howpointing
close this is tocenter
g, because the shuttle
Thusis Fnot very
FN far above
v 2 r . the
mair-hockey surface
v 2of rthe
T Earth,
4. Aonly
flat force
puck
relative (mass
to the M)
radius
to is
the rotated
of the
of rotation.
Earth.in a circle on a frictionless
R
Usingtabletop, and, we havein its orbit
is held
by a light
4 2cord
mr connected to a dangling block (mass m) through a central hole as shown below.
FN . Equate the two expressions for the normal force and solve for the coefficient of
6. Show
To findthat 2 the
T period,
the speedtheof the puck
rotational is given
speed by
(in rev/min) is reciprocated to have min/rev, and then
converted to sec/rev. Use the period to find the
friction. Note that since there are 0.5 rev per sec, the period speed, and then the centripetal acceleration.
𝑚𝑔𝑅2 is 2.0 sec. 2 0.16 m
1 min
4 2 mr mg
60 sec
1.333gT
sec2 9.8 =s 2#m2 s v 2 r
r 𝑣m0.16
T
FN 45 rev 𝑀 0.22
0.754 m s
2 1 min s rev2 2 T . 1.333 sec
T s
4 r 4 4.6 m [2 marks]
2
Any larger 0.754 m s
aR vvalue 2
r of the coefficient3.6 of m
friction
s 2 would mean that the normal force could be smaller to
achieve the same frictional 0.16 mforce, and so the period could be longer or the cylinder smaller.
There is no force pushing outward on the riders. Rather, the wall pushes against the riders, so by
7. See the free-body
Newton’s diagram
3rd law the ridersin the against
push textbook. the Since
wall. the
Thisobject
givesisthe
moving in a of
sensation circle with
being a constant
pressed into the
speed,
wall. the net force on the object at any point must point to the center of the circle.
(a) Take positive to be downward. Write Newton’s 2nd law in the downward direction.
2
19. Since mass mFisR dangling,
mg FT1 maR m
the tension invthercord must be equal to the weight of mass m, and so
FT mg . That same tension is in the other end of the cord, 2 maintaining the circular motion of mass
2 4.00 m s
M, and so FF T1T
m
FR v Ma r g M v0.300 2 kg
r . Equate 9.80 m for
the two expressions s 2 the 3.73 N and solve for the
tension
R
0.720 m
velocity.
This2 is a downward force, as expected.
M v positive
(b) Take r mg to be vupward. M .Newton’s 2nd law in the upward direction.
mgRWrite
FR FT2 mg ma m v 2 r
20. A free-body diagram for the ball is shown. The tension2 in the
5. A 0.45kg ball, attached to the end of a horizontal4.00 scord, is rotated in a circle of radius 1.3m on a
suspendingFcordmmust v 2 not only hold the ball up,
r g 0.300 kg butmalso provide
9.80 m the
s 2
9.61 FT
frictionless horizontal
T1
centripetal force neededsurface.
to make If thethe cord
ball movewill
inbreak
0.720 m when
a circle. Writethe tension inNit exceeds 75N, what is the
maximum
Newton’s 2speed
nd the ballvertical
can have? mg
This is anlaw for the
upward direction, noting that the ball is not
force, as expected.
accelerating vertically. [2 marks]
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
8. The
currently centripetal
exist. force
No portion of that the
this material maytension provides
be reproduced, is given
in any form bymeans,
or by any mv 2 rpermission
FR without . Solveinthat forfrom
writing thethespeed.
publisher.
FR r 75 N 1.3 m 108
v 15 m s
m 0.45 kg

9. A free-body diagram for the car at one instant of time is shown. In the diagram, the
car is coming out of the paper at the reader, and the center of the circular path is to FN
Ffr
the right of the car, in the plane of the paper. If the car has its maximum speed, it
would be on the verge of slipping, and the force of static friction would be at its
maximum value. The vertical forces (gravity and normal force) are of the same mg
magnitude, because the car is not accelerating vertically. We assume that the force
of friction is the force causing the circular motion.
FR Ffr m v2 r s
FN s
mg v s
rg 0.80 77 m 9.8 m s 2 25 m s

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
105

7
 9. radius
Airplanes might bank stay when the same,they turn andbecause
the period decrease
in order to turn,by athere factormust of be 2 ,awhich means the speed
increased
force that by willa be factor exerted of towards2 . Or the theperiod
centermight of a circle.stay the Bysame, tiltingand thethe radius increase by a factor
wings, 1/ 3
the lift force on the wings has a non-vertical component which
1/ 3
points Flift
of 2 , which means the speed increased by the same factor of 2 . Or if both R and T were to
toward the
double, centerthe
keeping of speed
the curve, constant, providing then the R 3 centripetal
T 2 would double. force. The There banking
are an infinite number of
R
angle can be computed from the free-body diagram. The sum3 of 2vertical
other
forcescombinations
must be zero that for the would plane alsoto satisfy
executethe doubling
a level turn,of andR soT .
mg
Topic 6.2 Gravitation Problems
Flift cos mg . The horizontal component of the lifting force must provide
13. The
Chapter gravitational
the5centripetal force pulltoismove the same in each in
the airplane case, by Newton’s 3rd law. The magnitude
a circle. Circular Motion;of that Gravitation
pull is
M Earth M Moon 2
given by F G 22 r
. mgTo find the acceleration of each body, v the gravitational pulling force is
Flift sin m rvEarth-Moon sin m v2 r tan
Chapter
The 5
total acceleration is given cos by the Pythagorean combination Rg of the tangential
Circular
and centripetal
Motion; Gravitation
divided by the mass of the2 body. Since the Moon has the smaller mass, it will have the larger
Conceptual
10. She shouldQuestions
accelerations.
acceleration. a
let gototalof the string
a R
a 2
tan
. If static friction
when the ball is at a position where
is to provide the total acceleration, then
(These questions
the
F tangent
ma are not
line m in
to a an
the2 IB style
circle
a 2
. at but
We instead
theassume
ball’s designed
location, to is
when check your
extended, ofunderstanding ofandthecentripetal
isconcept of this topic. You should
14. TheThe total
fr difference acceleration
total in force R
try
ison given
tan the two
your best
by the
tosides ofthat
appropriatelythethe
Pythagorean Earth car from
communicate
on
combination the
the verge theoftangential
gravitational
your
slipping,
answer
target’spull ofand
using either
prose)
on
thea Sun
level or
passes through the target’s position. That tangent line indicates
the Moon is the primary cause
2 2
of the tides. That difference in force comes about from the fact that
accelerations.
surface,
the direction and so of athe
the staticaRfrictional
total velocity
atanthat
at . Ifinstant,
statichas
force friction
and is to
itsifmaximum
the provide
centripetal valuethe oftotal acceleration,
Ffrlocation F
s N s
mg then
. If we equate
the two sides of the Earth are a different distance away from the pulling body. Relative to the Sun,
1. Doesthese
force isantotal
two
Ffr difference
the ma apple
expressions
removed, exert
aR2 aatan
then
m distance
in
for
the 2 gravitational force on the Earth? If so, how large a force? Consider an apple
the
ball
(Earth
frictional
will
. We diameter)
follow
assume that
force,
that weline
of the car
can solve
horizontally.
twoissides on the
for
fromverge
the
the of
coefficient
Sun,slipping,
of
relativeand
static friction.
is onaverage
to the a level
See the top-view diagram.
attached
distance F
surface, andfr to
ma
to the the
soSun,
total tree
m
the static
a
is given
Rand
2
a 2
also
by 2 Rforce
frictional
tan falling.
s
mg
Earth
Rhas 8.5 10 . value
Earth its maximum
5
The corresponding
of Ffr F relationshipmg . If between
we equate
s N s
to Sun rd
11. The apple does
these two expressions exert a gravitational
for the frictional force
2 on the Earth. 2 By for the coefficient of static friction.Earth
Newton’s 3 law, the force on the
2
aRthe 2
18.0 m sR2 force, 5.72 wem10 can
s 2 2 .solve
the
dueEarth
to theand apple isaMoon
the same
tan is 2 R
magnitude
2 Earth Earth as the3.3 force on Since
the apple
1.92 1.9
the due relativeto the change
Earth in – thedistance
weightis of much
the
apple.FfrsThema force g ismalso
total
aR2independent
atan mg
to Moon
s ofm
9.80 thes 2state of motion of the apple. So for both a hanging apple
greater
and aisfallingfor theapple, Earth-Moon the force combination,
on the2 Earth we seeto that
duefriction, the Moon
the 2apple is equal is the to primary
the weight causeof the of the Earth’s
apple.
This an exceptionally large
18.0coefficient
m s
2 of
5.72 m s 2 and so the curve had better be banked.
tides. aR2 atan 2

2. Will ans object weigh more at the equator orMat the 1.92 poles?
M Moon
1.9 Explain.
27.
12. An We show
Theobject
gravitational top gview
aweighs force of onthethetheparticle
Moon 9.80 inism s 2 bymotion,
circular
given G Earth traveling , where R is(not theaoppose)
radius ofeach
the Moon’s
15. more at poles, due to two effects which 2 complement tan
other.
clockwise.
This of
First is an Because
the Earth the
all,exceptionally particle
large
is slightly is in circular
coefficient
flattened ofthe
at motion,
friction,
poles and andthere
Rso must
the
expanded curvebeatahadthe better berelative
equator, banked.
radially-inward component of a a
to
orbit. This
perfect sphere. is a radial
Thus force,
the mass andthe
at sotheacceleration.
canpolesbe expressed
is slightly as
closerM Moon to
2
vthe R . This can be changed using
Mooncenter, and so experiences a
27. slightly
We show
(a) aR largeraa top viewv 2ofr the particle
singravitational in circularobjects motion, traveling
the relationship vMoon 2 Rforce. T , where Secondly, T is the orbitalatperiod the equator of thehave Moon, a centripetal
to a4tan 2 M Moon acceleration
R T 2 . If we
clockwise.
due to the rotation Because ofthe theparticle
Earth that is2 in circular
objects motion,
at the polesothere do not musthave. be aTo provide that centripetal
equate v these artwo expressionsofm for aR a
radially-inward
acceleration, sincomponent
the apparent1.05 weight thesthe force,
2.90
acceleration.
(the mwesin
radially
get32.0
outward
the following:
normal1.27 m force s of the Earth on an object) is
slightly
(a) The
(b) aR less a sinthan the
particle’s v 2gravitational
speed r change comes pull inward.from theSotangential the two effects acceleration,both make the weight of an object
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
at thewhichequator less
is given than
of this by
that
atanmay at athe
becos
poles. . If in theanytangential acceleration
means, withoutis
currently exist.
v
No portion
ar sin
material reproduced,
1.05 m s 2 2.90 m sin 32.0 o 1.27 m s
form or by any permission in writinga R from the
publisher.
constant, then using Eq. 2-11a, 101tangential
16. The(b) TheMoon is not pulled
particle’s speed away
change from comes the Earthfrom because
the both the Moon and the Earth are experiencing
acceleration,
Calculation the same Based
v
radial
tan
v
acceleration
0 tan
a tan
t due to
which is given by atan a cos . If the tangential acceleration the Sun. They both have the same is period around the Sun because
3. Calculate
they are both,
constant, v the onvforce
tan then
average,
0 tanusing
aof tEarth’s
the1.27
tanEq. 2-11a,
same m gravity
distance
s 1.05 onfrom
m a sspacecraft
2the Sun, and
cos 32.0 12,800km (2
o so they travel around the Sun
2.00 s 3.05Earth
m s radii) above the Earth’s
together.
surface ifvits tan
mass
v0 tan isatan 1350kg.
t [2 marks]
28. The spacecraft
17. The centripetal is three
acceleration times as far from the Earth’s center aso when at acceleration
the surface of the Earth.
Therefore, vsince
tan
vthe
0 tan force
atan t asof 1.27 Mars
gravity m sis smaller
1.05 mthan
decreases s 2the
as
that
cos
square
of
32.0 Earth.
of 2.00
the
The s
distance, 3.05the s of each
mforce planet
of gravity on
can be found by dividing the gravitational force on each planet by the planet’s mass. The resulting
the spacecraft will be one-ninth of its weight at the
acceleration is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of the planet from the Sun. Since Earth’s surface.
28. Mars
The spacecraft
is further is from three thetimes
1350Sun than as farthe
kg from
9.80 mthe
Earth Earth’s
s 2is, center as when
the acceleration of Mars at the willsurface of the Earth.
be smaller. Also see the
1 3
equation F
Therefore, G below.9
mg
since the
Earth's force as gravity decreases as1.47
the 10
square N of the distance, the force of gravity on
the spacecraft will surfacebe one-ninth of 9 its weight at the Earth’s surface.
4. At
This the could surface
also of
have
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper1350 a certain
been found
Saddlekg planet,
using
River,9.80 NJ. All the
s 2 gravitational
mNewton’s
rights
law of Universal
reserved. This material acceleration
is protected under g
Gravitation. allhas a magnitude
copyright laws as they of 12m/s2. A
3
21.0kg G brass ball
Earth's is transported to this planet. What is:
1
currently exist.FNo portion
9
mgof this material may be reproduced, in any form 1.47 or by10 any N means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
29. (a) Mass is independent surface of location 9 and so the mass of the ball is 21.0 kg on both the Earth and the
a.could
This planet.
The mass of the brass ball on the102
also have been found using Newton’s
Earth and on the planet. [1 mark]
law of Universal Gravitation.
b. The weigh
(b) The weight is found by W mg . of the brass ball on the Earth and on the planet. [1 mark]
29. (a) Mass is independent of location and so the mass of the ball is 21.0 kg on both the Earth and the
planet. WEarth mg Earth 21.0 kg 9.80 m s 2 206 N
(b) The weight W ismg found by W 21.0mg kg . 12.0 m s 2 252 N .
Planet Planet
Giancoli WEarth mg Earth 21.0 kg 9.80 m s 2 206Physics:
N Principles with Applications, 6th Edition
30. The force of gravity on an object at the surface of a planet is given by Newton’s law of Universal
W mg 21.0 kg 12.0 m s 2 252 N .
Gravitation,Planet
using thePlanet
mass and radius of the planet. If that 22
is the only force on an object, then the
5. A hypothetical
acceleration of M
g Moon of G
planet has
a freely-falling
Moon
6.67
a radius
object
11 is
10at the
N m
1.5 times
acceleration
2 2 that
7.35due10 of
to kgthe Earth,
gravity.
kg of a planet is given 1.62
but has the same mass. What is the
m s2
30. The force gravity on an object surface by Newton’s law of Universal
acceleration
FG G using
M duerMoon to gravity
2
Moon
m
mg Moon near the surface? (Hint:
1.74If 6
10 m
2
use the Internet or your data book to find the constants).
Gravitation, the mass and radius of the planet. that is the only force on an object, then the
[2 marks] ofrMoon
2
acceleration a freely-falling object is acceleration due to gravity.
31. The acceleration M due m to gravity at any location on or above the surface of a planet is given by
FG G Moon 2 mg Moon
© 2005 g G M Planet
rInc.,rUpper
, where
SaddlerRiver,
is theNJ.distance
All rightsfrom theThis
center of isthe planetunder
to the locationlaws
in asquestion.
2
Pearson
planet Education,
Moon
reserved. material protected all copyright they
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher. M Planet M Earth 1 M Earth 1 9.8 m s 2 2
g planet G 2
G 2 2
G 1122 2
g Earth 2
4.4 m s
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc.,r Upper Saddle REarthNJ. All1.5
1.5River, REarth This1.5
rights reserved. 1.5under all copyright laws as they
material is protected
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
32. The acceleration due to gravity at any location 112
at or above the surface of a planet is given by
2
g planet G M Planet r , where r is the distance from the center of the planet to the location in question.
M Planet 1.66 M Earth M Earth 8
g planet G 2
G 2
1.66 G 2
1.66 g Earth 1.66 9.80 m s 2 16.3 m s 2

567
6. In the diagram shown, two point particles are fixed on an x-axis separated by a distance d. Particle
A has mass mA and particle B has mass 3.00mA. A third particle C, of mass 75.0mA is to be placed on
the axis and near
6.67particles
10 11 NA m
and
2 B.2In terms of distance
/kg 2.50 10 3 kg 3.00 d, at10what
3
kgx-coordinate should C be placed
1.00 10 3 kg
so that Fthe
net
net gravitational force on particle A from particles
2
B and C is zero?
2 10 1 m
14
1.67 10 N.
572 CHAPTER 13
The force is directed along the diagonal between m2 and m3, toward m2. In unit-vector
rnotation,
from m1we have
. The gravitational force between dm and m1 is

FnetFnet (cos 45 ˆi sin Gm

45 ˆj)dm (1.18
Gm1 (10
14
M / LN)
ˆi
)dr (1.18 10 14 N) ˆj .
dF 1
,
r2 r2
7. We require the magnitude of force (given by Eq. 13-1) exerted by particle C on A be
equal to
where wethat exerted
have by B on
substituted dmA. Thus,
( M / L)dr since mass is uniformly distributed. The
direction of dF is to the right (see Gm
figure). TheGm
total force can be found by integrating
A mC A mB
over the entire length of the rod: r 2 = d 2 .

We substitute Fin mBdF = 3mGm M L d dr

A 1 and mB = 3mA, and
Gm1M (after 1 canceling
1 Gm M solve for r. We
“mA1”) .
2
find r = 5d. Thus, particle C L is placed
d r on the xL axis,Lto dthe left
d ofdparticle
( L d ) A (so it is at a
negative value of x), at x = –5.00d.
Substituting the values given in the problem statement, we obtain
2
8. What
7. (a) Usingwill
F =anGmM/r , we find
object8 weigh thatMoon’s
on the the topmost
surface mass pulls upward
if it weights 100N ononthe
theEarth’s
one atsurface?
the (b)
origin with
How manyFEarth1.9Gm 10 M
radii N, and
(6.67 the
10 rightmost
11
m 3
/kg mass
s 2 pulls
)(0.67 rightward
kg)(5.0
must this same object be from the centre of the kg) on the one at the origin
with as 10 d8 on
1.0it does
1
3.0Earth
10 if N.
10 it is to weigh the
same (N. Thus,
L the the (x, y)
d )Moon? components
(0.23 m)(3.0 mof the 0.23netm)force, which can be converted to
polar components (here we use magnitude-angle notation), are
17. (a) The gravitational acceleration
8
at the surface
8
of the Moon8
is gmoon = 1.67 m/s2 (see
Appendix C). The Fratio
net of1.04 10 (for
weights , 1.85a given
10 mass) 2.13 10ratio of
is the 60.6 .
g-values, so

Wmoon
(a) The magnitude of the force = (10010
is 2.13 N)(1.67/9.8)
8
N. = 17 N.

(b)
(b) For
The the force on
direction thatforce
of the objectrelative
causedtobytheEarth’s
+x axisgravity
is 60.6to .equal 17 N, then the free-fall
acceleration at its location must be ag = 1.67 m/s2. Thus,
9. Both the Sun and the Earth exert a gravitational pull on the space probe. The net force
can be calculated by using superposition
GmE principle.
GmE At the point where the two forces
ag2 r2 1.5 107 m
balance, we have GM e m / r1 GM r s m / r2 , where
2
ag Me is the mass of Earth, Ms is the mass
of the Sun, m is the mass of the space probe, r1 is the distance from the center of Earth to
thethe
so probe, and
object r2 is need
would the distance from theof
to be a distance center of2.4
r/RE = the“radii”
Sun tofrom
the probe.
Earth’sWe substitute r2
center.
= d r1, where d is the distance from the center of Earth to the center of the Sun, to find

8. Two concentric
18. The spherical
free-body diagramshells with
of the uniformly
Macting
force e
distributed
M
on the plumbmasses M1 and M2 are situated as
shown in the diagram. Find the magnitude =of thes net.
2 gravitational force on a particle of mass m,
line is shown to the right. The mass of rthe
1
2
sphere
d r1is
due to the shells, when the particle is located at radial distance (a) a, (b) b and (c) c.
4 4
M V R3 (2.6 103 kg/m3 )(2.00 103 m)3
3 3
8.71 1013 kg.

The force between the “spherical” mountain and the plumb line is F GMm / r 2 .
Suppose at equilibrium the line makes an angle with the vertical and the net force
acting on the line is zero. Therefore, 9
 575

where dr 1.70 m as in Sample Problem – “Difference in acceleration at head and feet.”

This yields (in absolute value) an acceleration difference of 7.30 10 15 m/s2.

(e) The miniscule result of the previous part implies that, in this case, any effects due to
the differences of gravitational forces on the body are negligible.

GM
23. (a) The gravitational acceleration is ag = 2
= 7.6 m/s 2 .
R

G 5M
(b) Note that the total mass is 5M. Thus, ag = 2
= 4.2 m/s 2 .
3R

24. (a) What contributes to the GmM/r2 force on m is the (spherically distributed) mass M
contained within r (where r is measured from the center of M). At point A we see that M1
+ M2 is at a smaller radius than r = a and thus contributes to the force:

G M1 M 2 m
Fon m .
a2

(b) In the case r = b, only M1 is contained within that radius, so the force on m becomes
GM1m/b2.

(c) If the particle is at C, then no other mass is at smaller radius and the gravitational
force on it is zero.

25. Using the fact that the volume of a sphere is 4 R3/3, we find the density of the sphere:

M total 1.0 104 kg

3
2.4 103 kg/m3 .
4
3 R3 4
3 1.0 m

When the particle of mass m (upon which the sphere, or parts of it, are exerting a
gravitational force) is at radius r (measured from the center of the sphere), then whatever
mass M is at a radius less than r must contribute to the magnitude of that force (GMm/r2).

(a) At r = 1.5 m, all of Mtotal is at a smaller radius and thus all contributes to the force:

GmM total
Fon m m 3.0 10 7 N/kg .
r2

(b) At r = 0.50 m, the portion of the sphere at radius smaller than that is

4 3
M= r = 1.3 103 kg.
3

10
 Answers to exam-style questions
Topic 6
Where appropriate, 1 ✓ = 1 mark

1 A
2 C
3 B
4 C
5 C
6 B
7 D
8 D
9 C
10 A
11 a Velocity arrow. ✓
Acceleration arrow. ✓
velocity

acceleration

2π
b The angular speed is ω = = 4.488 ≈ 4.5 rad s −1. ✓
1.40
The linear speed is v = ω r = 4.488 × 0.22 = 0.987 ≈ 0.99 m s −1. ✓
c At maximum distance the frictional force will be the largest possible, i.e. f max = µs N = µsmg( = 0.434 N) . ✓
v2 ω 2r 2 µg
µsmg = m = m , hence r = s 2 ✓
r r ω
0.82 × 9.8
r= = 0.399 ≈ 0.40 m ✓
4.488 2
µg µs g
d i Using r = s 2 we find ω = ✓
ω r
0.82 × 9.8
ω= = 6.0 rad s −1 ✓
0.22
ii The static frictional force can no longer supply the larger centripetal force required. ✓
The body will then slide and the static frictional force is now replaced by the even smaller sliding frictional
force; hence the disc will slide off the rotating platform. ✓

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 6 1
11
 1
12 a From energy conservation: mv 2 = mgL so v = 2 gL , ✓
2
v = 2 × 9.8 × 2.0 = 6.26 ≈ 6.3 m s −1. ✓
v 2 6.26 2
b a= = = 19.6 ≈ 20 m s −2. ✓
L 2.0
c Weight vertically downwards. ✓
Larger arrow for tension upwards. ✓
d i A particle is in equilibrium if it moves with constant velocity. ✓
This particle moves on a circle and so cannot be in equilibrium. ✓
mv 2
ii T − mg = ✓
L
mv 2 5.0 × 6.26 2
T = + mg = + 5.0 × 9.8 = 147 ≈ 150 N ✓
L 2.0
mv 2 m × 2 gL
(or better: T = + mg = + mg = 3mg = 3 × 5.0 × 9.8 = 147 ≈ 150 N)
L L
13 a Correct arrows for tension. ✓
Correct arrow for weight. ✓

tension

mg

b A particle is in equilibrium if it moves with constant velocity. ✓

This particle moves on a circle and so cannot be in equilibrium. ✓
mg
c i The vertical component of the tension equals the weight and so T cos θ = mg , i.e. T = .✓
cos θ
v2 v2
The horizontal component of the tension is T sin θ and T sin θ = m =m ✓
r L sin θ
gL sin 2 θ
Combining gives the answer v = .
cos θ
ii The angular and linear speeds are related by v = ω r = ω L sin θ . ✓
gL sin 2 θ
So ω = cos θ . ✓
L sin θ
g
Which is the answer ω = .
L cos θ
9.8 × 0.45 × sin 2 60°
d i v= = 2.57 ≈ 2.6 m s −1 ✓
cos 60°
9.8
ii θ = = 6.5997 ≈ 6.6 rad s −1 ✓
0.45 × cos 60°
e i The air resistance force will reduce the speed of the ball. ✓
sin 2 θ
ii A graph of shows that because the speed decreases, the angle will also decrease. ✓
cos θ

2 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 6 PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015
12
 iii The cosine of the angle will increase and hence the angular speed will decrease. ✓
(Note: These questions are best answered by considering the total energy of the ball:
1 2 1 gL sin 2 θ 1  sin 2 θ + 2 cos θ − 2 cos 2 θ 
E= mv + mgh = m + mgL (1 − cos θ ) = mgL  
2 2 cos θ 2  cos θ
The air resistance will reduce the total energy; graphing the total energy as a function of angle θ shows that
for the energy to decrease the angle must decrease.)
14 a Measuring distances from the top of the sphere and using energy conservation shows that:
1
0 = mv 2 − mgh where h is the vertical distance the marble falls. ✓
2
From trigonometry: h = R(1 − cos θ ). ✓ (see diagram that follows in b)
1
And so 0 = mv 2 − mgR(1 − cos θ ). ✓
2
Manipulating gives v = 2 gR(1 − cos θ ).
b The forces on the marble are the weight mg and the normal reaction force N:

R N

Rcos θ

θ
mg

mv 2
Taking components of the weight gives mg cos θ − N = .✓
R
mv 2
Hence N = mg cos θ − .✓
R
Substituting the expression for the speed from above gives N = mg cos θ − 2mgR(1 − cos θ ) . ✓
And the result N = mg(3cos θ − 2) follows.
2
c The marble will lose contact when N → 0 , i.e. when cos θ = or θ ≈ 48°. ✓
3
15 a Calling this distance x we have that:
G16M GM
2 = ✓
x (d − x )2
16(d − x )2 = x 2 or 4(d − x ) = ± x ✓
4d
Only the plus sign gives a positive distance and so x = .✓
5
b Correct sign. ✓
Correct intersection. ✓
(The negative of this graph is also acceptable)

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 6 3
13
 g

x/d
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

c i The force is zero. ✓

ii The force from the larger mass will be larger because the particle will be closer to it. ✓
Hence the net force will be directed towards the large mass. ✓
d It will move to the left. ✓
With increasing speed and increasing acceleration. ✓
16 a i Velocity arrow. ✓
Acceleration arrow. ✓

velocity

acceleration

ii Acceleration is the rate of change of the velocity vector. ✓

Here the velocity vector is changing because its direction is so we have acceleration. ✓
GMm v2 GM
b The force on the satellite is 2 =m i.e. = v 2. ✓
r r r
Using v = ω r , ✓
GM
gives = ω 2r 2. ✓
r
From which the result ω 2r 3 = GM follows.
c i Since r decreases, from ω 2r 3 = GM the angular speed will increase. ✓
GM
ii From = v 2 , as r decrease v increases. ✓
r
ω 2r 3
d i Using ω 2r 3 = GM we find M = ✓
G
(5.31 × 10 −5 )2 × (2.38 × 108 )3
And so M = −11 = 5.70 × 10 26 kg . ✓
6.67 × 10
ii Again using ω 2r 3 = GM we find ω T2rT3 = ω E2rE3 . ✓
3
rE3 −5  2.38 × 108  −6 −1
Hence ω T = ω E = 5.31 × 10 ×  1.22 × 109  = 4.58 × 10 rad s ✓
rT3
2π 2π 6 1.37 × 106
Hence T = = = 1.37 × 10 s = d = 15.856 ≈ 15.9 d ✓
ω T 4.58 × 10 −6 24 × 3600

4 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 6 PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015
14
 Answers to test yourself questions
Topic 6
6.1 Circular motion
2π 2π
1 a The angular speed is just ω = = = 5.07 rad s −1. The linear speed is v = ω R = 5.07 × 3.50 = 17.7 m s −1.
T 1.24
1 1
b The frequency is f = = = 0.806 s −1.
T 1.24

2 a = 4π 2 rf 2 = 4π 2 × 2.45 × ( 3.5)2 = 1.2 × 10 3 m s −2.

∆v
3 a The average acceleration is defined as a = . The velocity vectors at A and B and the change in the velocity ∆v
are shown below. ∆t

2π × 2.0
The magnitude of the velocity vector is 4.0 m s −1 and it takes a time of = 3.14 s to complete a full
4.0
3.14
revolution. Hence a time of = 0.785 s to complete a quarter of revolution from A to B. The magnitude of
4
5.66
∆v is 4.0 2 + 4.0 2 = 5.66 m s −1 and so the magnitude of the average acceleration is = 7.2 m s −2. This is
0.785
directed towards north-west and if this vector is made to start at the midpoint of the arc AB it is then directed
towards the center of the circle.
v 2 16.0
b The centripetal acceleration has magnitude = = 8.0 m s −2 directed towards the center of the circle.
r 2.0
 2π r 
2

v  2
 4π 2 r
4 The centripetal acceleration is a = = T = 2 = 4π 2 rf 2 . Hence
r r T
a 50
f = = = 0.356 s −1 ≈ 21 min −1.
4π 2 r 4π × 102

v2 4.00
5 a The centripetal acceleration is = = 10.0 m s −2. The tension is the force that provides the centripetal
r 0.400
acceleration and so T = ma = 1.00 × 10.0 = 10.0 N.
v2
b From T = ma = 20.0 N we have a = = 20.0 m s −2 and so v = 20 × 0.40 = 2.83 m s −1.
r
4.00 2 16.0
c 20.0 = 1.00 × ⇒r = = 0.800 m
r 20.0

4π 2 r 4π 2 × 6.4 × 106
6 With a = 9.8 m s −2 we have that a = ⇒T = = 5.08 × 10 3 s ≈ 85 min.
T2 9.8

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO TEST YOURSELF QUESTIONS 6 1
15
  2π r 
2

v 2
 4π 2 r 4π 2 × 50.0 × 10 3
7 a a= = T = 2 = = 3.2 × 109 m s −2
r r T ( 25.0 × 10 −3 )2
b The forces on the probe are (i) its weight, mg, and (ii) the normal reaction force N from the surface. Assuming
the probe to stay on the surface the net force would be
mv 2 mv 2  v2 
mg − N = ⇒ N = mg − = m  g −  = m(8.0 × 1010 − 3.2 × 109 ) > 0.
r r  r 
This is positive so the probe can stay on the surface.

2π R 2π × 1.5 × 1011
8 a v= = = 2.99 × 104 ≈ 30 km m s −1
T 365 × 24 × 60 × 60
v 2
( 2.99 × 104 )2
b a = = = 5.95 × 10 −3 ≈ 6.0 × 10 −3 m s −2
r 1.5 × 1011

mv 2
c F = ma = = 6.0 × 10 24 × 5.95 × 10 −3 ≈ 3.6 × 10 22 N
r
9 The components of L are:
L x = L sin θ , L y = L cos θ

We have that
v2
L sin θ = m
R
L cos θ = mg
Dividing side by side:
v2
m
L sin θ
= R
L cos θ mg
v2
tan θ =
gR
v2 180 2
This gives ⇒ R = = = 4.7 km
g tan θ 9.8 × tan 35°

10 a friction

reaction

weight

b Let the normal reaction force from the wall be N. Then

v2
N =m
r
mg = f s

For the minimum rotation speed the frictional force must be a maximum i.e. f s = µs N . I.e.
v2
N =m
r
mg = µs N

2 ANSWERS TO TEST YOURSELF QUESTIONS 6 PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015
16
 v2 gr 9.8 × 5.0
Combining gives mg = µsm i.e. v = = = 9.04 m s −1. From v = 2π rf we find
r µs 0.60
v 9.04
f = = = 0.288 rev s −1 ≈ 17 rev min −1.
2π r 2π × 5.0

11 a Let v be the speed on the flat part of the road before the loop is entered. At the top the net force on the
cart is its weight and the normal reaction force from the road, both directed vertically downwards. Then,
mu 2 mu 2
N + mg = ⇒N = − mg where u is the speed at the top. For the cart not to fall off the road, we must
R R
1 1
have N > 0 i.e. u > gR . From conservation of energy, mv 2 = mg( 2R ) + mu 2 and so u 2 = v 2 − 4 gR .
2

2 2
Hence v 2 − 4 gR > gR , i.e. v > 5 gR = 29.7 ≈ 30 m s −1.

b For just about equal to 5 gR we get u = gR = 13.3 ≈ 13 m s −1.

12 The tension in the string must equal the weight of the hanging mass i.e. T = Mg . The tension serves as the
v2 v2 Mgr
centripetal force on the smaller mass and so T = m . Hence m = Mg ⇒ v = .
r r m

13 Let the tension in the upper string be TU and TL in the lower string. Both strings make an angle θ with the
horizontal. We have that:
TU sin θ = mg + TL sin θ
v2
TU cos θ + TL cos θ = m
r
We may rewrite these as:
TU sin θ − TL sin θ = mg
v2
TU cos θ + TL cos θ = m
r
0.50
From trigonometry, sin θ = = 0.50 ⇒ θ = 30°. Further, r = 1.0 2 − 0.50 2 = 0.866 m. Therefore the
1.0
equations simplify to
0.50 × (TU − TL ) = 2.45 TU − TL = 4.90
or .
0.866 × (TU + TL ) = 18.48 TU + TL = 21.33

Finally, TU = 13.1 N, TL = 8.22 N.

1 2
14 a By conservation of energy, mgh = mv and so v = 2 gh = 2 × 9.81 × 120 = 48.9 ≈ 49 m s −1 (with this speed,
2
this amusement park should not have a licence to operate!).
b The forces on a passenger are the weight and the reaction force R both in the vertically down direction. Thus
v2 v2
R + mg = m ⇒ R = m − mg . The speed at the top is found from energy conservation as
r r
1 2
mgH = mv + mg( 2r ) ⇒ v 2 = 9.81 × 240 − 2 × 9.81 × 60 = 1177 . Hence
2
1177
R = 60 × − 60 × 9.81 = 1765 ≈ 1800 N.
30
50 2
c Using v 2 = u 2 − 2as we get 0 = 49 2 − 2a × 40 and so a = = 30 m s −2 (some passengers will be fainting
2 × 40
now, assuming they are still alive!).

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO TEST YOURSELF QUESTIONS 6 3
17
 6.2 The law of gravitation
Mm −11 5.98 × 10 24 × 7.35 × 10 22
15 a F = G = 6.67 × 10 × = 1.99 × 10 20 N
R2 ( 3.84 × 108 )2
Mm −11 1.99 × 10 30 × 1.90 × 10 27
b F =G = 6.67 × 10 × = 4.17 × 10 23 N
R2 (7.78 × 1011 )2
Mm −11 1.67 × 10 −27 × 9.11 × 10 −31
c F =G = 6.67 × 10 × = 1.0 × 10 −47 N
R2 (1.00 × 10 −10 )2
16 a Zero since it is being pulled equally from all directions.
b Zero, by Newton’s third law.
m2 m2 Mm m(m + M )
c F =G , (d) F = G 2
+G 2
=G
4R 2
4R 4R 4R 2

 GM 
g  (9R )2  1
17 A = =
gB  GM  81
 R2 
 G 2M 
g  ( 2R )2  1
18 A = =
gB  GM  2
 R2 
19 Since star A is 27 times as massive and the density is the same the volume of A must be 27 times as large. Its radius
 G 27M 
g A  ( 3R )2 
must therefore be 3 times as large. Hence = = 3.
gB  GM 
 R2 
 GM / 2 
g  ( R / 2)2 
20 new = =2
g old  GM 
 R2 

21 Let this point be a distance x from the center of the Earth and let d be the center to center distance between the
earth and the moon. Then
G 81M GM
=
x 2
(d − x )2
81(d − x )2 = x 2
9(d − x ) = x
x 9
= = 0.9
d 10
22 a At point P the gravitational field strength is obviously zero.
b The gravitational field strength at Q from each of the masses is
GM −11 3.0 × 10 22
g= = 6.67 × 10 × = 1.0 × 106 N kg −1. The net field, taking components, is directed from Q
R 2
( 2 × 10 )
9 2

to P and has magnitude 2 g cos 45° = 2 × 1 × 106 cos 45° = 1.4 × 106 N kg −1.

4 ANSWERS TO TEST YOURSELF QUESTIONS 6 PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015
18
 GMm v2 GM 2π r 4π 2 r 3
23 We know that 2 = m ⇒ v2 = . But v = and so we deduce that T 2 = . Therefore
r r r T GM
GMT 2 6.67 × 10 −11 × 6.0 × 10 24 × ( 24 × 60 × 60)2
r= 3 = 3 = 4.2 × 107 m.
4π 2 4π 2
GM 6.67 × 10 −11 × 6.0 × 10 24
24 a From v 2 = we calculate v = = 7.5828754 × 10 3 ≈ 7.6 × 10 3 m s −1.
r (6.4 + 0.560) × 106

6.67 × 10 −11 × 6.0 × 10 24

b The shuttle speed is v = = 7.5831478 × 10 3 m s −1. The relative speed of the shuttle
6.9595 × 10 6

104
−1
and Hubble is 0.2724 m s and so the distance of 10 km will be covered in = 36711 s ≈ 10 hrs.
0.2724
Gm1m2 v2 Gm 2π r  2π r  = Gm1 giving
2
25 a n
= m 2 ⇒ v 2 = n − 11 . But v = and so  
r r r T T r n −1
4π 2 r 2 Gm1
= n −1
T2 r
4π r
2 n +1
T2 =
Gm1
b For this to be consistent with Kepler’s third law we need n + 1 = 3 ⇒ n = 2

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO TEST YOURSELF QUESTIONS 6 5
19
Topic 6 (New) [54 marks]
An electron moves in circular motion in a uniform magnetic field.

The velocity of the electron at point P is 6.8 × 10 5 m s –1 in the direction shown.

The magnitude of the magnetic field is 8.5 T.

1a. State the direction of the magnetic field. [1 mark]

Markscheme
out of the page plane / ⊙

Do not accept just “up” or “outwards”.

[1 mark]

1b. Calculate, in N, the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the electron. [1 mark]

Markscheme
1.60 × 10–19 × 6.8 × 105 × 8.5 = 9.2 × 10 –13 «N»
[1 mark]

1c. Explain why the electron moves at constant speed. [1 mark]

Markscheme
the magnetic force does not do work on the electron hence does not change the electron’s
kinetic energy
OR
the magnetic force/acceleration is at right angles to velocity

[1 mark]

20
1d. Explain why the electron moves on a circular path. [2 marks]

Markscheme
the velocity of the electron is at right angles to the magnetic field
(therefore) there is a centripetal acceleration / force acting on the charge

OWTTE
[2 marks]

A small ball of mass m is moving in a horizontal circle on the inside surface of a frictionless
hemispherical bowl.

The normal reaction force N makes an angle θ to the horizontal.

2a. State the direction of the resultant force on the ball. [1 mark]

Markscheme
towards the centre «of the circle» / horizontally to the right

Do not accept towards the centre of the bowl

[1 mark]

21 length to represent the weight of the

On the diagram, construct an arrow of the correct