Circular Motion

Y E A R 11
Circular Motion – QCAA Subject Matter
• describe uniform circular motion in terms of a force acting on an object in a perpendicular
direction to the velocity of the object
• define the concepts of average speed and period

• solve problems involving average speed of objects undergoing uniform circular motion

• define the terms centripetal acceleration and centripetal force

• solve problems involving forces acting on objects in uniform circular motion.

Definition

Uniform Circular
Motion: the motion of
an object travelling at
a constant speed in a
circle
Imagine this is a
ball attached to a
rope swinging
around in a circle
at a constant
velocity.

This ball is in
uniform circular
motion.
The tangential velocity
acts perpendicular to the
centripetal force.

The centripetal force and

centripetal acceleration
act towards the centre of
the balls swing circle.

The force (tension) in the

rope keeps the ball in a
circular path