Circular Motion Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is a centripetal force?

The resultant force that acts towards the centre of the circle, keeping an object moving in a circular path.

In what direction does the centripetal force on an object moving in a circle act?

Towards the centre of the circle.

Why does an object moving in a circular orbit at constant speed have a changing velocity?

Its direction of motion is constantly changing, and velocity depends on direction as well as speed.

Which force provides the centripetal force on a satellite orbiting the Earth?

The gravitational force (gravity / the satellite's weight), acting towards the centre of the Earth.

Which force provides the centripetal force on a car going round a bend?

Friction between the tyres and the road, acting towards the centre of the bend.

True or false? An object moving round a circle at constant speed has a resultant force of zero.

False. Its velocity is changing, so there must be a resultant (centripetal) force towards the centre.