Circular Motion 5

Special cases :
or V =
i. At the lowermost (or starting) point A,
h = 0 and hence tension at the lowest Velocity V = is commonly called as
point :
the ‘Critical Velocity’.
Some common example of motion in a
TL = ... (iv)
vertical plane are an aeroplane looping a
ii. At the uppermost point C, h = 2r and loop, motor-cyclist looping the loop in a
hence tension at the point is given by “globe of death” in circus or motion of a
car on a circular bridge.
TH = Tension (T)
At any point ‘p’
or T H = ... (v)

Subtracting (iv) from (v), we have

TL – TH = –

?T
? L – TH = 6mg ... (vi)
Thus, difference in tension at the lowest
and highest point is equal to six times the
weight of the revolving particle
iii. If the initial velocity u is just sufficient to T = T
+ mg cosT
make the stone cross the highest point C
without any slackening of string, then At lowest point
TH = 0 and hence

0 = T = + mg

or u2 = 5gr [From equation (v)] At highest point

or u = T = + mg

Hence, the least velocity with which a At a point along horizontal position
particle (say stone) must be projected from
the lowest position of a vertical circle so T =
as to reach the highest point without

leaving the track is . This is the Position Velocities (V) Acceleration

minimum velocity with which the stone Lowest Point Vt at
can LOOP the LOOP.
iv. Moreover, if V is the velocity which the Highest Point Vt at
stone possesses at highest point C in case Horizontal Point Vt at
of no slackening of string, then
V2 = u2 – 2g. 2r
[... At highest point h = 2r]
= u2 – 4gr