Chapter 6
Circular motion
Terminology and Formulas
 For uniform circular motion, there is
no work done by the centripetal
force since the direction of the force
is always perpendicular to the
direction of displacement.
 Angular displacement θ (rad): angle
swept from a reference position.
 Period T (s): time taken for one
complete revolution.
 Angular velocity ω (rad s-1): rate of
change of angular displacement
with respect to time.
 Linear/Tangential speed v
2𝜋
𝜔= = 2𝜋𝑓
𝑇 since the speed and ω are not constant. (Rollercoaster)
𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔
𝑣2
𝑎𝑐 = = 𝑟𝜔2
𝑟 with constant speed in a circle experiences a resultant force
_____
Uniform Circular Motion Rollercoaster
 For uniform circular motion, there is no work done by the Example: Waves
centripetal force since the direction of the force is always
perpendicular to the direction of displacement.
 For uniform circular motion, ω and r are constant, v and a
are not because of direction is constantly changing.
Top of the Circular
 The resultant force causing the circular motion is called the
centripetal force. This force is NOT DRAWN in a free-body Motion
diagram. “The resultant force provides the required 𝐹𝐶 = 𝑚𝑎𝑐
centripetal force.”
𝑁 + 𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚𝑎𝑐
𝑣2
𝐹𝑐 = ∑ 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎𝑐 = 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑟𝜔2
𝑟 𝑁 = 𝑚(𝑎𝑐 − 𝑔)
To Find Speed at the Top
Vertical Circular Motion V is minimum when N = 0.
 Most examples of vertical circular motion are non-uniform, 𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚𝑎𝑐
𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 2
 Uniform Circular motion are usually forced to rotate at a 𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚
𝑟
constant ω. (Ferris Wheel)
𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 = √𝑔𝑟
Bottom of the Circular Motion
Using Newton’s Laws: to explain why an object moving 𝐹𝐶 = 𝑚𝑎𝑐
towards the centre of the circle. 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚𝑎𝑐
 Since object experiences a constant change in direction of 𝑁 = 𝑚(𝑎𝑐 + 𝑔)
motion, by N1L, there must be a resultant force on it.
Normal Contact Force, N decreases as the
 Given that the tangential speed remains constant by N2L, object goes up, and is minimum at the top of the
there must not be any component of force in the tangential circular motion, and maximum at the bottom.
direction.
Speed of the rollercoaster also decreases as it
 Hence resultant force must act perpendicular to the gains height. There is a minimum velocity at the
velocity, in the radial direction, towards the centre of the top so that the rollercoaster can just remain in
circle. contact with the track and complete the circular
motion.
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