VERTICAL Circular Motion

HORIZONTAL Uniform Circular Motion

 Most examples of vertical circular motion are non-
 For uniform circular motion, there is NO WORK Circular Motion uniform, since the speed and angular velocity are
done by the centripetal force since the direction of not constant.
the force is always perpendicular to the direction of  Uniform vertical circular motion are usually forced
displacement. to rotate at constant  (e.g. ferris wheel)
Basic Terminology
Examples: Examples:
s
Angular displacement,  
r
 2
Angular velocity,     2 f
t T
Linear velocity, v  r 
v2
Centripetal acceleration, a   r2
r
Conditions:
 Constant  and constant r mv 2
Centripetal force, F  mac   mr  2 Conditions:
 FVERTICAL  0 r
 FVERTICAL  Fc  mac
 FHORIZONTAL  Fc  mac
Problem-solving:
Problem-solving: Using Newton’s Laws to explain why an  Draw the FBD (all individual forces) for the object
 Draw the FBD (all individual forces) for the object object moving in a constant speed in a circle undergoing circular motion. (do NOT draw the
undergoing circular motion. (do NOT draw the experiences a resultant force towards the centripetal force)
centripetal force) centre of the circle.  Locate the centre of the circular motion.
 Locate the centre of the circular motion.  Resolve the forces.
 Resolve the forces.  Since object experiences a constant  Determine the force(s) that is(are) directed to the
 Determine the force(s) that is(are) directed to the change in direction of motion, by N1L, centre of the circular motion. These force(s)
centre of the circular motion. These force(s) there must be a resultant force on it. provides for centripetal force.
provides for centripetal force.  Apply FVERTICAL  Fc  mac
 Apply FHORIZONTAL  Fc  mac  Given the tangential speed remains
constant, by N2L, the resultant force must  Manipulate the equation and solve for the
 Manipulate the equation and solve for the unknown.
act perpendicular to the velocity, hence in
unknown.
the radial direction, towards the centre of
the circle.  For some questions in order to solve, will need to
 For some questions in order to solve, will need to use conservation of energy
use FHORIZONTAL  Fc  mac and FVERTICAL  0 , KEtop  GPEtop  KEbottom  GPEbottom
then solve simultaneously. (if there are no frictional forces)