Circular Motion

Examples: Planets, atoms, cars

on curves, CD-ROMs, propellers,
etc.
 Rotational Kinematics
How do we
describe an
object moving in
a circle?
 Measure angles relative to reference line:
= 600

= 00
 Express Angles in Radians
1 revolution = 3600 Position in
3600 = 2 radians circular motion
1 radian = 57.30 is expressed as
an angle,
preferably in
radians.

x in linear motion, in circular

motion.
 Example
A fan blade, with a diameter of 1 m, is
rotating at 1 revolution every second.
Through what angle does the tip of the
blade turn in 0.3 seconds?
1 rev in 1 second
0.5 rev in 0.5 sec
0.3 rev in 0.3 sec, so
0.3 rev = 1080 = 1.88 radians
 Speed in Circular Motion
Since were not using x to measure position, we
cant define speed as x/t.
But, since replaces x, why not define angular
speed by
/t = (f o)/(tf to)
This is called angular speed and is given the
symbol (omega), .

= /t
In units of radians/second, i.e. rad/s.
 Angular Velocity

= /t
 Connection between Linear and
Circular Motion
q = x/r
= v/r
a = a/r