Chapter 5: Uniform Circular Motion

Uniform circular motion is the motion of an object traveling at a

constant (uniform) speed on a circular path. The velocity vector
changes direction as the plane moves around the circle.

; where T = period = time per 1 revolution

; always points toward center, direction always changing as move around circle

note: equilibrium applications in non accelerating conditions only

; always points toward center, direction always changing as move around circle

note: any change in the velocity vector, magnitude and/or

direction, means there is an acceleration occurring

Banked Curves:

-- lacking friction
 Chapter 5: Uniform Circular Motion

Satellites in Circular Orbits:

, r = distance from center of earth to object. Able to solve for velocity, v,
that object must maintain to secure the fixed orbit.

*for a given orbit, a satellite with a large mass has exactly the same orbital speed as a satellite
with a small mass

, one orbital revolution of a satellite around earth

Apparent Weight:

Objects in uniform circular motion continually accelerate or “fall” toward the center of the circle
in order to remain on the circular path. Consequently, both the person and the scale “fall” with
the same acceleration toward the center of the earth and cannot push against one another. Thus,
the apparent weight in the satellite is zero, just as it is in the freely falling elevator.

Vertical Circular Motion:

The speed v3 in the equation is a minimum when FN3 is zero.

Then, the speed is given by √(rg). At this speed, the track
does not exert a normal force to keep the cycle on the circle,
because the weight mg provides all the centripetal force.

Under these conditions, the rider experiences an apparent

weightlessness because for an instant the rider and the cycle
are falling freely toward the center of the circle.