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6.1 – Circular motion
Description
Nature of science:
Observable universe: Observations and subsequent deductions led to the realization that the force must act radially inwards in all cases of circular motion. (1.1)
Understandings:
- Period, frequency, angular displacement and angular velocity
- Centripetal force
- Centripetal acceleration
Applications and skills:
- Identifying the forces providing the centripetal forces such as tension, friction, gravitational, electrical, or magnetic
- Solving problems involving centripetal force, centripetal acceleration, period, frequency, angular displacement, linear speed and angular velocity
- Qualitatively and quantitatively describing examples of circular motion including cases of vertical and horizontal circular motion
Guidance:
- Banking will be considered qualitatively only
Data booklet reference:
International-mindedness:
- International collaboration is needed in establishing effective rocket launch sites to benefit space programmes
Theory of knowledge:
- Foucault’s pendulum gives a simple observable proof of the rotation of the Earth, which is largely unobservable. How can we have knowledge of things that are unobservable?
Utilization:
- Motion of charged particles in magnetic fields (see Physics sub-topic 5.4)
- Mass spectrometry (see Chemistry sub-topics 2.1 and 11.3)
- Playground and amusement park rides often use the principles of circular motion in their design
Aims:
- Aim 6: experiments could include (but are not limited to): mass on a string; observation and quantification of loop-the-loop experiences; friction of a mass on a turntable
- Aim 7: technology has allowed for more accurate and precise measurements of circular motion, including data loggers for force measurements and video analysis of objects moving in circular motion
Directly related questions
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21M.2.HL.TZ1.2b:
Calculate the value of the centripetal force.
-
21M.2.HL.TZ1.2b:
Calculate the value of the centripetal force.
-
21M.2.HL.TZ1.b:
Calculate the value of the centripetal force.
- 21M.2.HL.TZ1.2a: Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a circular orbit.
- 21M.2.HL.TZ1.2a: Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a circular orbit.
- 21M.2.HL.TZ1.a: Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a circular orbit.
- 21M.1.SL.TZ2.24: A sphere is suspended from the end of a string and rotates in a horizontal circle. Which...
- 21M.1.SL.TZ2.24: A sphere is suspended from the end of a string and rotates in a horizontal circle. Which...
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21M.1.SL.TZ2.23:
An object moves in a circle of constant radius. Values of the centripetal force are measured for different values of angular velocity . A graph is plotted with on the -axis. Which quantity plotted on the -axis will produce a straight-line graph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
-
21M.1.SL.TZ2.23:
An object moves in a circle of constant radius. Values of the centripetal force are measured for different values of angular velocity . A graph is plotted with on the -axis. Which quantity plotted on the -axis will produce a straight-line graph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
-
18M.1.SL.TZ1.22:
An object of mass m at the end of a string of length r moves in a vertical circle at a constant angular speed ω.
What is the tension in the string when the object is at the bottom of the circle?
A. m(ω2r + g)
B. m(ω2r – g)
C. mg(ω2r + 1)
D. mg(ω2r – 1)
-
18M.1.SL.TZ1.22:
An object of mass m at the end of a string of length r moves in a vertical circle at a constant angular speed ω.
What is the tension in the string when the object is at the bottom of the circle?
A. m(ω2r + g)
B. m(ω2r – g)
C. mg(ω2r + 1)
D. mg(ω2r – 1)
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18M.2.SL.TZ1.5c.ii:
Explain why the electron moves on a circular path.
-
18M.2.SL.TZ1.5c.ii:
Explain why the electron moves on a circular path.
-
18M.2.SL.TZ1.c.ii:
Explain why the electron moves on a circular path.
- 18M.1.SL.TZ2.23: A mass at the end of a string is swung in a horizontal circle at increasing speed until...
- 18M.1.SL.TZ2.23: A mass at the end of a string is swung in a horizontal circle at increasing speed until...
- 21N.1.SL.TZ0.22: A mass at the end of a string is moving in a horizontal circle at constant speed. The...
- 21N.1.SL.TZ0.22: A mass at the end of a string is moving in a horizontal circle at constant speed. The...
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18N.1.HL.TZ0.5:
A mass m attached to a string of length R moves in a vertical circle with a constant speed. The tension in the string at the top of the circle is T. What is the kinetic energy of the mass at the top of the circle?
A.
B.
C.
D.
-
18N.1.HL.TZ0.5:
A mass m attached to a string of length R moves in a vertical circle with a constant speed. The tension in the string at the top of the circle is T. What is the kinetic energy of the mass at the top of the circle?
A.
B.
C.
D.
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22M.2.SL.TZ2.1d:
The fan is rotating at 120 revolutions every minute. Calculate the centripetal acceleration of the tip of a fan blade.
-
22M.2.SL.TZ2.1d:
The fan is rotating at 120 revolutions every minute. Calculate the centripetal acceleration of the tip of a fan blade.
-
22M.2.SL.TZ2.d:
The fan is rotating at 120 revolutions every minute. Calculate the centripetal acceleration of the tip of a fan blade.
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19M.2.HL.TZ2.5bii:
For this proton, calculate, in s, the time for one full revolution.
-
19M.2.HL.TZ2.5bii:
For this proton, calculate, in s, the time for one full revolution.
-
19M.2.HL.TZ2.bii:
For this proton, calculate, in s, the time for one full revolution.
-
19M.1.SL.TZ2.22:
A particle of mass 0.02 kg moves in a horizontal circle of diameter 1 m with an angular velocity of 3 rad s-1.
What is the magnitude and direction of the force responsible for this motion?
-
19M.1.SL.TZ2.22:
A particle of mass 0.02 kg moves in a horizontal circle of diameter 1 m with an angular velocity of 3 rad s-1.
What is the magnitude and direction of the force responsible for this motion?
- 19M.1.SL.TZ1.24: A motorcyclist is cornering on a curved race track. Which combination of changes of banking...
- 19M.1.SL.TZ1.24: A motorcyclist is cornering on a curved race track. Which combination of changes of banking...
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19N.2.SL.TZ0.4b(ii):
Calculate the time for one complete revolution.
-
19N.2.SL.TZ0.4b(ii):
Calculate the time for one complete revolution.
-
19N.2.SL.TZ0.b(ii):
Calculate the time for one complete revolution.
- 22N.1.SL.TZ0.21: A mass attached to a string rotates in a gravitational field with a constant period in a vertical...
- 22N.1.SL.TZ0.21: A mass attached to a string rotates in a gravitational field with a constant period in a vertical...
- 22N.1.SL.TZ0.20: A car on a road follows a horizontal circular path at a constant speed. What is the direction of...
- 22N.1.SL.TZ0.20: A car on a road follows a horizontal circular path at a constant speed. What is the direction of...
- 17N.1.SL.TZ0.21: A mass attached to a string rotates in a gravitational field with a constant period in a vertical...
- 17N.1.SL.TZ0.21: A mass attached to a string rotates in a gravitational field with a constant period in a vertical...
-
17N.1.SL.TZ0.22:
A satellite X of mass m orbits the Earth with a period T. What will be the orbital period of satellite Y of mass 2m occupying the same orbit as X?
A.
B. T
C.
D. 2T
-
17N.1.SL.TZ0.22:
A satellite X of mass m orbits the Earth with a period T. What will be the orbital period of satellite Y of mass 2m occupying the same orbit as X?
A.
B. T
C.
D. 2T
-
17N.2.SL.TZ0.5a:
Determine the orbital period for the satellite.
Mass of Earth = 6.0 x 1024 kg
-
17N.2.SL.TZ0.5a:
Determine the orbital period for the satellite.
Mass of Earth = 6.0 x 1024 kg
-
17N.2.SL.TZ0.a:
Determine the orbital period for the satellite.
Mass of Earth = 6.0 x 1024 kg
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18M.2.SL.TZ1.5c.i:
Explain why the electron moves at constant speed.
-
18M.2.SL.TZ1.5c.i:
Explain why the electron moves at constant speed.
-
18M.2.SL.TZ1.c.i:
Explain why the electron moves at constant speed.
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18M.2.SL.TZ2.1a.i:
State the direction of the resultant force on the ball.
-
18M.2.SL.TZ2.1a.i:
State the direction of the resultant force on the ball.
-
18M.2.SL.TZ2.a.i:
State the direction of the resultant force on the ball.
-
18M.1.HL.TZ2.17:
An object of mass m moves in a horizontal circle of radius r with a constant speed v. What is the rate at which work is done by the centripetal force?
A.
B.
C.
D. zero
-
18M.1.HL.TZ2.17:
An object of mass m moves in a horizontal circle of radius r with a constant speed v. What is the rate at which work is done by the centripetal force?
A.
B.
C.
D. zero
-
18M.2.HL.TZ2.1a.i:
State the direction of the resultant force on the ball.
-
18M.2.HL.TZ2.1a.i:
State the direction of the resultant force on the ball.
-
18M.2.HL.TZ2.a.i:
State the direction of the resultant force on the ball.
-
18M.2.HL.TZ2.9c.i:
Show that the speed v of an electron in the hydrogen atom is related to the radius r of the orbit by the expression
where k is the Coulomb constant.
-
18M.2.HL.TZ2.9c.i:
Show that the speed v of an electron in the hydrogen atom is related to the radius r of the orbit by the expression
where k is the Coulomb constant.
-
18M.2.HL.TZ2.c.i:
Show that the speed v of an electron in the hydrogen atom is related to the radius r of the orbit by the expression
where k is the Coulomb constant.
- 18N.1.SL.TZ0.7: The mass at the end of a pendulum is made to move in a horizontal circle of radius r at constant...
- 18N.1.SL.TZ0.7: The mass at the end of a pendulum is made to move in a horizontal circle of radius r at constant...
- 18N.1.SL.TZ0.22: A particle of mass m and charge of magnitude q enters a region of uniform magnetic field B...
- 18N.1.SL.TZ0.22: A particle of mass m and charge of magnitude q enters a region of uniform magnetic field B...
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19M.1.SL.TZ1.25:
Satellite X orbits a planet with orbital radius R. Satellite Y orbits the same planet with orbital radius 2R. Satellites X and Y have the same mass.
What is the ratio ?
A.
B.
C. 2
D. 4
-
19M.1.SL.TZ1.25:
Satellite X orbits a planet with orbital radius R. Satellite Y orbits the same planet with orbital radius 2R. Satellites X and Y have the same mass.
What is the ratio ?
A.
B.
C. 2
D. 4
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19M.2.SL.TZ1.6c.ii:
Outline why this force does no work on the Moon.
-
19M.2.SL.TZ1.6c.ii:
Outline why this force does no work on the Moon.
-
19M.2.SL.TZ1.c.ii:
Outline why this force does no work on the Moon.
-
19M.2.HL.TZ1.5a.ii:
Outline why this force does no work on Phobos.
-
19M.2.HL.TZ1.5a.ii:
Outline why this force does no work on Phobos.
-
19M.2.HL.TZ1.a.ii:
Outline why this force does no work on Phobos.
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19M.1.SL.TZ2.14:
Object P moves vertically with simple harmonic motion (shm). Object Q moves in a vertical circle with a uniform speed. P and Q have the same time period T. When P is at the top of its motion, Q is at the bottom of its motion.
What is the interval between successive times when the acceleration of P is equal and opposite to the acceleration of Q?
A.
B.
C.
D. T
-
19M.1.SL.TZ2.14:
Object P moves vertically with simple harmonic motion (shm). Object Q moves in a vertical circle with a uniform speed. P and Q have the same time period T. When P is at the top of its motion, Q is at the bottom of its motion.
What is the interval between successive times when the acceleration of P is equal and opposite to the acceleration of Q?
A.
B.
C.
D. T
- 19M.2.SL.TZ2.5ai: Label with arrows on the diagram the magnetic force F on the proton.
- 19M.2.SL.TZ2.5ai: Label with arrows on the diagram the magnetic force F on the proton.
- 19M.2.SL.TZ2.ai: Label with arrows on the diagram the magnetic force F on the proton.
-
19N.1.SL.TZ0.21:
An object hangs from a light string and moves in a horizontal circle of radius r.
The string makes an angle θ with the vertical. The angular speed of the object is ω. What is tan θ?
A.
B.
C.
D.
-
19N.1.SL.TZ0.21:
An object hangs from a light string and moves in a horizontal circle of radius r.
The string makes an angle θ with the vertical. The angular speed of the object is ω. What is tan θ?
A.
B.
C.
D.
-
19N.1.SL.TZ0.22:
An object of mass m makes n revolutions per second around a circle of radius r at a constant speed. What is the kinetic energy of the object?
A. 0
B.
C.
D.
-
19N.1.SL.TZ0.22:
An object of mass m makes n revolutions per second around a circle of radius r at a constant speed. What is the kinetic energy of the object?
A. 0
B.
C.
D.
- 19N.2.SL.TZ0.4a: Explain why the path of the proton is a circle.
- 19N.2.SL.TZ0.4a: Explain why the path of the proton is a circle.
- 19N.2.SL.TZ0.a: Explain why the path of the proton is a circle.
-
19N.2.SL.TZ0.4c:
Explain why the kinetic energy of the proton is constant.
-
19N.2.SL.TZ0.4c:
Explain why the kinetic energy of the proton is constant.
-
19N.2.SL.TZ0.c:
Explain why the kinetic energy of the proton is constant.
-
20N.1.SL.TZ0.22:
Mass is attached to one end of a string. The string is passed through a hollow tube and mass is attached to the other end. Friction between the tube and string is negligible.
Mass travels at constant speed in a horizontal circle of radius . What is mass ?
A.
B.
C.
D.
-
20N.1.SL.TZ0.22:
Mass is attached to one end of a string. The string is passed through a hollow tube and mass is attached to the other end. Friction between the tube and string is negligible.
Mass travels at constant speed in a horizontal circle of radius . What is mass ?
A.
B.
C.
D.
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20N.2.SL.TZ0.2b:
The person must not slide down the wall. Show that the minimum angular velocity of the cylinder for this situation is
where is the coefficient of static friction between the person and the cylinder.
-
20N.2.SL.TZ0.2b:
The person must not slide down the wall. Show that the minimum angular velocity of the cylinder for this situation is
where is the coefficient of static friction between the person and the cylinder.
-
20N.2.SL.TZ0.b:
The person must not slide down the wall. Show that the minimum angular velocity of the cylinder for this situation is
where is the coefficient of static friction between the person and the cylinder.
-
20N.2.SL.TZ0.2c:
The coefficient of static friction between the person and the cylinder is . The radius of the cylinder is . The cylinder makes revolutions per minute. Deduce whether the person will slide down the inner surface of the cylinder.
-
20N.2.SL.TZ0.2c:
The coefficient of static friction between the person and the cylinder is . The radius of the cylinder is . The cylinder makes revolutions per minute. Deduce whether the person will slide down the inner surface of the cylinder.
-
20N.2.SL.TZ0.c:
The coefficient of static friction between the person and the cylinder is . The radius of the cylinder is . The cylinder makes revolutions per minute. Deduce whether the person will slide down the inner surface of the cylinder.
- 21M.1.SL.TZ1.22: A child stands on a horizontal rotating platform that is moving at constant angular speed....
- 21M.1.SL.TZ1.22: A child stands on a horizontal rotating platform that is moving at constant angular speed....
- 21M.1.SL.TZ2.19: An ion moves in a circle in a uniform magnetic field. Which single change would increase...
- 21M.1.SL.TZ2.19: An ion moves in a circle in a uniform magnetic field. Which single change would increase...
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21M.2.SL.TZ2.1d:
The player kicks the ball again. It rolls along the ground without sliding with a horizontal velocity of . The radius of the ball is . Calculate the angular velocity of the ball. State an appropriate SI unit for your answer.
-
21M.2.SL.TZ2.1d:
The player kicks the ball again. It rolls along the ground without sliding with a horizontal velocity of . The radius of the ball is . Calculate the angular velocity of the ball. State an appropriate SI unit for your answer.
-
21M.2.SL.TZ2.d:
The player kicks the ball again. It rolls along the ground without sliding with a horizontal velocity of . The radius of the ball is . Calculate the angular velocity of the ball. State an appropriate SI unit for your answer.
- 21M.2.SL.TZ1.2a.i: Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a circular orbit.
- 21M.2.SL.TZ1.2a.i: Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a circular orbit.
- 21M.2.SL.TZ1.a.i: Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a circular orbit.
- 21M.2.SL.TZ1.2a.ii: State the nature of this centripetal force.
- 21M.2.SL.TZ1.2a.ii: State the nature of this centripetal force.
- 21M.2.SL.TZ1.a.ii: State the nature of this centripetal force.
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22M.1.SL.TZ2.23:
A satellite is orbiting Earth in a circular path at constant speed. Three statements about the resultant force on the satellite are:
I. It is equal to the gravitational force of attraction on the satellite.
II. It is equal to the mass of the satellite multiplied by its acceleration.
III. It is equal to the centripetal force on the satellite.Which combination of statements is correct?
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
-
22M.1.SL.TZ2.23:
A satellite is orbiting Earth in a circular path at constant speed. Three statements about the resultant force on the satellite are:
I. It is equal to the gravitational force of attraction on the satellite.
II. It is equal to the mass of the satellite multiplied by its acceleration.
III. It is equal to the centripetal force on the satellite.Which combination of statements is correct?
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
- 22M.1.SL.TZ1.23: A ball of mass 0.3 kg is attached to a light, inextensible string. It is rotated in a vertical...
- 22M.1.SL.TZ1.23: A ball of mass 0.3 kg is attached to a light, inextensible string. It is rotated in a vertical...
-
22M.2.SL.TZ1.1c.ii:
The radius of the pulley is 2.5 cm. Calculate the angular speed of rotation of the pulley as the load hits the floor. State your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
-
22M.2.SL.TZ1.1c.ii:
The radius of the pulley is 2.5 cm. Calculate the angular speed of rotation of the pulley as the load hits the floor. State your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
-
22M.2.SL.TZ1.c.ii:
The radius of the pulley is 2.5 cm. Calculate the angular speed of rotation of the pulley as the load hits the floor. State your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
-
22N.1.HL.TZ0.19:
Two masses and are connected by a string that runs without friction through a stationary tube. Mass rotates at constant speed in a horizontal circle of radius 0.25 m. The weight of provides the centripetal force for the motion of . The time period for the rotation of m is 0.50 s.
What is ?
A. 1B. 2
C. 4
D. 8
-
22N.1.HL.TZ0.19:
Two masses and are connected by a string that runs without friction through a stationary tube. Mass rotates at constant speed in a horizontal circle of radius 0.25 m. The weight of provides the centripetal force for the motion of . The time period for the rotation of m is 0.50 s.
What is ?
A. 1B. 2
C. 4
D. 8
-
22N.2.SL.TZ0.4a:
The scale diagram shows the weight W of the mass at an instant when the rod is horizontal.
Draw, on the scale diagram, an arrow to represent the force exerted on the mass by the rod.
-
22N.2.SL.TZ0.4a:
The scale diagram shows the weight W of the mass at an instant when the rod is horizontal.
Draw, on the scale diagram, an arrow to represent the force exerted on the mass by the rod.
-
22N.2.SL.TZ0.a:
The scale diagram shows the weight W of the mass at an instant when the rod is horizontal.
Draw, on the scale diagram, an arrow to represent the force exerted on the mass by the rod.
- 22N.2.SL.TZ0.4b: Explain why the magnitude of the force exerted on the mass by the rod is not constant.
- 22N.2.SL.TZ0.4b: Explain why the magnitude of the force exerted on the mass by the rod is not constant.
- 22N.2.SL.TZ0.b: Explain why the magnitude of the force exerted on the mass by the rod is not constant.