DP Physics (last assessment 2024)
Syllabus sections »

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


Sub sections and their related questions

None