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CIRCULAR MOTION

Sep 11, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the kinematics, dynamics, key formulas, concepts related to uniform & non-uniform circular motion, and practice problems of Circular Motion.

Introduction to Circular Motion

  • Circular motion — an object moves along a circle with a fixed radius.
  • Circular motion involves kinematics (velocity, acceleration, displacement) and dynamics (force).
  • Circular motion can occur in horizontal or vertical planes.

Linear vs Angular Motion

  • Linear motion involves displacement (s), velocity (v), acceleration (a).
  • Angular motion involves angular displacement (θ), angular velocity (ω), angular acceleration (α).
  • Linear - s, u, v, a; Angular - θ, ω, α.

Important Formulas & Relations

  • Linear velocity: ( v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} )
  • Angular velocity: ( \omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t} )
  • ( v = r \omega ) (relation between linear & angular velocity)
  • Acceleration (Uniform Circular Motion): Centripetal acceleration ( a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} = r \omega^2 )
  • Equations of Motion (linear ↔ angular): ( s \leftrightarrow \theta,, u \leftrightarrow \omega_i,, a \leftrightarrow \alpha )

Speed, Velocity, Acceleration in Circular Motion

  • In uniform circular motion speed is constant; magnitude of velocity is constant, direction changes.
  • In non-uniform circular motion both speed and velocity change.
  • Acceleration is divided into centripetal (radial) & tangential components.
  • Total acceleration: ( a = \sqrt{a_c^2 + a_t^2} )

Centripetal Force & Applications

  • Centripetal force is essential in circular motion.
  • ( F_{centripetal} = m \frac{v^2}{r} = m r \omega^2 )
  • Various existing forces (spring, gravitational, electrostatic) act as centripetal force in different cases.
  • Spring force: ( F = kx ) (x = elongation)

Practice Questions & Applications

  • Finding angular velocity, tension for mass attached to string in horizontal/vertical circle.
  • Method of using centripetal force in problems.
  • Difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Circular Motion — motion of an object along a circle.
  • Linear Displacement (s) — direct changed distance.
  • Angular Displacement (θ) — angle turned (radians).
  • Linear Velocity (v) — speed changing in a straight line.
  • Angular Velocity (ω) — angle turned per unit time.
  • Acceleration (a, α) — rate of change of speed (linear, angular).
  • Centripetal Force — force acting towards the center.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Learn vertical circular motion and more problems in the next class.
  • Revise previous concepts (linear/angular motion equations, force relations).
  • Homework: Practice given examples to find tension, centripetal force in calculations.