This text is meant to accompany class discussions. It is not everything there is to know about uniform circular motion. It is meant as a  prep for class. More detailed notes and examples are given in the class notes, presentations, and demonstrations. See the links below.

Table of Contents

Page 1 Introduction, direction, magnitude, period and frequency
Page 2 Magnitude of velocity, acceleration, and force
Page 3 Deriving the velocity formula
Page 4 The formulas
Page 5 2 Example problems
Page 6 Example that uses ratios to solve
Page 7 Vertical Loop Analysis (Think roller coasters)
Page 8 Cars and Cornering on flat roads
Click for the questions that go with this reading
Objectives
Students will be able to:

  • Define the period of motion
  • Define the frequency for motion
  • Mathematically relate the period and frequency
  • Convert from RPM’s (revolutions per second) to Hertz
  • Use the definitions of period and frequency to solve word problems
  • Discuss the relationship between centrifugal and centripetal forces.
  • Identify the directions of the vectors.
  • Describe why a person slides to the outside of a curve in a car as observed from inside the car.
  • Discuss what supplies the centripetal forces
  • Correctly write the units equations from memory
  • List the S. I. units associates with each quantity
  • Solve word problems utilizing the formulas and concepts in the unit.
  • Calculate the g’s felt by a rider in an amusement park when
    • He/she is spun in a horizontal circle (e.g. carousel)
    • He/she is spun in a vertical circle (e.g. roller coaster loops, playground swings.)
  • Describe why an irregular shaped roller coaster loop is better than a circular loop.
  • Solve problems based on an automobiles ability to supply a lateral acceleration and “cornering.”
  • Solve problems utilizing formulas and ratio.

01 Class Presentation
01 Class presentation (Equations, Variables, 2 example problems, some handouts.)
Notes: Frequency and period relationships
Single page of vocabulary words that relate all the ways period and frequency can be described.
Equations
EQUATIONS to memorize
Some workbook solutions
Some solutions to workbook problems
Activity
Uniform circular motion computer activity
Quiz #1
Circular motion review quiz #2
Quiz #2
Circular motion review quiz #2
Mastery Assignment
Mastery Assignment
Teacher ResourcesTeachers, I created and use these animations in class in PowerPoint slide. They drag them in like a picture. They play like movies. Some I reference and use via a web browser.

by Tony Wayne ...(If you are a teacher, please feel free to use these resources in your teaching.)

The owner of this website does not collect cookies when the site is visited. However, this site uses and or embeds Adobe, Apple, GoDaddy, Google, and YouTube products. These companies collect cookies when their producs are used on my pages. Click here to go to them to find out more about how they use their cookies. If you do not agree with any of their policies then leave this site now.