1. Aim: How do we solve problems involving circular motion?
Do Now: Explain why uniform circular
motion is accelerated motion.

2. Centripetal Acceleration
Centripetal force is a NET FORCE
Causes ACCELERATION
In the SAME DIRECTION AS NET FORCE

3. Uniform Circular Motion
Since the direction of the objects velocity is changing, the object must be subjected to an UNBALANCED FORCE!
Therefore, it is ACCELERATING

4. Uniform Circular Motion
The direction of the velocity vector is the same as the direction of the object's motion

5. Uniform Circular Motion
The direction of the acceleration is inwards, always pointing towards the center of the circle
Called “Centripetal Acceleration”
Centripetal means “center-seaking”

6. Calculating Centripetal Acceleration
The centripetal acceleration (ac) of an object in uniform circular motion is calculated by means of the following equation:
ac = v2 / r (reference tables)
v is the linear speed of the object
r is the radius of the circular path

7. Calculating Centripetal Force
The unbalanced force associated with centripetal acceleration is called the centripetal force (Fc). From Newton’s 2nd Law we get:
Fc = m ac (reference tables)

8. Centripetal Force

10. Exit Ticket
What is the centripetal force acting on a 2 kilogram toy truck if it turns with a radius of 1 meters while moving at .5 meters per second?