mechanics

Circular Motion

Watch an object orbit with centripetal force vectors radiating inward. Adjust radius, angular velocity, and mass to explore F = mv²/r and the relationship between period and frequency.

Circular Motion

A-Level

An object moving in a circle at constant speed is accelerating because its direction constantly changes. The centripetal acceleration points toward the center. The centripetal force required is F = mv²/r = mrω².

Radius3.0m

Angular Velocity2.0rad/s

Mass1.0kg

📐 Formulas

F = \frac{mv^2}{r} = mr\omega^2Force toward center

\omega = \frac{2\pi}{T} = 2\pi fRadians per second

v = r\omegaTangential speed

a = \frac{v^2}{r} = r\omega^2Acceleration toward center

📋 Syllabus

AQA3.6.1.1

EdexcelTopic 6

OCR5.3.1