Circular Motion | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Circular Motion

• Velocity is a vector quantity, and the velocity of an object is its speed in a given direction 
• When an object moves in a circular path, its velocity constantly changes. 
  • Even if the object's speed remains constant, it always changes direction as it follows the circular path. 
  • This means that an object in circular motion maintains a steady speed but experiences a varying velocity.
• An object moving in circular motion maintains a consistent speed but experiences altering velocity.
• The image depicted below provides an illustration of a well-known object following a circular path. Despite its steady speed, this object undergoes shifts in direction.

• When a force acts at 90 degrees to an object’s direction of travel, the force will cause that object to change direction
  
• If the force continues to act at 90 degrees to the motion, the object will keep changing its direction (whilst remaining at a constant speed) and travel in a circle
• This phenomenon is exemplified by the orbital motion of planets around stars or satellites around planets.
  
• The force required for an object to move in a circle is influenced by several factors:
  • The mass of the object: A heavier object requires more force to maintain constant speed and radius.
  • The speed of the object: Higher velocities demand greater force with constant mass and radius.
  • The radius of the circle: A smaller circle necessitates more force to sustain speed and radius.