Bipin patel

Subject : Physics Date: 31-03-2026

Standard : 11 [Link] in Plane

The motion of an object is called two dimensional, if two of the three co-
ordinates required to specify the position of the object in space, change
w.r.t time.
In such a motion, the object moves in a plane. For example, a billiard ball
moving over the billiard table, an insect crawling over the floor of a room,
earth revolving around the sun etc.
Two special cases of motion in two dimension are
1. Projectile motion 2. Circular motion
Introduction of Projectile Motion
A hunter aims his gun and
fires a bullet directly towards
Oblique Projectile:
a monkey sitting on a distant
In projectile motion, horizontal component of velocity (u cos θ),
tree. If the monkey remains in
his position, he will be safe acceleration (g) and mechanical energy remains constant while, speed,
but at the instant the bullet velocity, vertical component of velocity (u sin θ), momentum, kinetic
leaves the barrel of gun, if the energy and potential energy all changes. Velocity, and KE are maximum
at the point of projection while minimum (but not zero) at highest point.
monkey drops from the tree, the bullet will hit the monkey because the
(1) Equation of trajectory :
bullet will not follow the linear path.
The path of motion of a bullet will be parabolic and this motion of bullet is A projectile is thrown with velocity u at an angle θ with the horizontal. The
defined as projectile motion. velocity u can be resolved into two rectangular components.
v cos θ component along X –axis and u sin θ
If the force acting on a particle is oblique with initial velocity then the
component along Y –axis.
motion of particle is called projectile motion.
For horizontal motion
Projectile x = u cos θ × t ⇒ t = … (i) x

A body which is in flight through the atmosphere under the effect of u cos θ

gravity alone and is not being propelled by any fuel is called projectile. For vertical motion y = (u sin θ ) t − gt 1

2
2

…(ii)
Example:
From equation (i) and (ii)
(i) A bomb released from an aeroplane in level flight 2

(ii) A bullet fired from a gun

x 1 x
y = u sin θ ( ) − g ( 2 2
)
u cos θ 2 u cos θ

(iii) An arrow released from bow y = x tan θ −

1 gx
2

(iv) A Javelin thrown by an athlete 2 2

u cos
2
θ

This equation shows that the trajectory of projectile is parabolic because

Assumptions of Projectile Motion
it is similar to equation of parabola
(1) There is no resistance due to air. 2
y = ax– bx
(2) The effect due to curvature of earth is negligible.
Note : Equation of oblique projectile also can be written as
(3) The effect due to rotation of earth is negligible.
(where R = horizontal range = )
2

(4) For all points of the trajectory, the acceleration due to gravity ‘g’ is
x u sin 2 θ
y = x tan θ [1 − ]
R g

constant in magnitude and direction. (2) Displacement of projectile (r→) :

Principle of Physical Independence of Motions Let the particle acquires a position P having the coordinates (x, y) just
(1) The motion of a projectile is a two-dimensional motion. So, it can be after time t from the instant of projection. The corresponding position
discussed in two parts. Horizontal motion and vertical motion. These two vector of the particle at time t is r→ as shown in the figure.
motions take place independent of each other. This is called the principle → = x^i + y^j
r …(i)
of physical independence of motions. The horizontal distance covered during
(2) The velocity of the particle can be resolved into two mutually time t is given as
perpendicular components. Horizontal component and vertical x = v t ⇒ x = u cos θ t
x …
component. (ii)
(3) The horizontal component remains unchanged throughout the flight. The vertical velocity of the particle at time t is given as
The force of gravity continuously affects the vertical component. v = (v ) − gt,
y 0 y …(iii)
(4) The horizontal motion is a uniform motion and the vertical motion is a Now the vertical displacement y is given as
uniformly accelerated or retarded motion. y = u sin θ t − 1/2 gt …(iv)
2

Types of Projectile Motion Putting the values of x and y from equation (ii) and equation (iv) in
(1) Oblique projectile motion equation (i) we obtain the position vector at any time t as
(2) Horizontal projectile motion → ^
r = (u cos θ) t i + ((u sin θ) t −
1 2 ^
gt ) j
(3) Projectile motion on an inclined plane
2

2 2
1 2
⇒r = √(u t cos θ) + ((u t sin θ) − gt )
2

and ϕ = tan
gt gt sin θ
−1
r = u t √1 + ( ) − (y/x)
2u u

1 2
ut sin θ− gt

or ϕ = tan
2u sin θ−gt
−1 2 −1
= tan ( ) ( )
(u t cos θ) 2u cos θ

Note : The angle of elevation ϕ of the highest point of the projectile

and the angle of projection θ are related to each other as
 1
time of flight or u
g(t1 +t2 )
2u sin θ
tan ϕ = tan θ
2 t1 + t2 = = sin θ =
g 2
(3) Instantaneous velocity v : and height of the point p is given by
In projectile motion, vertical component of h = u sin θ t1 −
1
gt
2

velocity changes but horizontal component (t1 +t2 )

2

1 2
1

of velocity remains always constant. h = g

2
t1 −
2
gt
1

by solving h =
g t1 t2

Example : When a man jumps over the hurdle 2

leaving behind its skateboard then vertical component of his velocity is (iv) If B and C are at the same level on trajectory and the time difference
changing, but not the horizontal component which matches with the between these two points is t , similarly A and D 1

skateboard velocity. are also at the same level and the time difference
As a result, the skateboard stays underneath him, allowing him to land on between these two positions is t then, ​ 2

it. t
2

2
− t
2

1
=
8h

Let v be the instantaneous velocity of

i (8) Horizontal range :
projectile at time t, direction of this It is the horizontal distance travelled by a body during the time of flight.
velocity is along the tangent to the So by using second equation of motion in x-
trajectory at point P . direction
→ ^
v i = vx i + vy j ⇒v i = √vx + vy
2 2 R = u cos θ × T

= u cos θ × (2u sin θ/g)

2
2 2
= √u cos θ + (u sin θ − gt)
2
u sin 2θ
=
g
2 2 2
vi = √u + g t − 2u gt sin θ u
2
sin 2θ
R =
vy g

Direction of instantaneous velocity tan α

u sin θ−gt
=
vx
=
u cos θ (i) Range of projectile can also be expressed as :
or R = u cosθ × T = u cos θ
gt 2u sin θ
−1
α = tan [tan θ − sec θ]
u g

(4) Change in velocity : =

2 u cos θ u sin θ
=
2ux uy

g g
→
Initial velocity (at projection point) u = u cos θ ^i + u sin θ ^j i
R = (where u and u are the horizontal and vertical component
2ux uy

x y
g
→
Final velocity (at highest point) u = u cos θ ^i + 0 ^j f of initial velocity)
(i) Change in velocity (Between projection point and highest point) (ii) If angle of projection is changed from θ to θ' = (90– θ) then range
→
→
→
^
Δu = u f − u i = −u sin θ j remains unchanged.
When body reaches the ground after completing its motion then final
→
velocity u = u cos θ ^i − u sin θ ^j
f

(ii) Change in velocity (Between complete projectile motion)

→ ^
Δu = uf − ui = −2u sin θ i

(5) Change in momentum :

Simply by the multiplication of mass in the above expression of velocity
(Article-4). ′ u
2
sin 2θ
′ u
2 o
sin[2(90 −θ)] 2
u sin 2θ

(i) Change in momentum (Between projection point and highest point) R =

g
=
g
=
g
= R

→ → So a projectile has same range at angles of projection θ and (90 – θ), o

→
Δp = p − p
^
= − mu sin θ j
f i
though time of flight, maximum height and trajectories are different.
(ii) Change in momentum (For the complete projectile motion)
→ →
These angles θ and 90 – θ are called complementary angles of projection o

→
Δp = p
f
− p
i
^
= − 2mu sin θ j
and for complementary angles of projection, ratio of range
(6) Angular momentum : R1 u
2
sin 2 θ/g R1
= = 1 ⇒ = 1
Angular momentum of projectile at highest point of trajectory about the R2 u
2
sin [2 (90 −θ)] /g
o
R2

point of projection is given by (iii) For angle of projection θ = (45 – α) and θ = (45 1
o
2
o
+ α) , range will be
2
u sin
2
θ
same and equal to u cos 2α/g. 2

L = mvr [Here r = H = ]
2g
θ and θ are also the complementary angles.
1 2

(iv) Maximum range : For range to be maximum

2 2 3 2
u sin θ m u cos θsin θ
L = m u cos θ =
2g 2g

(7) Time of flight : dR

= 0⇒
d
[
u
2
sin 2θ
] = 0
g

The total time taken by the projectile to go up and come down to the
dθ dθ

⇒ cos 2θ = 0 i.e. 2θ = 90 o
⇒ θ = 45
o

same level from which it was projected is called time of flight.

and R = (u /g)
2

For vertical upward motion 0 = u sin θ– gt

max

i.e., a projectile will have maximum range when it is projected at an angle

⇒t = (u sin θ/g)
of 45 to the horizontal and the maximum range will be (u /g).
o 2

Now as time taken to go up is equal to the time taken to come down so

When the range is maximum, the height H reached by the projectile.
Time of flight T = 2t = 2u sin θ

g
2
u sin θ
2 2
u sin 45
2
u
2
Rmax
H = = = =
(i) Time of flight can also be expressed as : T = (where u is the
[Link] 2g 2g 4g 4

g y
i.e., if a person can throw a projectile to a
vertical component of initial velocity). maximum distance R , The maximum height max

(ii) For complementary angles of projection θ and 90 – θ o

during the flight to which it will rise is ( .

Rmax
)
(a) Ratio of time of flight =
T1 2u sin θ/g 4
=
(v) Relation between horizontal range and maximum height : R =
2
T2 2u sin(90− θ)/g u sin 2θ

= tan θ ⇒ = tan θ
T1 g
2

and H
2
T2 u sin θ
=
(b) Multiplication of time of flight = T 1 T2 =
2u sin θ

g
2u cos θ

g
u
2
sin 2θ/g
2g

⇒T 2R
R
= 2
= 4 cot θ ⇒R = 4H cot θ
1 T2 = H 2
u sin θ/2g
g

(iii) If t is the time taken by projectile to rise upto point p and t is the
1 2
(vi) If in case of projectile motion range R is n times the maximum height
time taken in falling from point p to ground level then H
i.e. R = nH ⇒
u
2
sin 2θ
= n
2
u sin θ
2
If a body is projected with initial kinetic energy
g

K(= 1/2 mu ), with angle of projection θ with

2g
2

⇒ or θ = tan [4/n]
tan θ = [4/n]
−1

The angle of projection is given by θ = tan [4/n] −1 the horizontal then at the highest point of
trajectory
Note : If R = H then θ = tan (4) or θ = 76 . −1 o

If R = 4H then θ = tan (1) or θ = 45 . −1 o (i) Kinetic energy = m (u cos θ) = mu cos 1

2
2 1

2
2 2
θ
′ 2
K = K cos θ
(9) Maximum height :
(ii) Potential energy = mgH = mg
2 2

It is the maximum height from the point of

u sin θ

2g

projection, a projectile can reach. =

1
mu sin θ
2 2
(As H =
u
2
sin
2
θ
)
So, by using v = u + 2as 2 2 2 2g

2
= K sin θ
2
0 = (u sin θ) − 2gH
2
u sin θ
2
(iii) Total energy = Kinetic energy + Potential energy
H = 1 2 2 1 2 2
2g
= mu cos θ + mu sin θ
(i) Maximum height can also be expressed as 2 2

2
= mu = Energy at the point of projection.
1

2
2

uy
H =
2g
(where u is the vertical component of initial velocity).
y This is in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.
(ii) H =max
(when sin θ = max = 1 i.e., θ = 90 )
u
2
2 o
Horizontal Projectile:
2g

i.e., for maximum height body should be projected vertically upward. So it When a body is projected horizontally from a certain height ‘y’ vertically
falls back to the point of projection after reaching the maximum height. above the ground with initial velocity u. If friction is considered to be
(iii) For complementary angles of projection θ and 90 – θ o absent, then there is no other horizontal force which can affect the
Ratio of maximum height horizontal motion. The horizontal velocity therefore remains constant and
2 2
2 so the object covers equal distance in horizontal direction in equal
=
H1 u sin θ/2g sin θ 2

H2
=
2 2
u sin (90 −θ)/2g
o
=
cos θ
2
= tan θ
intervals of time.
H1

H2
= tan θ
2
The horizontal velocity therefore remains constant and so the object
(10) Projectile passing through two different points on same height at time t 1
covers equal distance in horizontal direction in equal intervals of time.
and t : 2
(1) Trajectory of horizontal projectile :
If the particle passes two points situated at equal height y at t = t and 1
The horizontal displacement x is governed by the equation
t = t , then 2
x = ut ⇒ t = …. (i) x

(i) Height (y): The vertical displacement y is governed by

y = (u sin θ) t1 −
1
gt
2
…(i) y = gt …. (ii)
1

2
2

(since initial vertical velocity is zero)

2

and y = (u sin θ) t − gt …(ii) 2

1 2

By substituting the value of t in equation (ii)

2 2

Comparing equation (i) with equation (ii) 2

1 g x
g(t1 +t2 )
y =
u sin θ = 2 u
2

Substituting this value in equation (i) (2) Displacement of Projectile (r→)

t1 +t2 gt1 t2 After time t, horizontal displacement x = ut and vertical displacement
⇒y
1 2
y = g( ) t1 − gt =
gt .
2 2 1 2 1 2
y =
2
(ii) Time (t and t ): y = u sin θ t −
1
gt
2
1 2
2 So, the position vector r→ = ut ^i + gt ^j 1

2
2

2
2y ⎡ √2gy ⎤ 2
⇒
2u sin θ u sin θ
Therefore and α =
2 gt gt
t − t + = 0 t = 1 ± √1 − ( ) r = ut √1 + ( ) tan
−1
( )
g g g u sin θ
2u 2u
⎣ ⎦

gy 2y
−
2
α = tan (√ /u) (as t = √ )
⎡ √2gy ⎤ 2 g
u sin θ
t1 = 1 + √1 − ( )
g
⎣
u sin θ
⎦
(3) Instantaneous velocity :
Throughout the motion, the horizontal component of the velocity is
2
⎡ √2gy ⎤
and t =
u sin θ
1 − √1 − ( )
vx = u.

The vertical component of velocity increases with time and is given by

2 g u sin θ
⎣ ⎦

(11) Motion of a projectile as observed from another projectile : Suppose two v = 0 + gt = gt

y (From v = u + gt)
balls A and B are projected simultaneously from the origin, with initial So, v→ = v ^i + v ^j = u ^i + g t ^j
x y

velocities u and u at angle θ and θ , respectively with the horizontal.

1 2 1 2
2

i.e. v = √u 2 gt
2

The instantaneous positions of the two balls are + (gt) = u√1 + (

u
)

given by Again v→ = u^i + √2gy ^j

Ball A : i.e. v = √u + 2gy 2

1 2
x1 = (u1 cos θ1 )t, y1 = (u1 sin θ1 ) t −
2
gt Direction of instantaneous velocity :
Ball B : tan ϕ =
vy

vx
1 2
x2 = (u2 cos θ2 )t, y2 = (u2 sin θ2 ) t − gt √2gy

or ϕ = tan
2 vy gt
⇒ ϕ = tan
−1
(
vx
) = tan
−1
(
u
)
−1
(
u
)

The position of the ball A with respect to ball B is given by Where ϕ is the angle of instantaneous velocity from the horizontal.
x = x1 − x2 = (u1 cos θ1 − u2 cos θ2 ) t (4) Time of flight :
y = y1 − y2 = (u1 sin θ1 − u2 sin θ2 ) t If a body is projected horizontally from a height h with velocity u and time
Now = (
y
) = constant
u1 sin θ1 −u2 sin θ2
taken by the body to reach the ground is T , then
x u1 cos θ1 −u2 cos θ2

Thus motion of a projectile relative to another projectile is a straight line. h = 0 + gT (for vertical motion)
1

2
2

(12) Energy of projectile : T = √

2h

When a projectile moves upward its kinetic energy decreases, potential (5) Horizontal range :
energy increases but the total energy always remain constant. Let R is the horizontal distance travelled by the body
R = uT + 0T (for horizontal motion)
1

2
2
R = u√
2h Since this force is always at right angles to the
g
displacement therefore no work is done by the force on
(6) If projectiles A and B are projected horizontally with different initial
the particle. Hence, its kinetic energy and thus speed is
velocity from same height and third particle C is dropped from same
unaffected. But due to simultaneous action of the force
point then
and the velocity the particle follows resultant path,
(i) All three particles will take equal time to reach the ground.
which in this case is a circle. Circular motion can be
(ii) Their net velocity would be different but all three
classified into two types - Uniform circular motion and non-uniform
particle possess same vertical component of velocity.
circular motion.
(iii) The trajectory of projectiles A and B will be
straight line w.r.t. particle C . Variables of Circular Motion
(7) If various particles thrown with same initial velocity but in different (1) Displacement and distance : When particle moves in a
direction then circular path describing an angle θ during time t (as shown in
(i) They strike the ground with same speed at different times irrespective the figure) from the position A to the position B, we see
of their initial direction of velocities. that the magnitude of the position vector r→ (that is equal to
(ii) Time would be least for particle E which was the radius of the circle) remains constant. i.e., |r→ | = |r→ | = r and the 1 2

thrown vertically downward. direction of the position vector changes from time to time.
(iii) Time would be maximum for particle A which (i) Displacement : The change of position vector or the displacement Δr→
was thrown vertically upward. of the particle from position A to the position B is given by referring the
figure.
Projectile Motion on An Inclined Plane:
→ → →
Δ r = r 2 − r 1 ⇒ Δr = |Δr | = |r 2 − r̄ 1 | → →
Let a particle be projected up with a speed u from an inclined plane which
makes an angle α with the horizontal and velocity of projection makes an
2 2
Δr = √r + r − 2r1 r2 cos θ
1 2

angle θ with the inclined plane. Putting r 1 = r2 = r we obtain

We have taken reference x - axis in the direction of plane. Δr = √r
2
+ r
2
− 2r. r cos θ

Hence the component of initial velocity parallel and perpendicular to the ⇒ Δr = √2r
2
(1 − cos θ)
plane are equal to u cos θ and u sin θ respectively i.e. u = u cos θ and ||

= u sin θ.
2 2 θ
u = √2r (2sin )
⊥ 2

The component of g along the plane is g sin α and perpendicular to the θ

Δ r = 2r sin
plane is g cos α as shown in the figure i.e. a = −g sin α and ||
2

(ii) Distance : The distanced covered by the particle during the time t is
= g cos α.
a⊥
given as
Therefore the particle decelerates at a rate of g sin α as it moves from O d = length of the arc AB = rθ
to P .
(1) Time of flight :
(iii) Ratio of distance and displacement : =
Δr
d rθ

2r sin θ/2

We know for oblique projectile motion,

θ
= cosec (θ/2)
2

T = or we can say T =
2u sin θ 2u⊥ (2) Angular displacement (θ) : The angle turned by a body moving in a
circle from some reference line is called angular displacement.
g a⊥

Time of flight on an inclined plane

2u sin θ (i) Dimension = [M L T ] (as θ = arc/radius).
0 0 0

T =
g cos α
(ii) Units = Radian or Degree. It is some time also specified in terms of
(2) Maximum height :
fraction or multiple of revolution.
We know for oblique projectile motion H or we can say
2 2
u sin θ
=
2g (iii) 2π rad = 360 = 1 Revolution o

H =
u
2

⊥ (iv) Angular displacement is a axial vector quantity.

2a⊥
Its direction depends upon the sense of rotation of the
Maximum height on an inclined plane H =
2 2
u sin θ

2g cos α object and can be given by Right Hand Rule; which states that
(3) Horizontal range : if the curvature of the fingers of right hand represents the
For one dimensional motion s = ut + at 1

2
2
sense of rotation of the object, then the thumb, held perpendicular to the
Horizontal range on an inclined plane R = u ||
T +
1

2
a|| T
2
curvature of the fingers, represents the direction of angular displacement
R = u cos θ T −
1

2
g sin α T
2
vector.
2u sin θ 1 2u sin θ
2 (v) Relation between linear displacement and angular displacement
R = u cos θ ( ) − g sin α ( )
g cos α 2 g cos α →
→ →
s = θ × r or s = rθ
By solving R =
2 sin θ cos(θ+α)
2u

g 2
cos α (3) Angular velocity (ω) : Angular velocity of an object in circular motion is
(i) Maximum range occurs when θ = − π

4
α

2 defined as the time rate of change of its angular displacement.

(ii) The maximum range along the inclined plane when the projectile is
(i) Angular velocity ω =
angle traced Δθ dθ
= Lt =
thrown upwards is given by time taken
Δt→0
Δt dt

2 dθ
u
Rmax = ω =
dt
g (1+sin α)

(iii) The maximum range along the inclined plane when the projectile is (ii) Dimension : [M L T ] 0 0 −1

thrown downwards is given by (iii) Units : Radians per second (rad. s ) or Degree per second.
−1

Rmax =
u
2
(iv) Angular velocity is an axial vector.
g (1− sin α)
Its direction is the same as that of Dθ. For anticlockwise rotation of the
point object on the circular path, the direction of ω, according to Right
Circular Motion hand rule is along the axis of circular path directed upwards. For
clockwise rotation of the point object on the circular path, the direction of
Circular motion is another example of motion in two dimensions. To create ω is along the axis of circular path directed downwards.
circular motion in a body it must be given some initial velocity and a force → → →

must then act on the body which is always directed at right angles to (v) Relation between angular velocity and linear velocity v = ω × r
instantaneous velocity. (vi) For uniform circular motion ω remains constant where as for non-
uniform motion ω varies with respect to time.
Note : It is important to note that nothing actually moves in the direction (ii) Units : rad ⋅ s −2

→
of the angular velocity vector ω . The direction of ω simply represents
→
(iii) Dimension : $[M^0L^0T^{-2}]$
that the circular motion is taking place in a plane perpendicular to it. (iv) Relation between linear acceleration and angular acceleration
(4) Change in velocity : We want to know the magnitude and direction of → → →
a = α × r

the change in velocity of the particle which is performing uniform circular (v) For uniform circular motion since ω is constant so α = dω
= 0

motion as it moves from A to B during time t as shown in figure. The

dt

(vi) For non-uniform circular motion α ≠ 0

change in velocity vector is given as Centripetal Acceleration
→
Δv = v̄ 2 − v 1 → (1) Acceleration acting on the object undergoing uniform
circular motion is called centripetal acceleration.
(2) It always acts on the object along the radius towards the centre of the
circular path.
(3) Magnitude of centripetal acceleration,
2 2
v 2 2 2 4π
a = = ω r = 4π n r = 2
r
r T

(4) Direction of centripetal acceleration : It is always the same as that of

or |Δv→| = |v→ − v→ | ⇒ Δv = √v + v − 2v v cos θ
2 1
2
1
2
2 1 2
→
Δ υ . When Dt decreases, Dθ also decreases. Due to which Δυ→ becomes
For uniform circular motion v = v = v 1 2
→
more and more perpendicular to υ . When Dt → 0, Δ υ becomes
→

So Δv = √2v (1 − cos θ) = 2v sin

2 θ

2
perpendicular to the velocity vector. As the velocity vector of the particle
The direction of Δv→ is shown in figure that can be given as at an instant acts along the tangent to the circular path, therefore Δ υ
→
o
180 −θ

and hence the centripetal acceleration vector acts along the radius of the
o
φ = = (90 − θ/2)
2

(5) Time period (T) : In circular motion, the time period is defined as the circular path at that point and is directed towards the centre of the
time taken by the object to complete one revolution on its circular path. circular path.
(i) Units : second. Centripetal force
(ii) Dimension : [M L T ] 0 0

According to Newton's first law of motion, whenever a

(iii) Time period of second’s hand of watch = 60 second. body moves in a straight line with uniform velocity, no
(iv) Time period of minute’s hand of watch = 60 minute force is required to maintain this velocity. But when a
(v) Time period of hour’s hand of watch = 12 hour body moves along a circular path with uniform speed, its
(6) Frequency (n) : In circular motion, the frequency is defined as the direction changes continuously i.e. velocity keeps on
number of revolutions completed by the object on its circular path in a changing on account of a change in direction. According
unit time. to Newton's second law of motion, a change in the direction of motion of
(i) Units : s or hertz (H z).
−1
the body can take place only if some external force acts on the body.
(ii) Dimension : [M L T ] 0 0 −1
Due to inertia, at every point of the circular path; the body tends to move
Note : Relation between time period and frequency : If n is the frequency along the tangent to the circular path at that point (in figure). Since every
of revolution of an object in circular motion, then the object completes n body has directional inertia, a velocity cannot change by itself and as such
revolutions in 1 second. Therefore, the object will complete one revolution we have to apply a force. But this force should be such that it changes the
in 1/n second. direction of velocity and not its magnitude. This is possible only if the
∴ T = 1/n
force acts perpendicular to the direction of velocity. Because the velocity
θ Relation between angular velocity, frequency and time period : Consider is along the tangent, this force must be along the radius (because the
a point object describing a uniform circular motion with frequency n and radius of a circle at any point is perpendicular to the tangent at that
time period T . When the object completes one revolution, the angle point). Further, as this force is to move the body in a circular path, it must
traced at its axis of circular motion is 2π radians. It means, when time acts towards the centre. This centre-seeking force is called the centripetal
t = T , θ = 2π radians. Hence, angular velocity ω = force.
θ 2π
= = 2πn
t T

(T = 1/n) Hence, centripetal force is that force which is required to move a body in a
ω =
2π

T
= 2πn circular path with uniform speed. The force acts on the body along the
θ If two particles are moving on same circle or different coplanar radius and towards centre.
concentric circles in same direction with different uniform angular speeds Formulae for centripetal force :
and ω respectively, the angular velocity of B relative to A will be
2 2
mv 2 2 2 m4π r
ω A B F = = mω r = m 4π n r =
r T
2

ωrel = ωB − ωA
Centripetal force in different situation
So the time taken by one to complete one revolution around O with
respect to the other (i.e., time in which B complete one revolution around
O with respect to the other (i.e., time in which B completes one more or

less revolution around O than A)

2π 2π T1 T2 2π
T = = = [asT = ]
ωrel ω2 −ω1 T1 −T2 ω

Special case : If ω = ω , ω = 0 and so T = ∞., particles will

B A rel

maintain their position relative to each other. This is what actually

happens in case of geostationary satellite (ω = ω =$ constant) 1 2

(7) Angular acceleration (α) : Angular acceleration of an object in circular

motion is defined as the time rate of change of its angular velocity.
(i) If Dω be the change in angular velocity of the object in
time interval Dt, while moving on a circular path, then
angular acceleration of the object will be
2
Δω dω d θ
α = Lt = =
2
Δt dt dt
Δt→0