UNIT 4: MOTION IN A CIRCLE

4.0 INTODUCTION
Motion in a circle, also known as circular motion, refers to the movement of an object
along the circumference of a circle. This motion can be uniform or non-uniform:
1. Uniform Circular Motion: This occurs when an object moves in a circle at a
constant speed. Even though the speed remains constant, the direction of the
object's velocity is continuously changing, which means the object is constantly
accelerating. This acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle and is
called centripetal acceleration.

2. Non-Uniform Circular Motion: In this type, the speed of the object changes as it
moves along the circle. The acceleration here has two components: tangential
acceleration, which changes the speed, and centripetal acceleration, which
changes the direction.

Note: Circular motion includes angular velocity, which measures how fast the object
rotates around the circle, and centripetal force, which is the force that keeps the object
moving in a circular path by acting towards the center of the circle. Understanding circular
motion is fundamental in fields ranging from mechanics and astronomy to everyday
technologies like centrifuges and vehicle dynamics.

4.1 KINEMATICS OF UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

 Rotational motion is the motion of an object around a circular path in a fixed orbit.
If the body moves about a fixed axis without changing the radius of its motion, it is
said to be rotatory motion.
 Example of rotatory motion include a spinning wheel. In real life, many objects that
move have both translation (linear) and rotation
 Other real life examples of rotational motion include:
 The earth rotating on its axis.
 A group of people holding their hands and forming a circle and walking in a
clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
 A globe of map rotating on its axis.
Rotational Motion Variables
The figure below shows a particle P traveling around a circle of radius R, with fixed center
at O.

 𝜔 is the angular velocity associated with the rotational motion of the particle P.
This quantity is measured in rad/s.
 𝜶 is the angular acceleration associated with the rotational motion of the particle P.
This quantity is measured in rad/s2.
 𝜶𝒓 is the radial acceleration of the particle P, pointing towards the centre of the
circle (this is commonly called centrpetal acceleration).
 𝒗𝒄 is the circumferential velocity of the particle P (this is tangent to the circle).
 𝒂𝒄 is the circumferential acceleration of the particle P (this is tangent to the to the
circle)
 So far, we have defined three rotational variables: 𝜭, 𝝎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜶. These are the
angular versions of the linear variables 𝒙, 𝒗 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒂, respectively.
 The following equations in the table represent the magnitude of the rotational
variables and only when the radius is constant and perpendicular to the rotational
variable

Rotational Linear Relationship

𝜭 𝑥 𝑥
𝛳=
𝑟
𝜔 v 𝘷
𝜔=
𝑟
𝜶 a 𝑎
𝛼=
𝑟

Rotational Kinematics
In rotational motion,
 Angular displacement (𝜭) is like linear displacement (𝑥). Link is:
𝑥 = 𝑟𝜭 , Position
  Angular velocity (𝜔) is like linear velocity (𝑣). Link is:
𝜟𝜭
𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 , Velocity Note: 𝝎 = 𝜟𝒕
 Angular acceleration (𝜶) is like linear acceleration (𝑎). Link is:
𝜟𝝎
𝑎𝑡 = 𝑟𝜶 Acceleration Note: 𝜶 = 𝜟𝒕

We can relate the angular velocity 𝜔 to the frequency of rotation, 𝑓. The frequency is the
number of complete revolutions (rev) per second. One revolution (of a wheel, say)
corresponds to an angle of 2𝜋 radians, and thus 1𝑟𝑒𝑣/𝑠 = 2𝜋𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠. Hence, in general,
the frequency 𝑓 is related to the angular velocity by
𝜔
𝑓= or 𝜔 = 2𝜋𝑓
2𝜋

An object revolving in a circle (of circumference) at constant speed v travels a distance in

one revolution which takes a time T. Thus
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 2𝜋𝑟
𝑣= =
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑇
4.2 CENTRIPETAL ACCELERATION
Two components to angular acceleration are namely:
𝑣2
 Centripetal acceleration (𝑎𝑐 = ), i.e., acceleration towards the centre. It changes
𝑟
direction only since it is perpendicular to linear velocity, 𝑣. Therefore,
𝒗𝟐
𝒂𝒄 =
𝒓

 Tangential (linear) acceleration (𝑎𝑡 ), i.e., acceleration tangent to a circular path. It

changes direction only since it is parallel to linear velocity (𝑣). Therefore,
𝒂𝒕 = 𝒓𝜶
Equations of kinematics for rotational motion are same as for linear motion, provided that
the angular acceleration 𝜶 is constant:
 Here, 𝜔𝑜 = 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡 = 0𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝜟𝜭 = 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕
The average linear and angular velocities are, respectively,
𝑣0 +𝑣
𝑣̅ = Average linear velocity
2

And
𝜔0 + 𝜔
𝜔
̅=
2
Reasoning Strategy: problem Solving
1. Examine the situation to determine if rotational motion is involved.
2. Identify the knowns and ensure they are converted to S.I. units.
3. Identify the unknowns (a simple sketch can be useful).
4. Pick the appropriate equation based on knowns/unknowns.
5. Substitute known values into the equation and solve.
6. Check to see if your answer is reasonable.
Example 1:
A bike wheel rotates 4.50 revolutions. How many radians has it rotated?
Solution
All we need is a conversion of units using
1 revolution = 3600 = 2𝜋𝑟𝑎𝑑
𝑟𝑎𝑑
4.5 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 = (4.5 𝑟𝑒𝑣) (2𝜋 𝑟𝑒𝑣 ) = 28.3 𝑟𝑎𝑑

Example 2:
A figure skater is spinning at 0.5 rev/s and then pulls her arms in and increases her speed to 10
rev/s in 1.5 s. What was her angular acceleration?
Data/Knowns:

Unknown:

Example 3:
A ceiling fan has 4 evenly spaced blades of negligible width. As you are putting on your shirt, you
raise your hand. It brushes a blade and then is hit by the next blade. If the blades were rotating at
4 rev/s and stops in 0.01 s as it hits your hand, what angular displacement did the fan move after
it hit your hand?
Solution

4.3 CENTRIPETAL FORCE

When an object moves in a circular path, its velocity is constantly changing direction every
moment. For this change in motion to occur, a force must be acting on the object to
continuously change its direction of movement. The forces acting in circular motion are
centripetal and centrifugal forces. Centripetal force acts towards the center whereas
centrifugal force acts outwards. This is the main difference between them.
 Centripetal force is a type of force that takes place along a circular motion, but its
direction of motion is always towards the axis of the rotation.
 We can also say that its direction is towards the centre of the curvature.
 The unit used to measure centripetal force is the same as for any other force - the
newton (N) or kgms−2,
Centripetal force is given by the formula:
𝑚𝑣 2
𝐹=
𝑟
Where F is centripetal force.
 m is the mass of the body.
  v is the velocity of the body.
 r is the radius of the path.
Example 1:
What coefficient of friction do car tires need on a flat curve?
a) Calculate the centripetal force exerted on a 900kg car that negotiates a 500m radius
curve at 25m/s.
b) Assuming an unbanked curve, find the minimum static coefficient of friction,
between the tires and the road, static friction being the reason that keeps the car
from slipping.
Solution

𝑚𝑣 2
We know that 𝐹𝑐 = . Thus,
𝑟

𝑚𝑣 2 (900𝑘𝑔)(25𝑚/𝑠)
𝐹𝑐 = = = 1125𝑁
𝑟 (500𝑚)

Note: Resolve the forces acting on the car

𝐹𝑁
 𝐹𝑐 𝑓

𝑚𝑔

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝐹𝑁 − 𝑚𝑔 = 0 , 𝐹𝑁 = 𝑚𝑔
𝑚𝑣 2
∑ 𝐹𝑥 =
𝑟
𝑚𝑣 2
𝐹𝑐 =
𝑟
𝐹𝑐 = 𝑓 = 𝜇𝑠 𝐹𝑁 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑚𝑔
𝑚𝑣 2
= 𝜇𝑠 𝑚𝑔
𝑟
𝑣2 (25𝑚/𝑠)2
𝜇𝑠 = = = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟑
𝑟𝑔 (500𝑚)(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 )

4.4 CENTRIFUGE
  A centrifuge is a machine that uses centrifuge force to separate substances of
different densities.
 It works by spinning a container at high speeds, causing the denser substances to
move outward toward the periphery of the container, while less dense substances
remain closer to the center.
 Centrifuges are commonly used in laboratories, for example, to separate blood
components or to purify samples.
 They are also used in industrial applications, such as in the separation of cream
from milk, and in space travel, to simulate the effects of gravity on astronauts.
Note:
 A centrifuge is a practical application of rotational motion principles, particularly
involving centripetal and centrifugal forces, to separate substances based on their
densities.
 The formula used to calculate the centrifugal force is the same as the centripetal
force which is as follows:
𝑚𝑣 2
𝐹= −
𝑟

Example: Centrifuge acceleration

A centrifuge rotor is accelerated for 30 s from rest to 20,000 rpm (revolutions per minute).
(a) What is its average angular acceleration?
(b) Through how many revolutions has the centrifuge rotor turned during its acceleration
period, assuming constant angular acceleration?
Solution:
𝛥𝜔
Note: To determine 𝛼̅ = we need the initial and final angular velocities
𝛥𝑡

a) The initial angular velocity is 𝜔0 = 0. Therefore the final angular velocity is

(20,000𝑟𝑒𝑣/𝑚𝑖𝑛)
𝜔 = 2𝜋𝑓 = (2𝜋𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑟𝑒𝑣) = 2100𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
(60𝑠/𝑚𝑖𝑛)
𝛥𝜔
Then, since 𝛼̅ = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜟𝒕 = 𝟑𝟎𝒔 we have,
𝛥𝑡
𝜔 − 𝜔0 2100𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠 − 0
𝜔
̅= = = 70𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
𝛥𝑡 30𝑠
That is, every second the rotor’s angular velocity increases by 70𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠 or by
(70𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠)(1𝑟𝑒𝑣/2𝜋𝑟𝑎𝑑) = (11𝑟𝑒𝑣/𝑠).
b) To find 𝜭
 𝜔2 − 𝜔02 (2100𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠 − 0
𝛳= = = 3.15 × 104 𝑟𝑎𝑑
2𝛼 2(70𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠 2 )
4.5 ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY IN SPACE STATIONS
 Most science fiction stories require some form of artificial gravity to keep spaceship
passengers operating in a normal earth-like environment. As it turns out, weightlessness is
a very bad condition for astronauts to work in on long-term flights. It causes bones to lose
about 1% of their mass every month.
 A 30 year old traveler to Mars will come back with the bones of a 60 year old!
The only known way to create artificial gravity it to supply a force on an astronaut that
produces the same acceleration as on the surface of earth: 9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 or 32𝑓𝑡/𝑠.
 This can be done with bungee chords, body restraints or by spinning the spacecraft fast
enough to create enough centrifugal acceleration. Centrifugal acceleration is what you feel
when your car ‘takes a curve’ and you are shoved sideways into the car door, or what you
feel on a roller coaster as it travels a sharp curve in the tracks. Mathematically we can
calculate centrifugal acceleration using the formula
𝑉2
𝐴=
𝑅
where V is in meters/sec, R is the radius of the turn in meters, and A is the acceleration in
meters/sec2

Methods of Creating Artificial Gravity

1. Rotational Gravity (Centrifugal Force):The most practical method is to rotate the space
station or a part of it. When the station spins, centrifugal force pushes objects (and people)
toward the outer edge, simulating gravity. The level of artificial gravity depends on the rotation
rate and the radius of the station:
2. Angular Velocity: Faster rotation creates stronger artificial gravity.
3. Radius: A larger radius requires a slower rotation to achieve the same level of artificial gravity,
reducing the effects of Coriolis forces, which can cause disorientation or nausea.
4. Linear Acceleration: This involves accelerating the space station in a straight line, using
constant thrust. However, this method requires continuous propulsion and is not feasible for
long-term artificial gravity due to fuel constraints.

Challenges and Considerations

I. Coriolis Effect:In a rotating environment, moving in straight lines can cause objects and
people to experience the Coriolis effect, leading to disorientation and difficulty performing
tasks.
II. Structural Integrity: Building a rotating space station requires materials that can
withstand the stresses caused by rotation, especially as the station's size increases.
III. Human Adaptation: Humans would need to adapt to living in a rotating environment.
Research is ongoing to determine the best rotation speeds and radii that minimize negative
side effects.
IV. Cost and Complexity: Creating a large, rotating space station is expensive and
technologically complex. Current space stations like the ISS do not use artificial gravity,
relying instead on regular exercise to mitigate the effects of weightlessness.

Note: Future Prospects

While artificial gravity is not yet a feature of current space missions, it remains an important area
of research, especially for long-duration missions, such as trips to Mars or permanent space
habitats. Concepts like rotating space habitats (e.g., O'Neill cylinders or Stanford toruses) are
explored in theoretical designs and could be key to sustainable human life in space.

4.6 APPLICATION OF THE TOPIC

Applications of Centripetal and Centrifugal Force
The applications of centrifugal and centripetal forces are mentioned as follows:
Centripetal Force:
o It is also present in the motion of the planets.
o It is also present in the motion of the electrons around the nucleus.
o It is also present in the working of a merry-go-round and rollercoaster.
o It is used in a cream separator.
o It is used in a washing machine.
o It is also used in porch swings.
Centrifugal Force:
o It is used in space simulations for astronauts.
o It is used in centrifugal machines.
o It is also used in rides in amusement parks.
o It is also used in centrifugal casting.