On the road

1. Define Angular displacement.

2. Define Angular speed.
3. Define Angular acceleration.
4. Define Centripetal acceleration.
5. Define Centripetal force.
6. Define a resultant force.
7. Define Frequency and write an equation linking it to the time period.
 17.3 On the road
1. Angular displacement – the angle an object in circular motion turns through.
2. Angular speed – The rate of change of angular displacement of an object in circular
motion.
3. Angular acceleration - The rate of change of angular speed.
4. Centripetal acceleration - An object moving in uniform circular motion at with speed v
experiences an acceleration towards the centre of the circle.
5. Centripetal force – The resultant force of an object that moves along a circular path,
directed towards the centre of the circle.
6. Resultant force – The sum of all forces along a line of action
7. Frequency (f) – The number of rotations per second.
Review

2 2
𝑣 𝑚𝑣 2
𝑎= 𝐹= =𝑚 𝜔 𝑟
𝑟 𝑟
Resultant forces review
1) When the lift is going down,

2) When the lift is going up,

3) No, W=mg. The man’s mass

and the gravitational filed
strength remain constant
throughout.
As a lift accelerates up or down the man feels his weight change.
4) The sensation of weight is
1. In which situation will the man feel lighter? our body experiencing the
2. In which situation will the man feel heavier? support force from the ground
3. Does his weight actually change? Explain your answer. acting on our bodies. This
4. Why does he “feel” his weight change in these situations? force changes as the lift
accelerates.
Over the hill
A centripetal force is a resultant force acting towards the centre of the circle.
We can calculate the centripetal force for an object rounding the top of a hill, by
considering the support force from the ground, S, and the weight of the object, W.

S = Support force + Calculate Σ F

2
W = mg 𝑚𝑣
Σ F=m 𝑎=
𝑟
2
𝑚𝑣
=W − S
𝑟
2
𝑚𝑣
𝑆=𝑊 −
𝑟
Over the hill
Inertia - tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.
The term inertia as described by Newton's First Law of Motion can be thought of as an object not subject to any outside
forces remaining at a constant velocity, along a straight line path. The larger the speed, the larger the outside force needed
to change the inertia (direction or speed) of the object.

𝑚𝑣 2 A car’s weight acts downwards holding it to the road.

𝑆=𝑊 −
𝑟 When driven over hill it will have a certain amount of inertia. A resultant force needs to act
on the car to change this.

This resultant force is called the centripetal force, directed towards the centre of the circle.

If the velocity of the car reaches a value where the term is equal to the weight of the car,
The support force becomes zero and the car loses contact with the road.

𝑚𝑣 2
𝑊h𝑒𝑛 , =𝑚𝑔 , S = 0
𝑟
If the speed of the car exceeds this value, the car will become airborne and jump the hill.
Practice
Support force (S) A car is driven along a circular path over a hill.
1) Label the forces acting on the vehicle.
Weight (W) = mg
2) Write down an expression for the resultant force acting on the
vehicle.

Σ 𝐹 =𝑊 − 𝑆
3) Write down a formula for the centripetal force
2
𝑚 𝑣
Σ 𝐹 =
𝑟
4) Equate this expression to the resultant force.
2
𝑚 𝑣
Σ 𝐹 = =𝑊 − 𝑆
𝑟
5) Write an expression for the maximum speed the car can drive over the hill without leaving the road.
2 2
𝑚𝑣 𝑚𝑣
=𝑚𝑔 , 𝑣 0=𝑔𝑟 , 𝑣 0= √ 𝑔𝑟
2
𝑊h𝑒𝑛 𝑆 =0 , =𝑊 ,
𝑟 𝑟
Cornering
When a vehicle turns a corner, the centripetal force is the resultant
force acting on the vehicle, directed towards the centre of the circle.

When a car turns a corner it has a certain value of inertia. Meaning it

“wants” to continue travelling in a straight line.
The friction between the tyres and the road is the only factor that determines the value of the
centripetal force (if the road is level and air resistance is ignored)

The frictional force acts towards the centre.

As friction is dependant upon the force between the tyres and the road, it has a limit.
If the frictional force it too small, the vehicle will not be able to turn the corner and skid off the road.
Limiting force of friction
2 2
𝑚𝑣 Σ 𝐹 = 𝐹𝑟 𝑚𝑣
Σ 𝐹= 𝐹 𝑟=
𝑟 𝑟
For no skidding or slipping to occur, the frictional force must be less
than a limiting factor, proportion the vehicles weight.
Friction,
𝐹 0 =𝜇 𝑚𝑔
Coefficient of friction ( μ ) - A constant that is dependant on the forces between the surfaces.

Therefore, for no skidding or slipping to occur, the speed of the vehicle must be less than a
particular speed,
2
𝑚 𝑣 0
𝜇 𝑚𝑔 =
𝑟
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 , 𝑣 0 = √ 𝜇 𝑔𝑟
If the vehicle exceeds the tyres will slip and not turn the corner.
Practice
1) In the figure a car is turning around a roundabout. What provided the
centripetal force.
The frictional force between the tyres and the road surface.
2) Derive an expression for the maximum speed the car can turn the
corner without slipping.
2
𝑚𝑣 𝑚𝑣
2
𝑚 𝑣0 2
Σ 𝐹= , 𝐹 0= ,𝜇 𝑚𝑔= ,𝑣 0 = √ 𝜇 𝑔𝑟
𝑟 𝑟 𝑟
3) Name two ways in which the car would be able to go around the roundabout at a higher speed
without slipping.
1. Increasing the coefficient of friction e.g. better tyres
2. Increase the radius of the roundabout.
Banked tracks
On a banked track, a vehicle can corner at a higher speed
without slipping. This is due to a component of its weight
𝑆 acting towards the centre of the circle.
This increases centripetal force, meaning the vehicle can
Component travel with increased speed and still make the corner.
of S towards
the centre 𝑊 Horizontal component,

Vertical component,
Divide (1) by (2)
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝜗
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜗 =
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜗
2
𝑚 𝑣
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜗 =
𝑚𝑔𝑟
2
𝑣 = 𝑔𝑟 tan 𝜃
Practice
1) The car in the figure is taking a corner on a banked
track. Write down an expression for the horizontal
component of R.
𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
𝜃 2) Write an expression for the centripetal force.
2
𝑚 𝑣
𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 =
𝑟
3) Write an expression for the resultant force in the
vertical plane.
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 =𝑚𝑔
4) Derive an equation for the maximum speed at which
the car can take the corner without slipping.
2
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑚𝑣
=𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜗= , 𝑣= √ 𝑔𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃
𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑚𝑔𝑟
Check
Check
Check
120
𝑓 = =2 𝐻𝑧
60
𝜔= 2 𝜋 𝑓
𝑣 =𝜔 𝑟
𝑣 =2 𝜋 𝑓𝑟
2 2 2 2
𝑣 =4 𝜋 𝑓 𝑟
2
𝑚𝑣
Σ 𝐹= =𝑇 −𝑊
𝑟
𝑇 =𝑚 ( 4 𝜋 2 𝑓 2
𝑟 + 𝑔)
𝑇 =0.5 ( 4 𝜋 2 𝑥 22 𝑥 0.45+ 9.8 ) =40.4 𝑁
Consolidation - Complete the summary questions (P9)
 At the fairground

1. Define Angular acceleration

2. Define Centripetal force
3. Describe why a car will leave the road if it goes over a hill to fast.
4. Describe why a car will leave the road if it goes around a bend to fast.
5. Why do banked tracks allow vehicles to turn a corner at a faster speed
and not skid?
6. In a loop where is the support force highest? Explain.
7. In a loop where is the support force lowest? Explain.
 17.4 At the fairground
1. Angular acceleration - The rate of change of angular speed
2. Centripetal force – The resultant force of an object that moves along a circular path, directed towards the centre of
the circle.
3. The weight of the car acts to change the motion. If the car is travelling too fast weight will not be large enough to keep
the car in contact with the road.
4. The friction between the tyres and the road acts to change the motion. If the car is travelling too fast frictional force
will not be large enough to change the direction of motion.
5. On a banked track part of the vehicles weight is acting towards centre of the circle. This extra force acts along with the
friction to change the motion of the vehicle. Meaning the car can travel around the corner at a higher speed.
6. The support force is highest at the bottom of a loop. It needs to be higher than the weight to change the motion to
move around the loop.
7. The support force is lowest at the top of the loop. It is acting in the same direction as the weight so it doesn’t have to
contribute as much to change the motion to move around the loop.
Forces on a loop
Where is the speed maximum?
Before entering and after leaving
the loop.
Where is the speed minimum?
At the top of the loop.
Where is the centripetal
acceleration maximum?

Half way up or down the loop.

Where is the centripetal

acceleration minimum?
Before entering and after leaving
the loop.
Forces at the top of a loop
The support force, S, is the force exerted on the person. Therefore the force we
experience is our apparent weight, the force we perceive to be our weight.
Always chose a co-ordinate system with
positive towards the centre of the circle to
make the calculations easier.

Σ 𝐹 =𝑆 + 𝑊
2
𝑚𝑣
= 𝑆 +𝑊
𝑟
2
𝑚𝑣
𝑆= −𝑊
𝑟
You feel lighter at the top of a loop.
Forces at the bottom of a loop
Chose a co-ordinate Does it matter which
system with positive direction we chose to
towards the centre of make positive?
the circle.
Σ 𝐹 =𝑆 −𝑊 Σ 𝐹 =𝑊 − 𝑆
(-)

2 2
𝑚𝑣 𝑚𝑣
𝑆=𝑊 + 𝑆=𝑊 +
𝑟 𝑟
You feel heavier at the bottom of a loop.
Comparing the Top of a hill and the top of a loop

S 𝑚 𝑣2
𝑆= −𝑊
𝑟
= maximum speed, if exceeded the = minimum speed, if below the car
car leaves the road. falls off the track.

V max =
√ r(W − S)
m
𝑉 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑚√
𝑟 (𝑆+ 𝑊 )
Practice
The figure shows a rollercoaster car and passengers entering a loop.
1) At what point in the circle would the maximum
support force be required?
At the bottom, . The support force must be greater than
the weight to supply an upward force.

2) Write down an expression for the resultant force

acting on the rollercoaster car.
(With Positive direction up)

3) Write an expression equating the centripetal force to the resultant force.

4) Where would the passengers feel heaviest? Explain your answer.

At the bottom, . The support force acts on the person by the track/car. This is what we perceive as weight.
The very long swing
A person on a long swing turns gravitational
potential energy into kinetic energy:
2
𝐸 𝑘= 𝐸 𝑝= 0.5 𝑚 𝑣 =𝑚𝑔h
Rearranging and cancelling gives:
2
𝑣 = 2 𝑔h
Using a co-ordinate system with positive up
and tension, T, for the support force.
𝑚 𝑣2 2
= 𝑇 − 𝑊 𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔= 𝑚 𝑣
𝑟 𝑟
The force on the swing is the tension, 2 𝑚𝑔h
substituting in v2 and using L for the radius:
𝑇= +𝑚𝑔
𝐿
Practice
The figure shows a person on a large swing, winched up into a horizontal position.
They are then released and allowed to swing freely.
+ 1) Using the conservation of energy, equate the energy at the
top of the swing to the energy at the bottom. Write an
expression for the velocity at the bottom of the swing.
2
0.5 𝑚 𝑣 =𝑚𝑔h 𝑣 = 2 𝑔h
2
𝑣 =√ 2 𝑔h
2) Write an expression for the support force required at the
bottom of the swing.
2 2
𝑚𝑣 𝑚𝑣 2 2 𝑚𝑔h
𝑟
= 𝑆 − 𝑊 𝑆=
𝑟
+𝑚𝑔 𝑣 = 2 𝑔h 𝑆=
𝑙
+𝑚𝑔

3) If the person has been released with the cable in a horizontal position, how much heavier do they
feel at the bottom when compared to their starting position?

At the start, W = mg, at the bottom S , The person feels heavier by

Practice 1) Complete the table below.

The figure shows a big wheel,

where capsules containing
passengers are taken in around
a circular path. •
•
Weight
Support force 2
𝑚𝑣
𝑆=𝑊 −
𝑟

• Weight Vertical
• Support force Horizontal due to
friction

• Weight
• Support force

Vertical
• Weight Horizontal due to
• Support force
friction
Practice
A 45kg girl is taking a ride on a Ferris wheel. As she moves around in a circular path of
radius 20m at a velocity of , she feels her weight changing. Calculate her apparent
weight at positions 1, 2, and 3.
2
+ 𝑚𝑣
𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 1 , =𝑊 − 𝑆
𝑟
𝑚 𝑣2
𝑆 =𝑊 − = 441 − 56 =385 N
𝑟
2
𝑚𝑣
𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 2 , =𝑆 − 𝑊
𝑟
2
𝑚𝑣
𝑆 =𝑊 + = 441 +56 = 497 N
𝑟
2 𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 3 , 𝑆 =𝑊
𝑚𝑣
Σ 𝐹= = 45 ¿ ¿
𝑟 𝑆 = 441 𝑁
W =mg=45 x 9.8=441 N
Check
Check
Check
𝑚 𝑣2
Σ 𝐹=
𝑙
Σ 𝐹 =𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔
𝑚 𝑣2
𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔=
𝑙
Consolidation - Complete the summary questions (P11)