UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

Table of Contents
Angular Displacement
Centripetal Acceleration Connections
Centripetal Force
Case Examples of Circular Motion Building on…..
Applications of Circular Motion  Forces – Centripetal Force
Revision Exercise
 Linear Motion-displacement
and acceleration
Specific Objectives
 The road-why does it curve
By the end of this topic, the learner
inwards at the corners?
should be able to:
a) define angular displacement and angular velocity Arriving at……
b) describe simple experiments to illustrate
centripetal force  Angular Displacement and
angular velocity
c) explain the applications of uniform circular
motion  Centripetal Force
d) solve numerical problems involving uniform
circular motion.  Applications of uniform
Circular Motion.

Looking forward to….

(10 Lessons)
 Floating and Sinking (not
related )
Content
1. The radian, angular displacement, angular
velocity
mv2
2. Centripetal force; F = , F = mrω2
r
(derivation of formulae not required)
(experimental treatment is necessary)
3. Applications of uniform circular motion
4. Centrifuge, vertical, horizontal circles banked tracks (calculations on banked tracks
and conical pendulum not required)
5. Problem solving
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mv2
6. (Apply F = , F = mrω2)
r

UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

The merry-go-round, turntable, a wheel turning round the axle and a stone whirled at the
end of a string, the earth and other planets revolving round the sun in their orbits and a
motorist or cyclist moving along a curved path are examples of bodies in circular
motion.
When the speed of a body moving in a circular path is constant, the body is said to
be moving with uniform circular motion.

Angular Displacement
Consider a particle moving along the arc from A to B shown below. The radius OA
sweeps through an angle θ.
The arc AB represents the distance, S, while the angle
subtended by arc AB is the angular displacement. In
c
circular motion, the angles are measured in radians, θ .
arc length AB (S) S
The angle (θ) in radians = =
radius OA (r) r
when S = r, then, θ = 1 radian.
A radian is defined as an angle subtended at the
centre of a circle by an arc length equal to the radius
of the circle. In radians, the angle θ subtended by the
circumference at the centre of a circle of radius r is given by;
cicumference 2πr
θ= = = 2π
radius r
But in degrees, this angle is 360°
∴ 2π radians = 360°

Angular Velocity
Angular velocity is defined as the rate of change of angular displacement with time and

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is denoted by the Greek letter ω (read as omega).

change in angular displacement
Angular velocity =
change in time
Δθ
That is, ω =
Δt
Angular velocity is expressed in radians per second (rads–1). By dividing both sides of
S
the equation θ = by t, the equation becomes;
r
θ S
=
t rt
Using small changes, we have;
Δθ ΔS
=
Δt rΔt
Δθ ΔS v
But = ω and = where v is the linear velocity.
Δt rΔt r
v
So, ω =
r
Thus, v = rω
Any object in circular motion has both linear velocity (ms–1)
and angular velocity (rads–1), as shown alongside.
The time taken to make one complete revolution is called the
period (T) and is given by;
cicumference 2πr 2π
T= = =
speed ωr ω
2πr v
Also, T = since ω =
v r
1 2π
Since T = and ω = , ω = 2πf, where f is the frequency of rotation.
f T

Example 1
A turntable rotates at a rate of 45 rev/min. What is its angular velocity in rads–1?

Solution
Angle turned in 1 rev = 2π rads-1
Angle turned in 45 rev = 2π × 45 rad
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2π ×45
ω= rads-1
60
= 1.5𝜋 rads-1 =4.71 rads-1

Example 2
(a) A model car moves round a circular track of radius 0.4 m at 2 revolutions per
second. What is its:
(i) period T?
(ii) angular velocity ω?
(iii) speed v?
(b) Find the angular velocity and the frequency of the motion of the car if it moves
with a uniform speed of 2 ms–1 in a circle of radius 0.2 m. (Take π = 3.142)

Solution
(a) (i) Period T is the time for one revolution.
1 1
T= = = 0.5 s
f 2
2π 2π
(ii) ω= = = 4π rads-1 =12.57 rads-1
T 0.5
(iii) Speed v = rω =0.4 × 4π = 16π =5.027 ms-1
v 2
(b) From v = rω, ω = = = 10 rads_1
r 0.2
But ω = 2πf
ω 10
∴f = = = 1.591 Hz
2π 2π

Centripetal Acceleration
When a body is moving in a circular motion, it has got equal velocities but they are in
different directions.
According to Newton’s second law, the body must experience a net force directed
towards the centre of the circle.
The acceleration of the body is in the direction of the net force and hence towards the
centre. This acceleration is referred to as centripetal acceleration.
v2
Centripetal acceleration a is given by a= = rω2
r
The centripetal acceleration is directed towards the centre along the radius of the

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circular path.

Example
–1
A point on the rim of a wheel has a velocity of 5.6 ms . If the rim has a radius of 0.4 m,
calculate:
(a) the angular velocity of the point.
(b) its centripetal acceleration.

Solution

(a) v= rω
v 5.6
ω= = = 14 rads-1
r 0.4
v2 5.62
(b) a= = = 78.4 ms
-2

r 0.4
Alternatively, a = rω2
=0.4 × 14 × 14 =78.4 ms-2

Centripetal Force
This is the force felt when a stone is tied to one end of a string and whirled horizontally
with constant speed such thst it describes a circular path of constant radius. The force
maintains the stone in the circular path, and is directed towards the centre of the circle.

Factors Affecting Centripetal Force

The centripetal force needed to make an object describe a circular path depends on the
following:
Mass of the object
A heavier stone will require a larger centripetal force to keep it moving in the circular
path.
Angular velocity of the object
Increasing the rate of whirling requires a higher centripetal force.
Radius of the path
A shorter string will require a larger centripetal force.
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In summary, the centripetal force required to keep an object in a circular path increases
with:
(i) an increase in the mass m of the body.
(ii) an increase in the speed v of the object.
(iii) a decrease in the radius r of the circular path.
mv2
Hence, F α
r
mv2
F=k
r
mv2
So, F = , where k =1
r
Since v = rω, F = mrω2
v2
Also, a =
r
∴ F = ma (Newton’s second law)

Example
A body having a mass of 0.5 kg is tied to a string and whirled in a horizontal circle of
radius 2 m with a speed of 3.16 ms–1. Calculate:
(a) the centripetal acceleration.
(b) the tension in the string.

Solution
v2 3.16 × 3.16
(a) a= = = 4.99 ms
-2

r 2
(b) The centripetal force is provided by the tension in the string.
v2
T =F= = ma
r
= 0.5 × 4.99 =2.50 N

Case Examples of Circular Motion

A Car Rounding a Level Circular Bend
When a car travelling with uniform speed passes a level circular path, it experiences a
centripetal force provided by the frictional force between the tyres and the road

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The centripetal force is always directed towards the centre of the curvature,
Thus, Fr = Fc, where Fr is the frictional and Fc the centripetal force.

Therefore, Fr =
If the road is slippery, the frictional force may not be sufficient to provide the centripetal
force. As a result, skidding may occur. To prevent skidding, the car should not exceed a
certain speed limit referred to as the critical speed, which depends on the radius of the
bend.
One may successfully negotiate a bend on a flat level road at a higher critical speed if
the radius of the bend is big.New car tyres and a rough road surface are necessary for
sufficient frictional force to be produced.

Banked Track
A road is banked by gradually raising the road from the inner side of the bend, so that
the track attains a saucer-like shape.
In a banked road, the banking angle is
such that the centripetal force acting on
the car comes from the reaction R of the
road.

Consider a car mass m and travelling

round a bend of radius r with speed v. The
bend is banked at an angle θ. It can be
shown that;
(i) FC = Rsin θ, and,
(ii) mg = Rcos θ
v2
Hence, tan θ =
rg
For a given banking angle θ, the critical speed can be obtained from the equation v =
rgtanθ.
In general, the critical speed v depends on radius r and banking angle θ.

Aircraft Banking
An aircraft turns in the air at extremely high speed without overturning. This is made
possible by the aeroplane gradually lowering a wing on one side and raising the other
A cyclist Moving Round a Circular Track
The forces acting on the cyclist are his
weight and the normal reaction R. The
frictional force F provides the centripetal
force, which is directed towards the centre.

At equilibrium, Fr=mgtanθ
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Conical Pendulum
The figure alongside shows a ball moving in a horizontal
circle and the forces acting on it.
mv2
Centripetal Force FC = Tsin θ =
r
The vertical component of tension, Tcosθ acts upwards
counter balancing the weight of the ball.
Thus, Tcos θ=mg
v2
tan θ =
rg
If the speed of rotation v increases, then θ and r increases.
Thus, when the angular velocity ω increases, the ball rises. Hence, the angle θ also
increases. The working of the mechanical speed governor and merry-go-round lean
heavily on this behavior.

Review Exercise 1
1. In circular motion, there is acceleration, yet the speed is constant. Explain.
2. An astronaut in orbit round the earth may feel weightless even when the earth’s
gravitational field still acts on him. Explain.
3. (a) Distinguish between angular and linear velocity.
(b) How is the centripetal force different from any other force?
(c) A stone is whirled with uniform speed in horizontal circle having radius of 10 cm.
It takes the stone 10 seconds to describe an arc of length 4 cm. Calculate:
(i) the angular velocity ω.
(ii) linear velocity v of the stone.
(iii) the periodic time T.
4 (a) State a condition necessary for a body travelling on a banked road not to skid.
(b) A car is moving in an unbanked circular path. Sketch a diagram of the motion
and show the forces acting on the car. State what provides the centripetal force.
5. To avoid skidding and overturning, roads are usually banked. What do you
understand by the term ‘banking’?
6. A mass of 1.5 kg moves in a circular path with a constant speed of 3 ms–1 on a
horizontal frictionless surface. The mass is held to the circular path by a light cord

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2.4 m long that has one end fixed and the other end attached to the mass. Calculate
the tension in the cord.
7. A cord 2.8 m long has a breaking strength of 600 N. One end of the cord is fixed and
a 2 kg mass attached to the free end moves in a horizontal circular path on a
frictionless level surface. What is the maximum speed if the cord is not to break?

Motion in a Vertical Circle

A example of a particle in motion in a vertical circle is a ball of mass m tied to one end
of a string and moving with uniform speed in a vertical circle of radius r.

The forces acting on the ball at any instant are:

(i) its weight mg, which acts vertically downwards

and,

(ii) the tension T, which is always directed towards

the centre of circle.
When the ball is at position A, the tension TA and the
weight mg are acting in the same direction and provide
the centripetal force.
FA=TA + mg
mv2
= TA + mg
r
mv2
Then, TA = -mg
r
2
Thus TA. = mrω -mg since v=rω

When the ball is at B, Tension and Weight act in different directions and hence the
resultant force between the two provides Centripetal Force.
FB=TB – mg
mv2
=TB -mg
r
mv2
T B= + mg
r
In terms of ω, TB= mrω2+mg
Thus, TB > TA.
At point C, the tension Tc is equal to the centripetal force.
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mv2
T C=
r
Tc= mrω2
The tension in the string is therefore maximum when the object is at the lowest point
and the string is most likely to snap at this position. It is minimum at the highest point.
When Tension T is zero at the highest point, a certain minimum speed must be
maintained in order to keep the string taut.
For minimum velocity, TA = 0
mv2
But TA = -mg
r
mv2
min -mg = 0
r
∴ vmin = rg
Where Vmin is the minimum velocity.

Practical examples of motion in a vertical plane are:

(i) a bucket of water whirled in a vertical circle without the water spilling,
(ii) a pilot not strapped to his seat in a ‘loop the loop’ manoeuvre without falling off.
(c) a ball bearing ‘looping the loop’ on a curtain rail lying in a vertical plane.
(d) a toy car on a ‘loop the loop’ track.

Applications of Circular Motion

Centrifuges
A centrifuge is used for separating particles in suspension in liquids or liquids of
different densities. It consist of small metal container tubes which can be rotated in a

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circle.

The pressure difference created at a distance r from the centre of rotation exerts a
force, which then provides the centripetal force. For lighter particles, the centripetal
force would be too great according to the relation F = mrω2, and r would thus become
smaller. The less dense particle is thus drawn inwards towards the centre of rotation.

If the particles have a mass m and the liquid mass m1, the net force which provides the
centripetal force required to make the particles move towards the centre is given by; F =
(m – m1) rω2.
To separate cream from milk, the milk is rotated at high speed in a horizontal surface.
The less sense matter moves towards the centre of the rotation. When the rotation is
stopped, the tubes return to the vertical position with the dense matter (cream) at the
top.

Satellites
When two bodies of mass m1 and m2 are at a distance r apart, they experience a mutual
force of attraction given by;
Gm1m2
F = , where G is a constant called the universal gravitational constant. The
r2
expression is called Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
Consider a satellite of mass m set in an orbit of radius r round
the earth as shown below.

The gravitational force of attraction between the satellite and

mv2 GMm
the earth provides the centripetal force. Thus, = ,
r r2
where m is mass of satellite, M the mass of the earth and v the
velocity of the satellite.

GM
∴ v2 =
r

GM
So, v =
r

1
Hence, v α
r
This shows that the velocity of a satellite increases with decrease in the radius of its
orbit.
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A satellite will appear stationary to an observer at a particular point on the earth if

its periodic time (time taken to complete one revolution) is equal to that of the earth.
Such satellites are said to be in a parking orbit, and are used in weather forecast and
telecommunications.

Speed Governor
The principle of the conical pendulum is used in the operation of speed governors.

As the masses marked m rotate with an

increasing angular velocity, the vertical
angle θ increases. The collar is then moved
by the arms which in turn pull the lever up.
The lever is connected to a steam valve
which regulates the flow of steam. The axis
of the governor is connected to a drive shaft
of the engine which turns it. By controlling
the rate of flow of steam or fuel, the speed
of the engine can be controlled.

Review Exercise 2

1. The figure shows a path of a particle in a circle in a vertical plane:

(a) Write down an expression showing the relationship between the tensional
forces Ta, Tb and Tc in order of their increasing magnitude.
(b) What contributes to the centripetal force at the positions marked A, B and C?

2. A pilot in a jet plane ‘ loops the loop’ in a vertical circle with a diameter of 0.8 km

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at constant speed of 260 kmh–1. If the mass of the pilot is 75 kg:

(a) sketch a graph showing the magnitude of the forces acting on him in a
complete loop.
(b) calculate the minimum speed the pilot must maintain for him not to fall off
at the top of the loop.
3. A bob having a mass of 1 kg is moving in uniform circular path in a vertical plane
having a radius of 1 m. It is whirled with a frequency of 2 cycles per second.
(a) Calculate:
(i) the tension in the supporting string when the bob is at the topmost part
of the circle.
(ii) the tension when the bob is at the bottom of the circle.
(b) at what position of the object is the string likely to break?
4. A child whirls a stone of mass 0.5 kg in a vertical circle on the end of a string 40
–1
cm long. At the lowest point of the circle, the velocity of the stone is 3 ms .
Calculate the tension on the string at this point.
5. Explain how a centrifuge may be used to separate cream from milk.

Recently………,
1. 2006 Q10
Figure 6 shows the path taken by a matatu traveling on a horizontal ground (a
winding road)

The speed of the matatu is constant. Identify with reason the point along the
path which a load placed loosely on the rack (carrier) of the matatu is most likely
to roll off.
(2 marks)

2. 2007 Q18
(a) State what is meant by centripetal acceleration.
(1 mark)

(b) Figure 12 shows masses, A, B and C placed at different points on a

rotating table. The angular velocity, ω, of the table can be varied.
 14 #PHYSICShandouts

(i) State two factors that determine whether a particular mass slides
off the table or not.
(3 marks)
(ii) It is found that the masses slide off at angular velocities ωA, ωB
and ωC respectively. Arrange the values of ωA, ωB, and ωC in
decreasing order.

(c) A block of mass 200g is placed on a frictionless rotating table while fixed
to the centre of
the table by a thin thread. The distance from the centre of the table to the
block is 15 cm. If the maximum tension the thread can withstand is 5.6 N.
Determine the maximum angular velocity the table can attain before the
thread cuts. (4 marks)

3. 2009 Q14
A turntable of radius 8 cm is rotating at 33 revolutions per second. Determine
the linear speed of a point on the circumference of the turntable.
(2 marks)

4. 2009 Q19
(a) Define angular velocity (1 mark)

(b) Three masses are placed on a rotating table at distances 6 cm, 9 cm and
12 cm respectively from the centre of rotation. When the frequency of
rotation is varied, it is noted that each mass slides off at a different
frequency of rotation of the table. Table 1 shows the frequency at
which each mass slides off.
Table 1
Radius r (cm) 12 9 6
Sliding off Frequency,f, (rev/s) 0.68 0.78 1.0

(i) State two factors that determine the frequency at which each mass
slides off
(2 marks)

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(ii) Oil is now poured on the table before placing the masses. Explain
the effect of this on the frequency at which each mass slides off.
(2 marks)

(c) Figure 12 shows a flywheel of radius 14 cm suspended about a horizontal

axis through its centre so that it can rotate freely about the axis. A thread is
wrapped round the wheel and a mass attached to its loose end so as to
hang at a point 1.2 cm above the ground.

When the mass is released, it accelerates at 0.28 ms-2. Determine the

angular velocity of the wheel just before the mass strikes the ground.
(4 marks)

5. 2010 Q12
Figure 5 shows a mass of 200g connected by a string through a hollow tube to a
mass of 0.5kg. The 0.5kg mass is kept stationary in the air by whirling the 200g
mass round in a horizontal circle of radius 1.0 metre.
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Determine the angular velocity of the 200g mass. (3

marks)

6. 2011 Q16 (a)

Figure 11 shows a stone attached to the end of a string moving in a horizontal
circle with a uniform speed of 2ms-1. When the stone reaches point X on the
circle, the string breaks.

(i) Indicate on the diagram with an arrow, the direction of the motion
of the stone when the string breaks.
(1 mark)
(ii) State the magnitude of the velocity after the string breaks.
(1 mark)
(iii) Give a reason for your answers in (i) and (ii)
(1 mark)

7. 2012 Q16 (c)

Figure 10 shows the path of an object of mass m attached to a string of length r
when whirled in a vertical circle at a constant speed V. A is the highest point on
its path.

(i) State the forces that provide the centripetal force on the object
when it is at point A.
(2 marks)
(ii) Indicate with an arrow on the diagram the direction of the net force
F acting on the object when it is at A.
(1 mark)

8. 2013 Q14
(a) State two ways in which the centripetal force on a body of mass M can be
increased.

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(2 marks)
(b) Figure 7 shows an object at the end of a light spring balance connected
to a peg using a string. The object is moving in a circular path on a smooth
horizontal table with a constant speed.

(i) State what provides the centripetal force.

(1 mark)

(ii) Indicate with an arrow on the figure the direction of centripetal

force.
(1 mark)
(iii) State a reason why the object is accelerating while its speed
remains constant.
(1 mark)
(iv) Given that the mass of the object is 0.5 Kg and it is moving at a
speed of 8 ms-1 at a radius of 2m, determine the reading on the
spring balance. (3 marks)

(c) A stone throw vertically upwards reaches a height of 100 m.

Determine the:
(i) Initial velocity of the stone. (Neglect air resistance and take g = 10
ms-2)
(2 marks)
(ii) Total time the stone is in air. (2
marks)

9. 2014 Q18; 2016 Q17

(a) When a bus goes around a bend on a flat road, it experiences a centripetal
force. State what provides the centripetal force.
(1 mark)

(b) State the purpose of banking roads at bends.

(1 mark)

(c) A student whirls a stone of mass 0.2 kg tied to a string of length 0.4 m in a
vertical plane at a constant speed of 2 revolutions per second.
(Take acceleration due to gravity gas 10ms-2)
(i) State two forces acting on the stone when it is at the highest point.
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(2 marks)
(ii) Determine the:
(I) Angular velocity of the stone;
(3 marks)

(II) Tension in the string when the stone is at the highest point.

(3 marks)

10. 2015 Q18 (a)

Figure 13 shows a pendulum bob suspended by a thread moving in a horizontal
circle.

(i) Name two forces acting on the pendulum bob as it moves.

(2 marks)

(ii) State what happens to each of the forces when the angular velocity
of the pendulum bob is increased.
(2 marks)

(iii) State two applications of uniform circular motion in daily life.(2

marks)

11. 2017 Q18 (b)

State three conditions necessary for a driver to negotiate a bend on a flat level
road at a relatively high speed.
(3 marks)

12. 2018 Q8
Figure 4 shows a stone whirled in a vertical circle.

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On the axes provided, sketch a graph of tension against time as the stone moves
through point A, B, C and D. (3
marks)

13. 2019 Q9
State the meaning of the term “radian” as a unit of measurement.
(1 mark)