Uniform circular motion

Definition

Uniform circular motion occurs when an object moves in a circular path with constant speed. While the speed is constant, the direction of the object's velocity continuously changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The acceleration in uniform circular motion is always directed towards the center of the circle, called centripetal acceleration.
2. The magnitude of the centripetal acceleration can be calculated using the formula $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$, where $v$ is the speed and $r$ is the radius of the circle.
3. Even though the speed is constant, there is a continuous change in velocity due to a change in direction.
4. The period $T$ of an object in uniform circular motion is given by $T = \frac{2\pi r}{v}$, where $r$ is the radius and $v$ is the tangential speed.
5. In uniform circular motion, angular velocity $\omega$ remains constant and can be calculated using $\omega = \frac{2\pi}{T}$.

Review Questions

• What type of acceleration does an object in uniform circular motion experience?
• How do you calculate centripetal acceleration for an object moving at a constant speed in a circle?
• What remains constant in uniform circular motion: speed or velocity?

Related terms

Centripetal Force:

The force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of rotation.

Angular Velocity:

A measure of how quickly an object rotates or revolves relative to another point, often measured in radians per second.

Simple Harmonic Motion:

A type of oscillatory motion where restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and acts in the opposite direction.