[Model Hierarchy]
Description and Assumptions
This model applies to a single point particle moving in a circle of fixed radius (assumed to lie in the xy plane with its center at the origin) with constant speed. It is a subclass of the Rotational Motion model defined by
$\alpha=0$
and r = R.
Problem Cues
Usually uniform circular motion will be explicitly specified if you are to assume it. (Be especially careful of vertical circles, which are generally nonuniform circular motion because of the effects of gravity. Unless you are specifically told the speed is constant in a vertical loop, you should not assume it to be.) You can also use this model to describe the acceleration in instantaneously uniform circular motion, which is motion along a curved path with the tangential acceleration instantaneously equal to zero. This will usually apply, for example, when a particle is at the top or the bottom of a vertical loop, when gravity is not changing the speed of the particle.
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Prerequisite Knowledge
Prior Models
Vocabulary and Procedures
System
A single point particle.
Interactions
The system must be subject to an acceleration (and so a net force) that is directed radially inward to the center of the circular path, with no tangential component.
Model
Relevant Definitions
Initial conditions
\begin
[ x_
= x(t=0)]
[ y_
= y(t=0) ]
[\theta_
= \theta(t=0)]\end
Laws of Change
Angular Position
\begin
[ \theta(t) = \theta_
+\omega t]\end
Diagrammatic Representations
- Free body diagram (used to demonstrate that a net radial force is present).
- Delta-v diagram.
- x- and y-position versus time graphs.
- θ versus time graph.
Relevant Examples
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RELATE wiki by David E. Pritchard is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License |
