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Going Round in Circles

On the following pages are examples of objects moving in circles or parts of a circle.

An arrow shows the direction of the velocity of the object. Move the cursor over the picture to see the direction of the resultant force on the object.

Remember

• An object moving in a circle is accelerating
• Its acceleration is centripetal ( towards the centre of the circle )
• There must be a centripetal resultant force acting on it
• Centripetal acceleration a = v²/r        F_res = ma = mv²/r

Have a go at the questions yourself before you look at the answers.

Question 1            Question 2         Question 3        Question 4        Answers