Uniform circular motion
Uniform circular motion describes motion in which an object moves with constant speed along a circular path. Such an object experiences a constantly changing acceleration, of constant magnitude but always changing direction, radially inwards (centripetally) at right angles to its velocity.
The magnitude of the acceleration is given by <math>a=v^2/r<math>, where <math>v<math> is the speed of the object and <math>r<math> is the radius of its path; or equivalently, <math>a=\omega r<math> where <math>\omega<math> is the angular speed of the object.
The acceleration is usually considered to be be due to an inward-acting force whose magnitude (by Newton's second law of motion) is <math>F=(mv^2)/r<math>.
The centripetal force can be provided by many different things, such as tension (as in a string), friction (as between a tire and the road), or magnetic force.
See Also
Categories: Stub | Kinematics