Free Download of Courebook for Waec (Wassce) and Jamb (Utme) Physics on Circular Motion and SHM
Like always, a brief expository on the topic of Uniform Motion but not on SHM as I had done that in my previous article-you can check that out too. Also I had already solved past questions on this topic on my YouTube Channel- check it out and don’t forget to subscribe!
Uniform Circular Motion
If a heavy stone is attached to a long string and whirled steadily round in a horizontal circle by holding the other end of the string, we can feel that a force is needed to make the stone move in its circular path. If the stone is whirled faster the force increases. A far greater force can be seen exerted by the muscles of a hammer-thrower as he whirls the heavy hammer round at a fast speed in a circle.
The Figure below shows an object moving at constant speed round a circle centre O.The velocity v (a vector) at points such as A, B, C is directed along the tangent to the circle at the point concerned. Now the direction of the tangent changes as the object moves from A to B, or from B to C. So the velocity changes. Thus the object has an acceleration although its speed is constant.
An object moving in a circle requires a force directed towards the centre to keep it from moving along the tangent path. This is called the centripetal force on the object. A force produces an acceleration. So the acceleration of the object must be directed towards the centre, as shown.
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