Uniform circular motion refers to motion along a circular path at constant speed. Any force directed toward the center of the circular path, such as gravity on a satellite or the normal force on a rollercoaster car, provides the necessary centripetal force to cause uniform circular motion by preventing an object from traveling in a straight line. Solving uniform circular motion problems involves identifying the centripetal force, calculating the centripetal acceleration, and using the kinematic equations for circular motion.

1. Uniform Circular Motion

3. Motion along a circular path at a
constant speed.

8. Centripetal Force

9. • Any force or sum of forces which cause an
object to move in a uniform circular motion.

10. ⌧
(EXAMPLES!)

11. • The earth’s
gravity acts like
a string keeping
the satellite in Satellite
orbit around the
earth.
Gravity
• Fc=Fg
Earth

12. If it comes off the track, the train
would continue in a straight line
tangent to the circle.
Fc=FN+Ff

13. If the driver loses grip, he
will slide in a straight line
on a tangential path to the
circle.

14. The people “stick” to the
wall because their
centripetal force is
directed tangent to the
circle.

15. Steps for Solving UCM Problems

16. Step 1

17. Step 2

18. Step 3

19. Step 4

20. Step 5