Physics

Physi Video Notes

cs Video Notes

Circular
Motion

Class 11ᵗʰ
 Circular Motion Didn’t understand? Watch
the video (Click Here)

The motion of a body is said to be circular if the body is always at a fixed

distance from a fixed point. The fixed distance is called radius and the fixed point
is called the centre of the circular path.

Motion Parameters of Circular Motion

Angular Position
Angular Displacement
Angular Velocity
Angular Acceleration
Didn’t understand? Watch
Angular Position (θ) the video (Click Here)

The angular position represents the orientation of a line with another line or
plane. Angular position is quantified by measuring how far the body is rotated
from the reference position.

The angular position is denoted by the symbol theta (θ) and can be measured in
degrees (°), radians (rads) or revolutions.

Angular Displacement (Δθ)

Angular displacement is defined as the change from the final position to the
initial position (Δθ = θf – θi). Angular displacement represents the angle formed
between the final position and the initial position of a rotating line.

As with linear displacement, angular displacement has a direction associated with

it.
Rotation in the clockwise direction is negative and rotation in the counterclockwise
direction is positive.
 Didn’t understand? Watch
Angular Velocity (ω) the video (Click Here)

The angular velocity is the rate at which the angular displacement changes. It
tells us how fast the object rotates about its axis or revolves around a fixed point.

The SI unit is radians per second or rad.s⁻¹.

Dimensional formula is [M⁰ L⁰ T⁻¹].

The Angular Velocity (ω) is given by:

Where:
Δθ = Angular displacement during the time interval Δt
Δt = Time taken

Average Angular Velocity (ωavg):

The average angular velocity is the total angular displacement divided by the total
time taken. It gives the average rate at which an object rotates over a given time
interval.

Instantaneous Angular Velocity (ω ins):

The instantaneous angular velocity is the rate of change of angular displacement

at a particular moment in time. It gives the angular velocity at an instant.

Angular Acceleration (α)

The rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time is called angular
acceleration.

Unit: Radians per second² (rad/s²)

The Angular Acceleration (α) is given by:

Average Angular Acceleration (α avg)

Average angular acceleration is the rate of change of angular velocity over a

given time interval. It represents how quickly the angular velocity changes,
averaged over a period of time.

Instantaneous Angular Acceleration (α ins)

Instantaneous angular acceleration is the rate at which angular velocity changes

with time at a specific instant.

Analogy between linear and angular motion Didn’t understand? Watch

the video (Click Here)

Any angular quantity is the same as its linear quantity, except it describes the
angle between the axis of rotation and the position of an object, rather than the
distance-based quantities.

Rotational motion can easily be understood by analogy to linear motion.

The angular analogs and their symbols are listed below:

We have studied the three kinematic equations. For rotational motion, the same
equation applies.

The only difference is that we substitute the angular analogue of the

corresponding quantities. The equations are shown below:
 Relation Between Angular and Linear Parameters Didn’t understand? Watch
the video (Click Here)

Relation Between Linear Displacement and Angular Displacement:

When an object moves along a circular path, its linear displacement s along the
arc of the circle is related to the angular displacement θ subtended at the center
by:
s = rθ

Relation Between Linear Velocity and Angular Velocity:

The linear velocity v of a particle moving along the circular path is related to the
angular velocity ω by:
v = rω

Relation Between Tangential Acceleration and Angular Acceleration:

The tangential acceleration aₜ (linear acceleration along the tangent to the circular
path) is related to angular acceleration α by:
aₜ ​= rα

Where:
aₜ​ = Tangential acceleration (in m/s²)
r = Radius of the circular path (in meters)
α = Angular acceleration (in rad/s²)

Derivation:

We know that, (From kinematics)

For circular motion, note that v = rω, so that

The radius r is constant for circular motion and so Δ(rω) = r(Δω). Thus,
By definition, . Thus,

Centripetal Acceleration and Angular Velocity:

Centripetal acceleration ac is the acceleration directed towards the centre of the

circle, keeping the object in a circular motion. It is related to angular velocity ω
by:

Where:
a​c= Centripetal acceleration (in m/s²)
ω = Angular velocity (in rad/s)

Didn’t understand? Watch

Types of Circular Motion the video (Click Here)

Circular motion can be broadly classified into two types based on speed and
external forces:

1. Uniform Circular Motion (UCM)

In a uniform circular motion, the object moves along a circular path with a
constant speed, but its velocity changes continuously due to the change in direction.

Characteristics:
Speed remains constant.
Angular velocity (ω) is constant.
Centripetal acceleration acts towards the centre of
the circle, changing only the direction of velocity.
No tangential acceleration (since speed is constant).

2. Non-Uniform Circular Motion

In a non-uniform circular motion, the object moves along a circular path with a
changing speed. Both the magnitude and direction of velocity change continuously.

Characteristics:
Speed is not constant.
Both angular velocity (ω) and angular acceleration (α) may vary.
 There are two components of acceleration:
Tangential acceleration (aₜ​), which causes a change in speed.
Centripetal acceleration (a c ​), which causes a change in the direction of
velocity.

Accelerated Non-Uniform Circular Motion: In accelerated circular motion, the

speed of the object increases as it moves along the circular path.
In accelerated circular motion, net acceleration makes an acute angle with the
velocity.

Retarded Non-Uniform Circular Motion: In retarded circular motion, the speed of

the object decreases as it moves along the circular path.
In retarded circular motion, net acceleration makes an obtuse angle with the
velocity.
Didn’t understand? Watch
Circular Dynamics the video (Click Here)

Circular dynamics deals with the forces responsible for maintaining circular
motion.

Key Concepts in Circular Dynamics:

Centripetal Force: Centripetal force is the net force required to keep an object
moving in a circular path, directed towards the centre of the circle.

Nature of Centripetal Force:

It can be provided by different forces depending on the
situation, such as tension, friction, normal force, or gravitational force.
Centripetal force does not do any work because it is always perpendicular to
the velocity of the object.

Centrifugal Force (Pseudo Force): Centrifugal force is a fictitious or pseudo force

experienced by an object in a rotating frame of reference. It appears to act
outward, away from the center of the circular path.

It has the same magnitude as the centripetal force but

acts in the opposite direction (away from the center).
 Didn’t understand? Watch
Conical Pendulum the video (Click Here)

A conical pendulum consists of a mass (bob) attached to a string or rod of fixed

length, which moves in a horizontal circular path while the string makes a constant
angle with the vertical. The motion of the bob traces out a cone, hence the name
conical pendulum.

The forces acting on the bob are:

Tension (T) in the string, which has two components:

Vertical Component: Tcosθ balances the
gravitational force (mg) acting downward.

Horizontal Component: Tsin⁡θ provides the necessary centripetal force for the
circular motion.

The time period Tperiod is given by:

Didn’t understand? Watch

Bending of Bicycle the video (Click Here)

The bending of the bicycle during a turn is an example of circular motion

dynamics, where the cyclist needs to generate a centripetal force to make the
turn.

Balancing the Forces

When the cyclist leans inward, the resultant gravitational force

(mg) and the normal reaction force (N) from the ground pass
through the contact point of the tyres, preventing any net torque
that might topple the bicycle.

For equilibrium during the turn:

Horizontal force balance: The horizontal component of the normal reaction

provides the centripetal force:

Where:
m = mass of the cyclist and bicycle r = radius of the circular path
v = speed of the bicycle θ = angle of lean (with the vertical)
Vertical force balance: The vertical component of the normal reaction balances the
gravitational force:

Finding the Angle of Lean

Dividing the two equations:

Thus, the θ of lean depends on the speed v, the radius of the turn r, and the
acceleration due to gravity g.
Didn’t understand? Watch
Turning on a Road the video (Click Here)

When a vehicle takes a turn on the road, it follows a curved path, meaning the
motion involves circular dynamics. A centripetal force is required for the vehicle to
make the turn without skidding or toppling successfully.
This centripetal force is provided by friction between the tyres and the road.

Condition for Turning Without Skidding

For the vehicle to make the turn safely, the frictional force must be equal to or
greater than the required centripetal force.
The required centripetal force is given by:

Where:
m = mass of the vehicle
v = speed of the vehicle
r = radius of the turn

The maximum available frictional force is:

Where:
μs​= coefficient of static friction between the tyres and the road
g = acceleration due to gravity

For safe turning, the available frictional force must be greater than or equal to the
required centripetal force:

Critical Speed for Safe Turning

The critical speed vₘₐₓ for safe turning (without skidding) is given by:

Didn’t understand? Watch

Banking of road the video (Click Here)

Banking of a road refers to the practice of raising the outer edge of a curved road
above the inner edge, forming an inclination or slope with respect to the horizontal.
This is done to help vehicles take turns safely at higher speeds by reducing their
dependence on friction.

Banking of Road Without Friction

In an ideal case where there is no friction between the road and the tyres (e.g., a
perfectly smooth road), the centripetal force required for turning is provided by the
horizontal component of the normal reaction.

Forces Acting on the Vehicle:

1. Normal Reaction (N): Acts perpendicular to the surface of the road.
2. Gravitational Force (mg): Acts vertically downward.

Force Balance:
Vertical Component of N balances the weight of the vehicle:

Horizontal Component of N provides the required centripetal force:

Dividing the two equations:

Thus, the angle of banking θ required for safe turning without friction is given by:

Banking of Road With Friction

When friction is present, it assists in providing the required centripetal force. The
direction of the frictional force depends on whether the vehicle’s speed is less than
or greater than the speed corresponding to the ideal banking angle.

Forces Acting on the Vehicle:

1. Normal Reaction (N): Acts perpendicular to the road surface.
 1. Gravitational Force (mg): Acts vertically downward.
2. Frictional Force (f): Acts along the inclined surface of the road. It can act up
the incline or down the incline, depending on whether the vehicle is moving
slower or faster than the optimal speed.

Force Balance Equations:

Vertical Direction:

Horizontal Direction (Centripetal Force):

Since f = μN, substituting this in the equations gives:

For Maximum Speed (vₘₐₓ​):

For Minimum Speed (vₘᵢₙ):

Range of Safe Speeds: The vehicle can safely turn on the banked road without
skidding if its speed lies within the range:

Special Cases:
When μ=0 (no friction), The safe speed is given by,

When θ=0 (no banking), The safe speed depends entirely on friction,

Didn’t understand? Watch

Death Well the video (Click Here)

The "Death Well", also known as the "Globe of Death" or "Well of Death", is a
popular stunt performed in circuses or fairs, where vehicles such as motorcycles or
cars are driven inside a vertical, cylindrical, or spherical structure.
The stunt relies on the concepts of circular motion and centripetal force.

Forces Acting on the Vehicle:

Weight (mg): Acts vertically downward.
 Normal Reaction (N): Acts perpendicular to the wall's surface.
Frictional Force (f): Acts horizontally and provides the necessary centripetal
force.

Condition for Maintaining Motion: The frictional force must be sufficient to provide
the required centripetal force to keep the vehicle moving in a circular path:

Where:
m = mass of the vehicle
v = speed of the vehicle
r = radius of the circular path

Minimum Speed Required: The minimum speed vₘᵢₙ required for the vehicle to stay
on the wall without sliding down can be calculated by:

Thus, the vehicle must maintain a speed equal to or greater than vₘᵢₙ to avoid falling.

Didn’t understand? Watch

Vertical Circular Motion the video (Click Here)
Vertical circular motion refers to the motion of an object traveling along a circular
path in a vertical plane.

Motion Classification:
Oscillation: Insufficient velocity causes oscillatory motion.
Incomplete Circular Motion: The object moves partially, combining circular and
projectile motion.
Complete Circular Motion: Sufficient velocity ensures a full circular path.

Key Concepts:

Critical Velocity (vc ): The minimum velocity at the topmost point required for the
object to complete the circular path.

Tension in the String: The tension in the string varies at different points along the
circular path.
At the topmost point (C), Tc ​=0 for critical motion.

Energy Conservation: Total mechanical energy remains constant in the absence of

external forces.
At different points (A, B, C, D):
Total Energy (TE) = Kinetic Energy (KE) + Potential Energy (PE)

Analysis of Points in the Circle:

At Point A (Bottommost): Velocity:

Tension:

At Point B (Horizontal Right): Velocity:

Tension:

At Point C (Topmost): Velocity:

Tension:

At Point D (Horizontal Left): Velocity:

Tension:

Energy Conservation Applications:

From A → B: Using conservation of mechanical energy (CME):

Solving gives,

From A → C: Using conservation of mechanical energy (CME):

Solving gives,