Key Stage 4
Meaning
Circular motion is when an object travels in a circular path due to a constant force acting towards the centre of that circular path.
About Circular Motion
- An object will move in straight line unless a force acts to accelerate the object to change its direction.
- Circular motion is caused by a constant force acting towards a point.
- An object following circular motion has a constant speed (a scalar) but does not have a constant velocity (a vector) as it is changing direction.
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| This animation shows the circular motion of an object due to a force pulling it towards the centre of the circle. The velocity is constantly changing even though the speed is constant. It is accelerating due to the force pulling it towards the centre. |