🎯 Circular Motion Visualizer - Centripetal Force
RotationalWhat's happening? Velocity is always tangent to the circle. Acceleration always points toward center. F_c = mω²r. Increase ω and watch the centripetal force grow.
Circular motion is a high-weightage topic - 3-4 questions every year in JEE.
JEE tests centripetal force, banking of roads, vertical circular motion, and conical pendulum. The key is understanding that acceleration always points toward the center.
Key formulas
Circular Motion Formulas
Centripetal force
F_c = mv^2/r = m omega^2 r
Always points toward center.
Centripetal acceleration
a_c = v^2/r = omega^2 r
Direction: toward center.
Linear vs angular
v = omega*r, a = alpha*r
Linear = angular x radius.
Period and frequency
T = 2pi/omega, f = 1/T
Time for one revolution.
Step-by-step problem solving
How to solve circular motion problems in JEE
- Draw the free body diagram - identify all forces.
- Choose radial and tangential axes.
- Apply Newton second law radially: net force = mv^2/r.
- For banking: tan(theta) = v^2/(rg).
- For vertical circles: use energy conservation + centripetal at top/bottom.
Common JEE mistakes
What students get wrong
Centripetal is not a new force
It is the NET force toward center from other forces.
Velocity is not zero
Speed constant but velocity changes direction. Acceleration is centripetal, not zero.
Wrong acceleration direction
Acceleration points toward CENTER, not along velocity.
Forgetting energy conservation
In vertical circles, speed changes. Min speed at top: v = sqrt(gr).
FAQs
Circular Motion Questions
Why is centripetal force not a real force?
It is the net result of real forces (friction, tension, gravity). Not a separate force.
Minimum speed at top of vertical circle?
v_min = sqrt(gr). Gravity alone provides centripetal force at this speed.
Why does a car skid on curves?
When friction cannot provide enough centripetal force: mv^2/r > mu*m*g.
Uniform vs non-uniform circular motion?
Uniform: constant speed, only centripetal. Non-uniform: changing speed, both centripetal and tangential.