Chapter 16 - Circular Motion

Question 1

For an object travelling in a circle, in what direction does the centripetal force act?

Answer 1

Towards the centre of the circle (Perpendicular to the velocity of the object)

Question 2

For an object moving in a circle with a constant centripetal force, why does the speed remain constant?

Answer 2

No component of the force is acting in the direction of the velocity, therefore no work is done so the speed remains constant.

Question 3

When travelling in a loop-de-loop at what point do you experience weightlessness?

Answer 3

At the very top- when you are upside down.