Circular Motion
In Unit 4 on Circular Motion, students analyze the forces
action on objects moving at constant speed in a circular path.
They learn that any turning object is accelerating and the
acceleration is directed perpendicular to the velocity, toward
the center of the circle, and that this can only happen if the
object experiences a net force directed toward the center of the
circle. This is called the centripetal force requirement.
Students then apply this new understanding, together with
their knowledge of forces and motion, to analyze the motion of
objects moving in circular paths, and to solve problems
involving such objects.
Critical Questions:
- What must happen to make an object move in a circular
path? What equation is related to this?
- How would a race car driver benefit from an understanding
of circular motion?
Suggested Time Frame: 3 Weeks
