Chapter 8, Problem 1CQ

In uniform circular motion, which of the following are constant: speed, velocity, angular velocity, centripetal acceleration, magnitude of the net force?

To determine

Which of the following are constant in uniform circular motion.

a) Speed

b) Velocity

c) Angular velocity

d) Centripetal acceleration

e) Magnitude of the net force

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Solution:

Speed, angular velocity and magnitude of the net force are always constant in uniform circular motion.

Explanation of Solution

In uniform circular motion the magnitude of velocity that is speed is constant, but its direction is towards the tangent at that point. So speed is constant but velocity is not constant.

Angular velocity of a uniform circular motion is always constant

Centripetal acceleration is always constant in magnitude, but its direction is changing all the time, so it is not a constant. Since acceleration is constant in magnitude the magnitude of net force is always a constant.

Conclusion:

The constant values in uniform circular motion are studied.