Post on 07-Mar-2018
General Physics I
Spring 2011
1
Circular Motion, Orbits, and Gravity
Uniform Circular Motion• An object executes uniform
circular motion if its speed is constant at every instant during the circular motion. Note that the velocity changes at every instant because the direction is changing.
• We describe circular motion in terms of angular quantities,
2
terms of angular quantities, such as angular position, angular displacement, and angular velocity.
• The angular position θ of the object is specified by the angle (in radians) made with the xaxis by a line drawn from the object to the origin.
Angular positions are
positive when they correspond
to a counterclockwise
rotation.
Angular Displacement and Velocity
• Angular displacement is a
change or difference in angular
position:
• Average angular velocity is the
angular displacement divided by
the corresponding time interval:
.if
θ θ θ∆ = −
3
the corresponding time interval:
• If the time interval is made
infinitesimally small, the average
angular velocity becomes the
instantaneous angular velocity
(or simply the angular velocity).
.av tθω ∆=
∆
Angular Speed and Angular Velocity
• The instantaneous angular speed is the magnitude of the
instantaneous angular velocity.
• The direction of the angular velocity is indicated by its sign: The
angular velocity is positive if the motion is counterclockwise and
negative if the motion is clockwise.
• If the angular velocity is constant, then the average angular
velocity is equal to the instantaneous angular velocity:
4
velocity is equal to the instantaneous angular velocity:
• In uniform circular motion, the angular velocity is constant.
Thus, we can calculate angular displacement in uniform circular
motion using the equation above:
. (Constant angular velocity only.)tθω ∆=
∆
. (Constant angular velocity only)if
tθ θ θ ω− =∆ = ∆
Period and Frequency
• If an object is in uniform circular motion, the period is the time
taken to complete one circle. This is an angular displacement of
2π radians. If the angular speed is ω, then
• The frequency is the number of complete circles (revolutions)
per unit time. Thus, the frequency and period are inversely
related:
2 . (Period in uniform circular motion)T πω=
1=
5
related:
• We can relate the frequency and angular speed using the first
equation above:
1. (Frequency in uniform circular motion)fT
=
2 2 .fTπω π= =
Speed in Uniform Circular Motion• Consider a particle executing
uniform circular motion. The distance s moved along the circle (arc length) is given by
• If the arc length is moved in a time interval ∆t, then we have θ∆
angular
displac.
.s r θ= ∆
| |.rs θ∆=
6
s/∆t is the speed and |∆θ|/∆t is the angular speed, so
• Note that v is the speed, not the velocity. Also, ω is the angular speed. (ω is the Greek letter omega.)
| |.rst t
θ∆=∆ ∆
.v rω=
Workbook: Chapter 6, Question 1
Velocity and Acceleration in Circular Motion
• For an object in uniform circular
motion, the velocity continuously
changes directions. Thus, though
the speed doesn’t change, the
velocity changes continuously. It
follows that the object must be
accelerating.
• If we draw the velocity vector for v�
2v�
8
• If we draw the velocity vector for
the object at two instants in time
separated by a small time
interval, we get a diagram like
that shown to the right. Now if we
take the difference between the
two velocity vectors, the
difference vector, i.e., the velocity
change, points toward the center.
1v�
Velocity and Acceleration in Circular Motion• Since , the acceleration vector and velocity change
vector must point in the same direction. It follows that in
uniform circular motion, the acceleration is always directed
toward the center of the circle. Because the acceleration is
“center-seeking,” it is called centripetal acceleration.
• Note that at any instant during the motion, the velocity vector
is tangential to the circle and the acceleration vector points
toward the center. Thus, in uniform circular motion, the
/a v t=∆ ∆� �
9
toward the center. Thus, in uniform circular motion, the
velocity and acceleration vectors are always perpendicular to
each other.
Velocity and Acceleration in Circular Motion
• The magnitude of the acceleration can be obtained by
using vectors as well. The result is
• Because v = ωr, the above equation can also be written as
2
(Magnitude
of acceleratio
n, uniform cir
.
cular motion)
va r=
2 . a rω= 2
(U
nif
orm ci
rcular
motion.
) a rω=
Workbook: Chapter 6, Question 6
11
Dynamics of Uniform Circular Motion
• In uniform circular motion, since there is always an acceleration toward the center, it follows that there must also be a net force toward the center, according to Newton’s second law.
• This net force may be due to any of the forces we have previously seen: gravity, tension, friction, etc. For example, if you tie a rock to a string and whirl the rock in a horizontal circle, the tension in the string provides the net force on the
12
circle, the tension in the string provides the net force on the rock necessary for circular motion.
• We give the generic label of centripetal force to any force responsible for uniform circular motion. For example, the centripetal force for the circular motion of the rock tied to the string is the tension in the string.
• What is the centripetal force for the Earth’s circular* orbit around the sun?
*The Earth’s orbit is not quite circular but very nearly so.
Dynamics of Uniform Circular Motion
• Using Newton’s second law,
and the equation for
acceleration in uniform
circular motion, we can write
The net force is always toward
the center of the circle.
2. net
mvF r=
13
the center of the circle.
Solving Circular-Motion Dynamics Problems
Problem-Solving Technique:
• Consider the motion at one instant. Put origin of an x-y
coordinate system at the position of the object at that instant
and draw the positive x-axis through the center of the circle.
The y-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the circle.
• Identify all forces acting on the object and draw free-body
diagram.
14
diagram.
• Apply Newton’s second law:
• Solve for the speed v and use it to determine other quantities.
Other variations can be similarly dealt with.
2, 0.x y
mvF Fr= =∑ ∑
Maximum Safe Speed for Corner
Car’s mass: 1500 kg. Radius of turn: 20 m. Coefficient of
static friction = 1.0. Flat, unbanked road.
15
Static friction provides the necessary centripetal force.
Maximum Safe Speed for Corner
2
2max
0.
.
.
The maximum safe speed corresponds to the maximum value of .
Thus, .
y y
x s x
s
F n w ma
n w mg
mvF f ma rf
mvf
= − = =
= =
= = =
=
∑
∑
16
2max
max
2max
max
max
Thus, .
But, . Hence, , or,
. (Independent of mass!
s
s s ss
s
mvf r
mvf n mg mg r
v gr
µ µ µ
µ
=
= = =
=
2max
)
(1.0)(9.8 m/s )(20 m) 14 m/s ( 30 mph).v = = ≈
If you exceed this speed, the tires will slip. Kinetic friction is less than
the maximum static friction force and will not be able to provide the
necessary centripetal force. The car tends to move along a
straight line.
Banked Roads and Tracks• Roads are banked so that the normal force has a component
toward the center of the circular motion. Thus, the normal force provides some or all of the necessary centripetal force.
2
2
cos 0.
cos . /cos .
sin .
Substituting for ,
y y
x x
F n w ma
n w mg n mg
mvF n ma rn
mg
θ
θ θ
θ
= − = =
= = =
= = =
∑
∑
17
2
2
.
sin .cos
Using sin /cos tan , we get
tan , i.e.,
tan
mg mvr
gr v
v gr
θθ
θ θ θ
θ
θ
=
=
=
=
If the car goes faster than this speed, static friction provides the
additional centripetal force needed.
Workbook: Chapter 6, Questions 7, 8, 9
Textbook: Chapter 6, Problem 48.
18
Centrifugal Force is Not Real• If you are riding in a car that takes a sharp turn, you feel like
you are thrown outward. Some people attribute this to a
“centrifugal force.” However, there is no outward force.
• An inward (centripetal) force is necessary for circular motion.
Friction between your clothing and the seat provides it.
However, if the turn is sharp, the required force may be
greater than the maximum static friction force and you slide.
The outward “force” you feel is just your tendency, because of
19
The outward “force” you feel is just your tendency, because of
inertia, to continue moving along a straight line. Thus, you slip
until you hit the door (if you’re not wearing your seatbelt),
which then provides the necessary centripetal force (due to
contact) to get you around the corner.
Car’s path
your path (until you
hit the door)
A person in a “Silly Silo" ride finds herself stuck with
her back to the wall. Which diagram correctly shows
the forces acting on her?
20
Vertical Circular Motion• Consider a roller coaster executing
a loop-the-loop. The centripetal force is provided by the vector sum of the normal force and the weight.
• At the bottom, the normal force points toward the center and the weight points away from the center. Thus,
2 / .F n w mv r= − =∑
21
• Hence, at the bottom, the normal force, i.e., your apparent weight, exceeds your true weight. You feel “heavier” at the bottom because the seat presses up on you with a force greater than your weight.
2
2
/ .
/ .centerF n w mv r
n w mv r
= − =
= +∑
Vertical Circular Motion• At the top, the both the normal force
and weight point toward the center.
Thus,
• Hence, at the top, the normal force
may or may not exceed your weight,
depending on the speed.
2
2
/ .
( / ) .centerF n w mv r
n mv r w
= + =
= −∑
22
depending on the speed.
• If the normal force exerted on the
car by the track = 0, the car will lose
contact with the track and be in free
fall. The minimum speed necessary
to complete the loop is obtained by
setting n = 0 at the top:2
2
( / ) 0.
/ ..
crit
n mv r w
mv r w mgv v rg=
= − =
= ==
Workbook: Chapter 6, Question 14
23
Orbital Motion• The parabolic path of a projectile
moving close to Earth’s surface is eventually intercepted by the ground. But if the launch speed is increased to a great enough value, the projectile will “fall around” the Earth and be in orbit. Note that when the projectile is in orbit, the only force acting on it is still gravity, so it is in
24
acting on it is still gravity, so it is in free fall. The gravitational force points toward the center of the Earth.
• Objects in orbit (e.g., space station, astronauts and everything inside) are in free fall and therefore in a state of apparent weightlessness. Each object still has a weight due to gravitational attraction to the Earth.
Newton’s Law of Gravity
• Every object attracts every other
object due to the force of gravity.
The gravitational forces between
any two objects are an
action/reaction pair. The force on
each object acts along the line
joining the centers of the two
objects.
25
objects.
• Consider two objects of masses
m1 and m2 with their centers
separated by a distance r. The
magnitude of the gravitational
force that each object
experiences and exerts is given
by 1 22
.Gm m
Fr
= (Newton’s law of gravity)
Newton’s Law of Gravity• G is the universal gravitation constant. Its value is
• We note that the force of gravity acts over any distance and is a relatively weak force. The gravitational force between two ordinary-sized objects (cars, ships, football players) is so small in magnitude as to be utterly unnoticeable. Gravitational forces become significant only when at least one very large mass (e.g., a planet) is involved.
11 2 26.67 10 N m /kg .G −= × ⋅
26
(e.g., a planet) is involved.
• Consider an object of mass m that is on the surface of a planet of mass M. Since the weight of an object is the force of gravity acting on it due to the planet, we have
2
2
,
where is the radius of the planet. Thus,
.
planetplanet
planet
planetplanet
GMmw mgR
R
GMgR
= =
= (Free fall acceleration of a planet)
Circular Orbits• The Earth executes a very nearly
circular orbit around the sun. The
centripetal force is provided by the
gravitational force between them.
If an object of mass m is in circular
orbit at distance r from the center
of a more massive object of mass
M, Newton’s 2nd law gives
27
M, Newton’s 2 law gives2
2.
The speed of the less massive body
(called a satellite) is therefore
.
centermvF r
GMv r
GMmr
=
= =∑
(Speed of satellite in circular orbit.)
Circular Orbits
For a circular orbit, we can also calculate the speed from
circumference . Thus,period
2 .
Equating the two expressions for gives
. Squaring both sides gives2
v
rvT
v
r GMrT
π
π
π
=
=
=
28
2 2
2. This yields4
rTr GM
rTπ =
322 .4
For spherical objects, is the distance between their centers.
rGM
T
r
π
=(Period of circular orbit.)
Workbook: Chapter 6: Questions 22, 29
Textbook: Chapter 6: Problem 66.
29