Uniform Circular Motion
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 72 of 94.
An object in uniform circular motion goes around a circle at a constant speed. Its velocity keeps turning: it always points along the circle, at a right angle to the radius.
Same speed everywhere, but the velocity keeps turning: it always points along the circle.
In one period T the object travels the circumference 2πr:
v = 2πr / T
A point farther from the centre moves faster.
Challenge
The tip of a fan blade is 0.3 m from the axle, and one turn of the fan takes 0.1 s. Find the speed v of the tip.
Try it yourself
This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate14Circular Motion
Uniform Circular MotionCentripetal AccelerationHorizontal CirclesVertical CirclesLoop the LoopRecap - Car on a Curve3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator