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Natural Sciences · Intermediate

Circular Motion

Why do you lurch sideways on a sharp bend? What keeps a roller coaster on the track upside down? How could a spinning space station create gravity? Discover the inward acceleration behind all circular motion, and the everyday forces that provide it, from centrifuges to swinging chairs.

7 lessons~35 min0/7 complete
1

Going Round

Acceleration toward the centre.

  1. Moving in CirclesConstant speed, changing velocity
  2. Periods & Angular SpeedRevolutions per second
2

Forces in Circles

What does the pulling?

  1. Taking CornersFriction and banked curves
  2. Loops & g-ForcesUpside down without falling
  3. Artificial GravitySpinning space stations
3

Spinning Machines

Centrifuges, swings and rotors.

  1. CentrifugesThousands of g in a lab
  2. Swings & RotorsConical pendulums and fairground rides