Describe uniform circular motion and centripetal acceleration
Calculate centripetal force: F = mv²/r
Understand velocity is tangent to the circle
Relate period, speed, and radius
Key Equations
\( a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} \)
\( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} = m\omega^2 r \)
\( v = \frac{2\pi r}{T} = \omega r \)
\( T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} \)
Why It Matters
From satellites orbiting Earth to cars turning corners, circular motion governs any curved path. The centripetal force always points inward — it's not a new force, but the net force needed to keep an object moving in a circle.