1. Forces & Circular Motion
Chapter

2. Forces & Circular Motion
Centripetal force
Centrifugal force
Newton’s 3rd Law states for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction…centripetal and centrifugal forces are the opposite and equal forces that act on objects that are moving along a circular path.

3. Centripetal Force
Any force that causes an object to follow a circular path
“center seeking” force
Without this force, the motion would be along a straight line

4. If you whirl a can over your head attached to a string, you provide the centripetal force in order to keep the can revolving in a circle around you.

5. When a car rounds a corner, the sideways acting friction between the road and the tires provides the centripetal force that holds a car in a curved path.

6. Centrifugal Force
The outward force of an object moving in a circular motion
“Center fleeing” force
Outward force

7. If you are riding in a car without a seatbelt and the car suddenly stops you fly forward. Why?
because of the absence of a force (which the seatbelt provides)
Which type of force does the seat belt apply: centripetal or centrifugal?

8. The seatbelt provides a centripetal force…just because you fly forward doesn’t mean that a centrifugal force is acting on you.

9. What would happen if the string breaks?

10. The can would travel in a straight line (tangential speed), not because there is no centrifugal force but because there is no longer a centripetal force acting on the can to keep it moving in a circular path.