dω 1 dv a
α= = =
dt r dt r
r
EPF 0014 PHYSICS I 02/12/09 12
To provide this acceleration, there must be a
force acts towards the center of the circular
path.
• The force is called the centripetal force.
• The magnitude of this force can be
calculated by using Newton’s 2nd . law of
motion.
∑ Fc = mac
2 2
v mv
∑ FC = m
r
=
r
∑F C
= mω r
2
Solution:
•The sum of F in x-direction for the force of static friction
and is 2
mv
∑F x = f s = µ s N = ma x = macp =
r
•The sum of y-components of force is
∑F y = N − W = ma y Thus N = W = mg
The mass of the car has been eliminated. Thus all cars,
heavy or light have the same maximum speed.
The speed it depends on µ s, thus the dry road allows
greater maximum speed than icy road.
EPF 0014 PHYSICS I 02/12/09 22
Example
• If a lateral acceleration of 8.9 m/s2 represents the
maximum ac that can be attained without skidding out
of the circular path, and if the car is traveling at a
constant 45 m/s, what is a minimum radius of curve it
can negotiate? If the driver rounding a flat with
unbanked curve with radius R. If the coefficient of
friction between the tires and road is µ s, what is the
maximum speed v at which he can take the curve
without skidding?
Gm1m2
F = 2
r
where G is the universal gravitational
constant, G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2/kg2
Gm1m2
F = 2
r
The force diminishes rapidly with the distance, but never completely
vanishes. Thus, gravity is a force of infinite range
Rm (1.74 × 10 )
6 2
2 2
mv mv
= FT − mg Thus FT = + mg
r r
• This tension is larger than in the horizontal case.
mv 2
FT =
r
• Therefore, the string has a greater chance of breaking
when the stone is whirled in a vertical circle.
mv 32
3. FN 3 + mg =
r
mv 42
4. FN4 =
r