 Right Hand Rule: -

Imagine the axis of rotation to be held in the

(6M) right hand with curled fingers round the axis
and the thumb stretched along the axis. If the
 Circular Motion :- curled fingers indicate the sense of circular
The linear motion of particle along the motion the stretched thumb indicates the
circumference of a circle is called Circular Motion. direction of angular displacement, angular
There are two types of circular motion. velocity, angular acceleration.
(A) Non uniform circular motion.  Important Notes :-
(B) Uniform circular motion. 1) As angular velocity increase, the angular
(A) Non Uniform Circular Motion: The motion of acceleration is vertically in upward direction.
particle along the circumference of a circle with 2) As angular velocity decreases, angular
the variable angular speed (linear speed). acceleration is vertically in downward
(B) Uniform Circular Motion: The motion of particle direction.
along the circumference of a circle with constant
angular velocity (linear speed). Q. Obtain the relation between linear velocity
 Radius Vector: - A vector drawn from the centre and angular velocity of particle performing
of circle to the position of the particle is called U.C.M?
radius vector. It is directed away from the centre. Ans: Consider a particle performing U.C.M
 Some Important Definitions :- along radius r in anticlockwise of circle of radius
1. Angular Displacement: -The angle traced by ‘r’ in an anticlockwise direction.
radius vector in given time of interval at center is Suppose that particle moves from the point A to
called angular displacement of particle. B. i.e. distance s in a short time t. This
If particle completes one revolution in circular
distance is straight line. The magnitude of
motion then,
instantaneous velocity is given by,
Angular displacement = =360 =2 rad
(in rad)= =
B
One radian is the angle subtended by an arc length r A
equal to radius of the circle. O
Instantaneous angular displacement is vector
quantity.
Its direction is given by right hand rule.
∴V= lim
⃗= ⃗× ⃗ →

2. Angular velocity: - The rate of change of the From figure , = ∴ =r

angular displacement with time is called angular
velocity. ∴V= lim
→
S.I. unit is rad/s.
Dimensions are [M0L0T-1θ1]
∴ V= lim But = lim
It is vector quantity. Its direction is determined by → →
right hand rule.
3. Angular Acceleration: - The rate of change of ∴v=r
angular velocity with time .OR change in angular In Vector from ⃗ = ⃗ × ⃗
velocity per unit time is called angular acceleration. But =
S.I. unit is rad/s2. Dimensions are [M0L0T-2]. V=r =
It is vector quantity. Its direction is determined by
right hand rule. In UCM angular acceleration is Also = n (frequency)
1

∴ =2
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equal to zero.

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)

Q. Obtain the relation between linear  Important Points :-
acceleration and angular acceleration. 1) Period of second hand is 60 s.
Ans: Consider a particle performing non uniform 2) Period of minute hand is 1 hour = 3600 s.
circular motion along a circumference. 3) Period of hour hand = 12 X 3600 s.
In one period particle covers distance equal to 4) Period of earth about own axis = 20 X 3600s.
particle is circumference of the circle.
5) Period of earth round the sun
Its linear velocity v is given by.
T = 365 X 24 X 3600 s.
∴ ⃗ = ⃗ ⃗ ……………(1) 6) Period of moon round the earth = 27.3 days
7) Angular speed of second hand
Differentiate equation (1), we get total acceleration. = 0.1047 rad/s.
8) Angular speed of minute hand
∴ =
⃗
( × ⃗) = 1.744 X103 rad/s
9) Angular speed of hour hand
⃗ ⃗ =1.453 X 104rad/s.
∴ ⃗= ⃗× + × ⃗
 Frequency: The number of revolution per
⃗ ⃗
unit time by a particle performing U.C.M. is
But = ⃗ and = ⃗ called frequency.
In one period particle competes one
(Velocity of particle is equal to velocity of radius vector). revolution Hence, in unit time (1/T) revolutions
∴ ⃗= ⃗x ⃗+ ⃗ x ⃗ i.e. frequency is reciprocal of period.
The product ⃗x ⃗ is along the radius and towards n= S.I.unit is hertz (Hz).
center, hence called radial or centripetal 1Hz = 1 revolution per second
acceleration. Ar= ⃗x ⃗. The direction is given by right 1rpm = rps = Hz.
hand rule.
∴ ⃗= ⃗+ ⃗ Q.A) Obtain an expression for radial
acceleration or centripetal acceleration for
∴ ⃗= + particle performing U.C.M.(Geometrical
Method)
In U.C.M. angular velocity is constant. Ans: Consider particle performing UCM along
=0 circumference of circle of radius r in
This means that in U.C.M. there is no tangential anticlockwise direction suppose that particle
component. i.e. particle has only radial component moves from a point A to B i.e. distance in
and this due to the change in the direction of linear time .
velocity. Q R P

δθ
 Period: The time taken by a particle
performing U.C.M. to complete one revolution is B
called its period of revolution. δθ A
O r
v= =
∴ =
∴T =
Let VA be the velocity at point A and it
∴T= represents by ⃗ and VB be the velocity at point
2

S.I. unit of period is Second (s) B. Draw ⃗equal and parallel to ⃗ , Join ⃗ .
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By triangle law of vector, we get

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)
 ∴ ⃗+ ⃗= ⃗ ∴ ⃗=⃗ + ⃗
∴ ⃗= ⃗− ⃗ From figure, in POM As θ = ωt
∴ ⃗= ⃗− ⃗ ⃗= ⃗ ∴cos = ⇒ = =
∴ ⃗ = velocity At point B – velocity At point A ∴sin = ⇒ = =
∴ ⃗= ⃗ ∴ ⃗= ωt + ⃗ sinωt …… (1)
In magnitude, Velocity of radius vector gives velocity of particle,
RQ= ⃗
∴ ⃗=
In ∆ BRQ , = (⃗ +⃗ )
=
As RQ = V and BQ =V
∴ ⃗=⃗ + ⃗
∴ =
For angular displacement is small ∴ ⃗=⃗ + ⃗
As is small ∴Sin ≈ Acceleration is rate change of velocity with time.
∴ = ∴ ⃗= ⃗
∴ =V ∴ = (−⃗ + ⃗ )
Divide this equation by , we get
∴ ⃗ = −⃗ 2
− ⃗ 2

∴ = ∴ ⃗=− 2 ⃗ + ⃗
But A = and =
⃗=− ⃗
∴ A= V
Negative sign indicates that acceleration
∴ A= and radius vector are opposite directions.
The radius vector is away from the Centre hence
= r , (∴ = r , = ) acceleration is director towards Centre and
This acceleration is always along the radius and along the radius, this acceleration is called
towards center of the circle, hence called radial centripetal acceleration or radial acceleration.
acceleration of centripetal acceleration. In vector
rotation.  Centripetal force:
The force which acts on a particle along the
∴ ⃗= ⃗ =- ⃗
radius towards the Centre of the circle and
which keeps the particle moving along the
Q.B) Obtain an expression for radial acceleration circular path is called centripetal force.
or centripetal acceleration for particle performing According to Newton’s 2nd of motion.
U.C.M. (Calculus Method) Centripetal force = mass ×
Ans:- Consider the center of the circular motion be centripetal acceleration
situated at the origin of the X-Y axis. A particle ∴ F=m = 2
moves along the circle in anticlockwise direction
In vector rotation,
with constant angular speed . It moves from point
A to P in time t, making angular displacement . If ∴ ⃗= − ⃗
(X, Y) be the coordinates of point p. The radius 2
= − ⃗
vector is given by.
 Some important points : -
P(x,y) 1. It is real force.
y
X’ θ X 2. It arises in both inertial and no inertial frame
of reference.
3. It is responsible for circular motion. Its S.I.
3

unit is Newton (N).

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4. Its dimensions are [M1L1T-2].

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)
E.g. Q. What is banking of road? Obtain the
1) The electrostatic force of attraction between expression for maximum velocity along a
electrons and nucleus of atom. banked curved road.
2) The gravitational force of attraction between Ans: Banking of road: The process of elevation
planets and sun. of outer edge of road over its inner edge is
3) Breaking tensions in the strings and thrust in the called as banking of roads.
rails are the examples of centripetal. Consider a vehicle of mass ‘m’ moving velocity
V along a curved banked road at an angleθ. The
 Centrifugal force:- force acting on vehicle are weight ‘me’ acting
A force which acts along the radius away from vertically downward & normal reaction N.
the center of circle is called centrifugal force. The normal reaction ‘N’ can be resolved into
∴F = m = 2 two components.
1) Ncosθ − vertical component of N
In vector rotation,
2 2) Nsinθ – horizontal component of N
∴ ⃗= + ⃗ = + 2⃗
0 There is also frictional force bent tyros of
4
 Some important points : - vehicle & road surface which is resolved into
1. Centrifugal force has same magnitude as that of two components.
the centripetal force, but it is oppositely directed. 1) f cosθ – along vertical direction
2. It is pseudo (imaginary) force. 2) f sinθ – along horizontal direction
3. It arises only in the no inertial frame of reference. Ncosθ is balanced by weight ‘mg’ of vehicle
4. It feels due to inertia property of particle. &component fsinθ of frictional force.
5. It is not responsible for circular motion. N cos θ = f sin θ + mg
∴mg = N cos θ - f sin θ ………………… (1)
 Banking of Roads:- Nsinθ andfcosθ provides necessary centripetal
Necessity of banking of road: force.
Consider a vehicle of mass ‘m’ moves along a N sin + f cos =
horizontal curved road of radius “r”. It performs
circular motion. For the circular motion necessary = N sin θ + f cos θ……………………(2)
centripetal force is provided by the force of friction
between the tyres force of friction between the
tyros of vehicle and surface of road.
Force of friction = and
Centripetal force = m
∴m =
∴ =

∴ =
Dividing equation (2) by equation (1), we get
The Maximum speed of a vehicle depends upon
the coefficient of friction, radius of curvature and
acceleration due to gravity =
The force of friction is not reliable. Its
magnitude decreases when the road becomes wet
= …… (3)
due to rains or when oil falls on the road. Thus force
of friction will not be able to produce necessary The force of friction is given by,
F= N
4

centripetal force and vehicle will skid off. Hence n

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banking of road is necessary. Eq (2) ÷ (1), becomes

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)

 ∴ = When bob revolved in a horizontal circle, the
traces out a cone. Let ‘r’ be the radius.
1) The vertical component Tcosθ which is
∴ = balanced by weight mg
Divide by cos θ to RHS, we get ∴ Tcos = mg ………………….(1)
2) The horizontal component Tsinθ which is
μ directed towards center of the circle and it
∴ = μ provides the necessary centripetal force.
∴ T sin = ………………….(2)
∴ = Equation (2) divided by (1), we get
tan =
μ 2
∴ = v = rg tan
μ
v= tan

∴ = ……(4)  Period of conical pendulum(T1):

The Period of conical pendulum is given by,
If μ = 0, then equation (4) becomes, T1 =

∴ = T1 =

∴ =
=
∴ = tan-1( )
T1 = (from fig, tanθ=r/h)
The above equation shows that the angle of banking is
independent on mass of vehicle.
T1 = 2
 Conical Pendulum :- From ∆ OCA, h = l cos
Q. Define Conical pendulum. Obtain an expression
for period of conical pendulum.
Ans: Conical Pendulum: A small heavy sphere ∴ T1 = 2
suspended by a light and inextensible string from a
rigid support and revolving in a horizontal circle Period of conical pendulum depends upon
with a uniform speed constitutes a conical height of cone and acceleration due to gravity.
pendulum. Now, ∴T cosθ = mg
∴T sin θ =
Squaring and adding, we get
∴T2cos2 + T2sinθ = (mg)2 +

∴T2 = (mg)2 +
As tanθ = & tanθ =

Consider a bob of pendulum of mass ‘m’ tied to ∴ =

5

the string of length ‘l’ and suspended from rigid

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∴ v2 =
support as shown in fig.
Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)
 T1=0
∴T2 = (mg)2 +
=mg
=
∴T2 = (mg)2+ + ∴v1=
The period of pendulum is, If v1< then string will slackened & object
will not able to continue its C.M.
∴ T = mg +
For circular motion V1≥
Period of conical pendulum depends upon…….  Linear velocity (v2) at lowest point B:-
 Length of pendulum. T.E.at point B = T.E. at point A……(1)
 Angle of inclination to vertical. K.E. at B + P.E. at B = K.E. at A + P.E. at A
 Acceleration due to gravity. Now, K.E. at A = m and K.E. at B = m
And it is independent of mass of bob. Also, P.E. at A = mg 2r = 2mgr and P.E. at B=0
T.E. at A = m + 2
 Vertical circular motion:-
∴ Eqn (1) becomes
This is non-uniform circular motion. Consider an 1
object of mass ‘m’ tied at the one end of an ∴ m = m + mgr
2
inextensible string & whirled in vertical circle of But V1=
radius ‘r’. Due to the influence of earth’s ∴ = r +2 gr
gravitational field, its velocity & tension vary in 1 5
magnitude. It is maximum (V2) at lowest point & ∴ 22 =
2 2
minimum (V1) at highest point. ∴ = 5 rg
At point A (highest point) centripetal force is
provided by tension T1 in the string & weight of the ∴ 2= 5
body.
If V2< 5 then body will not able to perform
circular motion.
 Linear velocity (v3) at lowest point C:-
T.E.at point C = T.E. at B…(1)
K E at C = m

P E at C = mgr

∴ T E at C = m +
∴ T1 + mg = Eqn (1) becomes
∴ m +mgr = 0 +
∴ T1= − mg…… (1)
At lowest point ‘B’ tension T2& weight ‘mg’ are ∴ = – mgr
opposite in directions hence (T2–mg) provides 1 3
necessary centripetal force. ∴ =
2 2
∴T2 – mg = ∴ =3

∴ T2 = + mg…….(2)
v3 = 3

 Linear velocity(v1) at highest point (A):-  Energy in vertical circular motion:-

There is certain minimum velocity v1 of object at A Potential energy of body in vertical circular
below which string becomes slack.
6

motion is measured with reference to its energy

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i.e. Tension T1 vanishes. at the bottom position (i.e.at lowest position)

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)
1) When body in vertical motion is at bottom Q. Derive an expression for difference in
(lowest point) :- tensions at highest point & lowest point for
At lowest position V2 = 5 particle performing vertices circular motion?
Potential energy = 0 Ans: Consider a particle of mass ‘m’ revolving
∴ KE = m = in vertical circle of radius ‘r’ by inextensible
string.
T E at B = K E at B + P E at B Let T2 be the tension & v2 be the velocity at
( But K E at B = mrg and P E at B = 0) lowest point B.
Total energy at B = 0 + mrg Then T2 = + mg
= T2 – mg = …………….(1)
Let T1 be the tension & v1 be the velocity at
∴ T E at B = highest point B.
Then T1 = - mg
2) When body in vertical circular motion is at Top T1+ mg = …………….(2)
(at highest point) :- n
Eq (1) – (2), we get
At highest point V1=
∴ PE = mg (2r) ∴T2 – mg – (T1 + mg) = -
∴ KE = m ∴T2 – T1 – 2mg = ( - )
= ∴T2– T1 = ( - ) +2mg …… (3)
(But v1 = & v2 = 5 )
T E at A = K E at A + P E at A ∴ T2 – T1 = (5rg-rg) + 2 mg
= m + mg (2r)
= + mg (2r) ∴T2 – T1 = 4rg + 2 mg
= 5/2 mgr
∴T2 – T1 = 4mg + 2 mg
TE =
∴T2 – T1 = 6mg

3)When body in vertical circular motion is on  Kinematical equations in circular motion :-

horizontal diameter( at midway position) :- If Particle moves with initial velocity u. It
At midway position V3= 3 attains final velocity v in time t, with
and PE = mg (r) acceleration ‘a’. then kinematical equations are
∴ KE = m = (3 ) v= u + at …… (1)
S = ut + at2 …… (2)
∴ TE = PE + KE v2 = u2 + 2as …… (3)
These are three kinematical equations.
∴ TE = mg = (3 ) In circular motion, for a body moving along
circular path with constant angular acceleration
TE = , three kinematical equations are given by,
= + t …… (1)
= t+ t2 …… (2)
∴ Total energy in vertical circular motion is 2
conserved. When body moves from bottom to top = 2+2 …… (3)
KE gets converted to PE and when moves from top Where, = initial angular velocity
7

to bottom is PE gets converted to KE. = final angular velocity after time t.

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= angular displacement in time t.

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)
 Problems for Practice (From Text Book):-  Additional Numerical for Practice:-
1) Calculate the angular velocity and linear velocity of 1) A long playing records with speed of 33(1/3) rpm
minute hand of length 10 cm. (1.744 x103 rad/s, 1.744 has radius 15 cm. Two coins are placed at 4 cm and
x102 m/s) 14 cm away from the centre of record. If coeff. of
2) A car of mass 2000 kg moves round a curve of radius friction between coins and the record is 0.15 which
250 m at 90 km/hr. Compute its, a) Angular speed, coin will revolve with the record. (g=9.8 m/s2)
b)Centripetal acceleration c)Centripetal force (0.1 2) An electric bulb suspended from the roof of
2
rad/s, 2.5 m/s , 5000 N) railway train by flexible wire shifts through an angle
3) A bucket containing water is whirled in a vertical of 190 48’ when train goes horizontally round a
circle at arm length. Find the minimum speed at top to curved path of 200 m. Find speed of train. (g=9.8
ensure that no water spills out. Also find corresponding m/s2) [ Ans: 26.5m/s]
angular speed. (assume, r = 0.75 m) (2.711 m/s, 3.615 3) A cyclist goes round a circular track of 440 m
rad/s) length in 20 s; find the angle that his cycle made
4) A motor cyclist at a speed of 5 m/s is describing in a with the vertical. [ Ans: 35012’]
circle of radius 25 m. Find his inclination with vertical. 4) A particle moving in a circular track of radius 100
What is the value of coefficient of friction between tyre cm has its angular speed increased in one minute by
and ground? (50 51’, 0.1020) 90 rad/s. Calculate, a) Angular acceleration
5) A stone weighting 1kg is whirled in a vertical circle at b) Tangential acceleration[ Ans: a)1/40m/s2,b)2540m/s2]
the end of a rope of length 0.5 m. Find the tension at i) 5) Two skaters of equal masses on a circular rink in
lowest position ii) mid position iii) highest position. the same time. One skater is twice as far from the
(58.8 N, 0 N, 29.4 N) centre of rink as other. Compare a) speeds of
6) An object of mass 0.5 kg attached to a rod of length skaters, b) CP force acting on them.[ Ans: a),b) 2]
0.5 m is whirled in a vertical circle at constant angular 6) A cyclist is riding with speed of 27 km/h. As he
speed. If the maximum tension in the string is 5 kgwt. approaches a circular turn on the road of radius 80
Calculate. i) Speed of stone. ii) Maximum number of m, he applies brakes and reduces his speed at
revolutions it can a complete in a minute.(6.641 m/s, constant rate of 0.5 m/s2. What is the magnitude
126.7 rpm) of net acceleration on cyclist on circular turn? Also
7) A motor van weighing 4400 kg rounds a level curve of find is direction.[Ans: 0.86 m/s2, 54027’]
radius 200 m on unbanked road at 60 km/hr. What 7) A certain strings brakes under tension of 45 kgwt.
should be minimum value of coefficient of friction to A mass of 100 g is attached to this string 500 cm in
prevent skidding? At what angle the road should be length and whirled in horizontal circle. Find the
banked for this velocity? (0.1417, 804’) maximum numbers of revolutions per second
8) A string of length 0.5 m carries a bob with a period 2 without breaking the string. [Ans: 5]
s. Calculate angle of inclination of string with vertical 8) The frequency of particle performing circular
and tension in the string. (90 5’, 0.9900 N) motion changes from 50 rpm to 180 rpm in 20 s,
9) A meter gauge train is moving at 60 km/hr along a Calculate angular acceleration.[Ans: 0.628rad/s2]
curved road of radius of curvature 500 m at a certain 9) A flyover bridge is in the form of circular arc of
place. Find the elevation of outer rail over inner rail so radius 30 m. Find the limiting speed at which a car
that there is no side pressure on the rail. can be cross the bridge without losing contact with
(g = 9.8 m/s2) (0.0567 m) road at highest point. Assume that the center of
10) A pilot of mass 50 kg in a jet aircraft while executing gravity of the car is 0.5 m above the car.[Ans: 17.3m/s]
a loop-the-loop with constant speed of 250 m/s. If the 10) Calculate the angular velocity of the earth due
radius of circle is 5 km, compute the force exerted by to its spin motion.
seat on the pilot a) at the top of loop, b) at the bottom 11) Find an angle which a bicycle and its rider makes
of loop. (135 N, 1115N) with vertical when travelling at 18 km/h around the
11) A boll is released from height along the slope and horizontal curve of radius 10 m. [ Ans: 14020’]
move along a circular track of radius R without falling 12) Find the angle of banking of the curved railway
vertically downwards. Show that h =(5/2) R. track of radius 600 m if the maximum safety speed
12) A block of mass 1 kg is released from P on a is 54 km/h. If the distance between the rails is 1.6 m
frictionless track which ends in quarter circular track of find the elevation of outer edge of road to its inner
radius 2 m at the bottom. What is the magnitude of edge.
8

[ Ans: 2012’, 6.0 cm]

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radical acceleration of the block when it arrives at Q?

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (1. Circular Motion)