1

Angular Displacement, 𝜽
• It is the angle swept through a line joining to the centre of
circular path. It is measured in radians.
• The angle described by the particle about the axis of rotation in a
given time is called angular displacement.

𝒂𝒓𝒄 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉
• 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 =
𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒖𝒔
𝒔
𝜽=
𝒓
2
 Radian
• A radian defined as an angle of sector of an arc length is
equal to radius of the circle.
𝐶𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
r𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛 =
𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
𝒔
𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏 =
𝒓
2𝜋𝑟
𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛 =
𝑟
= 2𝜋
= 3600

3
 Angular Velocity
• The rate of change of angular displacement is called
angular velocity.
• It is denoted by Greek letter omega (ω).
• Is measured in radian per second


 =
𝒕
4
 Relationship Between 𝐯 , 𝛚 & 𝐫
∆𝐒
• 𝐕= ---------------------------------------------------- (i)
∆𝐭
∆𝐒
• ∆𝛉 = ------------------------------------------------- (ii)
∆𝐫
For small change in equation (ii)
∆𝑺
• ∆𝜭 = ------------------------------------------------- (iii)
𝒓
Dividing equation (iii) by ∆t
∆𝜽 ∆𝒔
=
∆𝒕 𝒓∆𝒕

𝐯
𝛚 = → 𝐯 = 𝛚𝐫
𝐫
• A body in circular motion has both linear velocity in m/s and
angular velocity in rads/s.
5
 Angular period and frequency
The time taken to make one complete revolution is called the
period (T) and is given by;
𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
T=
𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝

𝟐𝝅𝐫
=
𝝎𝐫
𝟐𝝅
=
𝝎
𝟐𝝅𝐫 𝐯
Also, T= , since ω =
𝐯 𝐫
𝟏 𝟐𝝅𝐫
Since T = and ω = ,ω = 2πf, where f is the frequency of
𝐟 𝐯
rotation.
2𝜋 1
T=
𝜔
f = ω= 2πf
𝑇
6
Example 1
A turntable rotates at a rate of 45
rev/min. what is its angular velocity in
−𝟏
𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬 ?
Solution
Angle turned in 1 rev = 2π rads
Angle turned in 45 rev = 2π x 45 rad
2π x 45
ω= rad s −1
60
= 1.5 π rads −1
= 4.71 rads −1

7
Example 2
(a) A model car moves round a circular track of radius 0.4 m at 2 revolutions per
second. What is its:
(ii) Angular velocity ω
(iii) Speed v?
(b) Find the angular velocity and the frequency of the motion of the car if it moves
with a uniform speed of 2 𝐦𝐬 −𝟏 in a circle of radius 0.2 m. (Take π = 3.142)
Solution
(a) (i) Period T is the time for one revolution
𝟏
T=𝐟 (b)From v = rω
𝟏 𝐯
=
𝟐 ω=
𝐫
= 0.5 s 𝟐
𝟐𝝅
(ii) ω = 𝐓
=
𝟎.𝟐
=
𝟐𝝅 = 10 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬 −𝟏
𝟎.𝟓
= 4π 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬 −𝟏 But ω = 2πf
𝝎
= 12.57 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬 −𝟏 f =
𝟐𝝅
(iii) Speed v = rω 𝟏𝟎
= 0.4 x 4π =
𝟐𝝅
= 1.6π
= 1.591 Hz
= 5.027 ms −1
8
 Centripetal Acceleration
• An object going through a circular path is said to accelerate.
• If the linear velocity of such object is constant the
object still accelerates because there is continuous
change in velocity as the object continuously
changes direction. From Newton’s second law of motion,
the body experiences a resultant force as it moves rounds path
.This resultant force is directed towards the circular path.
• Acceleration of this body is in the direction of force applied to
it i.e. it accelerates towards the centre of the circular of the
circular path. This acceleration is called centripetal acceleration.
The centripetal acceleration is given by the following equation.
𝑣2
𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑎 =
𝑟
But 𝒗 = 𝒓𝝎
𝒂 = 𝒓𝝎𝟐
9
Example 3
A point on the rim of a wheel has a velocity of 5.6 𝐦𝐬 −𝟏 . If the rim has a
radius of 0.4 calculate:
(a) The angular velocity of the point
(b) Its centripetal acceleration
Solution
(a) v = rω
𝐯
ω=
𝐫
𝟓.𝟔
=
𝟎.𝟒
= 14 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬 −𝟏
𝐯𝟐
(b) a=
𝐫
𝟓.𝟔𝟐
=
𝟎.𝟒
= 78.4 𝐦𝐬 −𝟐
Alternatively
a = 𝐫𝝎𝟐
= 0.4 x 14 x 14
= 78.4 𝐦𝐬 −𝟐
10
Example 4
A body having a mass of 0.5 kg is tied to a string and whirled in
a horizontal circle of radius 2 m with a speed of 3.16 𝐦𝐬 −𝟏 .
Calculate:
(a) The centripetal acceleration
(b)The tension in the string.
Solution
𝐯𝟐
(a) a=
𝐫
𝟑.𝟏𝟔 𝐱 𝟑.𝟏𝟔
=
𝟐
= 4.99 𝐦𝐬 −𝟐
(b) The centripetal force is provided by the tension in the
string.
𝐯𝟐
T = F = − ma
𝐫
= 0.5 x 4.99
= 2.50 N
11
 Centripetal Force
• Centripetal Force is the force that is required to
keep a body moving in a circular path and is
directed towards the centre of the circular path.
• If an object moving through a circular path is
released suddenly it flies off tangentially.

12
 Centripetal Force
Factors Affecting Centripetal Force.
1) Mass of the object, m- the heavier the object the more the
centripetal force needed to maintain it in circular path.
2) Angular velocity of the object, 𝝎- an increase angular
velocity causes an increase in centripetal force needed to
maintain the object in circular path.
3) Radius of the path r- the shorter the radius of the path the
larger the centripetal force required to maintain the object in
circular path.
𝒇 = 𝒎𝒓𝝎𝟐
𝒎𝒗𝟐
But (𝒗 = 𝒓𝝎) 𝒇 =
𝒓
13
 Examples of Uniform Circular Motion
A car rounding a level circular
bend
• When a car is going round in a
circular path on a horizontal
road, the centripetal force required
for a circular motion is provided by
the frictional force between the
tyres and the road
𝟐
𝒎𝒗
• Therefore- 𝑭𝒓 =
𝒓
• If the road is slippery then
frictional force may not be
sufficient so to provide centripetal
force
• To prevent skidding the car
should not exceed certain speed
limits referred to as the critical
speed.

14
 Examples of Uniform Circular Motion
Banked tracks
• Condition in which a road is raised gradually from
the inner side of the bend.

15
 Examples of Uniform Circular Motion
• N𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 -is the horizontal component which is responsible for
providing centripetal force.
• N𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 -Is the vertical component that is responsible for
balancing the weight of the vehicle.
• If a vehicle of mass m is travelling a long a circular path
of radius r at uniform speed v, then
𝒎𝒗𝟐
N𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 = … … … … … … … … . . (𝒊)
𝒓
N𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 = 𝒎𝒈 … … … … … … … … … … . . (𝒊𝒊)
Divide (i) by (ii)
𝒗𝟐
Hence 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝜽 =
𝒓𝒈
The maximum speed required for a body moving in a
circular path whose angle of banking is 𝜽 is given by;
𝒗𝟐 = 𝒓𝒈𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽 𝑯𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒗 = 𝒓𝒈𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽
16
 Critical Speed
This is the maximum speed at which a body can move round
a circular path without skidding.
This critical speed of a car in circular motion depends on:
• Radius of the bend i.e. one may negotiate the a bend at
higher critical speed the radius of the bend is big
• Condition of the tyre and the nature of the road surface
this will produce the frictional force need to negotiate the
bend
• The angle of banking on the road.

17
 A Cyclist Moving Round A Circular Track
Frictional force (Fr) is provided by centripetal force which is directed
towards the car however if frictional force is not sufficient to provided
centripetal force skidding takes place. To avoid skidding the cyclist leg
inwards so that normal reaction of frictional force produces the turning
effect to the clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
By principle of moments
Taking moments about C.o.g c
Rx = Fry
𝒙 Fr
=
𝒚 𝑹
𝒎𝒗𝟐
But R=mg; Fr=
𝒓
y 𝒙 𝒎𝒗𝟐
=
𝒚 𝒓𝒎𝒈
y 𝒗𝟐
𝒙 𝒗𝟐 tan 𝜽 = 𝒗 = 𝒓𝒈𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜭
R = ∴ 𝒓𝒈
𝒚 𝒓𝒈
Fr = µR : Mg tan 𝜽 = µ mg
Fr Tan 𝜽 =µ ; µ= coefficient of friction
x 18
 Aircraft Banking

When an aircraft is making a turn (changing its

direction) the aircraft must roll to a banked
position so that its wings are angled towards
the desired direction of the turn.
19
 Conical pendulum
If a pendulum bob moves in such a way that the string sweeps out a cone,
then the bob will describe a horizontal circle.

𝒗𝟐
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 =
𝒓𝒈

• As it can be clearly seen, there are two forces acting on the pendulum bob;
a) Its weight (mg)
b) The tension T in the string.
When the angular velocity 𝝎 increases the ball rises.
20
 Motion in Vertical Path
A When the ball is at B, which
is the lowest point of the path, it is
acted upon by the tensional force T
and its weight mg. the centripetal
force is therefore provided by the
C D
resultant force (𝐓𝐁 − mg);
𝐦𝐯 𝟐
= 𝐓𝐁 − mg…………………….(2)
𝐫

𝐦𝐯 𝟐
B 𝐓𝐁 = + 𝐦𝐠 or 𝐓𝐁 = 𝐦𝐫𝛚𝟐 + 𝐦𝐠
𝐫

The tension in the string is therefore

When the ball is at position A maximum when the object is at the
lowest point and the string is most likely
in figure 2.16 (b), the tension TA and the to snap at this position. Also clear from
weight mg provide the centripetal force. above is that the tension is minimum
mv2
= TA + mg…………………….(1) when the object is at the highest point
r
of the circle. It is at this position that a
𝐦𝐯 𝟐 certain minimum speed must be
𝐓𝐀 = 𝟐
− 𝐦𝐠 or 𝐓𝐀 = 𝐦𝐫𝛚 − 𝐦𝐠 maintained in order to keep the string
𝐫
taut.
21
 Application of Circular Motion
Centrifuges
• It is used to separate particles in
suspension in liquids of different
densities. It consists of small metal/glass
containers tubes that can be rotated.
• less dense particles settle at the top most
end and separated from the denser ones.

22
 Merry- go- round
Circular motion is used to construct merry go round
and rollercoasters used in entertainment.

23
 Application of Circular Motion
Satellites
• Two bodies with mass m1 and m2 at a distance r from
each other experience a
𝑮𝑴𝟏 𝒎
• force of attraction. 𝑭 = 𝟐 G is equal to
𝒓
universal gravitational constant
• Attraction between earth and satellite gives centripetal
𝒎𝒗𝟐 𝑮𝑴
Force = 𝟐𝟏𝒎
𝒓 𝒓
• Where M1 is mass of satellite and m mass of the earth
𝟐 𝑮𝑴
𝒗 = 𝟐𝟐
𝑹

𝑮𝑴𝟐
𝒗 =
𝒓
• The velocity of the satellite increases with decrease in
the radius of the orbit.
• If periodic time of the satellite is equal to that of
the earth the satellite appear stationary as seen
from the earth surface such satellite are said to be
in parking orbit and are used in weather
forecasting and telecommunications.

24
1. Define angular displacement.
2. Define a radian
3. Define centripetal force.
4. Define angular velocity and state its SI unit
5. Distinguish between linear velocity and angular velocity.
6. State what is meant by centripetal acceleration.
7. Define critical speed.
8. Explain why bodies in circular motion undergo acceleration even when their
speed is constant.
9. Explain why the moon is said to be accelerating when revolving around the
earth at constant speed.
10. State two ways in which the centripetal force on the ball in its circular
motion, would be reduced.
11. When is a satellite said to be in a “parking orbit”?
12. State the factors affecting the centripetal force and Explain how each of the
factors affect the centripetal force.

25
13. Fig shows a centrifuge being used in separating particles suspended in a
liquid.

Insolvent particles of different masses M1, and M2, are suspended in a liquid
and system then rotated at high speed as shown.
i) Explain why the particles of different mass will be at different distances
from the bottom of the tubes.

ii) If M1 is greater than M2, which particle will be further away from the base
of the tube?
iii) Explain how the high speed rotation causes the separation of mud from
water.
iv) Would the particles separate if the tubes remained vertical during the
rotation? Explain.
26
14. A 150g mass tied to a string is being whirled in a vertical circle of radius
30cm with uniform speed. At the lowest position, the tension in the string is
9.5N. calculate,
i) The speed of the mass.
ii) The tension in the string when the mass is at the uppermost position of
the circular path. (take g = 10m/s2)
15. A stone 0.5 Kg, was tied to a string that was 120cm long and whirled in a
horizontal circle at a rate of 150 rev/min. Determine:-
i) The periodic time, T, of the motion.
ii) The angular velocity, ω, of the motion.
16. A car of mass 1,200kg is moving with a velocity of 25m/s around a flat
bend of radius 150m. Determine the minimum frictional force between the
tyres and the road that will prevent the car from sliding off.
17. An object of mass 8 kg is whirled in a vertical circle of radius 2.0m with a
constant speed of 6 m/s. Calculate the maximum and minimum tension in the
string.(3mk
18. A small object moving in a horizontal circle of radius 0.2m makes 8
revolutions per second. Determine its centripetal acceleration.
27
19. An object of mass 0.5kg is rotated in a horizontal circle by a string 1m
long. The maximum tension in the string before it breaks is 50N. Calculate the
greatest number of revolutions per second the object can make.
20. An astronaut is trained in a centrifuge that has an arm length of 6m. If the
astronaut can stand the acceleration of 9g. What is the maximum number of
revolutions per second that the centrifuge can make?
21. A car of mass 1500kg negotiates a bend of radius 45m on a horizontal
road. If the frictional force between the road and the tyres is 7200N, Calculate
the maximum of speed at which the car be driven, at the bend without going
off the road. (3mk)
22. A small body of 200g revolves uniformly on a horizontal frictionless
surface attached by a cord 20cm long to a pin set on the surface. If the body
makes two revolutions per second. Find the tension of the cord.
23. A circular highway curve on a level ground makes a turn 900. The highway
carries traffic at 120km/h. Knowing that the centripetal force on the vehicle is
not to exceed 1/10 of its weight, calculate the length of the curve.
24. A turntable of record player makes 33 revolutions per minute. What is the
linear velocity of a point 0.12m from the center?
25. An object 0.5kg on the end of a string is whirled around in a vertical circle
of radius 2m, with a speed of 10m/s. What is the maximum tension in the
string?
28