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Introduction of Circular Motion

Part - 01

If a particle moves in a plane such that its distance from a fixed (or moving) point remains constant, then the
motion is called circular motion with respect to that fixed or moving point.
That fixed point is called the centre and the corresponding distance is called the radius of circular path.
The vector joining centre of circle and particle performing circular motion is called radius vector. It has constant
magnitude and variable direction.

Angular Position, Displacement, Velocity, Frequency, Time Period

Angular position :
To decide the angular position of a point in space we need to specify (i) origin and (ii) reference line.
The angle made by the position vector w.r.t. origin, with the reference line is called angular position.
Clearly angular position depends on the choice of the origin as well as the reference line.
Circular motion is a two dimensional motion or motion in a plane. Suppose a particle P is moving in a circle of
radius r and centre O.
The angular position of the particle P at a given instant may be described by the angle  between OP and OX.
This angle  is called the angular position of the particle.

• Unit : radian (SI)

• Clockwise angular position is taken as negative and anticlockwise displacement as positive

Angular Displacement:

Angle through which the position vector of the moving particle rotates in a given time interval is called angular
displacement.
Angular displacement depends on origin, but it does not depend on the reference line. As the particle moves
on above circle, its angular position  changes. Suppose the point rotates through an angle  in time t, then
 is angular displacement.
Arc
Angular displacement =
Radius
s
 =
r

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Circular Motion Part-01

• Unit : radian (SI)

• It is a dimensionless quantity.
• Always change degree into radian, if it occurs in numerical problems.
360o
1 radian =  radian = 180º
2
• If a body makes n revolutions, its angular displacement  = 2n radians

Important Points:
• Clockwise angular displacement is taken as negative and anticlockwise displacement as positive.
• It is an axial vector and direction of angular displacement is perpendicular to the plane along the axis of rotation
and is given by right hand thumb rule.
• Small angular displacement is a vector quantity,
But large angular displacement is not a vector quantity, because it does not follow commutative law of vector
addition.
d1 + d2 = d2 + d1 but 1 + 2  2 + 1
• In one complete revolution angular displacement is 2 radian.
Frequency (n):
Number of revolutions described by particle per second is its frequency.
Unit : Revolutions per second (rps) or Revolutions per minute (rpm)
1 rps = 60 rpm
Time Period (T) :
It is the time taken by particle to complete one revolution.
1
i.e. T =
n
Unit : hertz (Hz) or s-1

Illustration 1.
rd
1
A particle completes revolution in 0.6s. Find
3
(i) Time period
(ii) Frequency
(iii) Angular displacement after 1.8s

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Circular Motion Part-01

Solution.
rd
1
(i) Particle completes revolution in 0.6s
3
0.6
 Time taken by the particle to completes one revolution = = 1.8s
1/3
1
(ii) T =
n
1
 n= hertz (Hz) or s–1
1.8
(iii) In 1.8s particle completes one revolution, so angular displacement = 2 radian

Illustration 2.
A student runs 30 m around a circular track of diameter 100 m. What is his angular displacement?
Solution.
After running 30 m, the student reaches point P at an angle θ as shown in the figure.
Angular displacement,
Δθ = θ2 – θ1
Here,
θ1 = 0 and
θ2 = θ
Now,
Arc 30
= rad = rad (Radius = Diameter/2)
Radius 50
⇒ Angular Displacement =∆θ = 0.6 rad (Anti-clockwise)

Illustration 3.
A particle completes 1.5 revolutions in a circular path of radius 2cm. The angular displacement of the particle
will be - (in radian)
Solution.
We have angular displacement
Arc
== rad
Radius
S
  =
r
Here, S = n(2r)
= 1.5 (2 × 2 × 10–2) = 6 × 10–2
6  10−2
  = = 3 radian
2  10−2

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Relation b/w Angular Velocity and Linear Velocity

Part - 02

Angular velocity ()

It is defined as the rate of change of angular position of a moving particle with respect to time.
• Unit : Radian/sec
• Its dimension is [M0L0T–1]

Average angular velocity (avg) :

Total angular displacement  – 
avg = = av = 2 1 =
Total time taken t 2 – t 1 t
where 1 and 2 are angular position of the particle at time t1 and t2. Since angular displacement is a scalar,
average angular velocity is also a scalar.
• If a body makes ‘n’ rotations in ‘t’ seconds then average angular velocity in radian per second will be
2n
av =
t
• If T is the period and ‘f’ the frequency of uniform circular motion
2
av = = 2f
T

Illustration 1.
A particle revolving in a circular path completes first one third of the circumference in 2 s, while next one third
in 1s. Calculate its average angular velocity.
Solution.
2 2
1 = and 2 =
3 3
Total time T = 2 + 1 = 3 s
2 2 4
+
1 + 2 3 = 3 = 4 rad/s
 < av > = == 3
T 3 3 9

Illustration 2.
A particle is moving with constant speed in a circular path. Find the ratio of average velocity to its instantaneous

velocity when the particle describes an angle radian.
2
Solution.
 R R
Time taken to describe angle , t = = =
 v 2v
Total displacement 2R 2 2
Average velocity = = = v
Totaltime R / 2v 
Instantaneous velocity = v
2 2
The ratio of average velocity to its instantaneous velocity =


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Circular Motion Part-02

Instantaneous angular velocity (ins) :

It is angular velocity at any instant of time.

 d
ins = lim =
t →0 t dt

Since infinitesimally small angular displacement d is a vector quantity, instantaneous angular velocity  is also
a vector, whose direction is given by right hand thumb rule.
component of velocity perpendicular to line joining
=
length of line joining

Illustration 3.
If angular displacement of a particle is given by  = 2 – 2bt + 3ct2, then find its angular velocity at t = 2s.
Solution.
d
= = –2b + 6ct
dt
At t = 2s
 = –2b + 6c(2) = –2b + 12c

Relation between linear and angular velocity

s
 =
r
s = r
Divide both the side by total time taken
s 
=r
t t
lim t → 0
ds d
=r
dt dt
v = r
In vector from
v =  r
v = Linear Velocity
 = Angular velocity
r = radius vector or position vector

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Circular Motion Part-02

Note :
All the three vectors v, andr are mutually perpendicular to each other.

Here, v ⊥  ⊥ r v⊥  v. = 0

⊥ r  .r = 0

v⊥r  v.r = 0

Illustration 4.
25
An insect moves in a circular path of radius cm steadily and completes 10 revolutions in 50s. What is the


average angular speed and the average linear speed of the motion ?
Solution.
25 1
Radius of the circle = cm = m
 4

Time taken for 10 revolutions = 50s

50
So, time taken for 1 revolution = time period = = 5s
10

1
So, in 1 second, = 0.2 revolution.
5

2
So, angular speed = = 2f = 2 × 0.2 = 0.4 rad s–1
T
And linear speed.

1
v = r = 0.4 = 0.1m / s = 10cm / s
4

Illustration 5.
The second's hand of a watch has 6 cm length. The speed of its tip and magnitude of difference in velocities of

its tip at any two perpendicular positions will be respectively :

Solution.
= 6cm, v = ?
2 
= = rad/s.
60 30

 
So v =  =  6 = cm/s = 2 mm/s
30 5


Magnitude of difference = 2 cm/s
5

= 2 2 mm/s

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Relative Angular Velocity

Part - 03

Circular Motion
Relative angular velocity of a particle 'A' w.r.t. another moving particle B is the angular velocity of the position
vector of A w.r.t. B. It means the rate at which the position vector of 'A' w.r.t. B rotates at that instant.

(VAB )⊥ relative velocity of A w.r.t. B perpendicular to line AB

= =
rAB separation between A and B

v A sin 1 + v B sin 2
Here (vAB)⊥ = vA sin 1 + vB sin 2  wAB =
r

Illustration 1.
Two moving particles P and Q are 5 m apart at any instant. Velocity of P is 10 m/s and that of Q is 15m/s.

Calculate the angular velocity of P with respect to Q.

Solution.

Angular velocity of P with respect to Q is ; PQ =

(v )
PQ ⊥

rPQ

(v )
PQ ⊥ = 6 − (−12) = 18m / s

rPQ = 5m

AB =
(v )
PQ ⊥
=
18
radian / sec
rPQ 5

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Circular Motion Part-03

Illustration 2.
A particle is moving with constant speed in a circle as shown, find the angular velocity of the particle A with
respect to fixed point B and C, if angular velocity with respect to O is .

Solution.

( v AO )⊥ v
Angular velocity of A with respect to O is ; AO = = =
rAO r

( v AB )⊥ v  ( v AC )⊥ v 
 AB = = = and AC = = =
rAB 2r 2 rAC 3r 3

Illustration 3.
Particles A and B move with constant and equal speeds in a circle as shown. Find the angular velocity of the
particle A with respect to B, if angular velocity of particle A w.r.t. O is .

Solution.
Angular velocity of A with respect to O is

( v AO )⊥ v ( v AB )⊥
AC = = =  Now, AB =
rAO r rAB

vAB = 2v, since vAB is perpendicular to rAB'

 ( v AB )⊥ = v AB = 2v ; rAB = 2r

( v AB )⊥ 2v
AB = = =
rAB 2r

Illustration 4.
Find angular velocity of A w.r.t. B at the instant shown in the figure.

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Circular Motion Part-03

Solution.
( v AB )⊥
Angular velocity of A with respect to B is ; AB =
rAB

(vAB)⊥ = vA cos45° – (–vBcos45°)

v v
( v AB )⊥ = + = 2v
2 2

rAB = 2d

( v AB )⊥ v/ 2 v
AB = = =
rAB d 2 2d

Illustration 5.
Two particles A and B perform uniform circular motion on two concentric circles with velocity 4 rad s–1 and 6 rad s–1,

respectively, as shown. After how much time will they be aligned again in the same way for the first time?
Solution.
Given,
Angular velocity of A, A = 4 rad s–1

Angular velocity of B, B = 6 rad s–1

Before meeting for the first time, let A and B travel nA and nB revolutions, respectively.

Now, since nA and nB are integers, nA − nB will also be an integer.

 |2n A − 2nB |= 2n

 | A − B |= 2n

 | A t − B t |= 2n

 | A − B | t = 2n

 |4 − 6| t = 2n

 2t = 2n
 t = n
So, after time t = n (where n = 1, 2, 3…), both particles A and B will be aligned.

So, the first time they are aligned is when n = 1  t =  s .

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Angular Acceleration
Part - 04

Angular acceleration ()

It is defined as rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time.

Average angular acceleration ( avg ) :

Let 1 and 2 be the instantaneous angular velocities at times t1 and t2 respectively, then the average angular
acceleration av is defined as

Change in angular velocity f − i 

 avg = = =
Total time taken t2 − t1 t

Instantaneous angular velocity (  ins ) :

It is angular velocity at any instant of time.

It is the limit of average angular acceleration as t approaches zero, i.e.,

 d
ins = lim =
t →0 dt dt

d d
since  = ,  = {When  is a function of t}
dt dt

d2 
= {When  is a function of t}
dt 2
d
Also  =  {When  is a function of }
d

Important points :
• Unit : rad/s2

• Dimensions : [M0L0T-2]
• Angular acceleration is an axial vector quantity. It's direction is the direction of change in angular velocity.
• If  = 0, then circular motion is said to be uniform.

• If  ≠ 0, then circular motion is said to be non-uniform.

• If direction of angular velocity and angular acceleration is same then magnitude of angular velocity increases.

• If direction of angular velocity and angular acceleration is opposite then magnitude of angular velocity
decreases.

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Circular Motion Part-04

Illustration 1.

t3 t2
A particle is moving on a circular path of radius 5m and its time dependent angular position is  = − radian.
3 2

Find
(i) Angular displacement in first 3s
(ii) Average angular velocity in first 3s

(iii) Angular velocity at t = 2s

(iv) Angular acceleration at t = 2s

Solution.
(i) at t = 0s,  = 0
at t = 3s

(3)3 (3)2
= −
3 2

9
= 9 – = 4.5 radian.
2

Angular displacement in first 3s = 4.5 radian.

4.5rad 3
(ii) av = = rad / s
3s 2
d
(iii) inst =
dt

3t 2 2t
= − = (t 2 − t)
3 2
at t = 2, inst = (2)2 − 2 = 2rad /sec

d d2
(iv) inst = =
dt dt 2
= 2t – 1

at t = 2,  = 2(2)–1 = 3 rad/sec2

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Circular Motion Part-04

Illustration 2.
A disc starts from rest and gains an angular acceleration given by  = 3t – t2 (where t is in seconds) upon the
application of a torque. Calculate its (i) angular velocity after 2 sec and (ii) angular displacement after 2 sec.
Solution.
d
(i) = = 3t – t2
dt
 t
  d =  (3t − t 2 )dt
0 0

3t 2 t 3
= −
2 3

10
 at t =2 s, = rad/s
3

d
(ii)  =
dt
 t
 3t 2 t 3 
  d =   −  dt
0 0
2 3
2
 t3 t 4 
= − 
 2 12 0

 8 16  8
  =  −  = rad
 2 12  3

Illustration 3.
If angular velocity of a particle depends on the angle rotated  as  = 2 + 2, then its angular acceleration  at
 = 1 rad is :
Solution.
Given  = 2 + 2

d
= 2 + 2
d

d ( 2
= =  + 2 ) (2 + 2)
d

at  = 1

 = 12 rad/sec2

Illustration 4.

A solid body rotates about a stationary axis with an angular retardation  = k  where  is the angular velocity

of body. Find time after which body will come to rest, if at t =0, angular velocity of body was 0 .

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Circular Motion Part-04

Solution.

 = –k 

d
 = –k 
dt
0 t
d
 
0 =
–  kdt
0

2 0
 t=
k

Equation of circular motion

When angular acceleration is constant
d
We have, =  [where  = constant angular acceleration]
dt

or d =  dt
integrating, both sides we get
 t
 0
d =   dt or  – 0 =  t
0

  = 0 +  t .... (i)

Where 0 = initial angular velocity at time t = 0

 = Final angular velocity at time t = t

d
Again we can write  = .
dt

From equation (i) we get

d
= 0 + t
dt

or d = (0 + t) dt

On integrating
 t
 0
d =  (0 + t )dt
0

1 2
or  = 0 t + t .... (ii)
2

here. 0 = initial angular velocity at time t = 0

 = Final angular displacement at time t
d d d
Again =  or . =.
dt d dt

d d
=  =
dt d

  d =  d.

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Circular Motion Part-04

On integrating
 
 0
d =  d
0

or 2 – 02 = 2 
or 2 = 02 + 2  .... (iii)
Equation (i), (ii) and (iii) can be used to find different parameters of a particle moving with constant angular
acceleration.

Translatory / Linear Motion Rotational Motion

Initial velocity (u) Initial angular velocity (0)
Final velocity (v) Final angular velocity ()
Displacement (s) Angular displacement ()
Acceleration (a) Angular Acceleration ()
If a = constant, then If  = constant, then
v = u + at  = 0 + t
1 2 1 2
s = ut + at  = 0t + t
2 2
v2 = u2 + 2as 2 = 02 + 2
a 
s n th = u + (2n–1) nth = 0 + (2n –1)
2 2
u+v    +
s=  t  = 0 t
 2   2 

Illustration 5.
A fan is rotating with angular velocity 100 rev/sec. Then it is switched off. It takes 5 minutes to stop. (a) Find the
total number of revolutions made before it stops. (Assume uniform angular retardation) (b) Find the value of
angular retardation (c) Find the average angular velocity during this interval.
Solution.
  + 0   100 + 0 
(a)  =  t =    5  60 = 15000 revolutions
 2   2 
1
(b)  = 0 + t  0 = 100 –  (5 × 60)   = – rev/sec2
3
1
 Angular retardation = rev/sec2
3
Total Angle of Rotation 15000
(c) av = = = 50 rev. / sec.
Total timetaken 5  60

Illustration 6.
A particle performs circular motion with initial angular velocity 10 rad/s and constant angular acceleration of 2
rad/s2. Then find number of rotations in 5th sec.

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Circular Motion Part-04

Solution.
0 = 10 rad/s,  = 2rad/s2

nth = 0 + (2n –1)
2
2
= 10 + (2  5 − 1) = 19 rad
2
 19
Number of rotations = N = = 3
2 2
Illustration 7.
A grind stone starts from rest and has a constant - angular acceleration of 4.0 rad/sec2.The angular displacement

and angular velocity, after 4 sec. will respectively be -

Solution.
Angular displacement after 4 sec is
1 2
 = 0t + t
2
1 2 1
= t = × 4 × 42
2 2
= 32 rad

Angular velocity after 4 sec.

 = 0 + t

=0+4×4
= 16 rad/sec

Illustration 8.
A wheel starts from rest and rotates with constant angular acceleration about its axis. In first 3s, it rotates through
2
an angle 1 and next 3s it rotates through an additional angle 2. Then find .
1

Solution.
 = constant, 0 = 0 (given)
 For first 3s
1
1 = 0 + (3)2
2
9
= …(i)
2
 For first 6s
1
1 + 2 = 0 + (6)2
2

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Circular Motion Part-04

36
= …(ii)
2
From equation (i) and (ii)

9 27
1 = and 2 =
2 2
2 3
So, =
1 1

Illustration 9.
The figure shows the angular velocity versus time graph of a flywheel. The angle, in radians through which the
flywheel turns during 25s is

Solution.
d
=
dt

  d =  dt {Area under the − t curve gives  }


= 15 + 25  30
2
  = 600 rad

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Acceleration in Circular Motion

Part - 05

Tangential, Radial and Relation Between Linear and angular Acceleration

Relation between angular and linear acceleration:
Velocity v =  r

Differentiate both the side w.r.t time

dv d( r) d() d(r)

= =  r + 
dt dt dt dt

a =  r +  v

aT =  r is tangential acceleration

acp =  v is centripetal acceleration

a = aT + ac ( aT and ac are the two component of net linear acceleration)

aT ⊥ ac

| a |= a2T + a c2

Tangential Acceleration :
Its magnitude is the rate of change of speed of the particle.

d| v |
aT = = Rate of change of speed
dt

As aT is along the direction of motion (in the direction of v or opposite to v ) so aT is responsible for change in

speed of the particle.

• If a particle is moving on a circular path with constant speed then tangential acceleration(a T) is zero.

• In vector form aT =  r

• Magnitude of tangential acceleration in case of circular motion :

• aT =  r sin 90° = r (  is axial, r is radial so that  ⊥ r )

Centripetal Acceleration :
The velocity of the particle changes while moving on the curved path, this change in velocity is brought by a

force known as centripetal force and the acceleration so produced in the body is known as centripetal

acceleration.

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Circular Motion Part-05

aC =  v

aC =  ( r) { v =  r }

• Centripetal acceleration is always perpendicular to the velocity at each point , therefore it is responsible for
change in direction of velocity.

• In terms of magnitude

v2
ac = v = 2r =
r

Net acceleration :

a = aT + aC

a = a2T + a c2

2
 v2 
a = (r) +  
2

 r 

ac
tan  = { is the angle made by a with aT }
aT

Important Points :
(i) Differentiation of speed gives tangential acceleration.

(ii) Differentiation of velocity (v) gives total acceleration.

dv d | v | dv
(iii) & are not same physical quantity. is the magnitude of rate of change of velocity, i.e.
dt dt dt

d| v |
magnitude of total acceleration and is a rate of change of speed, i.e. tangential acceleration.
dt

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Circular Motion Part-05

Illustration 1.

A particle travels in a circle of radius 20 cm at a speed that uniformly increases. If the speed changes from 5.0

m/s to 6.0 m/s in 2.0 s, find the angular acceleration.

Solution.

Since speed increases uniformly, average tangential acceleration is equal to instantaneous tangential

acceleration.

 This instantaneous tangential acceleration is given by

dv v2 – v1
aT = =
dt t 2 – t 1

6.0–5.0
= m / s2 = 0.5 m / s2
2.0

a T 0.5m / s2
The angular acceleration is  = = = 2.5rad / s2
r 20cm

Illustration 2.

A particle moves in a circle of radius of 0.5 m at a speed that increases uniformly. Find the angular acceleration
of the particle, if its speed changes from 2 ms–1 to 4 ms–1 in 4s.

Solution.

Given,

Radius = 0.5 m

Final speed = 4 ms–1

Initial speed = 2ms–1

Time taken = 4s

We know that,

v = u + aTt ; where, aT = tangential acceleration

 4 = 2 + aT × 4

1 −2
 aT = ms
2

Also, aT = r; where  = angular acceleration

1
 = 0.5
2

  = 1 rad s–2

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Circular Motion Part-05

Illustration 3.
A body of mass 2kg lying on a smooth surface is attached to a string 3m long and then whirled round in a
horizontal circle making 60 revolutions per minute. The centripetal acceleration will be -
Solution.
Given that the mass of the particle, m = 2kg, radius of circle = 3m

Angular velocity = 60rev./minute

60  2
= rad/sec. = 2 rad/sec.
60

Because the angle described during 1 revolution is 2 radian.

The linear velocity v = r

=2 × 3 m/s = 6 m/s

The centripetal acceleration

v 2 (6)2
= = m/s2 = 118.4m/s2
r 3

Illustration 4.
A particle is revolving in a circular path of radius 500 m at a speed 30 ms –1. It is increasing its speed at the rate

of 2ms–2. What is its acceleration?

Solution.
Given,

Radius (r) = 500 m

Initial speed (u) = 30 ms–1

Tangential acceleration (aT) = 2ms–2

Let the speed be v and the magnitude of centripetal acceleration be a C.

We know,

v 2 302 9 −2
aC = = = ms
r 500 5

Total acceleration,

92
a = a2T + a2C = 22 +
52

181 −2
 a= ms
25

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Circular Motion Part-05

Illustration 5.
A particle is performing circular motion of radius 1 m. Its speed is v = (2t 2) m/s. What will be the magnitude of
its acceleration at t = 1s ?
Solution.
dv
Tangential acceleration = aT = = 4t, at t = 1s, aT = 4 m/s2
dt
v 2 4t 4
Centripetal acceleration ac = = = 4t4, at t = 1 s, ac = 4 m/s2
r 1

Net acceleration (a) = a2T + a2c = 42 + 42 = 4 2 m/s2.

Illustration 6.
A cyclist is riding with a speed of 18 km/h. As he approaches a circular turn on the road of radius 25 2 m, he
applies brakes which reduces his speed at a constant rate of 0.5 m/s every second. Determine the magnitude
and direction of his net acceleration on the circular turn.
Solution.
5
v = 18 × =5 m/s
18

v2 25 1
acp = = = m/s2
R 25 2 2
dv 1
aT = − = − m/s2
dt 2
2 2
 1  1 3
anet =   +  2  = 2 = 0.86 m/s
2
 2  

a CP 1 2 2
tan = = = = 2
aT 12 2

 = tan−1 ( 2 ) from tangential direction

Illustration 7.
A ring rotates about z axis as shown in figure. The plane of rotation is xy. At a certain instant the acceleration of

( )
a particle P (shown in figure) on the ring is 6iˆ − 8jˆ m / s2 . Find the angular acceleration of the ring and its

angular velocity at that instant. Radius of the ring is 2 m.

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Circular Motion Part-05

Solution.

at = 6iˆ

  R = 6iˆ

  2jˆ = 6iˆ

 = −3kˆ rad/s2

ar = −8jˆ

 v =− 8jˆ

 ( R ) ˆi =− 8jˆ

  = −2kˆ rad/s

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Dynamics of Circular Motion

Part - 06

Centripetal, Centrifugal and Tangential Force

Centripetal Force:
The force that is necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path and that is directed inward towards the
centre of rotation.
Fcp = macp

v2
Fcp = m| acp |= m2r = m
r
• It is a vector quantity
→ mv 2 mv2
• In vector form Fc = – . r̂ = – 2 r
r r
→ →
= – m2r r̂ = – m2 r = – m ( v ×  )
–ve sign indicates direction only.
→ → →
Fc = m ( v ×  )

Centrifugal Force
• The apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts radially away from the center of
rotation.
• Its magnitude is equal to centripetal force.
v2
• Fcf = m2r = m
r
• Its direction is radially outwards.

Note:
Centripetal force and centrifugal force are really the exact same force, just in opposite directions because they're
experienced from different frames of reference.

Tangential Force
• Tangential force is the force acting on a body in a circular motion in the tangential direction of a curved path.
• A tangential force is the follow up of a tangential acceleration which is always at right angle to the radius which
originate from the axis of rotation.
• FT = ma T = mr

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Circular Motion Part-06

Steps to solve problems based on the dynamics of circular motion:

(1) The free body diagram of the particle should be drawn.
(2) Axes should be defined, preferably in the radial and tangential directions.
(3) All forces should be resolved along the chosen axes.
(4) Newton’s second law of motion should be applied in radial and tangential directions.
(5) Forces in the plane perpendicular to circular motion should also be balanced if needed

Illustration 1.
A block of mass m moves with speed v against a smooth, fixed vertical circular groove of radius r kept on smooth
horizontal surface.

Find :
(i) normal reaction of the floor on the block.
(ii) normal reaction of the vertical wall on the block.
Solution.
Here centripetal force is provided by normal reaction of vertical wall.
(i) normal reaction of floor NF = mg
mv 2
(ii) normal reaction of vertical wall =
r

Illustration 2.
A body of mass 0.1 kg is moving on a circular path of diameter 1.0m at the rate of 10 revolutions per 31.4
seconds. The centripetal force acting on the body is -
Solution.
mv 2
F= = mr2
r
Here m = 0.10kg, r = 0.5m and
2n 2  3.14  10
= = = 2rad/s
t 31.4
F = 0.10 × 0.5 × (2)2 = 0.2 N

Illustration 3.
A block of mass 2kg is tied to a string of length 2m, the other end of which is fixed. The block is moved on a
smooth horizontal table with constant speed 5 m/s. Find the tension in the string.

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Circular Motion Part-06

Solution.
Here centripetal force is provided by tension.
mv2 2  52
T= = = 25N
r 2

Illustration 4.
A block of mass m is tied to a spring of spring constant k, natural length , and the other end of spring fixed at

O. If the block moves in a circular path on a smooth horizontal surface with constant angular velocity , find
tension in the spring

Solution.
Assume extension in the spring is x. Here centripetal force is provided by spring force.
Centripetal force, kx = m2( + x)

m2
 x=
k − m2

km2
therefore, Tension = kx =
k − m2

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Horizontal Circular Motion

Part - 07

Horizontal Circular Motion

Uniform Circular Motion (U.C.M.)
When a particle moves on a circular path with constant speed, then its motion is called uniform circular motion.

In uniform circular motion a resultant non-zero force acts on the particle. The acceleration is due to the change
in direction of the velocity vector. In uniform circular motion, tangential acceleration ( aT ) is zero. The

v2
acceleration of the particle is towards the centre and its magnitude is . Here, v is the speed of the particle
r
and r the radius of the circle.

mv 
The direction of the resultant force F is therefore, towards the centre and its magnitude is F = = mr2
r
( as v = r)
Here,  is the angular speed of the particle. This force F is called the centripetal force. Thus, a centripetal force

mv 2
of magnitude is needed to keep the particle moving in a circle with constant speed. This force is provided
r
by some external agent such as friction, magnetic force, coulomb force, gravitational force, tension. etc.

In this motion :

• Speed = constant
• |velocity| = constant
• Velocity ≠ constant (because its direction continuously changes)
1
• K.E. = mv2 = constant
2
•  = constant (because magnitude and direction, both are constant)
 d| v | d ( constant ) 
• a T = 0  aT = = = 0
 dt dt 
•  =0 [From a T = r ]
• |a |=|acp |= v = 2r = v 2 / r = constant

• a = acp  constant (because the direction of acp is towards the centre of circle which changes as the particle

revolves)
• Uniform circular motion is usually executed in horizontal plane.

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Circular Motion Part-07

• Total work done = F

net .ds

=  Fcp .ds  Fnet = Fcp 

 
90°
=  (F ) (ds ) cos90 = 0
cp

Work 0
• Power = = =0 or Power = Fnet .v = Fcp .v = Fcpvcos90° = 0
time t
• Concept (For U.C.M.)
Fnet = macp

Example:-

(i) A particle of mass 'm' is tied at one end of a string of length 'r' and it is made to revolve along a circular
path in a horizontal plane with a constant speed means a (uniform circular motion) In this condition the
required centripetal force is provided by the tension in the string.

(ii) Motion of artificial satellites around the earth is an example of uniform circular motion. The gravitational
force from the earth makes the satellites stay in the circular orbit around the earth.

(iii) The motion of electrons around its nucleus.

(iv) The tip of second's hand of a watch with circular dial shows uniform circular motion.

(v) A curve in a road, a car turning through

Illustration 1.
A certain string which is 1m long will break, if the load on it is more than 0.5kg. A mass of 0.05kg is attached to
one end of it and the particle is whirled round a horizontal circle by holding the free end of the string by one
hand. The greatest number of revolutions per minute possible without breaking the string will be-
Solution.
Mass of the body m = 0.05kg , Radius of circular path = 1m
The maximum tension the string can withstand
= 0.5 kg wt.

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Circular Motion Part-07

= 0.5 x 9.8 N = 4.9 N

Hence the centripetal force required to produce the maximum tension in the string is 4.9N
4.9 4.9
i.e.mr2 = 4.9  2 = = = 98   = 98
mr 0.05  1
98
 2n = 98  n =
2
= 1.576 rev/sec = 94.5 rev/min

Illustration 2.
A block of mass m is kept on the edge of a horizontal turn table of radius R, which is rotating with constant
angular velocity  (along with the block) about its axis. If coefficient of friction is µ, find the friction force between
block and table
Solution.
Here centripetal force is provided by friction force.
Friction force = centripetal force = m2R

Illustration 3.
The coefficient of friction between block and table is  . Find the tension in the string if the block moves on the
horizontal table with speed v in circle of radius R.

Solution.
mv 2
The magnitude of centripetal force is
R
mv 2
(i) If limiting friction is greater than or equal to , then static friction alone provides centripetal force, so
R
tension is equal to zero. T = 0 Ans.
mv 2
(ii) If limiting friction is less than , then friction as well as tension both combine to provide the necessary
R
mv2
centripetal force. T + f2 =
R
mv2
In this case friction is equal to limiting friction, f2 = µmg  Tension = T = – mg
R

Illustration 4.
A particle of mass m1 is fastened to one end of a string and another one of mass m2 to the middle point; the
other end of the string being fastened to a fixed point on a smooth horizontal table. The particles are then
projected, so that the two portions of the string are always in the same straight line and describe horizontal
circles. Find the ratio of the tensions in the two parts of the string.
Solution.
Suppose OA = AB =

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Circular Motion Part-07

For mass m1
T1 = m1 2( 2 )
For mass m2
T2 – T1 = m2 2

 T2 = m2 2 + m1 2 2
T1 m1 2 (2 ) 2m1
= =
T2 m2 + m1  2
2 2
m2 + 2m1

Illustration 5.
A small object placed on a rotating horizontal turn table just slips when it is placed at a distance 4 cm from the
axis of rotation. If the angular velocity of the turn-table is doubled, the object slips when its distance from the
axis of rotation is
Solution.
The object will slip if required centripetal force  force of friction
mr2  µmg
r2  µg
r2  constant
2
 r1   2 
or  = 
 r2   1 
2
4cm  2 
=   r2 = 1 cm
r2  

Illustration 6.
A hemispherical bowl of radius R is rotating about its axis of symmetry which is kept vertical. A small ball kept
in the bowl rotates with the bowl without slipping on its surface. If the surface of the bowl is smooth and the
angle made by the radius through the ball with the vertical is . Find the time period of the bowl's is rotation.
Solution. 
Ncos  = mg …..(1)
N cosα
Nsin  = mr2 …..(2)
r = Rsin  …..(3)
R
From equation (2) & (3)
α R N α
Nsin  = m2Rsin  2
m r A
N = mR2 …..(4) r N sin α
g
( )
 mR2 cos  = mg   =
Rcos 
mg

2
 T=

R cos 
T = 2
g

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Banking of Roads
Part - 08

Circular Turning on Roads

When vehicles go through turnings, they travel along a nearly circular arc. There must be some force which
provides the required centripetal acceleration. If the vehicles travel in a horizontal circular path, this resultant
force is also horizontal. The necessary centripetal force is being provided to the vehicles by the following three
ways :
• By friction only.
• By banking of roads only.
• By friction and banking of roads both.
In real life the necessary centripetal force is provided by friction and banking of roads both.

Case-1
Circular turning on roads by friction only :
Suppose a car of mass m is moving with a speed v in a horizontal circular arc of radius r. In this case, the
necessary centripetal force will be provided to the car by the force of friction f acting towards centre of the
circular path
mv 2
f=
r
fmax = N = mg
Therefore, for a safe turn without skidding
mv2 mv2
 fmax   mg  v  rg
r r

Case-2
Circular turning on roads by banking of roads only :
Friction is not always reliable at turns particularly when high speeds and sharp turns are involved. To avoid
dependence on friction, the roads are banked at the turn in the sense that the outer part of the road is some
what lifted compared to the inner part.

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Circular Motion Part-08

mv 2
Nsin = and N cos  = mg
r

v2 h
tan  =  v = rg tan  tan  =
rg b

Note :

v2 h
tan = =
rg b

Case-3
Circular turning on roads by friction and banking of road both :

 If a vehicle is moving on a circular road which is rough and banked also, then three forces may act on the vehicle.
 Of these the first force, i.e., weight (mg) is fixed both in magnitude and direction.
 The direction of second force, i.e., normal reaction N is perpendicular to road.
 The direction of the third force, i.e., friction f can be either inwards or outwards, while its magnitude can be
varied up to a maximum limit (fmax = μN ).
 So, direction and the magnitude of friction f are so adjusted that the resultant of the three forces mentioned
𝑚𝑣 2
above is towards the Centre.
𝑟

(a) If speed of the vehicle is small then friction acts outwards.

In this case, Ncos  + f sin  = mg …(i)

mv2
and Nsin  − fcos  = …(ii)
R

For minimum speed f = µN

So by dividing equation (1) by equation (2)

Ncos  + Nsin  mg
=
Nsin  − Ncos  mv2min / R

 tan  −  
Therefore v min = Rg  
 1 +  tan  

If we assume  = tan , then

 tan  − tan  
v min = Rg   = Rg tan( − )
 1 + tan  tan  

(b) If speed of the vehicle is high then friction acts inwards.

In this case for maximum speed,

Ncos  − Nsin  = mg

mv 2max
and Nsin  + Ncos  =
R

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Circular Motion Part-08

 tan  +  
Which gives v max = Rg  
 1 −  tan  

If we assume  = tan , then

 tan  + tan  
v max = Rg   = Rg tan( + )
 1 − tan  tan  

Hence for successful turning on a rough banked road, velocity of vehicle must satisfy following relation.

Rg tan( − )  v  Rg tan( + )

where  = banking angle and  = tan−1 ()

Note :
v2
The expression tan  = also gives the angle of banking for an aircraft, i.e., the angle through which it should
rg
tilt while negotiating a curve, to avoid deviation from the circular path.
v2
· The expression tan  = also gives the angle at which a cyclist should lean inward, when rounding a corner.
rg
In this case,  is the angle which the cyclist must make with the vertical.

Illustration 1.
An unbanked curve has a radius of 100m. The maximum speed at which a car can make a turn if the coefficient
of static friction is 0.8, is (acceleration due to gravity = 10 m/s2)
Solution.
Here centripetal force is provided by friction so

mv 2
 mg
r

v max = µrg = 0.8  100  10 = 28m / s

Illustration 2.
What should be the angle of banking of a circular track of radius 600 m that is designed for cars with an

average speed of 180 km h-1

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Circular Motion Part-08

Solution.
Given,
Radius of the track (r) = 600 m
Speed of cars (v) = 180 km h–1

5
= 180 × ms–1 = 50 ms–1
18
Let the angle of banking be .

v2 (50)2 5
tan  = = =
rg 600  10 12

 5 
  = tan −1  
 12 

  = 22.6°

Illustration 3.
A circular road of radius 40 m has the angle of banking equal to 37°. At what speed should a vehicle go on this

road so that the friction is not used ?

Solution.
Given,

Radius (r) = 40 m
Angle of banking =  = 37°

Let the speed = v

We know

v2
 tan  =
rg

 v = rg tan 

 v = 40  10  tan37 = 10 3m / s

Illustration 4.
A circular road of radius 0.5 km has a banking angle of 37°. What will be the maximum safe speed of a car whose
mass is 500 kg, and the coefficient of friction between the tyre and the road is 0.5
Solution.
Given,
Radius of the circular road (r) = 0.5 km = 500 m

Mass of the car (m) = 500 kg

Angle of banking = 37°

Coefficient of friction between the tyre and the road = 0.5

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Circular Motion Part-08

 tan  +  
v max = Rg  
 1 −  tan  

 tan37 + 0.5 
v max = 500  10 
 1 − 0.5  tan37 

 3  5
 4 + 0.5  4
 
v max = 500  10   = 5000
3
 1 − 0.5    2.5 
 4  4 
 

v max = 5000  2 = 100m / s

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Conical Pendulum, Rotor and Death Well

Part - 09

Conical Pendulum
If a small particle of mass m tied to a string is whirled along a horizontal circle, as shown in figure then the
arrangement is called conical pendulum'. In case of conical pendulum, the vertical component of tension
balances the weight while its horizontal component provides the necessary centripetal force. Thus,

The forces acting on the bob are

(a) Tension T (b) weight mg

The horizontal component T sin of the tension T provides the centripetal force and the vertical component
T cos balances the weight of bob

mv 2
T sin = …(i)
r
T cos  = mg …(ii)
From equations (i) and (ii)
v2
tan = …(iii)
rg
 v = rg tan 
v g tan 
 Angular speed  = =
r r
2 r Lcos 
So, the time period of pendulum is T = = 2 = 2
 g tan  g

'Death Well' or Rotor

In case of 'death well' a person drives a motorcycle on the vertical surface of a large wooden well while in case
of a rotor a person hangs resting against the wall without any support from the bottom at a certain angular
speed of rotor. In death well, walls are at rest and person revolves while in case of rotor person is at rest w.r.t
wall and the wall rotates.
In both cases, friction balances the weight of person while reaction provides the centripetal force for circular
motion, i.e.,

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Circular Motion Part-09

By the free body diagram

fr = mg …(i)
mv2
N= = mr2 …(ii)
r
Balancing the vertical forces
fr = mg
N = mg
mv2
 = mg
r
gr
v2 =

gr
v min =


Illustration 1.
Consider a conical pendulum having bob of mass m and h height below the ceiling, is suspended from a ceiling

through a string of length L. The bob moves in a horizontal circle of radius r.

Find

(a) The angular speed of the bob and time period in terms of g and h
(b) The tension in the string
Solution.

mv 2
(a) T sin = …(i)
r
T cos  = mg …(ii)
From equations (i) and (ii)
v2
tan = …(iii)
rg
If h = height of conical pendulum
OB r
tan = = …(iv)
OA h
from equations (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
v2 g g g
2 = 2
= = or  = 1
r h h
(L2 − r2 )2
(b) The time period of revolution
h
T = 2
g

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Circular Motion Part-09

(c) From equation (i) and (ii)

v4
T = mg 1+
r2 g 2

or
mg mgL
From equation (ii) T = =
cos  1
(L2 − r2 )2

Illustration 2.
In a "well of death", a person rides on the vertical face of a cylinder of radius 5 m. The coefficient of friction between
the tyres and the surface is '0.5'. Find the minimum angular velocity with which he should ride not to fall.
Solution.
We know
gR
v min = …(i)


v = r …(ii)
g
=
µr

10
= = 2rad / s
0.5 5

Illustration 3.
Two particles tied to different strings are whirled in a horizontal circle as shown in figure. The ratio of lengths of
the strings so that they complete their circular path with equal time period is :

Solution.
Lcos 
Since T = 2
g

 T1 = T2
 L1 cos = L2 cos2
L1 cos 2 cos45
 = =
L2 cos 1 cos30

L1 2
=
L2 3

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Circular Motion Part-09

Illustration 4.
A particle describes a horizontal circle on the smooth surface of an inverted cone. The height of the plane of the
circle above the vertex is 9.8cm. The speed of the particle will be -
Solution.
The force acting on particle are

(i) Weight mg acting vertically downward

(ii) Normal reaction N of the smooth surface of the cone.

Resolving N into horizontal and vertical components we obtain

mv 2
N cos = and N sin = mg
r
Nsin  mg rg
 =  tan = 2
Ncos  mv2 / r v

r r rg
But tan = , = 2
h h v

 v = hg = 9.8  9.8  10−2 = 0.98 m/s

Illustration 5.
A string breaks under a load of 50 kg. A mass of 1 kg is attached to one end of the string 10 m long and is

rotated in horizontal circle. Calculate the greatest number of revolutions that the mass can make in one second
without breaking the string.
Solution.
 = 2n,

Tmax = 500 N, r = L sin

Tsin = m2r
 T = m2 L

 Tmax = m 2max L

 Tmax = m(2nmax)2 L

1 Tmax 1 500 50
nmax = = = revolution per second.
2 mL 2 1  10 2

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Vertical Circular Motion

Part - 10

Non- uniform Circular Motion

When a particle moves on a circular path with variable speed, then its motion is called non-uniform circular
motion.

In this motion :

• Acceleration (a) has two components: -

acp = responsible for change in direction only

aT = responsible for change in speed only

Hence due to aT
• speed = |velocity| is variable
• Velocity ≠ constant (because its direction and magnitude continuously change)
1
• K.E. = mv2
2
v
• =
r
•   0 and aT  0
v2
• acp = v = 2r =
r
2
 v2 
= ( r ) +  
2
• a = aT + acp a = a T2 + acp2
 r 

• F = FT + Fcp F = FT2 + Fcp2

• Work done by centripetal force is zero but work done by tangential force is not zero.
• Total work done
W = FT .s = FTs cos 0° = FTs

 (where s is the distance travelled by the particle)

work FT .s
• Power = = = FT .v = FTv cos 0° = FTv
time t
• Angle between velocity and acceleration is given by :
acp Fcp
tan  = =
aT FT

Example :
Circular motion in vertical plane is an example of non-uniform circular motion.

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Circular Motion Part-10

Vertical Circular Motion

Suppose a particle of mass m is attached to a light inextensible string of length L. The particle is moving in a
vertical circle of radius L about a fixed-point O. It is imparted a velocity u in the horizontal direction at lowest
point A. Let v be its velocity at point P of the circle as shown in the figure.

Velocity at a point P
Then apply mechanical energy conservation between point A and P(considering potential energy zero at point A)
Total (P E + K.E.) at A = Total (P.E. + K.E.) at P
1 1
 0 + mu2 = mgh + mv2
2 2
1 1
 mu = mg(L − Lcos ) + mv 2
2
as {h = (L – Lcos)}
2 2
[Where L is length of the string]
 v= u2 − 2gL(1 − cos )
Tension at a point P

mv 2
At point P required centripetal force =
L
Net force towards the centre = T – mg cos
This net force provides required centripetal force.
mv 2
 T – mg cos =
L
v2
 T = m [g cos + ]
L
m 2
T= [u – gL(2 – 3cos)]
L
Special Case

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Circular Motion Part-10

At point A : (Bottom point)

mv 2A
TA = + mg (Here  = 0º)
L
mu2
TA = + mg
L
At point B :
vB= u2 − 2gL
mv B2
TB =
L
mu2
TB = – 2mg (Here  = 90º)
L
At point C : (Top point)
vC = u2 − 4gL
mv 2C
TC = – mg
L
mu2
TC = – 5mg (  = 180º)
L
From above equation we can see, Tbottom – Ttop = TA – TC = 6 mg, this difference in tension remain same.

Illustration 1.
A 4kg balls swings in a vertical circle at the end of a cord 1m long. The maximum speed at which it can swing if
the cord can sustain maximum tension of 183.2N will be -
Solution:
mv 2
Maximum tension T = + mg
r
mv 2
 = T – mg
r
4v 2
or = 183.2 – 4 × 9.8  v = 6m/s
1

Illustration 2.
The string of a pendulum is horizontal. The mass of the bob is m. Now the string is released. The tension in the
string in the lowest position is -
Solution:
The situation is shown in fig. Let v be the velocity of the bob at the lowest position. In this position the P.E. of
bob is converted into K.E. hence -
1
mgL = mv2  v2 =2gL .....(1)
2
If T be the tension in the string,
mv 2
then T – mg = ....(2)

From (1) & (2) T = 3mg

T
v

mg

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Circular Motion Part-10

Illustration 3:
A body weighing 0.4 kg is whirled in a vertical circle with a string making 2 revolutions per second. If the radius
of the circle is 1.2 m. Find the tension (a) at the top of the circle, (b) at the bottom of the circle.
Given: g = 10 m s–2 and  = 3.14.
Solution:
Mass, m = 0.4 kg;

1
time period = second, radius, r = 1.2 m
2
2
Angular velocity,  = = 4 rad s–1 = 12.56 rad s–1.
1/ 2

mv2
(a) At the top of the circle, T =
r
(
− mg = mr2 − mg = m r2 − g )
= 0.4 (1.2 × 12.56 × 12.56 – 9.8) N = 72 N

( )
(b) At the lowest point, T = m r2 + g = 80N

Illustration 4:
If a particle of mass m is tied to a light inextensible string fixed at point P and particle is projected at A with

velocity v A = 4gL as shown. Find:

(i) velocity at points B and C

(ii) tension in the string at B and C

Assume particle is projected in the vertical plane.

Solution:
(i) Assume PE zero at point A

For point B
From energy conservation
1 1
mv 2A + 0 = mg ( L ) + mv 2B
2 2
4gL 1
= g ( L ) + v 2B
2 2

v B = 2gL

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Circular Motion Part-10

For C : -
1 1
mv 2A = −mg ( L ) + mv 2C
2 2
4gL 1
= − g ( L ) + v 2C
2 2
vC = 6gL
(ii) Tension at B and C
mv2B
TB = − mg = mg
L
mv2C
TC = + mg = 7mg
L

Illustration 5:
Prove that a motor car moving over a convex bridge is lighter than the same car resting on the same bridge.
Solution:
The motion of the motor car over a convex bridge AB is the motion along the segment AB of a circle (Figure);
The centripetal force is provided by the difference of weight mg of the car and the normal reaction R of the
bridge.

mv2 mv2
 mg –R = or R = mg – (  mg )
r r

Illustration 6:
Prove that a motor car moving over a concave bridge is heavier than the same car resting on the same bridge.
Solution:
The motion of the motor car over a concave bridge AB is the motion along the segment AB of a circle (Figure);
The centripetal force is provided by the difference of normal reaction R of the bridge and weight mg of the car.

mv2 mv2
 R – mg = or R = mg + (  mg )
r r

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Condition for Looping The Loop

Part - 11

Condition for Looping The Loop

For String :
What should be the minimum velocity of particle connected with string of length L at point A so that it just
performs vertical circular motion about a fixed point.

The point mass will complete the circle only and only if tension is never zero (except momentarily. If at all) if
tension becomes zero at any point, string will go slack and subsequently, the only force acting on the body is
gravity. Hence its subsequent motion will be similar to that of a projectile.

mv 2
Tension at point P, T – mg cos =
L
From equation, it is evident that tension decreases with increase in  because cos  is a decreasing function and
v decreases with height. Hence tension is minimum at the top most point. i.e. T min = Ttopmost.

However if tension is momentarily zero at highest point the body would still be able to complete the circle.

Hence condition for completing the circle (or looping the loop) is : -

Tmin  0 or Ttop  0.

mv 2top
Ttop + mg =
L

For looping the loop, Ttop  0

mv 2top
 mg  vtop  gL ...(i)
L

If speed at the lowest point is u, then from conservation of mechanical energy between lowest point and top
most point.
1 1
mu2 = m v 2top + mg . 2L ...(ii)
2 2

using equation (i) and (ii) we get u  5gL

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Circular Motion Part-11

i.e., for looping the loop, velocity at lowest point must be  5gL .
If velocity at lowest point is just enough for looping the loop, value of various quantities at point A, B, C and D
are :

A B,D C P(general point)

1 Velocity 5gL 3gL gL gL(3 + 2cos )
2 Tension 6mg 3mg 0 3mg(1 + cos)
3 Potential Energy 0 mgL 2mgL mgL(1 – cos)
4 Radial acceleration 5g 3g g g(3 + 2cos)
5 Tangential acceleration 0 g 0 gsin

Massless Rod
In case of light rod tension at top most point can never be zero so velocity will become zero.
 For completing the loop v L  4gR

Illustration 1:
A stone weighing 1kg is whirled in a vertical circle at the end of a rope of length 0.5m. Find the velocity of a

stone and tension in string (a) at lowest position (b) midway when the string is horizontal (c) at topmost position
to just complete the circle.
Solution:
Lower most point

v L = 5gr = 5  9.8  0.5 = 4.95 m/s

TL = 6mg = 6  1  9.8 = 58.8N

When string is horizontal

v M = 3gr = 3  9.8  0.5 = 3.83 m/s

TM = 3mg = 3  1  9.8 = 29.4N

Top most point

v T = gr = 9.8  0.5 = 2.21 m/s

TT = 0N

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Circular Motion Part-11

Illustration 2:
Two-point masses, each m is connected to a light rod of length 2 and it is free to rotate in vertical plane as
shown. Calculate the minimum horizontal velocity given to lower mass so that it completes the circular motion
in vertical plane.

m
Solution:
Here tension in the rod at the top most point of circle can be zero or negative for completing the loop. So,
velocity at the top most point is zero.

From energy conservation

1 2 1 v
2 m
mv + m   = mg(2 ) + mg(4 ) + 0
2 2 2
m v
3g
 v=4
5

Illustration 3:
A block is released from the top of a smooth vertical track, which ends in a circle of radius r as shown.
(i) Find the minimum value of h so that the block completes the circle.

(ii) If h = 3r, find normal reaction when the block is at the points A and B.

Solution:
(i) For completing the circle, velocity at lowest point of circle (say A) is 5gr

from energy conservation

1
( ) 5r
2
mgh= m 5gr h=
2 2

(ii) h = 3r
From energy conservation, velocity at point A and B are :
1
mg  3r = mv 2A  v A = 6gr
2

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Circular Motion Part-11

1
mg  3r = mv 2B + mg  2r  v B = 2gr
2

Therefore, normal reaction at A and B is: -

mv2A
NA – mg =  NA = 7mg
r

mv2B
NB + mg =  NB = mg
r

Illustration 4:
A stone of mass 1 kg tied to a light string of length = 10 m is whirling in a circular path in the vertical plane.

If the ratio of the maximum to minimum tensions in the string is 3, find the speeds of the stone at the lowest

and highest points.

Solution:
mv 2
Tmax + mg vP
=3  2
=3
Tmin mv p
− mg

v2 + g
 =3 …..(i)
v 2p − g A

By COME
vP
v 2 + 5g
v 2 = v 2p + 4g  P2 = 3  2v 2P = 8g (from eqn (i))
vP − g

 v P = 4g = 4  10  10 = 20 m / s,

 v = 8g = 8  10  10 = 20 2 m / s

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Condition of Oscillations and Leaving Circular path

Part - 12

Condition of Oscillations and Leaving Circular Path

When a particle is whirled in a vertical circle then three cases are possible

Case I : Particle oscillates in lower half circle when u  2gL

Case II : Particle moves to upper half circle but not able to complete loop when

2gL  u  5gL

Case III : Particle completes loop when u  5gL

(
Condition of Oscillation 0 < u  2gL )
The particle will oscillate if velocity of the particle becomes zero but tension in the string is not zero.

(In lower half circle (A to B))

mv 2A
Here, T – mgcos =
L

mv2A
T= + mgcos
L

In the lower part of circle, when velocity become zero and tension is non-zero, means when v = 0, but T  0

So, to make the particle oscillate in lower half cycle, maximum possible velocity at A can be. given by

1
mv 2A + 0 = mgL + 0 (by COME between A and B)
2

vA = 2gL ....(i)

Thus, for 0 < u  2gL , particle oscillates in lower half of the circle (00 <   90°)

Condition of Leaving the Circle : ( 2gL < u < 5gL )

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Circular Motion Part-12

In upper half cycle (B to C)

mv 2
Here, T + mg cos =
L
 mv 2 
T=  – mgcos   .....(ii)
 L 
In this part of circle tension force can be zero without having zero velocity mean when T = 0, v  0
form equation (ii) it is clear that tension decreases if velocity decreases. So, to complete the loop, tension force
should not be zero, in between B to C. Tension will be minimum at C i.e., Tc  0 is the required condition.

mv 2c
At Top Tc + mg =
L
if Tc = 0
mv 2c
Then mg =
L
vc2 = gL  vc = gL
By COME (Between A and C)
1 1
mv 2A + 0 = mv 2c + mg(2L)
2 2
vA2 = vc2 + 4gL  vA2 = 5gL  v A = 5gL
Therefore, if 2gL < u < 5gL , the particle leaves the circle.

Note :
After leaving the circle, the particle will follow a parabolic path.

Illustration 1:
Find minimum speed at A so that the ball can reach at point B as shown in figure. Also discuss the motion of
particle when T = 0, v = 0 simultaneously at  = 90º.

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Circular Motion Part-12

Solution:
O B
From energy conservation v
T
1 2
mv A + 0 = 0 + mgL (for minimum speed at A, vB = 0) L  P
2
 mgcos
vmin = 2gL A
mg
at the position B, v = 0 and T = 0
mv2B
T − mgcos  = …....(i) (putting vB = 0 and  = 90º, in equation ............(i))
L
ball will return back, motion is oscillatory

Illustration 2:
A block is released from the top of a smooth vertical track, which ends in a circle of radius r as shown. If h = 2r,
find the velocity of the block when it loses the contact with the track.

Solution:
H = 2r
It loses contact with the track when normal reaction is zero
mv 2
= mgcos  …..(1)
r
From energy conservation 
1
mgh = mgr (1+cos  )+ mv 2 …..(2) r
2
From (1) and (2)
2g(h – r) 2gr
v= =
3 3

Illustration 3:
A block of mass m is released from the top of a frictionless fixed hemisphere as shown. Find
(i) The angle with the vertical where it breaks off.
(ii) The velocity at the instant when it breaks off.
(iii) The height where it breaks off.

Solution:
Let the particle leaves the sphere at height h ;

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Circular Motion Part-12

mv 2B
= mgcos  − N
R
When the particle leaves the sphere at B ; N = 0

mv 2B
 mgcos  =
R

 vB = gRcos ........... (i)

Now by equation of energy between A and B we have ;

1
0 + mgR = mv B + mgh
2

v2B = 2g ( R − h ) ........... (ii)

Put vB from (1) and h = R cos 

2
 vB = gR
3
From eqn (i) and (ii)

2R
h= from the bottom
3
2
Also cos  =
3

Illustration 4:
A stone weighing 0.5 kg tied to a rope of length 0.5 m revolves along a circular path in a vertical plane. The
tension of the rope at the bottom point of the circle is 45 Newton. To what height will the stone rise if the rope

breaks at the moment when the velocity is directed upwards? (g=10 m/s2)
Solution:

mv 2
T = mg +
v=0

m = 0.5 kg, = 0.5m & T = 45N

v2 x h
 45 = 0.5 10 + 0.5
0.5
0.5m
 v2 = 40
v
v2
Height upto which the stone will rise h = = 2m
2g

So, height upto which the stone will rise after the string breaks = h – 0.5 = 1.5 m

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Circular Motion Part-12

Illustration 5:
A particle in projected with velocity 3gL at point A (lowest point of the circle) in the vertical plane. Find the
maximum height about horizontal level of point A if the string slacks at the point B as shown.
Solution:
As tension at B ; T = 0
mv2B
 mgcos  = B
L
 v B = gLcos  ....(1)
Now by equation of energy between A and B. O
1 1 L
0 + m  3gL = mv 2B + mgL(1 + cos )
2 2
Put vB = gLcos A

1
 cos  =
3
 Height attended by particle after the point B where the string slacks is ;
v2B sin2  gLcos (1–cos2 ) 4L
h' = = =
2g 2g 27
 Maximum height about point A is given by ;
Hmax = L + Lcos  + h'
L 4L 40L
=L+ + =
3 27 27

Illustration 6:
A simple pendulum is constructed by attaching a bob of mass m to a string of length L fixed at its upper end.
The bob oscillates in a vertical circle. It is found that the speed of the bob is v when the string makes an angle
 with the vertical. Find the tension in the string and the magnitude of net force on the bob at the instant.
Solution:
(i) The forces acting on the bob are:
(a) the tension T
(b) the weight mg
As the bob moves in a circle of radius L with centre at O. A centripetal force of
mv 2
magnitude is required towards O. This force will be provided by the resultant
L T
of T and mg cos  . Thus,
mv2
or T − mgcos  =
L
mg
 v2 
T = m  gcos  + 
 L 
2
 v2 
(ii) anet = a2t + a2r = (gsin )2 +  
L
v4
|Fnet |= ma net = m g 2 sin2  +
L2

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