Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can derive a_c = v²/r, directed to the centre, by differentiating r(t) = r cos(ωt) î + r sin(ωt) ĵ twice. (Guide: “Why moving in a circle means accelerating”)
- I can explain why “centripetal force” never appears on a free-body diagram, and name the real forces that provide it in a given situation. (Guide: “Where the inward force comes from”; Practice Q2)
- I can explain when the net force on an object moving in a circle does not point to the centre. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q7)
Calculation
- I can use T = 1/f and T = 2πr/v, and predict factors of change in a_c. (Guide: “Period and frequency”; Practice Q1, Q3)
- I can find a_t = dv/dt from v(t) or s(t) and combine it with a_c to give the size and direction of the net acceleration. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q7)
- I can derive the minimum speed √(gr) at the top of a vertical loop. (Guide: “Vertical loops”; Practice Q2)
- I can derive and use the greatest and least speeds on a banked curve with friction. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q5)
- I can derive Kepler’s third law for a circular orbit and use it to find a period, a radius or a central mass. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q4)
Reasoning
- I can decide the direction of friction on a banked curve from the car’s speed. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q5(a))
- I can show that a conical pendulum’s period depends only on h and g, and use a T²–h graph to find g. (Guide: “Conical pendulums”; Practice Q6)
- I can evaluate a claim about the forces on an object in circular motion using component reasoning. (Practice Q7(c))
All ticked? You have finished Unit 2. Move on to Topic 3.1, Translational Kinetic Energy, or return to the course roadmap.