Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Critical speed or critical velocity is defined as the minimum speed required for an object to complete a vertical circle without falling off at its highest point. It occurs when centripetal force equals gravitational force.