Newton's 2nd Law for Circular Motion

Definition

Newton's 2nd Law for circular motion states that when an object moves in a circular path, there must be a net inward force acting towards the center of the circle. This inward force, called centripetal force, keeps objects moving in circular motion.

Related terms

Centripetal Acceleration:

Centripetal acceleration refers to acceleration directed towards the center of rotation experienced by an object moving in circular motion.

Centrifugal Force:

Although not actually considered as a real physical force, centrifugal "force" appears due to inertia and seems like an outward-pushing "force" experienced by objects in circular motion.

Tangential Velocity:

Tangential velocity is the linear velocity of an object moving along a circular path. It is always perpendicular to the centripetal force and determines how fast an object moves around the circle.