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.

Analogy

Think about swinging a ball attached to a string around your head. In order to keep it moving in a circle, you need to continuously pull on the string towards yourself. This pulling action represents centripetal force required for 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.