Physics A-Level
Newton's second law in circular motion
What Newton's second law in circular motion means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Newton's second law in circular motion
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Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Newton's second law in circular motion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
F = ma, and substituting the centripetal acceleration gives F = mv²/r.
Topics that use Newton's second law in circular motion
- Centripetal force (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Centripetal acceleration
- Centripetal force
- Difference between speed and velocity
- Newton's first law and inertia
- Relationship between linear and angular quantities
- Rigid-body rotation
- Vector nature of velocity and acceleration
- Centripetal acceleration magnitude and direction
Using Newton's second law in circular motion in the exam
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