Uniform Circular Motion

Uniform Circular Motion

When a particle moves with a constant speed in a circular path, its motion is said to be the uniform circular motion. The speed of particle is uniform. Velocity of particle is not uniform (or the velocity is variable) i.e., the motion is accelerated. Thus, the velocity of particle in circular motion is variable or the circular motion is accelerated even through the speed of particle is uniform.

The uniform linear motion is an un accelerated motion, while in a uniform circular motion the velocity is variable (although speed is uniform), so it is an accelerated motion.

Centripetal and Centrifugal Force

Centripetal Force: The motion in circular path is under the action of a force which is called the centripetal force .this force is always directed towards the centre of circle at each point of its path.

Centrifugal force: A force acting away from the centre of the circular path is called the centrifugal force. The centrifugal force is a fictitious force.