Circular Motion, It's Types

Circular motion refers to the motion of an object that revolves around a fixed point or axis, tracing out a circular path. This type of motion is characterized by the constant radius of the path and a continuous change in direction. In simple terms, circular motion refers to the curvilinear motion of an object along a curved path, wherein the radius of curvature remains constant.

Types of Circular Motion

Circular motion can be categorized into two main types:

• Uniform Circular Motion: In uniform circular motion, the object moves in a circle at a constant speed. The magnitude of the velocity remains the same, but the direction of the velocity continuously changes.
• Non-Uniform Circular Motion: In non-uniform circular motion, the object's speed varies as it moves along the circular path. This means that both the magnitude and direction of the velocity change.

Motion Variables in Circular Motion

• Angular Displacement (θ): Angular displacement measures the change in angle as an object moves along its circular path.
• Linear Distance : The linear distance covered by the object along the circular path given as;

• Angular Velocity (ω): Angular velocity represents the rate of change of angular displacement with respect to time.

• Angular Acceleration ( a ): Angular velocity represents the rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time.

• Linear Velocity (v): Linear velocity is the velocity of an object at any point along its circular path. It is the rate of change of linear displacement with respect to time.

• Centripetal Acceleration (a _c ): Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed towards the centre of the circular path. It keeps the object in circular motion. This acceleration occurs due to a change in the direction of velocity at each instant.

• Tangential Acceleration (a _t ): Tangential acceleration refers to the component of an object's acceleration that occurs along the tangent to the circular path at a given point. It represents how an object's linear speed changes as it moves in a curved trajectory.