All Flashcards
What is a vector field?
A vector field assigns a vector to each point in space, showing the direction and strength of a force at different points.
What is uniform circular motion (UCM)?
Motion of an object moving in a circle at a constant speed, but with changing velocity due to direction change.
Define centripetal acceleration.
Acceleration that always points towards the center of the circle in uniform circular motion.
Define centripetal force.
The net force that points towards the center of the circle, causing circular motion. It is NOT a new, separate force.
What is centrifugal force?
An apparent, center-fleeing force felt in a rotating frame, but not a real force.
What are the differences between centripetal and centrifugal forces?
Centripetal: Center-seeking, real force causing circular motion | Centrifugal: Center-fleeing, apparent force felt in a rotating frame.
Compare speed and velocity in uniform circular motion.
Speed: Constant magnitude | Velocity: Changing direction, therefore not constant.
What is the key difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?
Centripetal: Real force, center-seeking | Centrifugal: Apparent force, center-fleeing.
Compare the velocity and speed of an object in uniform circular motion.
Speed: Constant magnitude | Velocity: Changing direction, therefore not constant.