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.
What is centripetal force?
The net force that points towards the center of the circle, causing the circular motion. It is not a new, separate force.
What is centripetal acceleration?
The acceleration that points towards the center of the circle, responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity.
What is centrifugal force?
An apparent, center-fleeing force felt in a rotating frame, but not a real force.
In UCM, what direction does centripetal acceleration point?
Towards the center of the circle.
In UCM, what direction does centripetal force point?
Towards the center of the circle.
In UCM, what direction is the velocity vector?
Tangent to the circle.
In a gravitational vector field diagram, what do the vectors represent?
The strength and direction of the gravitational force between two objects.
In a gravitational vector field diagram, where are distances calculated from?
Between the centers of mass of the objects.
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.