AP Physics B : Understanding Circular Motion

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics B

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Ap Physics 1

A ball of mass  on a string is rotating about the center axis with a velocity . If the tension force in the string is , what is the radius of the circular path of the ball?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We use the equation for centripetal force to find the radius:

Since the string ties the ball to the axis, the force of tension will be equal to the centripetal force.

Use the given mass and velocity to solve for the radius.

Example Question #31 : Ap Physics B

A yo-yo trick called Around the World involves swinging the yo-yo around in a vertical circle at the end of its string. A man performs this trick with a yo-yo traveling at . If the length of the full string is , what is the centripetal force on the yo-yo?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Centripetal force can be found using the equation:

In this situation, the radius is the length of the string. We are given the linear velocity and mass, as well as the radius, allowing us to solve for the centripetal force.

 

Example Question #31 : Ap Physics B

A boy is riding a merry-go-round with a radius of . What is the centripetal force on the boy if his velocity is ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For this problem, we use the centripetal force equation:

We are given the mass, radius or rotation, and the linear velocity. Using these values, we can find the centripetal force.

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