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CAIE A-Level Physics 12.2.1 Force in Uniform Circular Motion

Practise resolving forces to identify the constant-magnitude inward resultant, then relating its perpendicular direction to centripetal acceleration.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
A2

Exam points

  • explain that a force of constant magnitude perpendicular to velocity produces centripetal acceleration
  • identify the direction of centripetal acceleration and force at a point on a circular path

12.2.1—A force of constant magnitude that is always perpendicular to the direction question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A circular metal disc spins horizontally about a vertical axis, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

A piece of modelling clay is attached to the disc.
For the instant when the piece of modelling clay is in the position shown, draw on Fig. 1.1:

an arrow, labelled A , showing the direction of the acceleration of the modelling clay.

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