IB Physics HL A 2 24 Centripetal Force Questions

Practise analysing HL centripetal-force systems, including orbital motion, loops, banked roads and vertical circles.

Exam points

Identify the real interaction that supplies the centripetal force in an orbital, horizontal or vertical circular-motion situation.
Apply radial force balance and F=mv²/r to calculate speed, centripetal force or an orbital quantity.
Calculate tension or normal force and test the minimum-contact condition in vertical circles and loops.
Determine the maximum speed on a friction-limited horizontal or banked curve from the available centripetal force.
Explain that centripetal force is the inward resultant of existing interactions, not an additional force.

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Study A.2.24—Centripetal force conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

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Aibhe and Euan are sitting on opposite sides of a merry-go-round, which is rotating at constant speed around a fixed centre. The diagram below shows the view from above.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL A 2 24 Centripetal Force Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

Aibhe is moving at speed $1.0 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ relative to the ground.

Identify the force that is causing Aibhe to move in a circle.

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IB Physics HL A 2 24 Centripetal Force Questions question 1