IB Physics HL A.2.24 Centripetal force
IB Physics HL A.2.24 Centripetal force
Get confident with circular-motion force questions by combining centripetal force with weight, tension, normal force, or friction.
How this is tested
- use a free-body diagram and set the resultant force equal to mv^2/r toward the centre
- for bends, set maximum friction μmg equal to mv^2/r to decide the maximum safe speed
- in loops, test whether normal force or tension stays above zero at the critical position