Physics · Glossary

What is Uniform circular motion?

Also known as: period of rotation · frequency of rotation

Definition 16.15 High School Physics · Chapter 16 — Forces and Motion

A body is in uniform circular motion when its trajectory is a circle traveled at constant speed. The velocity, tangent to the circle, changes direction at every instant — so it is never constant.

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Definition 24.11 High School Physics · Chapter 24 — Kinematics in Two Dimensions

A motion is uniform circular when the trajectory is a circle of radius RR and the speed vv is constant. The period TT is the duration of one lap, and the frequency f=1/Tf = 1/T (in Hz\mathrm{Hz}) the number of laps per second: v=2πR/T=2πRfv = 2\pi R/T = 2\pi R f.

Uniform circular motion: v tangent, of fixed length; a aimed at the center, of fixed length v2/R — forever turning the velocity without ever stretching it.
Uniform circular motion: v\vect v tangent, of fixed length; a\vect a aimed at the center, of fixed length v2/Rv^2/R — forever turning the velocity without ever stretching it.
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