Circular Motion 6.

6
Circular Motion
1. KINEMATICS OF CIRCULAR MOTION
1.1 ANGULAR VARIABLES
 Infinitely small angular displacement is a vector
Angular Position quantity but finite angular displacement is not because
Rather than using xy-coordinates, it will be more the addition of the small angular displacement is
convenient to describe the position of a particle in circular commutative while for large it is not.
   
motion by its distance r from the center of the circle and its d θ1 + d θ2 = d θ2 + d θ1
angle q from the positive x-axis. This is shown in figure.
The angle q is the angular position of the particle. and q1 + q2 ≠ q2 + q1
y  Direction of small angular displacement is decided
by right hand thumb rule. When the fingers are
directed along the motion of the point then thumb
This is the particle's
angular position. Particle will represent the direction of angular displacement.
Arc length
Angular Velocity (w)
r
s
In linear motion, we defined velocity as rate of change of
 a particles position x.
x
Center of In circular motion, the rate of change of particle’s angular
circular motion position is known as angular velocity.
The angle q (in radians) is equal to the ratio of arc length The average value of angular velocity
s and radius r.
θ f − θi ∆θ
s wav = =
q =  or s = rq t f − ti ∆t
r
The instantaneous angular velocity is
Angular Displacement
A particle moves in a circle from an initial angular ∆θ d θ
w = Lt =
position qi at time ti to a final angular position qf at a later ∆t → 0 ∆t dt
time tf . The change Dq = qf – qi is called the angular
Angular Acceleration (a)
displacement.
y If the angular velocity changes with time, then let wi and
Position at
time tf = ti + t wf be the instantaneous angular velocities at times ti and tf
respectively, then
The particle has 
an angular dis- Average angular acceleration
placement . ω f − ωi ∆ω
aav = =
f
Position
t f − ti ∆t
 at time ti
r Instantaneous angular acceleration
x ∆ω d ω
i a = Lim =
∆t → 0 ∆t dt
6.2 Physics
Illustration 1
2p
Find the ratio of angular speeds of minute hand DV =
and hour hand of a watch and also find the angular 30
speed of the second’s hand in a watch. DV p 2
aaverage = = cm/sec2.  Ans.
Solution: Dt 30 × 15
2π 2p
wminute = = rad/s
60 × 60 3600 1.2 RELATION BETWEEN LINEAR AND ANGULAR
2p 2p VARIABLES
whour = = rad/s
12 × 60 × 60 12 × 3600 Unit vectors along the radius and the tangent
wminute : whour = 12 : 1 Consider a particle P moving in a circle of radius r and
2p p centre at origin O. The angular position of the particle at
wsecond = rad/sec. = rad/s some instant is say θ. Let us define two unit vectors, one is
60 30
eˆr (called radial unit vector) which is along OP and the
Illustration 2 other is eˆt (called the tangential unit vector) which is
If the equation for the angular displacement of perpendicular to OP. Now, since
a particle moving on a circular path is given by | eˆr | = | eˆt | = 1
q = 2t3 + 0.5, where q is in radians and t in seconds,
then find the angular velocity of the particle after We can write these two vectors as
2 seconds from its start. eˆr = cos qiˆ + sin qˆj
Solution:
and eˆt = − sin qiˆ + cos qˆj
Given: q = 2t3 + 0.5
dq Relation between v and w
w = = 6t2
dt The position vector of particle P at the instant can be
at t = 2 sec. written as
w = 6 × (2)2 = 24 rad/sec.  
r = OP = reˆr

Illustration 3 or r = r (cos qiˆ + sin qˆj )
The length of second’s hand in a watch is 1 cm. The velocity of the particle can be obtained by

Find the magnitude of change in velocity of its tip in differentiating r with respect to time t. Thus,
15 seconds. Also find out the magnitude of average 
 dr
acceleration during this interval. v = = (− sin qiˆ + cos qˆj ) r w
dt
Solution: Let’s see what angle velocity vector makes with the radius
Given: l = R = 1 cm, t = 15 seconds vector.
 
V1 = V Now, v ⋅ r = wr (− sin qiˆ + cos qˆj ) ⋅ (r cos iˆ + r sin qˆj )
= wr2(– sin q cos q + cos q sin q) = 0
 
⇒ v is perpendicular to r

V2 = V The magnitude of v is given by

   | v | = wr sin 2 q + cos 2 q = wr
DV = V2 − V1
v = rw
DV = 2V The velocity vector at each point is directed along the
tangent to the path (circle).
V = wR
Acceleration in circular motion
2p p 
V = × 1 = cm/sec.  dv
60 30 a =
dt
 Circular Motion 6.3
 d dw towards the center of the circle. This is called normal or
r w (− sin qiˆ + cos qˆj ) + (− sin qiˆ + cos qˆj )
= centripetal acceleration, denoted by symbol an or ar.
 dt dt 
v2
dw Magnitude of centripetal acceleration ar = = w2 r
− w r [cos qiˆ + sin qˆj ] + r
=
2
eˆt r
dt
Magnitude of the acceleration is constant, but its direction
 2 dv
a = − w reˆr + eˆt is continuously changing.
dt
Thus, acceleration of a particle moving in a circle has two Illustration 4
components one is along eˆt (along tangent) and the other A body of mass 10 kg revolves in a circle of diameter
along − eˆr (or towards centre). Of these the first one is 0.4 m, making 1000 revolutions per minute. Calculate
its linear velocity and centripetal acceleration.
called the tangential acceleration. (at) and the other is
called the radial or centripetal acceleration (ar). Thus, Solution:
dv If the body makes n revolution per second, then its
at = = rate of change of speed
dt angular velocity is
v v2
2 1000 100p
and ar = w2r = r   = w = 2pn = 2p × = rad/s
r r 60 3
If the radius of the circle is r, then the linear velocity of
Here, the two components are mutually perpendicular.
the body is
Therefore, net acceleration of the particle will be:
v = rω = 0.20 × (100π/3) = 20π/3 m/s
 dv 
2 The centripetal acceleration is
a = ar2 + at2 = (r w2 ) 2 +  
 dt  v 2 (r w)2
a = = = rw2
r r
 v   dv  2 2 2
=
  +  
 r   dt 
1.3 UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION 2000p2
= 0.20 × (100π/3)2 = m/s2
9
Motion in a circle at constant speed (constant angular
velocity) is called uniform circular motion.
However, as the particle moves around the circle, direction 1.4 NON-UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
of the velocity vector constantly changes. Therefore, the If the speed of the particle increases or decreases
particle is accelerating. as it moves around the circle, the motion is called
In uniform circular motion, speed (v) of the particle is non-uniform circular motion.
dv In such situation we have a component of acceleration
constant, i.e., = 0. Thus, at = 0 and a = ar= rw2
dt along the tangent. We call this component the tangential
 acceleration, denoted as at.
v
 As proved earlier at = ar
a
The net acceleration is the resultant of the centripetal
 r 
v acceleration an and the tangential at

a
   
a a = an + at


v
The velocity is tangent to the circle.
The acceleration points to the center.  If the speed of the particle is increasing at is in the
direction of velocity vector
The velocity vector at each point is directed along the  If the speed of the particle is decreasing at is opposite
tangent to the path (circle). The acceleration vector at to the direction of velocity vector
each point is perpendicular to the velocity vector, pointing
6.4 Physics
Illustration 5
4pr pr
A particle moves in a circle of radius 1.0 cm at \ v = at = 0.5 × =
a speed given by v = 2.0 t where v is in cm/s and 5 5
t in seconds. v 2 pr 1 p
\ an = = × =
(a) Find the radial acceleration of the particle at r 5 r 5
t = 1 s.
(b) Find the tangential acceleration at t = 1 s. p
2
\ a = an2 + at2 =   + 0.5
2
(c) Find the magnitude of the acceleration at 5
t = 1 s.
p2 1
Solution: = + = 0.8 m/s2
25 4
R = 1.0 cm, v = 2.0 t
1.5 CIRCULAR MOTION WITH CONSTANT
at t = 1 sec. ⇒ v = 2.0 cm/s
ANGULAR ACCELERATION
v2
ar = = 4 cm/s2 If the angular acceleration a is constant, we have
R
w = w0 + at…(i)
dv
at = = 2.0 cm/s2 1 2
dt q = w0t + at …(ii)
2 2
2
a = ar + at = 42 + 22
and w2 = w02 + 2aq…(iii)
2 5 cm/s2.
= where ω0 and w are the angular velocities at t = 0 and at
time t and q is the angular displacement at time t.
Illustration 6 These equations are similar to the equations for motion
A point moves along a circle with velocity v = at with constant acceleration in straight line.
where a = 0.5 m/s2. Find the total acceleration
of the point at the moment when it has covered v = u + at
(1/10)th part of the circle after the beginning of 1 2
motion. s = ut +   at
2
Solution: and v2 = u2 + 2as
For linear acceleration, you learned that a and v have the
an
same sign when an object is speeding up, opposite signs
when it is slowing down. The same rule applies to circular
at and rotational motion: w and a have the same sign when
a
the rotating body is speeding up, opposite signs if it is
slowing down.
Initial angular velocity
We know
1 2
S = ut + at >0 >0
2 >0 <0

2pr pr
Here S = = ,
10 5 Speeding up ccw Slowing down ccw

at = 0.5 m/s2 and u = 0

pr 1 2
\ = 0 + × 0.5t , <0 <0
5 2 >0 <0
4pr
t =
5 Slowing down cw Speeding up cw
 Circular Motion 6.5
Illustration 7 1.6 RELATIVE ANGULAR VELOCITY
A ceiling fan spinning at 60 rpm coasts to a stop 25 s Relative angular velocity of a particle ‘A’ with respect to
after being turned off. How many revolutions does it the other moving particle ‘B’ is the angular velocity of
make while stopping? the position vector of ‘A’ with respect to ‘B’. That means
it is the rate at which position vector of ‘A’ rotates at that
Solution: moment when seen from B.
We don’t know which direction the fan is rotating, but
1
the fact that the rotation is slowing tells us that w and a VA
A
have opposite signs. We’ll assume that w is positive. We
need to convert the initial angular velocity to SI units.

VA
VB

si
r

n
rev 1 min 2π rad 2

1
wi = 60 × ×

VB
min 60 s 1 rev

si
n
B

2
``
= 6.28 rad/s
(VAB ) ⊥
We can use the first rotational kinematics equation to wAB =
rAB
find the angular acceleration.
Relative velocity of A w.r.t. B
w f − wi 0 rad/s − 6.28 rad/s perpendicular to the AB
a = = =
Dt 25 s Seperation between A and B
= – 0.25 rad/s2 (VAB)⊥ = VA sin q1 – VB sin q2
Then, from the second rotational kinematic equation,
the angular displacement during these 25 s is rAB = r
1 2 VA sin q1 + VB sin q2
Dq = wi Dt + a (Dt ) wAB =
2 r
1
= (6.28 rad/s) (25 s) + (– 0.25 rad/s2) (25 s)2 Illustration 9
2
A projectile (u, q) is launched from horizontal plane,
= 78.9 rad × = 13 rev find angular velocity as observed from the point of
projection at the time of landing.
Illustration 8
Solution:
A wheel is subjected to uniform angular acceleration Assume the origin to be point B and the Projectile is A.
about its axis. Initially its angular velocity is zero in
the first 2 seconds, it rotates through an angle q1. In Now angular speed of A with respect to B is given as
the next 2 seconds, it rotates through an additional Component of velocity of A relative to B,
angle q2, find the ratio of q2/q1. in the direction perpendicular to AB
wAB =
length of AB
Solution:
V⊥
Given w0 = 0, a = constant =
r
1 2 u sin q u
q = w0t + at w = B  A
2 R  u cos 
R
for first two seconds g u sin  u
or w =
1 2 2u cos q
q1 = 0 + a × (2) = 2a
2
1.7 RADIUS OF CURVATURE
for next two seconds
In curvilinear motion, every small path may be assumed to
1 1
q2 = q4 – q1 = a (4) 2 − a(2) 2 =6a be an arc of a circular path, and here the radius of curvature
2 2
will be different at different points. So if a particle moves
q2 on a curved path then radius of curvature is given by R =
= 3 : 1  Ans.
q1 v2/ar.
6.6 Physics
Normal acceleration at O = g cos θ = (an)0
v2
v1 Normal acceleration at P = g = (an)p
Hence if r0 and rp be radii of curvature at O and P
v3
respectively.
v02 v 2 cos 2 q
r0 =  and rp = 0
g cos q g
where v = instantaneous velocity at any time at that point y
and ar = acceleration acting normal to the path towards
the centre. P 
 vP
v0
Illustration 10 `` (an)P
Find the ratio of radius of curvature at the highest 
O x
point of projectile to that just after its projection if
(an)0
the angle of projection is 30°.
Solution: Hence the required ratio
 rp
If v0 is the initial velocity 3 3 3
= = cos= q
vp = v0 cos θ r0 8

INTEXT EXERCISE: 1
1. An object moving in a circle at constant speed: 5. A cyclist is moving with a speed of 6 ms–1. As he
(a) must have only one force acting on it approaches a circular turn on the road of radius
(b) is not accelerating 120 m, he applies brakes and reduces his speed at a
(c) is held to its path by centrifugal force constant rate of 0.4 m s–2. The magnitude of the net
acceleration of the cyclist on the circular turn is
(d) has an acceleration of constant magnitude
2. The position vector of a particle moving in a circular (a) 0.5 ms–2 (b) 1.0 ms–2
path about a fixed point sweeps equal angle in equal (c) 2.0 ms–2 (d) 4.0 ms–2
time. Then 6. A disc, initially at rest, is rotated about its axis with
(a) its velocity remains constant a uniform angular acceleration. In the first two
(b) its speed remains constant seconds, it rotates through an angle q. In the next
(c) its acceleration remains constant two seconds, the disc will rotate through an angle
(d) its centripetal acceleration changes in magnitude (a) θ (b) 2θ
3. A particle moves in a circular path of radius 1 m (c) 3θ (d) 4θ
with a constant speed of 2 m/s. The magnitude of 7. Shown below are the velocity and acceleration
centripetal acceleration is
vectors for a person in several different types of
(a) 4 m/s2 (b) 2 m/s2
motion. In which case is the person slowing down
(c) 8 m/s2 (d) 1 m/s2
and turning to his right?
4. Which one of the following statement is correct? 

v a
(a) A body has constant velocity but varying speed
(b) A body has constant speed must be having (a) a (b)


constant acceleration 
v
(c) A body having constant velocity must be having 
a 

a
constant acceleration v
(c) (d)
(d) A body having constant speed can have varying

velocity v
 Circular Motion 6.7
8. If an object travels at a constant speed in a circular q
path, the acceleration of the object is (a) v cos θ (b) 2v cos  
2
(a) larger in magnitude the smaller the radius of the
circle. q
(c) v sin θ (d) 2v sin  
(b) in the same direction as the velocity of the 2
object. 10. A particle is moving along a circular path with
(c) smaller in magnitude the smaller the radius of angular speed ω about the axis passing through
the circle. the centre. What will be its angular speed about a
(d) in the opposite direction of the velocity of the point on the other end of the diameter through the
object. instantaneous position of the particle
9. A body is moving in a circle at a uniform speed v. (a) 2ω (b) ω
What is the magnitude ``of the change in velocity
(c) ω/2 (d) ω/4
when the radius vector describes an angle θ?

Answer Key
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (c)

2. DYNAMICS OF CIRCULAR MOTION

2.1 UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
 Centripetal force is not a new force, in different
A particle in uniform circular motion is clearly not situations gravity, friction, tension and normal force
traveling at constant velocity in a straight line. Therefore, or their combinations will act as centripetal force and
according to Newton’s first law, the particle must have a provide required acceleration.
net force acting on it.
We know that the acceleration of a particle in uniform
Illustration 11
circular motion—the centripetal acceleration is of a
constant magnitude v2/r and acts towards the center of the A small coin is placed at the rim of a turntable of
circular path at every instant. radius 15 cm which rotates at 30 rev/min. Find the
With no force, the particle would continue minimum coefficient of friction for the coin to stay

moving in the direction of v.
t on the table.
Solution:



v
The free body diagram of the coin is shown in figure.
v 
Fnet
 The acceleration is toward the center so we choose the
Fnet
r +x axis in this direction. The necessary centripetal force
 z-axis is out is provided by the friction force f. This is static friction
 Fnet of the page
since the coin does not slip on the table.
y
N

v
The net force points in the radial direction,
x
toward the center of the circle. f

According to the Newton’s second law,

 
Fnet = ma a
mg
 v  2
(a) (b)
Fnet = m   towards the center
 r  A coin on a rotating turntable. Friction is the only
This net force acting towards the center of the circle is horizontal force. It must act radially inward to
also called centripetal force.
6.8 Physics
p rovided the centripetal force. Applying Newton’s Illustration 13
Second Law In a carnival ride called the rotor, people stand on
mv 2 a ledge inside a large cylinder that rotates about a
ΣFx = max  ⇒       f =
r vertical axis. When it reaches a high enough rotational
ΣFy = may  ⇒  N − mg = 0 speed, the ledge drops away. Find the minimum
coefficient of friction for the people not to slide
Since f = µN = µ(mg) (when the coin is just about to
down. Take the radius to be 2 m and the period of
slip)
rotation to be 2 s.
we find
Solution:
mv 2 v2
µmg =  or m =
r rg The forces acting on a person is shown in the figure.

2p ×``30
Here w = = p rad/s f
60 y
r = 0.15 m  and  v = rw a N
x
(0.15) 2 p2
\ m = = 0.148
(0.15 × 10)
mg
(a)

Illustration 12 The force of friction balances the weight. The

centripetal force is provided by the normal by N.
Two different masses are connected to two light and
Applying Newton’s Second Law
inextensible strings as shown in the figure. Both
f = mg…(i)
masses rotate about a central point with constant
angular speed of 10 rad s–1 on a smooth horizontal N = mω2R…(ii)
plane. Find the ratio of tensions T1/T2 in the strings. Since f = µN (When person is just going to slide)
g gT 2  2p 
\ µ = 2
= 2   ∵ w = 
w R 4p R  T 
R1 T2 Here T = 2 s; R = 2 m; g = 10 m/s2
M2
\ µ = 0.5
T1 M1 M1 = 0.25 kg
M2 = 1.0 kg
R1 = 5 cm Illustration 14
R2 = 10 cm A m
R2 v0

R
R
Solution:
v0
B
Drawing the FBDs for masses M1 and M2
Compare the contact force between the object and
the track at A and B.
T1 T2 T2
Solution:
T1 – T2 = M1 R1 w2 T2 = M2 R2 w2
At (A)
T1 − T2 M R 1 1 NA
\ = 1 ⋅ 1 = ⋅
T2 M 2 R2 4 2 m v0

mg
T1 1 9
\ = 1 + = R
T2 8 8
 Circular Motion 6.9
As there is no acceleration in vertical directions, we
mv 2
mg – NA = 0 have from Newton’s law,
R
T cos q = mg…(iii)
mv 2
NA = mg − 0 Dividing (ii) by (iii),
R
v2
At (B) tan q =
rg
R

NB v = rg tan q
v0 mg
And from (iii), T =
cos q
``
mg

mv02 t g
NB – mg = Using (i), v =
R ( L − r 2 )1/4
2

mv02
NB = mg + mgL
R and t = ,
( L − r 2 )1/2
2

Clearly, NB > NA (where t is the time period)

Illustration 15 Illustration 16
A particle of mass m is suspended from a ceiling The 250 g ball shown in Figure revolves in a
through a string of length L. The particle moves in horizontal plane as the vertical shaft spins. What
a horizontal circle of radius r. Find (a) the speed of is the critical angular speed, in rpm, that the shaft
the particle and (b) the tension in the string. Such a must exceed to keep both strings taut?
system is called a conical pendulum.
Solution:
The situation is shown in figure. The angle q made by
the string with the vertical is given by 0.5 m
1.0 m

sin q = r/L…(i)
The forces on the particle are
(a) the tension T along the string and 0.5 m
1.0 m
(b) the weight mg vertically downward.

Tcos


T L Solution:

Tsin

r T1
mg

mg 

The particle is moving in a circle with a constant speed T2

mg
v. Thus, the radial acceleration towards the centre has
magnitude v2/r. Resolving the forces along the radial
direction and applying. Newton’s second law, For circular motion
T sin q = m(v2/r)…(ii) (T1 + T2) cos θ = m ω2 R
6.10 Physics
For equilibrium in vertical direction mv 2
T1 sin θ = T2 sin θ + mg T2 – mg cos θ =
R
ω is minimum when T2 = 0 or lower string becomes But v = 0 (Initially)
slack T2 = mg cos θ
Putting T2 = 0 and taking ratios
2.2 NON – UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
g
tan θ = Fig. shows a particle moving in a circle of radius r. In
w2 R addition to a radial force component– required for all
g circular motion—this particle experiences a tangential
w = = 4.4 rad/s 
R tan q force component ( Fnet )t and hence a tangential
acceleration at
Illustration 17 `` 
Fnet
Find tension in OA before and after AB is cut.
O t-axis
r-axis

(Fnet)t
(Fnet)r
B A
The tangential
The radial force force causes
Solution: causes the centripetal the tangential
acceleration ar. acceleration ar.

Before cutting, mass is in equilibrium To solve problems in non-uniform circular motion we

write Newton’s second law equation along the radial and
tangential directions separately
 T2 mv 2
O (Fnet)r = ΣFr =mar = = mw2r
T1 r
(Fnet)t = ΣFt = mat
mg
Illustration 18
T2 cos θ = mg A car is moving in a circular path of radius 50 m,
T2 sin θ = T1 on a flat rough horizontal ground. The mass of the
car is 1000 kg. At a certain moment, when the speed
mg of the car is 5 m/s, the driver is increasing speed at
T2 =
cos q the rate of 1 m/s2. Find the value of static friction on
After cutting tyres (total) at this moment, in Newtons.
Solution:
 T2

f1
f
mg
f2
Cleanly T2 cos θ = mg is not correct because the mass will Since the car is speeding, a component of net friction
accelerate downwards. Mass will move in a circle when fore f acts along the velocity (tangent) and the other
the string is cut. component acts towards the center
Writing the dynamics eqn.
v2
T2 f1 = man = m
 r
f2 = mat

mg cos  mg mg sin  Total friction f = f12 + f 22 = 500 5 N

 Circular Motion 6.11
Illustration 19 A sleeve can move along the length of the rod. The
A block of mass 25 kg rests on a horizontal floor coefficient of friction between the sleeve and rod
(m = 0.2). It is attached by a 5 m long horizontal rope surface is m. Initially the sleeve is kept at a distance
to a peg fixed on floor. The block is pushed along the R from center of rod. Now the rod is rotated from
ground with an initial velocity of 10 m/s so that it rest with constant angular acceleration a. Find the
moves in a circle around the peg. Find
time after which the sleeve will slip.
(a) Tangential acceleration of the block
Solution:
(b) Speed of the block at time t.
Motion of sleeve can be seen as the circle of radius R.
(c) Time when tension in rope becomes zero

5m 

``
N2
Solution:
R
(a)           f = mat = mmg f
at = mg = 2 m/s2
N1

T mg

Eqn. of dynamics for circular motion of sleeve

Friction
(b)           v = u + at N1 = mat = maR
= 10 – 2t f = man = mω2R
(c) tension becomes zero when
v = 0 also N2 = mg
t = 5 s
Ring will just slip when
Illustration 20
 2 2
f = m N1 + N 2

2 2
mw2R = m (maR) + (mg )
Sleeve of mass m
Solving we can get the time.

INTEXT EXERCISE: 2
1. Point P in the figure indicates the position of an
(a) (b)
object traveling at constant speed clockwise around
the circle. Which arrow best represent the direction (b) (d)
the object would travel if the net external force on it 2. An object moves in a circle. If the mass is tripled,
were suddenly reduced to zero? the speed halved, and the radius unchanged, then the
y magnitude of the centripetal force must be multiplied
5
by a factor of:
4
3 P (a) 3/2 (b) 3/4
2 (c) 9/4 (d) 6
1
x
3. A string can withstand a tension of 25 N. What is the
–5 – 4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 greatest speed at which a body of mass 1 kg can be
–1
whirled in a horizontal circle using a 1 m length of a
–2
string?
–3
–4
(a) 2.5 ms–1 (b) 5.0 ms–1
–5 (c) 7.5 ms–1 (d) 10 ms–1
6.12 Physics
4. A body of mass 0.5 kg is whirled in a vertical speed, the radial acceleration of the ball is closest to
circle at an angular frequency of 10 rad s–1. If the
radius of the circle is 0.5 m, what is the tension in 0.80 m

the string when the body is at the top of the circle ? 1.0 m 1
0.60 m
(Take g = 10 ms–2) 2
(a) 10 N (b) 20 N
Ball
(c) 30 N (d) 40 N
5. A boy whirls a stone in a horizontal circle 2 m above
the ground by means of a string 1.25 m long. The
string breaks and the stone flies off horizontally,
striking the ground 10 m away. What is the
magnitude of the centripetal acceleration during
circular motion? (take g ``= 10 ms–2) (a) 4.9 m/s2 (b) 5.9 m/s2
(a) 100 ms–2 (b) 200 ms–2 (c) 6.9 m/s2 (d) 7.9 m/s2
(c) 300 ms–2 (d) 400 ms–2 9. A 800-N passenger in a car presses against the car
6. A body is resting on top of a hemispherical mound of door with a 200 N force when the car makes a left
ice of radius R. If ice is frictionless, what minimum turn at 13 m/s. The (faulty) door will pop open under
horizontal velocity must be imparted to the body so a force of 800 N. Of the following, the least speed
that it leaves the mound without sliding over it? for which the passenger is thrown out of the car is:
gR (a) 14 m/s (b) 19 m/s
(a) (b) gR
2 (c) 6.9 m/s (d) 26 m/s
10. A giant wheel, having a diameter of 40 m, is fitted
(c) 2gR (d) 2 gR with a cage and platform on which a man of mass
7. One end of a 1.0 m long string is fixed, the other end m stands. The wheel is rotated in a vertical plane at
such a speed that the force exerted by the man on the
is attached to a 2.0 kg stone. The stone swings in a
platform is equal to his weight when the cage is at X,
vertical circle, passing the bottom point with speed
as shown. The net force on the man at point X is:
4.0 m/s. The tension force of the string at this point
X
is about:
man in
(a) 0 (b) 12 N cage

(c) 20 N (d) 52 N
8. A ball of mass 5.0 kg is suspended by two wires
from a horizontal arm that is attached to a vertical wheel
shaft, as shown in the figure. The shaft is in uniform
rotation about its axis. The rate of rotation is adjusted (a) zero (b) mg, up
until the tensions in the two wires are equal. At that (c) 2 mg, down (d) 2 mg, up
Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (c)

3. BANKING OF ROADS (b) By banking of roads only

While taking a turn vehicles usually travel along a nearly (c) By friction and banking of roads both
circular track. There must be some force which produces
3.1 WHEN CENTRIPETAL FORCE IS PROVIDED BY
the required centripetal acceleration.
FRICTIONAL FORCE ONLY
The necessary centripetal force is provided to the vehicles
Suppose a car of mass m is moving at a speed v in a
by following three ways.
horizontal circular arc (without banking) of radius r. In
(a) By frictional force only this case, the necessary centripetal force to the car will be
 Circular Motion 6.13
provided by force of friction f acting towards centre. N Ncos
mv 2 
Thus, f =
r Nsin G
Further, limiting value of frictional force is mN
or fmax = m N = mmg(N = mg)

Therefore, for a safe turn without sliding f ≤ fmax 

mg
mv 2
or ≤ mmg mv 2
r N sin q =
v2 r
or m ≥  or v ≤ ngr and N cos q = mg
rg
Form these two equation, we get
Here, two situations may arise.``If m and r are known to us,
v2
the speed of the vehicle should not exceed ngr and if v tan q = ...(i)
rg
and r are known to us, the coefficient of friction should be
v2 or v = rg tan q ...(ii)
greater than .
rg

Illustration 21
A 1200 kg automobile rounds a level curve of radius  This is the speed at which car does not slide down even if
track is smooth. If track is smooth and speed is less than
200 m, on an unbanked road with a velocity of
rg tan q , vehicle will move down the incline so that r
72 km/hr. What is the minimum coefficient of friction
decreases and if speed is more than this, vehicle will move
of friction between the tyres and road in order that
up the machine.
the automobile may not skid? (g = 10 m/s2)
Solution: 3.3 WHEN CENTRIPETAL FORCE IS PROVIDED BY
In an unbanked road the centripetal force is provided by FRICTION AND BANKING OF ROAD BOTH
the frictional force of. If a vehicle is moving on a circular road which is rough
and also banked, then three forces may act on the vehicle.
mv 2 (i) Weight
\ f = (ii) Normal Reaction
r
But flimiting friction ≥ f (iii) Frictional Force
Of these the first force, the weight (mg) is fixed both in
mv 2 magnitude and direction.
or mmg ≥ f or mmg ≥
r The direction of second force, i.e., normal reaction N
is also fixed (perpendicular to road)
v 2 20 × 20
\ mmin = = = 0.2 . The direction of the third force, i.e., friction f can be
gr 10 × 200
ether inwards or outwards while its magnitudes can be
varied upto a maximum limit (fmax = mN).
3.2 WHEN CENTRIPETAL FORCE IS PROVIDED BY
(i) Friction f is zero if
BANKING OF ROADS ONLY
Friction is not always reliable at circular turns when v = rg tan θ
vehicle moves at high speeds and sharp turns are involved. (ii) Friction f is outwards if
To avoid dependence on friction, the roads are banked at
v < rg tan θ
the turn so that the outer part of the road is some what
lifted compared to the inner part. mv 2
N sin q – f cos q =
Applying Newton’s second law along the radius and the r
first law in the vertical direction. N cos q + f sin q = mg
6.14 Physics
N f
v2 (10) 2 1
Therefore, tan=
q= =
 rg (20) (10) 2
Now, as the speed is decreased, force of friction f
acts upwards.

y
N  f
mg
 x
N 
mg

Using the equations

f mv 2
 `` SFx =  and SFy = 0, we get
r
mg mv 2
N cos q – f sinq = …(i)
r
If the speed decreases, the magnitude of the friction
N sin q + f cos q = mg…(ii)
force increases. When the friction reaches its limiting
value mN the speed reaches its minimum value. If we 1
Substituting, θ = tan–1   , v = 5 m/s, m = 200
decrease the speed the further vehicle will start to slide 2
down the plane. kg and r = 20 m, in the above equations, we get
Using f = mN we get f = 300 N (up the plane)
 sin θ − µ cos θ  (b) In the second case force of friction f will act
vmin = gr   downwards.
 cos θ + µ sin θ 
Using
(ii) Friction f is inwards if
mv 2
v > rg tan θ SFx =  and SFy = 0, we get
r
mv 2
N sin q – f cos q = mv 2
r N sin q + f cos q = …(iii)
r
N cos q – f sin q = mg N

If the speed increases, the magnitude of the friction
force increases. When the friction reaches its limiting 
value m N the speed reaches its maximum value. Beyond mg
f
this speed the vehicle will start to skid up the plane. 
Using f = mN we get
N cos q – f sin q = mg…(iv)
 sin θ + µ cos θ  Substituting, v = 15 m/s, m = 200 kg and r = 20 m
vmin = gr  
 cos θ − µ sin θ  In the above equations, we get
f = 500 5 N (down the plane)
Illustration 22
A circular track of radius 20 m is banked for the
4. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE
vehicle of mass 200 kg going at a speed of 10 m/s.
Find the direction and magnitude of frictional The centrifugal force is an inertial force (also called a
force acting on a vehicle if it moves with a speed “fictitious” force) directed away from the axis of rotation
(a) 5 m/s (b) 15 m/s. Assume that friction is sufficient that appears to act on all objects when viewed in a rotating
to prevent slipping. (g = 10 m/s2 ).
frame of reference.
Solution:
Its magnitude is equal to that of the centripetal force
(a) The turn is backed for speed v = 10 m/s but its direction is exactly opposite to that.
 Circular Motion 6.15
Lets consider a block, tied to the center post of a rotating
Solution:
platform by a string
An observer on ground (inertial frame) sees the block From the reference frame of earth apart from the
moving in a circle with centripetal acceleration provided gravitational force mg and contact force T, we must
by the unbalanced force T. include the centrifugal force mw2r
(a) at equator
m
T + mw2 R = mg
DT w2 R
T % =
T g
an

Observer (a)
T
``
According to a non inertial observer on the platform, the mg mw2r
block is not accelerating. Newton’s law can be used only
if a pseudo force mv2/r acting outward is introduced to Spacing balance/
weighing maching
balance the tension in the string.
 4π2 × 6400 × 1000 
=
 2  × 100
m  (24 × 60 × 60) × 9.8 
T (mv2/r) = 0.65 %
Observer mg
(b)           T = ...(1)
(b)
2
T + mw2R = mg...(2)
Illustration 23 from (1) and (2)
A person stands on a spring balance at the equator.
g g
(a) By what percentage is the balance reading less w2R =   ⇒  w =
than his true weight? (b) If the speed of earth’s 2 2R
rotation is increased by such an amount that the
2p 2R
balance reading is half the true weight, what will be T = 2p
= 2 hr
=
the length of the day in this case? w g

INTEXT EXERCISE: 3
1. A car, moving at a speed of 54 kmph is to go round speed of 10 m/s. The actual frictional force between
a curved road of radius 30 m. If the curved road is the tires and slippery road has a magnitude of 900 N.
not banked, what must be the coefficient of friction The car:
between the tyres and the road for the car to negotiate (a) slides into the inside of the curve
the curve? (take g = 10 ms–2) (b) slows down due to the frictional force
(a) zero (b) 0.25 (c) makes the turn only if it goes faster
(c) 0.50 (d) 0.75 (d) slides off to the outside of the curve
2. If a certain car, going with speed v1, rounds a level 4. A string is attached to the rear-view mirror of a car.
A ball is hanging at the other end of the string. The
curve with a radius R1, it is just on the verge of
car is driving around in a circle, at a constant speed.
skidding. If its speed is now doubled, the radius of Which of the following lists gives all of the forces
the tightest curve on the same road that it can round acting on the ball as seen by an observer in the car
without skidding is: (a) tension and gravity, centripetal force
(a) 2R1 (b) 4R1 (b) centripetal force, centrifugal force
(c) R1/2 (d) R1/4 (c) tension, gravity, and the centrifugal force
3. The driver of a 1000 kg car tries to turn through a (d) tension, gravity, the centripetal force, and
circle of radius 100 m on an unbanked curve at a friction
6.16 Physics
5. A 1000 kg car is slowly picking up speed as it goes 8. Circular freeway entrance and exit ramps are
around a horizontal curve whose radius is 100 m. commonly banked to handle a car moving at 13 m/s.
The coefficient of static friction between the tires To design a similar ramp for 26 m/s one should:
(a) increase radius by factor of 2
and the road is 0.350. At what speed will the car
(b) decrease radius by factor of 2
begin to skid sideways?
(c) increase radius by factor of 4
(a) 9.25 m/s (b) 23.6 m/s
(d) decrease radius by factor of 4
(c) 34.3 m/s (d) 18.5 m/s 9. At what angle should the roadway on a curve with a
6. A 600 kg car traveling at 30.0 m/s is going around 30 m radius be banked to allow cars to negotiate the
curve at 20 m/s even if the roadway is icy (and the
a curve having a radius of 120 m that is banked at
frictional force is zero)?
an angle of 25.0°. The coefficient of static friction
`` the road is 0.300. What is (a) 0° (b) 45°
between the car’s tires and
(c) 37° (d) 53°
the magnitude of the force exerted by friction on the
10. A particle of mass m is observed from an inertial
car? (tan 25° = 0.47) frame of reference and is forced to move in a circle
(a) 1590 N (b) 3430 N of radius r with a uniform speed v. The centrifugal
force on it is
(c) 7240 N (d) 7820 N
mv 2
7. A block is suspended by a rope from the ceiling of (a) towards the centre
r
a car. When the car rounds a 30 m radius horizontal
mv 2
curve at 20 m/s what angle does the rope make with (b) away from the centre
r
the vertical? mv 2
(c) along the tangent through the particle
(a) 0° (b) 30° r
(c) 37° (d) 53° (d) zero
Answer Key
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (d)
 Circular Motion 6.17
Unsolved Exercises
EXERCISE - 1
Subtopic 1: Kinematic of Circular Motion 9. If the radii of circular paths of two particles of same
masses are in the ratio of 1 : 2, then in order to have
1. A car is moving with a speed of 30 ms–1 on a circular
same centripetal force, their speeds should be in the
path of radius 500 m. If its speed is increasing at the
ratio of :
rate of 2 ms–2, the net acceleration of the car is
(a) 1 : 4 (b) 4 : 1
(a) 3.6 ms–2 (b) 2.7 ms–2
(c) 1.8 ms–2 (d) 2 ms–2 (c) 1 : 2 (d) 2 : 1
2. The speed of a motor increases from 1200 rpm to 10. The magnitude of displacement and average velocity
1800 rpm in 20s. How many revolutions does it of the top of the seconds hand of a clock of dial
``
make in this period of time ? radius R = 25 cm during t = 10s.
(a) 400 (b) 200 1 1 1 1
(a) and (b) and
(c) 500 (d) 800 2 40 4 20
3. The angular displacement of a particle is given by 1 1 1 1
(c) and (d) and
q = t3 + t2 + t + 1 where ‘t’ is time in seconds. Its 4 40 2 30
angular velocity after 2s is
11. A car speeds up in a circular path. Which of the
(a) 17 rad s–1 (b) 14 rad s–1
following figure illustrates the acceleration of the
(c) 12 rad s–1 (d) 20 rad s–1
car
4. The angular frequency of a fan increases from
30 rpm to 60 rpm in ps. A dust particle is present
at a distance of 20 cm from axis of rotation. The
(a) (b)
tangential acceleration of the particle is
(a) 0.8 ms–2 (b) 0.34 ms–2
(c) 0.2 ms–2 (d) 1.2 ms–2
5. Two racing cars of masses m1 and m2 are moving
in circles of radii r and 2r respectively and their (c) (d)
angular speeds are equal. The ratio of the time taken
by cars to complete one revolution is :
(a) m1 : m2 (b) 1 : 2 12. A particle moves from P to Q in a path as shown,
(c) 1 : 1 (d) m1 : 2m2 along the perimeter of the circle of radius R. If the
6. A wheel is at rest. Its angular velocity increases time taken by the particle from P to Q through P1 is
uniformly and becomes 80 radian per second after equal to T, the average angular speed over the time
5 second. The total angular displacement is : T is
(a) 800 rad (b) 400 rad 3r r
(a) (b)
(c) 200 rad (d) 100 rad 2T T
7. During the circular motion with constant speed : 2r r
(a) Both velocity and acceleration are both constant (c) (d)
T 2T
(b) velocity is constant but the acceleration changes
(c) acceleration is constant but the velocity changes Q

(d) velocity and acceleration both change

P1 P
8. Two particles P and Q are located at distances rP and
rQ respectively from the axis of a rotating disc such 13. Starting from rest a wheel rotates with uniform
that rP > rQ : angular acceleration 2p rad s–2. After 4s, if the
(a) Both P and Q have the same acceleration angular acceleration ceases to act, its angular
(b) Both P and Q do not have any acceleration displacement in the next 4s is
(c) P has greater acceleration than Q (a) 8p rad (b) 16p rad
(d) Q has greater acceleration than P (c) 24p rad (d) 32p rad
6.18 Physics
14. If angular velocity of a disc depends an angle rotated 19. A particle moving along a circular path due to a
q as w = q2 + 2q then its angular acceleration a at centripetal force having constant magnitude is an
q = 1 rad is : example of motion with :
(a) 8 rad sec2 (b) 10 rad/sec2 (a) constant speed and velocity
(b) variable speed and velocity
(c) 12 rad/sec2 (d) None
(c) variable speed and constant velocity
15. Figure shows path followed by a particle and (d) constant speed and variable velocity.
position of a particle at any instant. Four different
20. A car is moving in a circular horizontal track of
students have represented the velocity vector and radius 10 m with a constant speed of 10 ms–1. A
acceleration vectors at the given instant. Which plumb bob is suspended from the roof of the car by
vector diagram can not be true in any situation? (In a string of length 1 m. The angle made by the string
each figure velocity is tangential to the trajectory. with vertical is (g = 10 ms–2)
`` (a) 0° (b) 30°
Trajectory of 
(c) 45° (d) 60°
particle v
P 21. A particle describes a horizontal circle on the smooth
Particle at a
90°
 surface of an inverted cone. The plane of that circle
a
given instant Sita is at a height of 9.8 cm above the vertex. Then the
speed of the particle is

(a) 0.49 ms–1 (b) 0.98 ms–1
v

v

v (c) 1.96 ms–1 (d) 3.92 ms–1
°
90

>90° 22. Length of a simple pendulum is 2m and mass of its

<


>90° a
 bob is 0.2 kg. If the tension in the string exceeds

a Ram
a
Shyam 4N, it will break. If the bob is whirled in horizontal
Gita
plane, the maximum angle the string can make with
(a) Sita (b) Gita vertical during rotation is
(c) Ram (d) Shyam (a) 30° (b) 45°
(c) 60° (d) 90°
Dynamics of Circular Motion
23. A chain of 100 links is 1 m long and has a mass of
16. A stone of mass of 16 kg is attached to a string 144 m
2 kg. With the ends fastened together it is set rotating
long and is whirled in a horizontal smooth surface.
at 3000 rpm, in a horizontal plane. The centripetal
The maximum tension the string can withstand is
force on each link is
16 N. The maximum speed of revolution of the stone
(a) 3.14 N (b) 31.4 N
without breaking it, will be :
(c) 314 N (d) 3140 N
(a) 20 ms–1 (b) 16 ms–1
(c) 14 ms –1 (d) 12 ms–1 24. A boy is sitting on a horizontal platform in the shape
of a disc at a distance of 5 m from its centre. The
boy begins to slip when the speed of wheel exceeds
17. On horizontal smooth surface a mass of 2 kg is 10 rpm The coefficient of friction between the boy
whirled in a horizontal circle by means of a string at and platform is (g = 10 ms–2)
an initial angular speed of 5 revolutions per minute. (a) p2/6 (b) p2/18
Keeping the radius constant the tension in the string (c) p/6 (d) p/2
is doubled. The new angular speed is nearly:
25. Three point masses each of mass ‘m’ are joined
(a) 14 rpm (b) 10 rpm together using a string to form an equilateral triangle
(c) 2.25 rpm (d) 7 rpm of side ‘a’. The system is placed on a smooth
horizontal surface and rotated with a constant
18. A coin placed on a rotating turntable just slips if it is
angular velocity ‘w’ about a vertical axis passing
placed at a distance of 16 cm from the centre. If the through the centroid. Then the tension in each string
angular velocity of the turntable is doubled, it will is
just slip at a distance of (a) maw2 (b) 3maw2
(a) 1 cm (b) 2 cm
maω2 maω2
(c) 4 cm (d) 8 cm (c) (d)
3 3
 Circular Motion 6.19
26. A car moves at a constant A speed on a road. The velocity
normal force by the road on the car is NA and NB g 2g
when it is at the points A and B (a) rad/sec (b) rad/sec
R R
(a) NA = NB (b) NA > NB
g 3g
(c) NA < NB (d) information insufficient (c) rad/sec (d) rad/sec
2R 2R
A
29. The maximum velocity (in ms–1) with which a car
driver must traverse a flat curve of radius 150 m and
B coefficient of friction 0.6 to avoid skidding is:
Banking of Roads, Centrifugal Force (a) 60 (b) 30
27. A car moving on a horizontal road may be thrown (c) 15 (d) 25
out of the road in taking a turn :
30. A road is banked at an angle of 30° to the horizontal
(a) By the gravitational force for negotiating a curve of radius 10 5 m. At what
``
(b) Due to lack of sufficient centripetal force
velocity will a car experience to no frictions while
(c) Due to friction between road and the tyre
negotiating the curve?
(d) Due to reaction of earth
(a) 54 km /h (b) 72 km /h
28. If the apparent weight of the bodies at the equator is
to be zero, then the earth should rotate with angular (c) 36 km /h (d) 18 km /h

EXERCISE - 2
Kinematic and Circular Motion 
a 2iˆ + 4 ˆj m/s2 respectively at an instant of time.
=
 20 
1. A particle moves along a circle of radius   m The radius of the circle is
 π  (a) 1 m (b) 2 m
with tangential acceleration of constant magnitude. (c) 3 m (d) 4 m
If the speed of the particle is 80 m/s at the end of the
5. A boy whirls a stone in a horizontal circle 1.8 m
second revolution after motion has begun, the
tangential acceleration is: above the ground by means of a string with radius
1.2 m. while whirling the stone string was horizontal,
(a) 160π m/s2 (b) 40π m/s2
it breaks and stone flies off horizontally, striking the
(c) 40m/s2 (d) 640π m/s2 ground 9.1 m away. The centripetal acceleration
2. Let ar and at represent radial and tangential acceleration. during the circular motion was nearly: (g = 9.8 m/s2)
The motion of a particle may be circular if : (a) 94 m/s2 (b) 141 m/s2
(a) ar = 0, at = 0 (b) ar = 0, at ≠ 0 (c) 188 m/s2 (d) 282 m/s2
(c) ar ≠ 0, at = 0 (d) none of these
6. A particle moves with a constant angular acceleration a in
3. A particle is going with constant speed along a uniform a circular path from rest. The time at which the magnitudes
helical and spiral path separately as shown in figure (in if tangential and radial acceleration are equal is
case (a), verticle acceleration of particle is negligible) 1
(a) (b) α
α
1
(c) (d) a
α

7. A particle moves in a circle in such a way that, its
(a) (b) tangential deceleration is numerically equal to its radial
(a) The velocity of the particle is constant in both
acceleration. If the initial velocity of the particle is V0
cases
find the variation of its velocity with time.
(b) The magnitude of acceleration of the particle is
constant in both cases V0 V0 t
(a) V = (b)
(c) The magnitude of acceleration is constant in (a) V0 t V0 t
and decreasing in (b) 1+ 1+
R R
(d) The magnitude of acceleration is decreasing V0
continuously in both the cases (c) (d) None of above
4. The velocity and acceleration vectors of a particle V0 t
t+

undergoing circular motion are v = 2iˆ m/s and R
6.20 Physics
8. A point on a wheel rotates about its centre according 14. A particle P is sliding Q
to the relation q = 6t – 2t3. Find the average angular down a frictionless A B

velocity of a point on the wheel during a time in hemispherical bowl.

P
which it comes to rest (in rad/s) It passes the point A
(a) 2 (b) 3 at t = 0, At this instant of time, the horizontal
(c) 0.5 (d) 4 component of its velocity is v. A bead Q of the same
9. In the previous question find the angular acceleration same mass as P is ejected from A to t = 0 along the
averaged over the time from starting till the point horizontal string AB, with the speed v. Friction
stops (in rad/s2) between the bead and the string may be neglected.
(a) –6 (b) –3 Let tP and tQ be the respective times taken by P and
(c) –2 (d) –1 Q to reach the point B then
10. If two particles are moving on same circle with (a) tP < tQ
different angular velocities w1 and w2, and different (b) tP = tQ
`` (c) tP > tQ
time period T1 and T2, then the time taken by 2 to
complete one revolution w.r.t particle 1 is tP Length of arc ACB
TT T +T (d) =
(a) T = 1 2 b) T= 1 2 tQ Length of chord AB
T2 − T1 2
T1T2 15. A stone is projected from level ground at t = 0 sec
(c) T = T2 – T1
d)
T1 + T2 such that its horizontal and vertical components of
initial velocity are 10 m/s and 20 m/s respectively.
11. A particle is going parallel to x-axis with constant Then the instant of time at which tangential and
speed V at a distance ‘a’ from the axis. Find its normal components of acceleration of stone are
angular velocity about an axis passing the origin
O, at the instant when radial vector of the particle same is: (neglect air resistance) g = 10 m/s2
makes angle q with the x-axis 1
(a) sec (b) 2 sec
V 2 V 2
(a) sin q (b)
a a sin 2 θ (c) 3 sec (d) 4 sec

2V V sin 2 θ 16. A stone is projected with speed u and angle of

(c) sin 2 θ (d) projection is θ. The radius of curvature at t = 0 is :
a 2a
12. A rigid body rotates about a fixed axis with variable u 2 cos 2 θ u2
(a) (b)
angular velocity equal to a – bt, at time t where a, g g sin θ
b are constants. The angle through which it rotates
u2 u 2 sin 2 θ
before its stops: (c) (d)
g cos θ g
α2 α 2 − β2
(a) (b)
2β 2α 17. A particle of mass m is moving with constant

velocity v on smooth horizontal surface. A constant
α 2 − β2 (α − β)α 
(c) (d) force F starts acting on particle perpendicular to
2β 2
velocity v. Radius of curvature after force F start
13. A point P moves in counter- y acting is :
clockwise direction on a vm 2 vm 2
circular path as shown in (a) (b)
B F F cos θ
the figure. The movement P (x, y)
of ‘P’ is such that it sweeps vm 2
out a length s = t3 + 5, (c) (d) none of these
m

F sin θ
20

where s is in metres and t x

is in seconds. The radius O A 18. A particle moves along an arc of a circle of radius R.
of the path is 20 cm. The Its velocity depends on the distance covered s as
acceleration of ‘P’ when t = 2 s is nearly. v = a s , where a is a constant then the angle a
(a) 13 m/s2 (b) 12 m/s2 between the vector of the total acceleration and the
(c) 7.2 m/s2 (d) 14 m/s2 vector of velocity as a function of s will be
 Circular Motion 6.21
R 2s 23. Consider a case in which, the driver of a car travelling
(a) tan α = (b) tanα = at a high speed suddenly sees a wall at a distance r
2s R
directly in front of him. To avoid collision,
2R s
(c) tan α = (d) tan α = (a) he should apply brakes sharply
s 2R
(b) he should turn the car sharply
19. A spot light S rotates in a horizontal plane with a (c) he should apply brakes and then sharply turn
constant angular velocity of 0.1 rad/s. The spot of (d) None of these
light P moves along the wall at a distance 3 m. What
is the velocity of the spot P when q = 45° ? 24. A coin placed on a rotating turntable just slips of it is
Wall P placed at distance of 4 cm from the centre. If angular
velocity of the turntable is doubled, it will just slip at

a distance of
`` (Upper view)
(a) 1 cm (b) 2 cm
3m
(c) 4 cm (d) 8 cm
25. A car is going on an overbridge of radius R,
maintaining a constant speed. As the car is
S (spot light)
descending on the overbridge from point B to C, the
(a) 0.6 m/s (b) 0.5 m/s normal force on it :
(c) 0.4 m/s (d) 0.3 m/s B
N

Dynamics of Circular Motion

A mg C
20. A particle is kept fixed on a uniformly rotating
turn‑table As seen from the ground , the particle goes (a) increase (b) decreases
in a circle, its speed is 10 cm/s and acceleration is
(c) remains constant
10 cm/s2. The particle is now shifted to a new
(d) first increases then decreases.
position to make the radius half of the original value.
The new values of the speed and acceleration will be 26. A stone tied to a string is rotated in a vertical plane.
(a) 20 cm/s, 20 cm/s2 (b) 5 cm/s, 5 cm/s2 If mass of the stone is m, the length of the string is r
and the linear speed of the stone is v when the stone
(c) 40 cm/s, 10 cm/s2 (d) 40 cm/s,40 cm/s2
is at its lowest point, then the tension in the string at
21. A rod of length L is hinged at one end and it is rotated the lowest point will be :
with a constant angular velocity in a horizontal mv 2 mv 2
plane. Let T1 and T2 be the tensions at the points L/4 (a) + mg (b) - mg
r r
and 3L/4 away from the hinged end.
(a) T1 > T2 mv 2
(c) (d) mg
r
(b) T2 > T1
(c) T1 = T2 27. A bucket is whirled in a vertical circle with a string
(d) The relation between T1 and T2 depends attached to it. The water in bucket does not fall
on whether the rod rotates clockwise or down even when the bucket is inverted at the top
of its path. In this position choose most appropriate
anticlockwise
option if v is the speed at the top.
22. The kinetic energy k of a particle moving along a mv 2
circle of radius R depends on the distance covered (a) mg =
r
s as k = as2 where a is a positive constant. The total
mv 2
force acting on the particle is : (b) mg is greater than
1/ 2
r
s2  s2  mv 2
(a) 2a (b) 2as 1 + 2  (c) mg is not greater than
R  R  r
R2 mv 2
(c) 2 as (d) 2a (d) mg is not less than
s r
6.22 Physics
28. A large mass M hangs stationary at the end of a light 32. A force of constant magnitude F acts on a particle
string that passes through a smooth fixed ring to moving in a plane such that it is perpendicular to the
 
a small mass m that moves around in a horizontal velocity v (| v | = v) of the body, and the force is
circular path. If l is the length of the string from m
to the top end of the tube and θ is angle between this always directed towards a fixed point. Then the
part and vertical part of the string as shown in the angle turned by the velocity vector of the particle as
figure, then time taken by m to complete one circle it covers a distance S is :(take mass of the particle
is equal to as m)
SF 2SF
(a) (b)
2mv 2 mv 2
 l

SF 2 SF
m (c) (d)
`` mv mv 2
M
33. PQRS is a frictionless horizontal plane on
l l which a particle A of mass m moves in a circle
(a) 2r (b) 2r of radius r with an angular velocity ω such that
g sin i g cos i
ω2r = g/3. Another particle of mass m is tied to A
lm lm through an inextensible massless string. O is the hole
(c) 2r (d) 2r
gM sin i gM through which string passes down to B. B can move
only vertically. The tension in the string at this instant
29. Three identical particles are joined together by a will be:
thread as shown in figure. All the three particles are
(a) mg/3 (b) 2 mg/3
moving on a smooth horizontal plane about point O.
(c) mg/6 (d) none
If the speed of the outermost particle is v0, then the
ratio of tensions in the three sections of the string 34. A particle of mass m is moving in a circular path of
is: (Assume that the string remains straight) constant radius r such that its centripetal acceleration
ac is varying with time t as ac = k2 rt2 where k is a
O A B C constant. The power delivered to the particle by the
l l l force acting on it is
(a) 3 : 5 : 7 (b) 3 : 4 : 5 (a) 2 π mk2 r2 (b) mk2 r2 t
(c) 7 : 11 : 6 (d) 3 : 5 : 6 mk 4 r 2t 5
(c) (d) Zero
30. A Toy cart attached to the end of an unstretched 3
string of length a, when revolved moves on a smooth
35. A simple pendulum of mass m making a constant
horizontal table in a circle of radius 2a with a time
angle q with vertical. Centre of the trolley is at a
period T. Now the toy cart is speeded up until it distance R from centre of the circular path as shown
moves in a circle of radius 3a with a period T ′. in figure the angular speed of trolley is :
(Assume no friction) :
3  3 
(a) T ′ = T (b) T ′ =   T
2  2  R

3
(c) T′ =   T (d) T ′ = T
2

31. When the angular velocity of a uniformly rotating

body has increased to thrice of initial value the
g tan θ g cot θ
resultant of forces applied to it increases by 60 N. (a) (d)
R + l sin θ R + l sin θ
Find the accelerations of the body in the two cases.
The mass of the body, m = 3 kg:
(a) 2.5 ms–2, 7.5 ms–2 (b) 7.5 ms–2, 22.5 ms–2 g tan θ g cot θ
(c) (d)
(c) 5 ms–2, 45 ms–2 (d) 2.5 ms–2, 22.5 ms–2 R R
 Circular Motion 6.23
36. In the motorcycle stunt called “the well of death” the 39. A horizontal rectangular pipe is rotating with
track is a vertical cylindrical surface of 18 m radius. constant angular velocity of 5 rad/s. The vertical
take the motorcycle to be a point mass and m = 0.8. faces of the pipe are smooth but bottom face is
The minimum angular speed of the motorcycle to rough. The coefficient of friction between bottom
prevent him from sliding down should be : face and a block of mass 1 kg is m = 0.5. Find the
(a) 6/5 rad/s (b) 5/6 rad/s acceleration of the block relative to pipe, if it is at
(c) 25/3 rad/s (d) none of these distance 1 m from the point O.

37. A bird is flying in the air. To take a turn in the A

horizontal plane of radius R = 10 m with the velocity O

v = 10 m/s at what angle it should bend with the (a) 25 m/s2 (b) 5 m/s2
horizontal. (c) 20 m/s2 (d) 10 m/s2
(a) 30° (b) 15°
`` 40. A train A runs from east to west and another train
(c) 60° (d) 45°
B of the same mass runs from west to east at the
Banking of Roads and Centrifugal Force same speed with respect to earth along the equator.
Normal force by the track on train A is N1 and that
38. A circular road of radius 1000 m has banking angle
on train B is N2 :
45°. The maximum safe speed of a car having mass
2000 kg will be if the coefficient of friction between (a) N1 > N2 (b) N1 < N2
tyre and road is 0.5 : (c) N1 = N2
(a) 172 m/s (b) 124 m/s (d) the information is insufficient to find the relation
(c) 99 m/s (d) 86 m/s between N1 and N2.

EXERCISE - 3

Single Option Correct 4. A particle moves with deceleration along the circle of
1. The figure shows the velocity and acceleration of a radius R so that at any moment of time its tangential
point like body at the initial moment of its motion. and normal accelerations are equal in moduli. At the
The acceleration vector of the body remains constant. initial moment t = 0 the speed of the particle equals
The minimum radius of curvature of trajectory of v0, then the speed of the particle as a function of the
the body is distance covered s will be
vo = 8m/s
(a) v = v0 e–s/R (b) v = v0 es/R
 = 150°
(c) v = v0 e–R/s (d) v = v0 eR/s
a = 2m/s2
5. In the previous question the total acceleration of the
(a) 2 meter (b) 4 meter particle as function of velocity and distance covered
(c) 8 meter (d) 16 meter.
v2 v2
(a) a = 2 (b) a =
2. Three point particles P, Q, R Q R R
move in a circle of radius ‘r’ with
different but constant speeds. 2v 2 2 2v 2
(c) a = (d) a =
They start moving at t = 0 from P O
R R R
their initial positions as shown in
the figure. The angular velocities 6. A particle A moves along a circle of radius R = 50
(in rad/sec) of P, Q and R are 5π, 2π and 3π respectively, cm so that its radius vector r relative to the fixed
in the same sense. The time at which they all meet is: point O (Figure) rotates with the constant angular
(a) 2/3 sec (b) 1/6 sec velocity ω = 0.40 rad/s. Then modulus v of the
(c) 1/2 sec (d) 3/2 sec velocity of the particle, and the modulus a of its total
3. A particle is projected horizontally from the top of acceleration will be
a tower with a velocity v0. If v be its velocity at any (a) v = 0.4 m/s, a = 0.4 m/s2
instant, then the radius of curvature of the path of the
particle at that instant is directly proportional to: (b) v = 0.32 m/s, a = 0.32 m/s2 O
C
(c) v = 0.32 m/s, a = 0.4 m/s 2
(a) v3 (b) v2
(c) v (d) 1/v (d) v = 0.4 m/s, a = 0.32 m/s2
6.24 Physics
7. A bead of mass m is located on a
y 40r 40
m (a) sec . (b) sec.
parabolic wire with its axis 7 7
vertical and vertex at the origin 30r
as shown in figure and whose O x (c) 40 sec. (d) sec.
7
equation is x2 = 4ay. The wire
frame is fixed and the bead can slide on it without 11. A rigid body is spinning with an angular velocity of
friction. The bead is released from the point y = 4a 4 rad/s about an axis parallel to 3 ˆj - kˆ passing
on the wire frame from rest. The tangential through the point iˆ + 3 ˆj - kˆ . The velocity of
acceleration of the bead when it reaches the position
given by y = a is : (in m/s) the particle at the point 4iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ is :
g 3g -1 ˆ
(a) (b) (a) (iˆ + 3 ˆj + 9kˆ) (b) (i + 3 ˆj + 9kˆ)
2 2 10
g `` g 4 (7iˆ - 3 ˆj - 9kˆ) 5 ˆ
(c) (d) (c) (d) (i + 3 ˆj + 9kˆ)
2 5 10 10

8. A weight W attached to the end of a flexible rope of 12. A point situated on a wheel decelerates obeying the
diameter d = 0.75 cm is raised vertically by winding the relation w = w0 – aq, where q is angular displacement
rope on a reel as shown. If the reel is turned uniformly counted from t = 0. Which of the following graphs
at the rate of 2 r.p.s. What is the tension in rope. The represents the angular acceleration of the wheel.
inertia of rope may be neglected.  

(a) (b)
 
 
d  
(c) (d)
W

(a) 1.019 W (b) 0.51 W 13. A small bead of mass m = 1 kg is carried by a circular
(c) 2.04 W (d) W hoop having centre at C and radius r = 1 m which
9. A particle of mass m is suspended from a fixed point
rotates about a fixed vertical axis. The coefficient
O by a string of length l. It is displaced by angle of friction between bead and hoop is m = 0.5. The
q(q < 90°) from equilibrium position and released from maximum angular speed of the hoop for which the
there at t = 0. The graph, which shows the variation of bead does not have relative motion with respect to
the tension T in the string with time ‘t’ may be : hoop:
T T 
(a) (b)
O t O t

T T
(c) (d)
O t O t
C
10. The square of the angular velocity ω of a certain wheel 45°
increases linearly with the angular displacement during m
100 rev of the wheel’s motion as shown. Compute the
time t required for the increase.
2(rad/s2)

1600

( ) ( )
1/ 2 1/ 2
900 (a) 5 2 (b) 10 2

(c) (15 2 ) (d) ( 30 2 )

1/ 2 1/ 2

0
100rev
 Circular Motion 6.25
14. The member OA rotates about a horizontal axis by the disc just before it starts slipping on the disc
through O with a constant counter closkwise angular is :
velocity w = 3 rad/sec. As it passes the position q = 0, (a) 0.2 N (b) 0.3 N
a small mass m is placed upon it at a radial distance
(c) 0.4 N (d) 0.5 N
r = 0.5 m. If the mass is observed to slip at q = 37°,
the coefficient of friction between the mass and the
Vertical

member is ____________.
3 9 r
(a) (b)
16 16
4 5
(c) (d)
9 9

m  18. A ring of mass 2p kg and of radius 0.25 m is

``
A making 300 rpm about an axis through its centre
r
perpendicular to its plane. The tension (in newtons)
developed in the ring is : (p2 ≈ 10)

(a) 50 (b) 100
O
(c) 175 (d) 250
15. Two particles A and B separated by a distance 2
R are moving counter clockwise along the same 19. A disc of radius R has a light pole fixed perpendicular
circular path of radius R each with uniform speed v. to the disc at the circumference which in turn has a
At time t = 0, A is given a tangential acceleration of pendulum of length R attached to its other end as
72v 2 shown in figure. The disc is
magnitude a = . 

25rR rotate with a constant angular R

(a) the time lapse for the two bodies to collide is
30°
velocity w. The string is R
6rR
making an angle 30° with the
5V
11r rod. Then the angular velocity
(b) the angle covered by A is w of disc is:
6
1/ 2 1/ 2
11V  3g   3g 
(c) angular velocity of A is (a)   (b)  
5R
 R   2R 
289V 2  g 
1/ 2
 2g 
1/ 2
(d) radial acceleration of A is (c)  (d) 
5R  
 3R   3 3R 
16. A particle is moving in a circular path. The
acceleration and momentum vectors at an instant of 20. A smooth rod PQ rotates in a A
 
time are =a 2iˆ + 3 ˆj m/s2 and P = 6iˆ − 4 ˆj kgm/s. horizontal plane about its mid
Then the motion of the particle is point M which is h = 0.1 m h

(a) uniform circular motion vertically below a fixed point M

Q
A at a constant angular velocity P m 
(b) circular motion with tangential acceleration
14 rad/s. A light elastic string
(c) circular motion with tangential retardation
  of natural length 0.1 m requiring 1.47 N/cm has one
(d) we cannot say anything from a and P only. end fixed at A and its other end attached to a ring
of mass m = 0.3 kg which is free to slide along the
17. A small coin of mass 40 g is placed on the horizontal
rod. When the ring is stationary relative to rod, then
surface of a rotating disc. The disc starts from
inclination of string with vertical, tension in string.
rest and is given a constant angular acceleration
(natural length of the string is 0.1 m)
a = 2 rad/s2. The coefficient of static friction between
the coin and the disc is ms = 3/4 and coefficient of (a) cos q = 3/5, T = 9.8 N
kinetic friction is mk = 0.5. The coin is placed at a (b) q = 60, T = 0
distance r = 1 m from the centre of the disc. The (c) cos q = 2/5, T = 4.9 N
magnitude of the resultant force on the coin exerted (d) q = 30, T = 0
6.26 Physics
21. Objects A and B each mass m are connected by light 24. A ring attached with a spring is fitted in a smooth
inextensible cord. They are constrained to move rod. The spring is fixed at the outer end of the rod.
on a frictionless ring in a vertical plane as shown The mass of the ring is 3 kg and spring constant of
in figure. The objects are released from rest at the spring is 300 N/m. The ring is given a velocity ‘V’
position shown. The tension in the cord just after towards the outer end of the rod. And the rod is set
to be rotating with an angular velocity w. Then ring
release will be:
will move with constant speed with respect to the
A
rod if:
L
T mg
V

B C
Ring natural length of
mg spring is same as
`` that of length of rod.
mg
(a) mg 2 (b)
2 (a) angular velocity of rod is increase continuously
mg mg (b) w = 10 rad/s
(c) (d)
2 4 (c) angular velocity of rod is decreased continuously.
(d) constant velocity of ring is not possible.
22. A car moves around a curve at a constant speed.
Multiple Options Correct
When the car goes around the arc substending
60° at the centre, then the ratio of magnitude of 25. Which of the following quantities may remain
instantaneous acceleration to average over the 60° constant during the motion of an object along a
arc is : curved path
(a) speed
V (b) velocity
(c) acceleration
V
(d) magnitude of acceleration
26. Assuming the motion of Earth around the Sun as a
60° circular orbit with a constant speed of 30 km/s.
(a) The average velocity of the earth during a period
of 1 year is zero
r r (b) The average speed of the earth during a period
(a) (b) of 1 year is zero.
3 6
(c) The average acceleration during first 6 monts of
2r 5r the year is zero
(c) (d)
3 3 (d) The instantaneous acceleration of the earth
23. A bus is moving with a constant acceleration a points towards the Sun.
3g/4 towards right. In the bus, a ball is tied with a 27. A car is moving with constant speed on a road as
rope and is rotating in vertical circle as shown. The shown in figure. The normal reaction by the road on
tension in the rope will be minimum, when the rope the car is NA , NB and NC when it is at the points A, B
makes an angle q = and C respectively.
A B

3g
a=
4

C
(a) 53° (b) 37° (a) NA = NB (b) NA > NB
(c) 180 – 53° (d) 180 + 37° (c) NA < NB (d) NC > NA
 Circular Motion 6.27
28. A curved section of a road is banked for a speed v. If E
X
F
there is no friction between road and tyres of the car, D

X
then: r
G

X
C
(a) car is more likely to slip at speeds higher than v O

than speeds lower than v

X
X
H B
X
(b) car cannot remain in static equilibrium on the A

curved section (a) the weight reading at A is greater than the weight
(c) car will not slip when moving with speed v reading at E by 2w.
(d) none of the above (b) the weight reading at G = w
(c) the ratio of the weight reading at E to that at
29. A car of mass m attempts to go on the circular
A = 0
road of radius r, which is banked for a speed of
(d) the ratio of the weight reading at A to that at
36 km/hr. The friction coefficient
`` between the tyre C = 2.
and the road is negligible.
32. A car of mass M is travelling on a horizontal circular
(a) The car cannot make a turn without skidding.
path of radius r. At an instant its speed is v and
(b) If the car turns at a speed less than 36 km/hr, it tangential acceleration is a :
will slip down (a) The acceleration of the car is towards the centre
(c) If the car turns at the constant speed of 36 km/hr, of the path
mv 2 (b) The magnitude of the frictional force on the car
the force by the road on the car is equal to
r mv 2
is greater than
r
(d) If the car turns at the correct speed of 36 km/hr,
the force by the road on the car is greater than (c) The friction coefficient between the ground and
the car is not less than a/g.
mv 2
mg as well as greater than (D) The friction coefficient between the ground and
r
v2
the car is m = tan–1
30. A heavy particle is tied to the end A of a string of rg
length 1.6 m. Its other end O is fixed. It revolves as
33. A block of mass 1 kg is hanging as shown in the
a conical pendulum with the string making 60o with
figure below. Just after cutting the spiring.
the vertical. Then (g = 9.8 m/s2)
(a) the tension in the light string is 8 N
4r
(a) its period of revolution is sec. (b) the acceleration of the ball is 6 m/s2 directed
7
downward
(b) the tension in the string is double the weight of (c) the acceleration of the ball is 6 m/s2 directed
the particle perpendicular to the string
(d) the acceleration of the ball is 10 m/s2
(c) the speed of the particle = 2.8 3 m/s
53° 53°
(d) the centripetal acceleration of the particle is
9.8 3 m/s2.

31. A machine, in an amusement park, consists of a cage

at the end of one arm, hinged at O. The cage revolves
along a vertical circle of radius r (ABCDEFGH) 34. The position vector of a particle in a circular motion
about its hinge O, at constant linear speed v = gr . about the origin sweeps out equal area in equal time.
Its
The cage is so attached that the man of weight ‘w’ (a) velocity remains constant
standing on a weighing machine, inside the cage, is (b) speed remains constant
always vertical. Then which of the following is (c) acceleration remains constant
(d) tangential acceleration remains constant
correct
6.28 Physics
35. A particle is attached to an end of a rigid rod. The (c) Centripetal acceleration is 2 cm/s2
other end of the rod is hinged and the rod rotates (d) Tangential acceleration is zero
always remaining horizontal. It’s angular speed is
increasing at constant rate. The mass of the particle 39. A particle in rotating disc moves according to the
is ‘m’. The force exerted by the rod on the particle is equation q = 2t – t3.

F , then : (a) Average angular velocity is 2 rad/s
(a) F > mg (b) Average angular acceleration during first second
is – 3 rad/s2
(b) F is constant
 (c) Angular acceleration at the end of first second
(c) The angle between F and horizontal plane – 6 rad/s2
decreases.
 (d) Average angular acceleration during first second
(d) The angle between F and the rod decreases. is – 6 rad/s2
36. In uniform circular motion
`` assuming
 40. The situation shown in the figure below, which of

V = Velocity, r = radius vector the following are true?

ω = angular velocity relative to centre of the circle,
 
a = acceleration, which of the following is/are g l
V0
correct ? V0
a
 
(a) | ∆v | ≠ 0 but ∆ | v | = 0
  mv02
(b) | ∆ω | = 0 and ∆ | ω | = 0 (a) The tension in string is mg cos q +
  l
(c) | ∆ r | ≠ 0 but ∆ | r | = 0
  (b) The magnitude of tangential acceleration of bob
(d) | ∆ a | ≠ 0 but ∆ | a | = 0 is g sin q

37. In circular motion which of the following relation (c) The acceleration a of the bob is as indicated in
is/are valid the figure
(a) The angular velocity of a particle in uniform g
circular motion relative to different points may (d) The angular acceleration of the bob is sin q
l
be different
41. A particle is describing circular motion in a
(b) The linear velocity of a particle in uniform circular
motion relative to different fixed points must be horizontal plane in contact with the smooth inside
equal surface of a fixed right circular cone with its axis

  vertical and vertex down. The height of the plane of
dv d |v|
(c) > for non uniform circular motion motion above the vertex in h and the semivertical
dt dt
angle of the cone in a. The period of revolution of
(d) If the time period of a particle remains constant the particle :
in circular motion, it is said to be uniform
38. A particle moves in a circle of Q
radius 4 cm clockwise at 2 cm/s

constant speed 2 cm/s. If x̂ P

 h
and ŷ are unit acceleration
vectors along x-axis and y-axis then
(a) centripetal acceleration is 1 cm/s2 (a) increases at h increases
(b) Acceleration of the particle at the instant half (b) decreases as h increases
−1 (c) increases as a increases
way between P and Q is ( xˆ + yˆ )
2 (d) decreases as a increases
 Circular Motion 6.29
42. On a circular table, A and B are moving on the 47. If the breaking strength of the string is equal to
circumference. Man A runs behind man B to catch weight of the stone. The time after which the string
him. A runs with constant angular speed with respect will break
to table and B runs at constant tangential speed v2
1 V0
with respect to ground. If it is found that the table (a)
a
( )
gR − V0 (b)
a
( gR − V0 )
rotates 30° in the opposite direction in every one
1 V
second and the initial angular seperation between A
and B is 30°, then A catches B after : (Radius of
(c)
a
( 2gR − V0 ) (d) 0
a
( 2 gR − V0 )
table is 3 m)
5r 48. If V0 = 0 then the distance covered by the stone till
(a) 0.5 sec, if w1 = rad/s and v2 = 3.14 m/s
6 the string ruptures
4r R gR
(b) 0.5 sec, if w1 = rad/s and v2 = 3.14 m/s (a) (b)
3 `` 2a 2a
4r g 2gR
(c) 0.5 sec, if w1 = rad/s and v2 = 6.26 m/s (c) (d)
3 2aR a
r
(d) A can not catch B within 0.5 s, if w1 = rad/s Passage-3 (Question 49 to 50)
6
and v2 = 6.28 m/s
Comprehension Type
A table with smooth horizontal surface is placed in a cabin
Passage-1 (Question 43 to 45)
which moves in a circle of a large radius R. A smooth
A particle undergoes uniform circular motion. The velocity pulley of small radius is fastened to the table. Two masses
and angular velocity of the particle at an instant of time is ‘m’ and ‘2 m’ placed on the table are connected through
 
v = 3iˆ + 4 ˆj m/s and w= xiˆ + 6 ˆj rad/s a string going over the pulley. Initially the masses are
43. The value of x in rad/s is held by a person with the strings along the outward radius
(a) 8 (b) – 8 and then the system is released from rest (with respect to
(c) 6 (d) can’t be calculated cabin).
44. The radius of circle in metres is
(a) 1/2 m (b) 1 m m1
O
(c) 2 m (d) can’t be calculated m2
45. The acceleration of particle at the given instant is
(a) − 50kˆ (b) − 42kˆ
49. Find the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the
(c) 2iˆ + 3 ˆj (d) can’t be calculated masses as seen from the cabin
Passage-2 (Question 46 to 48) w2 R
(a) w2R (b)
A particle of mass m is revolving in a horizontal circle 2
on a smooth table, attached to an inextensible string. The w2 R w2 R 4
initial speed of the particle is V0 and particle has tangential (c) (d)
3 3
acceleration of constant magnitude a.
50. Tension in the string is
46. After what time the tension of the string will be
equal to T
1  TR  V  TR  4mw2 R mw2 R
(a)  − V0  (b) 0  − v0  (a) (b)
a m  a m  3 3

v0 1  2TR  mw2 R
(c) (d)  − V0  (c) mw2R (d)
a a m  2
6.30 Physics
Passage-4 (Question 51 to 53) 57. A wheel is subjected to uniform angular acceleration
about its axis. Initially its angular velocity is zero in
One end of a light string of length L is connected to a ball
the first 2 second, it rotates through an angle q1. In
and the other end is connected to a fixed point O. The ball
the next 2 second, it rotates through an additional
is released from rest at t = 0 with string horizontal and just
q
taut. The ball then moves in vertical circular path as angle q2. Then the ratio of 2 is _______
shown. The time taken by ball to go from position A to B q1
is t1 and from B to lowest position C is t2. Let the velocity 58. A particle moves in a circle of radius 1 cm at a speed
 
of ball at B is vB and at C is vC respectively. given by v = 2t where v is in cm/s and t in second.
O A The magnitude of the acceleration at t = 1 s is x 5 ,

where x = _____________
90 – 
59. A car is moving on a circular road of radius 500 m. At
`` some instant its speed is 30 m/s and is increasing at
the rate of 2 m/s2. The magnitude of its acceleration
B
is approximately __________ m/s.
C 60. A grind stone starts from rest and has a constant
  angular acceleration of 3 rad/s2. The radius of the
51. If vC = 2 v B then the value of q as shown is
grind stone is 0.5 metre. The tangential speed of
−1 1 −1 1 particle on the rim at the end of 2 seconds is _____
(a) cos (b) sin
4 4 61. A particle is moving with constant speed in a circular
−1 1 −1 1 path. The ratio of average velocity to its instantaneous
(c) cos (d) sin
2 2 p
velocity when the particle describes an angle q =
2
  2 x
52. If vC = 2 v B then : is . Find x.
p
(A) t1 > t2
62. Two particle A and B move on a circle. Initially
(B) t1 < t2
particle A and B are diagonally opposite to each
(C) t1 = t2
other. Particle A move with angular velocity
(D) Information insufficient
p rad/sec, angular acceleration p/2 rad/sec2 and
  
53. If vC − v B = v B , then the value of q as shown is: particle B moves with constant angular velocity
2p rad/sec. Find the time after which both the
1/3 1/3
−1  1  −1  1  particle A and B will collide.
(a) cos   (b) sin  
4 4
63. A particle is moving with constant speed in a circle
1/3 1/3
−1  1  −1  1  as shown. Angular velocity A with respect to O is w
(c) cos   (d) sin  
2 2 then the angular velocity of particle A with respect
x×w
Integer Type to C is where x = _________
3
54. A scooter weighing 250 kg together with its rider
moving 36 km/hr is to take a turn of radius 50 m.
v
What horizontal force on the scooter is needed to
make the turn possible (in 102 N)
r r A
55. A particle moves in a horizontal circular path with C B
increasing speed, having radius R = 1 m. At the
moment its speed 3 m/s it experience an
64. A particle moves along the plane trajectory y(x) with
acceleration 5 m/s2. What is the tangential
constant speed v. The trajectory has the form of a
acceleration of the particle.
parabola y = ax2 where ‘a’ is a positive constant.
56. A fly wheel is turning at 180 revolutions per/min
Then the radius of curvature of the trajectory at the
find the number of revolution made before it stops
point x = 0 is 1/ka, where k = ____________
of it slows at p rad/s2.
 Circular Motion 6.31
65. The ring which can slide along the rod are kept at 
(d) (s) 
path will be
mid point of a smooth rod of length L. The rod is u= 2iˆ − 3 ˆj and acceleration
parabolic

rotated with constant angular velocity w about = 6iˆ − 9 ˆj
at all time a
vertical axis passing through its one end. The ring is
released from mid point. The velocity of the ring,
x 67. A particle is moving with speed v = 2t2 on the
when it just leaves the rod is = wL . Find x. circumference of circle of radius R. Match the
2
quantities given in column-I with corresponding
Matching Column Type results in column-II

66. In column-I condition on velocity, force and Column I Column II

acceleration of a particle is given. Resultant motion (a) Magnitude of (p) decreases with time.
 
is described in column-II. u = initial velocity, F = tangential acceleration
 `` of particle
resultant force and v = instantaneous velocity.

Column I Column II (b) Magnitude of (q) increase with time

Centripetal
(a)   (p) 
path will be acceleration of particle
u×F =0
 circular path
and F = constant (c) Magnitude of angular (r) remains constant
speed of particle with
respect to centre of
(b)   (q) speed will
u⋅F =0 circle
 increase
and F = constant
(d) Angle between the (s) proportional to R
total acceleration
vector and centripetal
(c)   (r) 
path will be acceleration vector of
v ⋅ F = 0 at all the time and
 straight line particle
| F | = constant and the particle
(t) inversely
always remains in one plane.
proportional to R.

1. A particle is moving in a circular path of radius a 3. A point P moves in counter-clockwise direction on a

k circular path as shown in the figure. The movement
under the action of an attractive potential U = - 2 .
2r of ‘P’ is such that it sweeps out a length s = t3 + 5,
Its total energy is : where s is in metres and t is in seconds. The radius
[2018]
of the path is 20 m. The acceleration of ‘P’ when
3 k k
(a) - 2 2 (b) - 2 t = 2 s is nearly. [2010]
r 4r
k y
(c) (d) zero
2r 2
2. Two cars of masses m1 and m2 are moving in circles B
P (x, y)
of radii r1 and r2, respectively. Their speeds are such
that they make complete circles in the same time t.
m
20

The ratio of their centripetal acceleration is :

x
O
[2012] A

(a) m1 r1 : m2 r2 (b) m1 : m2 (a) 13 m/s2 (b) 12 m/s2
(c) r1 : r2 (d) 1 : 1 (c) 7.2 m/s2 (d) 14 m/s2
6.32 Physics
4. For a particle in uniform circular motion, the (a) The velocity vector is tangent to the circle

acceleration a at a point P(R, q) on the circle of (b) The acceleration vector is tangent to the circle
radius R is (Here q is measured from the x-axis)
(c) The acceleration vector point to the center of the
v2 v2
(a) – cos q iˆ + sin q ˆj [2010] circle
R R
(d) The velocity and acceleration vectors are
2 2
v v perpendicular to each other
(b) − sin q iˆ + cos q ˆj
R R
6. A particle is acted upon by a force of constant
2 2
v v magnitude which is always perpendicular to the
(c) − cos q iˆ − sin q ˆj
R R velocity of the particle. The motion of the particle
v2 ˆ v2 ˆ takes place in a plane, it follows that [2004]
(d) i+ j
R R `` (a) its velocity is constant
(b) its acceleration is constant
5. Which of the following statements is false for a
(c) its kinetic energy is constant
particle moving in a circle with a constant angular
speed ? [2004] (d) it moves in a straight line

Single Option Correct maximum tension that the string can bear is 324 N.
The maximum possible value of angular velocity of
1. Consider a disc rotating in the horizontal plane with
ball (in radian/s) is : [2013]
a constant angular speed w about its centre O. The
disc has a shaded region on one side of the diameter
and an unshaded region on the other side as shown
in the figure. When the disc is in the orientation as
L
shown, two pebbles P and Q are simultaneously
projected at an angle towards R. The velocity of
projection is in the y-z plane and is same for both
m
pebbles with respect to the disc. Assume that (i) they
land back on the disc before the disc has completed (a) 9 (b) 18
1/8 rotation, (ii) their range is less than half the disc
(c) 27 (d) 36
radius, and (iii) w remains constant throughout.
Then [2015]
3. A bob of mass M is suspended by a massless string

Y R of length L. The horizontal velocity V at position A
is just sufficient to make it reach the point B. The
X Q
angle q at which the speed of the bob is half of that
O at A, satisfies [2008]
B
P

(a) P lands in the shaded region and Q in the

unshaded region

(b) P lands in the unshaded region and Q in the L
shaded region V
(c) Both P and Q land in the unshaded region A

(d) Both P and Q land in the shaded region p p p

(a) q = (b) < q <
4 4 2
2. A ball of mass (m) 0.5 kg is attached to the end of
p 3p 3p
a string having length (L) 0.5 m. The ball is rotated (c) <q< (d) <q<p
on a horizontal circular path about vertical axis. The 2 4 4
 Circular Motion 6.33
4. A simple pendulum is oscillating without damping. 5. The distance r of the block at time t is
When the displacement of the bob is less than
R wt R
maximum, its acceleration vector is correctly shown in (a) (e + e−wt ) (b) cos wt
4 4
[2002] R 2wt R
(c) (e + e−2wt ) (d) cos 2wt

4 2
a
(a) (b)
6. The net reaction of the disc on the block is

1
a 2
(a) mw R(e − e
2 wt
) j + mgkˆ
−2 wt ˆ
2
1
(c) (d) (b) mw2 R(ewt − e−wt ) ˆj + mgkˆ
 2
a 
`` a
(c) − mw R cos wt ˆj − mgkˆ
2

Comprehension
(d) mw R sin wt ˆj − mgkˆ
2
Passage (Question 5 to 6)
A frame of reference that is accelerated with respect to an
inertial frame of reference is called a non-inertial frame of
reference. A coordinate system fixed on a circular disc
rotating about a fixed axis with a constant angular velocity
w is an example of a non-inertial fram of reference. The
relationship between the force rot experienced by a
particle of mass m moving on the rotating disc and the
force Fin experienced by the particle in an inertial frame
of reference is
      
    Frot = Fin + 2m (vrot × w) + m(w × r ) × wr

where vrot is the velocity of the particle in the rotating

frame of reference and r is the position vector of the
particle with respect to the centre of the disc.
Now consider a smooth slot along a diameter of a disc of
radius R rotating counter-clockwise with a constant
angular speed w about its vertical axis through its center.
We assign a coordinate system with the origin at the center
of the disc, the x-axis along the slot, the y-axis perpendicular
to the slot and the z-axis along the rotation axis

(w = wkˆ) . A small block of mass m is gently placed in the

slot at r = (R/2) ĵ at t = 0 and is constrained to move
only along the slot. [2016]


m
R/2
6.34 Physics
Answer Key
Exercise 1
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (c)
11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (d) 20. (c)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (b) 28. (a) 29. (b) 30. (c)
Exercise 2
1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (a) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20. (b)
21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (d) 29. (d) 30. (b)
``
31. (d) 32. (d) 33. (b) 34. (b) 35. (a) 36. (b) 37. (d) 38. (a) 39. (c) 40. (a)
Exercise 3
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (a)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (d) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (a) 24. (b) 25. (a,c,d) 26. (a, d).
27. (b, d)
28. (b, c) 29. (b, d)
30. (a, b, c, d) 31. (a, b, c, d) 32. (b, c)
33. (a, c) 34. (b, d) 35. (a, c, d) 36. (a, b, c, d) 37. (a, b, c)
38. (a, b, d) 39. (b, c) 40. (a, b, c, d) 41. (a, c) 42. (a, d)
43. (b) 44. (a) 45. (a) 46. (a) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (c) 50. (a)
51. (b) 52. (b) 53. (b) 54. (5) 55. (4) 56. (9) 57. (3) 58. (2) 59. (3) 60. (3)
61. (2) 62. (2) 63. (1) 64. (2) 65. (7)
66. a → (q, s), b → (p), c → (p), d → (q, r)
67. a → (r), b → (q, s), c → (p), d → (q, r) 68. a → (q), b → (q, t), c → (q, t), d – (p, s)
Archives: Least Attempted Questions (LAQs) (JEE Main)
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (c)
Archives: Least Attempted Questions (LAQs) (JEE Adv)
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (b)