Circular Motion Practice
10 problems · instant feedback · full explanations
Circular motion is accelerated motion: velocity keeps changing direction. Centripetal force always points to the center — ask what provides it in each situation.
Q1.
In uniform circular motion, which way does the centripetal acceleration point?
Multiple choice · Easy
Q2.
A 2 kg mass on a 0.5 m string whirls at 4 m/s. What is the tension (centripetal force)?
Numerical answer (N) · Easy
Q3.
A car takes a 50 m radius curve at 20 m/s. What is its centripetal acceleration?
Numerical answer (m/s²) · Medium
Q4.
If the speed of an object in circular motion doubles (same radius), what happens to the required centripetal force?
Multiple choice · Medium
Q5.
The Moon orbits at radius 3.84×10⁸ m with period 27.3 days. What is its orbital speed in m/s?
Numerical answer (m/s) · Hard
Q6.
A passenger feels flung outward on a sharp turn. In the ground (inertial) frame, what is this outward force?
Multiple choice · Easy
Q7.
An object in uniform circular motion has constant velocity.
True / False · Medium
Q8.
The centripetal force does no work on an object in uniform circular motion.
True / False · Medium
Q9.
A car rounds an unbanked 100 m curve where μs = 0.8. What is the maximum speed before skidding? (Use g = 9.8 m/s².)
Numerical answer (m/s) · Hard
Q10.
What provides the centripetal force for a satellite in circular orbit?
Multiple choice · Medium