6. Circular motion and gravitation

6. Circular motion and gravitation

6.1 – Circular motion

Nature of science:

• Observable universe: Observations and subsequent deductions led to the realization that the force must act radially inwards in all cases of circular motion.

Understandings:

• Period, frequency, angular displacement and angular velocity

• Centripetal force

• Centripetal acceleration

Applications and skills:

• Identifying the forces providing the centripetal forces such as tension, friction, gravitational, electrical, or magnetic

• Solving problems involving centripetal force, centripetal acceleration, period, frequency, angular displacement, linear speed and angular velocity

• Qualitatively and quantitatively describing examples of circular motion including cases of vertical and horizontal circular motion

6.2 – Newton’s law of gravitation

Nature of science:

• Laws: Newton’s law of gravitation and the laws of mechanics are the foundation for deterministic classical physics. These can be used to make predictions but do not explain why the observed phenomena exist.

Understandings:

• Newton’s law of gravitation

• Gravitational field strength

Applications and skills:

• Describing the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal force

• Applying Newton’s law of gravitation to the motion of an object in circular orbit around a point mass

• Solving problems involving gravitational force, gravitational field strength, orbital speed and orbital period

• Determining the resultant gravitational field strength due to two bodies