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
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