Circular Motion

Simulation Information

This simulation consists of an object that is spun in a circle by a centripetal force.

You can control the simulation using these variables:

• Mass: The mass of the object
• Centripetal Force: The magnitude of the centripetal force
• Radius: The radius of the circle

The simulation also contains these output measurements:

• Time: The time that has passed
• Speed: The current speed of the object
• Period: The period of the object

Controls:

• Use the start and stop buttons to start and stop the simulation
• Use the step button to advance the simulation by 0.01 seconds
• Use the reset button to restore the simulation to its initial state

Equations:

• \( v = { \sqrt{ F \cdot r \over m } } \)
  • \(v\) is the speed of the object
  • \(F\) is the magnitude of the centripetal force
  • \(r\) is the radius of the circle
  • \(m\) is the mass of the object
• \( T = { 2 \cdot \pi \cdot r \over v } \)
  • \(T\) is the period of the object
  • \(r\) is the radius of the circle
  • \(v\) is the speed of the object