The String Challenge

What is Uniform Circular Motion?

Uniform Circular Motion describes an object moving in a circle at a constant speed. While the speed is constant, the velocity is continuously changing because its direction is always changing. This change in velocity means there is an acceleration, called centripetal acceleration, which is always directed towards the center of the circle.

Key Concepts

• Centripetal Force ($F_c$): A force that acts on a body moving in a circular path and is directed toward the center. In this case, it's the tension in the string. $F_c = mv^2/r$.
• Tangential Velocity ($v$): The instantaneous velocity of the object, which is always tangent to the circle. If the string snaps, the object flies off in this direction.
• The Challenge: To keep the ball in its circular path, the tension in the string must exactly match the required centripetal force. If the force becomes greater than the string's maximum tension, it breaks!