3 Circular Motion

Definition
If a particle moves in a plane such that its distance from a fixed point remains constant then
its motion is called as circular motion with respect to that fixed point.
That fixed point is called the centre and the corresponding distance is called the radius of
circular path. The vector joining the centre of the circle and the particle performing circular
motion, directed towards the later is called the radius vector. It has constant magnitude but
variable direction.

1. Terminology Related to Circular Motion

1.1 Angular Position

The angle made by the position vector w.r.t. origin, with the reference y
P'
line is called angular position.
∆θ P
Clearly angular position depends on the choice of the origin as well as
θ x
the reference line. O r
The angular position of particle P at a given instant may be described by
the angle θ between OP and OX. This angle θ is called the angular position
of the particle.

1.2 Angular Displacement

Angle traced by the position vector of particle moving w.r.t. some fixed point is called angular
displacement.
∆θ = angular displacement
arc
angle =
radius
arc PP'
∆θ =
r

Key Points

• Small angular displacement d θ is a vector quantity, but large angular displacement ∆θ is not a
vector quantity.
   
dθ1 + dθ2 = dθ2 + dθ1 But ∆θ1 + ∆θ2 ≠ ∆θ2 + ∆θ1

• Direction of angular displacement is perpendicular to the plane of rotation and is given by right
hand thumb rule.

• Angular displacement is dimensionless and its S.I. unit is radian while other units are degree
and revolution. 2π radian = 360° = 1 revolution

Circular Motion 1
Example 1:
A particle moving on 7m radius circular path. If it covers 21 m distance on circular path then
find angular displacement.
Solution:
arc 21
∆θ = angular displacement = = = 3 rad
radius 7
180 540°
in degree ∆θ = 3 × =
π π

1.3 Angular Velocity (ω)

It is defined as the rate of change of angular displacement of a moving
Q
particle, w.r.t. to time.
angle traced fixe d
ω= point ∆θ
time taken r
⇒ Its unit is rad/s and dimensions is [T ].
–1 P

1.3.1 Average Angular Velocity (ωav) t = t1

total angle rotation θ2 – θ1 ∆θ t = t2 θ2
=
ωav = =
total time taken t 2 – t 1 ∆t θ1
t=0
where θ1 and θ2 are the angular positions of the particle at instants t1
and t2. It is a scaler quantity.

1.3.2 Instantaneous Angular Velocity

The angular velocity at some particular instant

 ∆θ dθ
=ω Lim=
∆t →0 ∆t dt
It is an axial vector.

1.4 Relation Between Linear and Angular Velocity

arc ∆s Q
Angel (∆θ) = = ⇒ ∆s = r∆θ
radius r r
∆s r∆θ ds dθ ∆θ ∆s
∴ = if ∆t → 0 then =r ⇒ v= ωr
∆t ∆t dt dt
    r
In vector form v = ω × r (direction of v is according to right hand
P
thumb rule)

1.5 Frequency (n or f)
Number of revolutions described by particle per second is its frequency. Its unit is revolutions
per second (rps) or revolutions per minute (rpm).
Note : 1 rps = 60 rpm

2 Circular Motion
1.6 Time Period (T)
It is the time taken by particle to complete one revolution. i.e. T = 1/n

1.7 Relative Angular Velocity

Relative angular velocity of a particle ‘A’ w.r.t. an other moving particle B is the angular velocity
of the position vector of ‘A’ w.r.t. B. It means the rate at which the position vector of ‘A’ w.r.t.
B rotates at the instant.
(v )
ωAB = AB ⊥ θ1
rAB A VA
VB
Relative velocity of A w.r.t B perpendicular to line AB r
= VA sin θ1
separation between A and B
Here (v AB )⊥ = vA sin θ1 + vB sin θ2 θ2
VB sin θ2
v sin θ1 + vB sin θ2
∴ ωAB =A B
r

Key Points

• Instantaneous angular velocity is an axial vector quantity.

• Direction of angular velocity is same as that of angular displacement i.e., perpendicular to the
plane of rotation and along the axis according to right hand screw rule or right hand thumb rule.
 
• If particles A and B are moving with a velocity v A and vB are separated by a distance r at a
given instant then  
VA VB
dr
(i) = vB cos θ2 – v A cos θ1
dt
dθAB vB sin θ2 – v A sin θ1 θ1 θ2
(ii) = ωAB = r
dt r A B

Example 2:
A particle moves on circular track of 7 cm radius its angular displacement is 225° in 50 sec find
angular velocity of a particle.
Solution:
225° π π
ω= × = rad/sec
50 180 40

Example 3:
A particle revolving in a circular path completes first one third of the circumference in 2 s, while
next one third in 1s. Calculate its average angular velocity.
Solution:
2π 2π
θ1 = and θ2 =
3 3
total time T = 2 + 1 = 3 s
2π 2π 4π
+
θ1 + θ2 3 = 3 3 4π
∴ ω=
av
= = rad / s
T 3 3 9

Circular Motion 3
Example 4:
If angular displacement is θ = 10 – 5t + 4t2 and radius is 6 cm. Find linear speed of the point
on the rim at t = 2s is :
Solution:
2
θ = 10 – 5t + 4t
dθ
ω=
dt
= 0 – 5 + 8t = 8t – 5
‘ω’ at t = 2
⇒ 8 × 2 – 5 = 16 – 5 = 11 rad/sec
⇒ v = ωr = 11 × 6 = 66 cm/sec

Example 5:
A racing car is travelling along a track at a constant speed of 40 m/s. A T.V. camera men is
recording the ever from a distance of 30 m directly away from the track as shown in figure. In
order to keep the car under view in the position shown, the angular speed with which the
camera should be rotated, is :
Track
car
40m / s
30cm

30º

T.V.camera

Solution:
v⊥ 40cos 30°
ω= = = 1 rad/sec
r 30
cos 30°
Track
car

40m / s
30cm 30º

30 40 cos30º
cos30º
30º

T.V.camera

4 Circular Motion
Example 6:
A particle is moving parallel to x-axis as shown in figure such that the y component of its
position vector is constant at all instants and is equal to ‘b’. Find the angular velocity of the
particle about the origin when its radius vector makes an angle θ with the x-axis.

y P 
V
θ
b 
r

θ
x
Solution:
vcosθ
y
θ
b/sinθ
vsinθ v sin θ v
b ∴=
ωPQ = sin2 θ
b b
θ sin θ

Example 7:
A particle is moving in clockwise direction in a circular path shown in figure. The instantaneous

v (3iˆ + 3ˆj)m / s . Then in which quadrant does the
velocity of particle at a certain instant is =
particle lie at that instant? Explain your answer.

II I
x
III IV

Solution:
II quadrant. According to following figure x & y components of velocity are positive when the
particle is in II quadrant.
y

II I
x
III IV

Circular Motion 5
1.8 Angular Acceleration (α)
2
Rate of change of angular velocity is called angular acceleration. Its unit is rad/s and it is an
axial vector.

1.8.1 Average Angular Acceleration

  
 changeinangular velocity ∆ω ω2 – ω1
αav = = =
time taken ∆t t2 – t 1

1.8.2 Instantaneous Angular Acceleration

The angular acceleration at some particular instant
 
 ∆ω dω
= α Lim=
∆t →0 ∆t dt

1.9 Relation Between Angular and Linear Acceleration

  
Velocity v = ω × r axis of rotation
   
 dv d   dω   dr ω
Acceleration = a = (ω × r) = ×r +ω
dt dt dt dt
        
a = α × r + ω × v = a = a T + aC
v
     
( a T = α × r is tangential acceleration & aC = ω × v is centripetal

acceleration) r
    
a a T + aC ( a T and aC are the two component of net linear
=
acceleration)
  
As a T ⊥ aC so | a | = a2T + aC2

1.10 Tangential Acceleration

       
a t = α × r , its direction is parallel (or antiparallel) to velocity. v = ω × r as ω and α both are
parallel (or antiparallel) and along the axis.
Magnitude of tangential acceleration in case of circular motion :
   
aT = α r sin 90° = αr ( α is axial, r is radial so that α ⊥ r )
  
As a T is along the direction of motion (in the direction of v ) so a T is responsible for change in
speed of the particle. Its magnitude is the rate of change of speed of the particle.

1.11 Centripetal Acceleration

        
ac = ω × v = ω × (ω × r) ( v = ω × r)

axis of rotation

ω

r
O P

  
Let r be in î direction and ω be in ˆj direction then the direction of ac is along
ˆ = –iˆ , opposite to the direction of r i.e., from P to O and it is centripetal in
ˆj × (ˆj × ˆi) =ˆj × (–k)
direction.
v2  v2
Magnitude of centripetal acceleration, ac =ωv = =ω2r therefore ac = ˆ
(–r)
r r
Note : Centripetal acceleration is always perpendicular to the velocity at each point.

6 Circular Motion
 Key Points

• Angular acceleration is an axial vector quantity. It’s direction is along the axis according to the
right hand thumb rule or right hand screw rule.
• Important difference between projectile motion and uniform circular motion:
In projectile motion, both the magnitude and the direction of acceleration (g) remains constant,
while in uniform circular motion the magnitude remains constant but the direction continuously
changes.

Example 8:
A stone tied to the end of a 80 cm long string is whirled in a horizontal circle with a constant
speed. If the stone makes 14 revolutions in 25 s, the magnitude of its acceleration is :
–2 –2 –2 –2
(1) 20 ms (2) 12 ms (3) 9.9 ms (4) 8 ms
Solution:
14 × 2π 28π
Angular speed = = rad/sec
25 25
2
v2 2  28π  80 2
Acceleration = =ωr=   × = 9.9 m/sec .
r  25  100

Concept Builder-1

Q.1 An ant trapped in a circular groove of radius 13 cm moves along the groove steadily and
complete 14 revolution is 50 sec. What is angular speed.

Q.2 Two particles move in concentric circles of radii r1 and r2 such that they maintain a straight line
through the centre. Find the ratio of their angular velocities.

Q.3 What is the ratio of angular speeds of minutes hand and hour hand of a watch is:

π
Q.4 A particle rotates along a circle of radius R = 2m with an angular acceleration α = rad / s2
4
starting from rest. Calculate the magnitude of average velocity of the particle over the time it
rotates a quarter circle.

Q.5 If the radii of circular paths of two particles are in the ratio of 1 : 2 then in order to have same
centripetal acceleration, their speeds should be in the ratio of :

(1) 1 : 4 (2) 4 : 1 (3) 1 : 2 (4) 2:1

Circular Motion 7
2. Uniform and Non-Uniform Circular Motion

2.1 Uniform Circular Motion

If a particle moves with a constant speed in a circle, the motion is called uniform circular
motion. In uniform circular motion a resultant non-zero force acts on the particle. This force is
provided by some external such as friction, magnetic force, coulomb force, gravitational force,
tension. etc.

Key Points

• Speed = constant
• Velocity ≠ constant (because its direction continuously changes). But magnitude of velocity is
constant.

• ω = constant (because magnitude and direction, both are constants)
• Tangential acceleration
 dv d(cons tan t) 
aT = 0  a
= T
= = 0
 dt dt 
• Angular acceleration α = 0
• Direction of acceleration of particle is towards centre and its magnitude
  v2
| a | =aC =ωv =ω2r = = constant
r
 
• = a= aC ≠ constant
(because the direction of aC is toward the centre of circle which changes as the particle
revolves)
• The direction of the resultant force F is therefore, towards the centre and its magnitude is
mv 2
F= mrω2 (as v =
= rω)
r
1 2
• K.E. = mv = constant
2
• Uniform circular motion is usually executed in a horizontal plane.

2.2 Non-Uniform Circular Motion

If a particle moves with variable speed in a circle, then the motion is called non uniform circular
motion. Circular motion in vertical plane is an example of non-uniform circular motion.

aT

a


aC

8 Circular Motion
 Key Points

Acceleration (a) has two components :-


aC = responsible for change in direction only.

a T = responsible for change in speed only.
Hence due to aT speed = | velocity | is variable,

 v
• | ω |= • aT ≠ 0
r
 v2
• α≠0 • | aC | =ωv =ω2r =
r
2
     v2 
• a a T + aC
= • | a | = a T2 + aC2 = (αr)2 +  
 r 
   1
• F
= FT + FC • K.E. = mv 2
2
aC FC
• Angle between velocity and acceleration is given by : tan=
θ =
a T FT

 v
a

aT

θ

aC

2.3 Equations of Circular Motion

Initial angular velocity (ω0)
Final angular velocity (ω)
Angular displacement (θ)
Angular acceleration (α)
If α = constant, then
  
(i) ω = ω0 + αt
  1
(ii) θ = ω0 t + αt 2
2
     
(iii) ω . ω = ω0 . ω0 + 2 α . θ
α
(iv) θnth = ω0 + (2n – 1)
2
 ω + ω
(v) θ =  0  t
 2 

Circular Motion 9
Example 9:
2
A particle is performing circular motion of radius 1m. Its speed is v = (2t ) m/s. What will be the
magnitude of its acceleration at t = 1s?
Solution:
dv
Tangential acceleration = a
= T
= 4t
dt
2
at t = 1 s, aT = 4 m/s
v 2 4t 4
Centripetal acceleration aC = = = 4t 4
r 1
2
at t = 1 s, aC = 4 m/s
Net acceleration

(a) = a2T + aC2 = 42 + 42 = 4 2 m / s2

Example 10:
2
A disc starts from rest and gains an angular acceleration given by α = 3t – t (where t is in
seconds) upon the application of a torque. Calculate its angular velocity after 2 s.
Solution:
dω 2
α= = 3t – t
dt
ω t

∫ dω = ∫ (3t – t )dt
2
⇒
0 0

3t 2
t3
⇒ ω= –
2 3
10
⇒ at t = 2 s, ω = rad / s
3

Example 11:
A grinding wheel attained a angular velocity of 20 rad/sec in 5 sec starting from rest. Find the
number of revolutions made by the wheel.
Solution:
ωf = ω0 + αt
20 = 0 + α × 5
2
α = 4rad/sec
1 2 1
θ = ω0 t + αt ⇒ θ = 0 + × 4 × 25
2 2
{θ = 2 × 25 = 50 rad}
θ 50 25
No. of revolution = = =
2π 2π π

10 Circular Motion
 Concept Builder-2

Q.1 A car is moving in a circular path of radius 500 m with speed of 30 m/sec. If its speed is

2
increasing at the rate of 2 m/sec , the resultant acceleration will be :

2
Q.2 If angular velocity of a particle depends on the angle rotated θ as ω = θ + 2θ, then its angular

acceleration α at θ = 1 rad is :

2 2 2
(1) 8 rad/s (2) 10 rad/s (3) 12 rad/s (4) None of these

Q.3 A particle is moving on a circular path of radius 6 m. Its linear speed is v = 2t, here t is time in

second and v is velocity in m/s. Calculate its centripetal acceleration at t = 3 s.

2
Q.4 The angular velocity of a particle is given by ω = 1.5t – 3t + 2. (where t is in seconds). Find the

instant when its angular acceleration becomes zero.

Q.5 A ring rotates about z axis as shown in figure. The plane of rotation is xy. At a certain instant

the acceleration of a particle P (shown in figure) on the ring is (6iˆ – 8ˆj)m / s2 .

y
P

x
O

Find the angular acceleration of the ring and its angular velocity at that instant. Radius of the

ring is 2 m.

Q.6 A wheel starts rotating at 10 rad/sec and attains the angular velocity of 100 rad/sec in

2
15 seconds. What is the angular acceleration in rad/sec ?

Circular Motion 11
3. Dynamics of Circular Motion

3.1 Centripetal Force

A force causing a centripetal acceleration towards the centre of the circular path and causes a
change in the direction of velocity vector is called centripetal force
mv 2 2
F= = mω r
r

3.2 Centrifugal Force

• It gives a physical sensation of being centrifuged (pushed radially away).
• It’s magnitude is same as centripetal but direction is opposite to centripetal force.
• It never exists in inertial frame
• It is a pseudo force. It has no action-reaction pair.

Example 12:
The breaking tension of a string is 100 N. A particle of mass 0.1 kg tied to it, is rotated along
horizontal circle of radius 0.5 meter. The maximum speed with which the particle can be rotated
without breaking the string is :
(1) 5m / sec (2) (50)m / sec (3) (500)m / sec (4) (1000)m / sec
Solution:
mv 2 Tr
T= ⇒
= v = 10 5 m / s
r m

Example 13:
Two sphere of equal mass are attached to a string of length 2 m as shown in figure. The string
and the spheres are then rotated in horizontal circle about ‘O’ at constant rate. The value of
ratio of tension in string PQ & PO :

1m
1m
O P Q

1 2 3
(1) (2) (3) (4) 2
2 3 2
Solution:
2
T1 = mω R
T2 T1
2
T1= mω (2) O P Q
2
T2– T1 = mω
2
⇒ T2 = 3mω
T1 2
so =
T2 3

12 Circular Motion
 Concept Builder-3

Q.1 A string of length 1 m is fixed at one end and carries a mass of 100 gm at the other end. The
string makes (2/π) revolutions per second around vertical axis through the fixed end. Calculate
the tension in the string:

Q.2 A particle of mass m rotates in a circle of radius ‘a’ with a uniform angular speed ω. It is viewed
from a frame rotating about the Z-axis with a uniform angular speed ω0. The centrifugal force
on the particle is:

Q.3 A man of mass 60 kg standing on horizontal turn table of radius 2 m. If coefficient of friction
between man and table is 0.3. Then find maximum value of angular velocity about table aries
when man does not slip.

3.3 Circular Turning on Roads

When vehicles travel along a nearly circular arc. There must be some force which provides the
required centripetal acceleration. In real life the necessary centripetal force is provided by
friction and banking of roads both. The necessary centripetal force is being provided to the
vehicles by the following:

• Bending of a Cyclist
A cyclist provides himself the necessary centripetal force by leaning inward on a horizontal
track, while going round a curve. Consider a cyclist of weight mg taking a turn of radius r with
velocity v. In order to provide the necessary centripetal force, the cyclist leans through angle θ
inwards as shown in figure.
The cyclist is under the action of the following forces:
The weight mg acting vertically downward at the center of gravity of cycle and the cyclist.
The reaction N of the ground on cyclist. It will act along a line-making angle θ with the vertical.
The vertical component Ncosθ of the normal reaction N will balance the weight of the cyclist,
while the horizontal component Nsinθ will provide the necessary centripetal force to the cyclist.
mv 2
Nsin θ = … (i)
r
and Ncosθ = mg … (ii)
Dividing equation (i) by (ii), we have
Nsin θ mv 2 / r
=
Ncos θ mg
v2
or tan θ = … (iii)
rg
 v2 
Therefore, the cyclist should bend through an angle θ =tan−1  
 rg 

Circular Motion 13
 • By Friction Only
Suppose a car of mass m is moving with a speed v in a horizontal
N
circular arc of radius r. In this case, the necessary centripetal force
will be provided to the car by the force of friction f acting towards
centre of the circular path.
fr
mv 2
Thus, f= ∴ fmax = µN = µmg
r
mv 2
Therefore, for a safe turn without skidding ≤ fmax ⇒ mg
r
mv 2
≤ µmg ⇒ v ≤ µrg
r

Example 14:
Find the maximum speed at which a car can turn round a curve of 30 m radius on a levelled
road if the coefficient of friction between the tyres and the road is 0.4 [acceleration due to
2
gravity = 10 m/s ]
Solution:
Here centripetal force is provided by friction so
mv 2
≤ µmg ⇒ vmax = µrg = 120 ≈ 11ms–1
r

• By Banking of Roads Only

Friction is not always reliable at turns particularly when high speeds and sharp turns are
involved. To avoid dependence on friction, the roads are banked at the turn in the sense that
the outer part of the road is some what lifted compared to the inner part.
mv 2
N sinθ = and N cos θ = mg
r
v2 h
⇒ tan=
θ v
⇒= rg tan θ  tan θ =
rg b
v2 h
Note : tan=
θ =
rg b
Example 15:
For traffic moving at 60 km/h, if the radius of the curve is 0.1 km, what is the correct banking
2
angle of the road? (g = 10 m/s )
Solution:
v2
In case of banking tan θ = . Here v = 60 km/h
rg
5 50
60 × ms–1 = ms–1
18 3
r = 0.1 km = 100 m
50 / 3 × 50 / 3 5  5
So, tan =
θ = θ tan–1  
⇒=
100 × 10 18  18 

14 Circular Motion
 • Friction and Banking of Road Both
If a vehicle is moving on a circular road which is rough and banked also, then three forces may
act on the vehicle, of these the first force, i.e., weight (mg) is fixed both in magnitude and
direction. The direction of second force, i.e., normal reaction N is also fixed (perpendicular to
road) while the direction of the third force, i.e., friction f can be either inwards or outwards
while its magnitude can be varied upto a maximum limit (fmax = µN). So, direction and the

magnitude of friction f are so adjusted that the resultant of the three forces mentioned above
mv 2
is towards the centre.
r
(a) If speed of the vehicle is small then friction acts outwards.
In this case,
N cos θ + f sin θ = mg .....(i)
mv 2
and N sin θ – f cos θ = ....(ii)
R
For minimum speed f = µN
So, by dividing equation (i) by equation (ii)
Ncos θ + µNsin θ mg
= ;
Nsin θ – µNcos θ mvmin
2
/R

 tan θ – µ 
Therefore vmin = Rg  
 1 + µ tan θ 
If we assume µ = tan φ, then

 tan θ – tan φ 
vmin
= Rg  =  Rg tan(θ – φ)
 1 + tan φ tan θ 

(b) If speed of vehicle is high then friction force act inwards.

in this case for maximum speed
N cos θ – µN sin θ = mg
mvmax
2

and N sin θ + µN cos θ =

R
which gives

 tan θ + µ 
vmax
= Rg  =  Rg tan(θ + φ)
 1 – µ tan θ 
Hence for successful turning on a rough banked road, velocity of vehicle must satisfy
following relation

Rg tan(θ – φ) ≤ v ≤ Rg tan(θ + φ)
–1
where θ = banking angle and φ = tan (µ).

Circular Motion 15
Example 16:
A car is moving along a banked road laid out as a circle of radius r.
(a) What should be the banking angle θ so that the car travelling at speed v needs no frictional
force from the tyres to negotiate the turn?
(b) The coefficients of friction between tyres and road are µs = 0.9 and µk = 0.8. At what
maximum speed can a car enter the curve without sliding toward the top edge of the banked
turn?
N

θ
W
Solution:
(a) the banking angle θ so that car travelling at speed v needs no frictional force from the tyres
2
to negotiate the turn ⇒ tanθ = v / rg
(b) The coefficients of friction between tyres and road are µs = 0.9 and µk = 0.8.

 tan θ + µs 
⇒ Vmax = rg  =  rg tan(θ + φ)
 1 – µs tan θ 

3.4 Conical Pendulum

If a small particle of mass m tied to a string is whirled along a horizontal circle, as shown in
figure then the arrangement is called a conical pendulum. In case of conical pendulum the
vertical component of tension balances the weight while its horizontal component provides the
necessary centripetal force. Thus,
mv 2
T sin θ = and T cos=
θ mg ⇒=
v rg tan θ
r
v g tan θ
∴ Angular speed ω= =
r r
So, the time period of pendulum is
2π r L cos θ
T= 2π
= 2π
=
ω g tan θ g

Example 17:
When the string of length 5 / 3 m of conical pendulum makes an angle 30° with vertical. Find
its time period?
Solution:

L cos θ 5/ 3× 3 /2
T = 2π =2×π = π sec
g 10

16 Circular Motion
Example 18:
A hemispherical bowl of radius R is rotating about its axis of symmetry
which is kept vertical. A small ball kept in the bowl rotates with the bowl
without slipping on its surface. If the surface of the bowl is smooth and
the angle made by the radius through the ball with the vertical is α. Find
the angular speed at which the bowl is rotating.
Solution:
N cosα = mg .....(1)
2
N sinα = mrω .....(2)
r = R sinα .....(3)
Form equations (2) and (3)
2
N sinα = mω R sinα
2
N = mRω .....(4)

2 g
⇒ (mRω ) cosα = mg ⇒ ω =
R cos α

3.5 Death Well or Rotor:

In case of ‘death well’ a person drives a motorcycle on the vertical surface of a
large wooden well while in case of a rotor a person hangs resting against the
wall without any support from the bottom at a certain angular speed of rotor. f

In death well walls are at rest and person revolves while in case of rotor person N r

is at rest and the walls rotate. In both cases friction balances the weight of mg

person while reaction provides the centripetal force for circular motion, i.e.,
mv 2
f = mg and =
N = mrω2 Death well
r

Concept Builder-4

Q.1 A car has to move on a level turn of radius (R = 45 m). If the coefficient of static friction between
tyre and road is µ = 0.2. Find the maximum speed the car can take without skidding is given by:
(1) 20 m/s (2) 10 m/s (3) 9.39 m/s (4) 25 m/s

Q.2 A car of mass 1000 kg moves on a circular track of radius 20 m. It the coefficient of friction is
0.64, what is the maximum velocity with which the car can be moved ?

Q.3 A road is 8 m wide. Its average radius of curvature is 40 m. The outer edge is above the lower
edge by a distance of 1.28 m. Find the velocity of vehicle for which the road is most suited ?
2
(g = 10 m/s )

Circular Motion 17
Q.4 A circular track has radius of 20 m. If banking angle is 45° then find optimum speed on circular
track.

Q.5 Two particles tied to different strings are whirled in a horizontal circle as shown in figure. The
ratio of lengths of the strings so that they complete their circular path with equal time period
is:

L2
L1 45º
30º

m
m

Q.6 A person wants to drive on the vertical surface of large cylindrical wooden ‘well’ commonly
know as ‘death well’ in a circus. The radius of the well is 2 meter, and the coefficient of friction
between the tyres of the motorcycle and the wall of the well is 0.2, the minimum speed the
motorcyclist must have in order to prevent slipping should be:
(1) 10 m/s (2) 15 m/s (3) 20 m/s (4) 25 m/s

4. Motion in Vertical Circle

Suppose a particle of mass m is attached to a light inextensible string of length R. The particle
is moving in a vertical circle of radius R about a fixed point O. It is imparted a velocity u in the
horizontal direction at lowest point A. Let v be its velocity at point P of the circle as shown in
the figure.
When a particle is whirled in a vertical circle then three cases are possible-

P
A θ
mgcos θ
mgsin θ
mg

Case I : Particle oscillates in lower half circle.

Case II : Particle moves to upper half circle but not able to complete loop.
Case III : Particle completes loop.

18 Circular Motion
 Case-I
Condition of Oscillation
( 0 < u ≤ 2gR )
The particle will oscillate if velocity of the particle becomes zero but tension in the string is not zero.
(In lower half circle (A to B))
mv 2A mv 2A
Here, T– mg cos θ = ; T=
+ mg cos θ
R R
In the lower part of circle when velocity become zero and
tension is non zero means when B
v
v = 0, but T ≠ 0 θ
v=0
So, to make the particle oscillate in lower half cycle, maximum T≠0
P
A
possible velocity at A can be given by θ
vA mgcos θ
1
mv 2A + 0 = mgR + 0 (by COME between A and B) mg
2
vA = 2gR ......(i)
Thus, for 0 < u ≤ 2gR , particle oscillates in lower half of the circle (0° < θ ≤ 90°)
This situation is shown in the figure. 0 < u ≤ 2gR or 0° < θ ≤ 90°
v
C
Case-II
Condition of Leaving the Circle T
( 2gR < u < 5gR ) θ
θ
In upper half cycle (B to C) B
mv 2
Here, T + mgcosθ = mg
R
 mv 2 
T=  – mg cos θ  .....(ii)
 R 
In this part of circle tension force can be zero without having zero velocity mean when T = 0,
v ≠ 0 from equation (ii) it is clear that tension decreases if velocity decreases. So to complete
the loop tension force should not be zero, in between B to C. Tension will be minimum at C i.e.,
Tc ≥ 0 is the required condition.
mv 2c C
At top Tc + mg = vc
R
If Tc = 0
mg
mv 2c
Then mg = Tc
R
2
vc = gR ⇒ vc = gR
By COME (Between A and C)
1 1
mv 2A + 0 = mv 2c + mg(2R)
2 2
2 2 2
vA = vC + 4gR ⇒ vA = 5gR ⇒ 5gR
Therefore, if 2gR < u < 5gR , the particle leaves the circle.
Note : After leaving the circle, the particle will follow a parabolic path.

Circular Motion 19
 Case-III
Condition of Looping the Loop

( u ≥ 5gR )
The particle will complete the circle if the string VTop ≥ gR
TTop ≥ 0
does not slack even at the highest point
(θ = π). Thus, tension in the string should be
greater than or equal to zero (T ≥ 0) at θ = π. In
critical case substituting T = 0 VHz ≥ 3gR VHz ≥ 3gR
THz ≥ 3mg THz ≥ 3mg
Thus, if u ≥ 5gR , the particle will complete the
circle.
Note : In case of light rod tension at top most
VTop ≥ 5gR
point can never be zero so velocity will become
TTop ≥ 0
zero.

∴ For completing the loop vL ≥ 4gR

Example 19:
A particle of mass m tied to string of length  and given a circular motion in the vertical plane.

If it performs the complete loop motion then prove that difference in tensions at the lowest
and the highest point is 6 mg.
Solution:
v
Let the speeds at the lowest and highest points be u and TH
v respectively. mg

At the lowest point, tension

O
mu2
TL = mg + ......(i)

TL
At the highest point, tension
u
mv 2
TH = – mg ......(ii)
 mg
By conservation of mechanical energy,
mu2 mv 2 2 2
– = mg(2) ⇒ u = v + 4g
2 2
Substituting this in equation (i)
m(v 2 + 4 g )
TL = mg + .....(iii)

∴ From equation (ii) and (iii) TL – TH = 6 mg

Note : This implies that the Tension in string at lower point is always 6 mg more than Tension
at upper point irrespective of velocity.

20 Circular Motion
Example 20:
Calculate the following for the situation shown
A
D
v c = 7gR
H C
R
B

(a) Speed at D (b) Normal reaction at D (c) Height H

Solution:
(a) Similarly At ‘D’
1 1 2
mg(R) + m(7gR) = mvD + mg(2R)
2 2
⇒ vD = 5gR
mvD2
(b) ND + mg =
R
ND = 4 mg
(c) At C :
By energy conservation
2
mg(H – R) = 1/2mv
⇒ vC = 2g(H– R) = 7gR
⇒ 2(H – R) = 7R ⇒ H = 4.5 R

Example 21:
A rigid rod of length  and negligible mass has a ball of mass m attached to one end with its
other end fixed, to form a pendulum as shown in figure. The pendulum is inverted, with the rod
vertically up, and then released. Find the speed of the ball and the tension in the rod at the
lowest point of the trajectory of ball.

Solution:
1
From COME: 2mg=
 mv 2 ⇒=
v 4g=
 2 g
2
mv 2 m
At the lowest point, laws of circular dynamics yield, T − mg = ⇒ T = mg + (4g) = 5mg.
 

Circular Motion 21
 Concept Builder-5

Q.1 A stone of mass 1 kg tied to a light string of length  = 10 m is whirling in a circular path in the
vertical plane. If the ratio of the maximum to minimum tensions in the string is 3, find the
speeds of the stone at the lowest and highest points.

Q.2 A car is moving along a hilly road as shown (side view). The coefficient of static friction between
the tyres and the pavement is constant and the car maintains a steady speed. If at one of the
points shown the driver applies brakes as hard as possible without making the tyres slip, the
magnitude of the frictional force immediately after the brakes are applied will be maximum if
the car was at :

A
B
(1) point A
(2) point B
(3) point C
(4) friction force same for positions A, B and C

Q.3 A particle slides on the surface of a fixed smooth sphere starting from the topmost point. Find
the angle rotated by the radius through the particle, when it leaves contact with the sphere.

22 Circular Motion
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDERS

CONCEPT BUILDER-1 CONCEPT BUILDER-3

14π 1. 1.6 N 2. mω a 2

1. rad/sec 2. 1:1 0

25 3. 1.225 rad/sec
12
3. 4. 1 m/s
1
CONCEPT BUILDER-4
5. (3)
1. (3) 2. 11.2 m/s

3. 8 m/s 4. 10 2 m/s
CONCEPT BUILDER-2
2
181 5. 6. (1)
1. m/s2 2. (3) 3
5
3. 6 m/s2
CONCEPT BUILDER-5
1
4. second
4 1. Vlowest = 20 2 ms–1; V highest
= 20 ms–1

5. –3 k̂ rad/s2 , –2 k̂ rad/s 2. (2) 3. cos–1 (2/3)

6. α = 6 rad/sec2

Circular Motion 23
 Exercise - I
Kinematics of Circular Motion 5. A particle moves in a circle of the radius
25 cm at two revolutions per second. The
2
1. A particle of mass 'm' describes a circle of acceleration of the particle in m/sec is:
radius (r). The centripetal acceleration of (1) π
2
(2) 8π
2

4 (3) 4π
2
(4) 2π
2
the particle is . The momentum of the
r2
particle :- 6. A particle moves in a circle describing
2m 2m equal angle in equal times, its velocity vector:
(1) (2)
r r (1) remains constant
4m 4m (2) change in magnitude
(3) (4) (3) change in direction
r r
(4) changes in magnitude and direction

2. A particle is moving around a circular path

7. A mass of 2 kg is whirled in a horizontal
with uniform angular speed (ω). The radius circle by means of a string at an initial
of the circular path is r. The acceleration speed of 5 r.p.m. Keeping the radius
of the particle is :- constant the tension in the string is
ω2
ω doubled. The new speed is nearly:
(1) (2)
r r (1) 7 r.p.m. (2) 14 r.p.m.
(3) v ω (4) v r (3) 10 r.p.m. (4) 20 r.p.m.

3. A car moves on a circular road, describing 8. A particle moving along a circular path.
equal angles about the centre in equal The angular velocity, linear velocity,
angular acceleration and centripetal
intervals of time. Which of the statements
acceleration of the particle at any instant
about the velocity of car it true :-    
respectively are ω, v, α, ac . Which of the
(1) velocity is constant
following relation is/are correct:
(2) magnitude of velocity is constant but    
(a) ω ⊥ v (b) ω ⊥ α
the direction of velocity change    
(c) v ⊥ ac (d) ω ⊥ ac
(3) both magnitude and direction of
(1) a,b,c (2) b,c,d
velocity change
(3) a,b,c (4) a,c,d
(4) velocity is directed towards the centre
of circle 9. A particle is acted upon by a force of
constant magnitude which is always
4. An insect trapped in a circular groove of perpendicular to the velocity of the
radius 12 cm moves along the groove particle. The motion of the particle takes
steadily and completes 7 revolutions in place in a plane. It follows, that:
100 s. What is the linear speed of the (1) its velocity is constant
(2) its K.E. is constant
motion:
(3) its acceleration is constant
(1) 2.3 cm/s (2) 5.3 cm/s
(4) it moves in a straight line
(3) 0.44 cm/s (4) None of these

24 Circular Motion
10. If the equation for the displacement of a 15. Two particles having mass 'M' and 'm' are
particle moving on a circular path is given moving in a circular path having radius R
3
by (θ) = 2t + 0.5, where θ is in radians and and r. If their time period are same then
t in seconds, then the angular velocity of the ratio of angular velocity will be:
the particle after 2 s from its start is; r R
(1) (2)
(1) 8 rad/s (2) 12 rad/s R r
(3) 24 rad/s (4) 36 rad/s R
(3) 1 (4)
r
11. A body moves with constant angular
velocity on a circle. Magnitude of angular 16. Angular velocity of minute hand of a clock
acceleration: is:
(1) rω
2
(2) Constant π
(1) rad / s (2) 8 π rad/s
(3) Zero (4) None of these 30
2π π
(3) rad / s (4) rad / s
1800 1800
12. A particle of mass m revolving in
horizontal circle of radius R with uniform
17. A car moving with speed 30 m/s on a
speed v. When particle goes from one end
circular path of radius 500 m. Its speed is
to other end of diameter, then:
2
1 increasing at the rate of 2m/s . The
(1) K.E. changes by mv 2 acceleration of the car is:
2
2 2
(2) K.E. change by mv
2
(1) 9.8 m/s (2) 1.8 m/s
2 2
(3) no change in momentum (3) 2 m/s (4) 2.7 m/s
(4) change in momentum is 2 mv
18. A body of mass 1 kg tied to one end of
13. A stone is tied to one end of string 50 cm string is revolved in a horizontal circle of
long and is whirled in a horizontal circle radius 0.1 m with a speed of 3 revolution
with constant speed. If the stone makes /sec, assuming the effect of gravity is
10 revolutions in 20 s, then what is the negligible, then linear velocity, acceleration
magnitude of acceleration of the stone :- and tension in the string will be :-
2 2 2
(1) 493 cm/s (2) 720 cm/s (1) 1.88 m/s, 35.5 m/s , 35.5 N
2 2 2
(3) 860 cm/s (4) 990 cm/s (2) 1.88 m/s, 45.5 m/s , 45.5 N
2
(3) 3.88 m/s, 55.5 m/s , 55.5 N
14. For a particle in a non-uniform (4) None of these
accelerated circular motion :-
(1) velocity is radial and acceleration is 19. A particle moves along a circle of radius
transverse only  20 
  with constant tangential
(2) velocity is transverse and acceleration  π 
is radial only acceleration. If the velocity of the particle
(3) velocity is radial and acceleration has is 80 m/s at the end of the second
both radial and transverse components revolution after motion has begun, the
(4) velocity is transverse and acceleration tangential acceleration is:
has both radial and transverse 2 2
(1) 40 m/s (2) 640 π m/s
components 2 2
(3) 160 π m/s (4) 40 π m/s

Circular Motion 25
20. The angular velocity of a wheel is 70 rad/s. 24. The angular acceleration of particle
If the radius of the wheel is 0.5 m, then moving along a circular path with uniform
linear velocity of the wheel is: speed:
(1) 70 m/s (2) 35 m/s (1) uniform but non zero
(3) 30 m/s (4) 20 m/s (2) zero
(3) variable
21. A stone tied to the end of a string of 1 m (4) as can not be predicted from given
long is whirled in a horizontal circle with a information
constant speed. If the stone makes
22 revolution in 44 seconds, what is the 25. A body is revolving with a constant speed
magnitude and direction of acceleration of along a circle. If its direction of motion is
the stone: reversed but the speed remains the same
(1) π ms
2 –2
and direction along the tangent then:
to the circle. (a) the centripetal force will not suffer

(2) π ms
2 –2
and direction along the radius any change in magnitude

towards the centre. (b) the centripetal force will have its

π2 direction reversed
(3) ms–2 and direction along the radius
4 (c) the centripetal force will not suffer
towards the centre. any change in direction
(4) π ms
2 –2
and direction along the radius (d) the centripetal force is doubled
away from the centre. (1) a, b (2) b, c
(3) c, d (4) a, c
22. A fly wheel rotating at 600 rev/min is
brought under uniform deceleration and 26. ar and at represent radial and tangential
stopped after 2 minutes, then what is acceleration. The motion of a particle will
angular deceleration in rad/sec ?
2
be uniform circular motion if:
π (1) ar = 0 and at = 0
(1) (2) 10 π
6 (2) ar = 0 but at ≠ 0
1 (3) ar ≠ 0 but at = 0
(3) (4) 300
12
(4) ar ≠ 0 and at ≠ 0

23. Angular displacement of any particle is

1 2 27. In uniform circular motion the velocity
given θ = ω 0 t + αt where ω0 and a are
2 vector and acceleration vector are
2
constant if ω0 = 1 rad/sec, α = 1.5 rad/sec (1) Perpendicular to each other
then in t = 2 sec. Then angular velocity will (2) Same direction
be: (in rad/sec) (3) Opposite direction
(1) 1 (2) 5 (4) Not related to each other
(3) 3 (4) 4

26 Circular Motion
28. A string of length 10 cm breaks if its 33. The earth (Me = 6 × 10
24
kg) is revolving
tension exceeds 10 newtons. A stone of around the sun in an orbit of radius (1.5 ×
mass 250 g tied to this string, is rotated in 8 –7
10 ) km with angular velocity of (2 × 10 )
a horizontal circle. The maximum angular
rad/s. The force (in newton) exerted on
velocity of rotation can be:
the earth by the sun will be:
(1) 20 rad/s (2) 40 rad/s 21
(1) 36 × 10
(3) 100 rad/s (4) 200 rad/s 24
(2) 16 × 10
16
(3) 25 × 10
Dynamics of Circular Motion
(4) Zero

29. If the speed and radius both are tripled for

34. A 500 kg car takes a round turn of radius
a body moving on a circular path, then the
50 m with a velocity of 36 km/hr. The
new centripetal force will be:
centripetal force is:
(1) Doubled of previous value
(1) 250 N
(2) Equal to previous value
(2) 1000 N
(3) Triple of previous value
(3) 750 N
(4) One third of previous value
(4) 1200 N

30. A string of length 0.1 m cannot bear a

35. A motor cycle driver doubles its velocity
tension more than 100N. It is tied to a body
when he is taking a turn. The force exerted
of mass 100 g and rotated in a horizontal
towards the centre will become:
circle. The maximum angular velocity can
(1) double (2) half
be:
1
(1) 100 rad/s (2) 1000 rad/s (3) 4 times (4)
4
(3) 10000 rad/s (4) 0.1 rad/s

36. The force required to keep a body in

31. The radius of the circular path of a particle
uniform circular motion is:
is doubled but its frequency of rotation is
(1) Centripetal force
kept constant. If the initial centripetal
(2) Centrifugal force
force be F, then the final value of
(3) Resistance
centripetal force will be:
(4) None of the above
(1) F (2) F/2
(3) 4F (4) 2F
37. A car moving on a horizontal road may be
thrown out of the road in taking a turn:
32. A 0.5 kg ball moves in a circle of radius 0.4
(1) by the gravitational force
–1
m at a speed of 4 ms . The centripetal
(2) due to lack of proper centripetal force
force on the ball is:
(3) due to rolling friction between the
(1) 10 N (2) 20 N
tyres and the road
(3) 40 N (4) 80 N
(4) due to reaction of the road

Circular Motion 27
 Motion in Vertical Circle 42. In a vertical circle of radius (r), at what
point in its path a particle may have
38. Let 'θ' denote the angular displacement of
tension equal to zero:
a simple pendulum oscillating in a vertical
(1) highest point
plane. If the mass of the bob is (m), then
(2) lowest point
the tension in string is mg cos θ:
(3) at any point
(1) always
(4) at a point horizontal from the centre
(2) never
of radius
(3) at the extreme positions
(4) at the mean position
43. A stone attached to one end of a string is
whirled in a vertical circle. The tension in
39. A pendulum bob has a speed 3 m/s while the string is maximum when:
passing through its lowest position, length (1) the string is horizontal
of the pendulum is 0.5 m then its speed (2) the string is vertical with the stone at
when it makes an angle of 60° with the highest position
vertical is: (3) the string is vertical with the stone at
(1) 2 m/s (2) 1 m/s the lowest position
(3) 4 m/s (4) 3 m/s (4) the string makes an angle of 45° with
the vertical
40. The mass of the bob of a simple pendulum
of length L is m. If the bob is left from its 44. A particle is moving in a vertical circle the
horizontal position then the speed of the tension in the string when passing through
bob and the tension in the thread at the two position at angle 30° and 60° from
lowest position of the bob will be vertical from lowest position are T1 and T2
respectively: respectively then:
L (1) T1 = T2 (2) T1 > T2
O
(3) T1 < T2 (4) T1 ≥ T2

45. A body crosses the topmost point of a

vertical circle with critical speed. What
will be its centripetal acceleration when
the string is horizontal:
(1) 2gL and 3 mg (2) 3 mg and 2gL (1) g (2) 2g
(3) 3g (4) 6g
(3) 2 mg and 2gL (4) 2 gL and 3 mg

46. Stone tied at one end of light string is

41. A stone of mass 1 kg is tied to the end of whirled round a vertical circle. If the
a string of 1 m length. It is whirled in a difference between the maximum and
vertical circle. If the velocity of the stone minimum tension experienced by the
at the top be 4 m/s. What is the tension string wire is 2 kg wt, then the mass of the
in the string at that instant? stone must be:
(1) 6 N (2) 16 N (1) 1 kg (2) 6 kg
(3) 5 N (4) 10 N (3) 1/3 kg (4) 2 kg

28 Circular Motion
47. If the overbridge is concave instead of 50. A stone of mass 0.2 kg is tied to one end
being convex, then the thrust on the road of a thread of length 0.1 m whirled in a
at the lowest position will be: vertical circle. When the stone is at the
mv 2 mv 2 lowest point of circle, tension in thread is
(1) mg + (2) mg –
r r 52 N then velocity of the stone will be:
mv g2
v g 2
(1) 4 m/s (2) 5 m/s
(3) (4)
r r (3) 6 m/s (4) 7 m/s

48. A particle of mass m is performing vertical 51. A suspended simple pendulum of length 
circular motion (see figure). If the average is making an angle θ with the vertical. On
velocity of the particle is increased, then releasing, its velocity at lowest point will
at which point maximum breaking be:
possibility of the string: (1) 2g(1 + cos θ) (2) 2g sin θ
A
m (3) 2g(1 – cos θ) (4) 2g

52. A bob hangs from a rigid support by an

O
D inextensible string of length . If it is
C
displaced through a distance  (from the
B
lowest position) keeping the string
(1) A (2) B
straight & released, the speed of the bob
(3) C (4) D
at the lowest position is:

49. A fighter plane is moving in a vertical circle

of radius 'r'. Its minimum velocity at the 
highest point of the circle will be:

(1) 3gr (2) 2gr

gr (1) g (2) 3g

(3) gr (4)
2
(3) 2g (4) 5g

Circular Motion 29
 Exercise - II
1. Keeping the banking angle of the road 5. A mass tied to a string moves in a vertical
constant, the maximum safe speed of circle with a uniform speed of 5 m/s as
passing vehicles is to be increased by 10%. shown. At the point P the string breaks.
The radius of curvature of the road will The mass will reach a height above P of
2
have to be changed from 20 m to: nearly (g = 10 m/s )
(1) 16 m (2) 18 m
(3) 24.20 m (4) 30.5 m
1m
P
O
2. Three identical particles are joined
together by a thread as shown in figure. All
the three particles are moving in a horizontal (1) 1 m (2) 0.5 m
plane. If the velocity of the outermost (3) 1.75 m (4) 1.25 m
particle is v0, then the ratio of tensions in
6. A frictionless track ABCDE ends in a
the three sections of the string is: circular loop of radius R. A body slides
á � 7 9 down the track from point A which is at a
Γ Γ Γ height h = 5 cm. Maximum value of R for
the body to successfully complete the
(1) 3 : 5 : 7 (2) 3 : 4 : 5
loop is: (The velocity at point B is 5Rg )
(3) 7 : 11 : 6 (4) 3 : 5 : 6
D
A
3. A stone is tied to a string of length ‘’ and
h 2R C
is whirled in a vertical circle with the other
end of the string as the centre. At a certain E
B
instant of time, the stone is at its lowest
position and has a speed ‘u’. The 15
(1) 5 cm (2) cm
4
magnitude of the change in velocity as it
10
reaches a position where the string is (3) cm (4) 2 cm
3
horizontal (g being acceleration due to
gravity) is: 7. A simple pendulum is oscillating without
damping. When the displacement of the
(1) u2 − g (2) u − u2 − 2g
bob is less than maximum, its acceleration
(3) 2g (4) 2(u2 − g) vector is correctly shown in:

4. A weightless thread can withstand tension


upto 30 N. A stone of mass 0.5 kg is tied (1) a (2)
to it and is revolved in a circular path of 
a
radius 2 m in a vertical plane. If g = 10
2
m/s , then the maximum angular velocity
of the stone can be:
(3) (4)
(1) 5 rad/s (2) 30 rad/s  
a a
(3) 60 rad/s (4) 10 rad/s

30 Circular Motion
8. A tube of length L is filled completely with 11. A particle moves in x-y plane according to
an incompressible liquid of mass M and rule x = a sin ωt and y = a cos ωt.
closed at both the ends. The tube is then The particle follows:

rotated in a horizontal plane about one of (1) An elliptical path

(2) A circular path
its ends with a uniform angular velocity ω.
(3) A parabolic path
The force exerted by the liquid at the
(4) A straight line path inclined equaled to
other end is:
x and y-axes
MLω2 ML2 ω
(1) (2)
2 2 12. A gramophone record is revolving with an
ML2 ω2 angular velocity ω. A coin is placed at a
(3) MLω2 (4)
2 distance r from the centre of the record.
The static coefficient of friction is µ. The
9. A car runs at a constant speed on a coin will revolve with the record if:
circular track of radius 100 m, taking 62.8 µg
(1) r ≥
seconds for every circular lap. The average ω2
2
velocity and average speed for each (2) r = µgω
circular lap respectively is: ω2
(3) r <
µg
(1) 0,0 (2) 0, 10 m/s
µg
(3) 10 m/s, 10 m/s (4) 10 m/s, 0 (4) r ≤
ω2

10. A roller coaster is designed such that

13. A stone tied to a light rod is moving in a
riders experience "weightlessness" as they
vertical circle of radius 'r'. Its minimum
go round the top of a hill whose radius of
velocity at the lowest point of the circle
curvature is 20 m. The speed of the car at
2
will be:
the top of the hill is between. (g = 10 m/s )
(1) 5gr (2) 4gr
(1) 16 m/s and 17 m/s
(2) 13 m/s and 14 m/s gr
(3) gr (4)
(3) 14 m/s and 15 m/s 2
(4) 15 m/s and 16 m/s

Circular Motion 31
 Exercise - III
Read the (1 to 22) 4. Assertion: In uniform circular motion,
In the light of the above statements, angular acceleration is zero.
choose the most appropriate answer Reason: In uniform circular motion,
from the options given below: acceleration is constant.
Assertion and Reason carefully and (1) A (2) B
mark the correct options. (3) C (4) D
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true
and Reason is the correct
5. Assertion: In circular motion acceleration
explanation of Assertion.
is always towards centre.
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true
Reason: In uniform circular motion
but Reason is not correct
velocity is constant.
explanation of Assertion.
(1) A (2) B
(C) Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(D) Assertion and Reason are false (3) C (4) D

1. Assertion: In non-uniform circular 6. Assertion: If a particle is moving on a


motion, velocity vector and acceleration d| v |
curved path its may be zero.
vector are not perpendicular to each dt
other. Reason: A particle can move on curved
Reason: In non-uniform circular motion, path without any acceleration.
particle has normal as well as tangential (1) A
acceleration. (2) B
(1) A (2) B (3) C
(3) C (4) D (4) D

2. Assertion: If a body is in state of uniform 7. Assertion: Infinitesimally small angular

circular motion then its velocity and
displacement is a vector quantity.
acceleration both are varying.
Reason: Angular velocity doesn't depend
Reason: If magnitude of velocity is v and
upon reference frame.
radius of uniform circular motion is r
2 (1) A (2) B
then magnitude of acceleration is v /r.
(3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
8. Assertion: A bob of mass m is freely
suspended from a light rod of length L.
3. Assertion: A particle is moving in a circle
with constant tangential acceleration The minimum speed given to bob at
such that its speed v is increasing. Angle lowest position to complete vertical
made by resultant acceleration of the circle is 2 gL.
particle with tangential acceleration Reason: A bob of mass m is freely
increases with time. suspended from a light string of length

dv L. If bob is given speed 6gL at the
Reason: Tangential acceleration =
dt
lower position then bob will be
v2 complete vertical circle.
and centripetal acceleration =
R (1) A (2) B
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
(3) C (4) D

32 Circular Motion
9. Assertion: Average angular velocity is a 14. Assertion: Whenever a particle moves in
scalar quantity. a circular path with uniform speed, an
Reason: Large angular displacements acceleration exists which is directed
(∆θ) is a scalar. towards the centre.
(1) A (2) B Reason: The net acceleration of a
particle in circular motion is always
(3) C (4) D
radially inward.
(1) A (2) B
10. Assertion: During a safe turn, with
(3) C (4) D
constant speed the value of centripetal
force should be less than or equal to the 15. Assertion: If the speed of a body is
limiting frictional force. constant, the body cannot have a path
Reason: The centripetal force is other than a circular or straight line
provided by the frictional force between path.
the tyre and the road. Reason: It is not possible for a body to
(1) A (2) B have a constant speed in an accelerated
(3) C (4) D motion,
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
11. Assertion: In uniform circular motion of
a particle, sum of power delivered to it
16. Assertion: In circular motion, centripetal
by all the forces acting on the particle is
and centrifugal forces act in opposite
zero.
directions and balance each other.
Reason: In uniform circular motion dot Reason: Centripetal force is a pseudo
product of two perpendicular vectors, force.
force and velocity is always zero. (1) A (2) B
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(3) C (4) D
17. Assertion: In uniform circular motion of
12. Assertion: A body having uniform speed a body, its linear speed remains
in circular path has a variable constant.
acceleration. Reason: In uniform circular motion total
acceleration of the body has no radial
Reason: Direction of acceleration is
component.
always away from the centre.
(1) A (2) B
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
(3) C (4) D

18. Assertion: In non-uniform circular

13. Assertion: In uniform circular motion, motion, linear speed of the body is
V2 variable.
magnitude of acceleration is and
R Reason: In non-uniform circular motion,
direction is always towards the centre. acceleration of the body is towards the
Reason: In uniform circular motion, centre.
acceleration is constant. (1) A (2) B
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(3) C (4) D

Circular Motion 33
19. Assertion: A body is moving along a circle 22. Assertion: On an unbanked road, as the
with a variable angular speed. Work frictional force increases, the safe
done by centripetal force will be zero. velocity limit for taking a turn also
Reason: In non-uniform circular motion, increases.
net force on the body is not in the radial Reason: Banking of roads will increase
direction. the value of limiting velocity.
(1) A (2) B (1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D (3) C (4) D

20. Assertion: A body tied to an end of a

23. A particle is suspended from a string of
string is whirled along a vertical circle by
length l and is given a velocity u = 3 gl
giving some velocity at the lowest
position. If the velocity becomes zero at the bottom. If vB , TB and vC , TC be

before the tension in the string is zero, the velocity, tension at points B and C ,

the body will leave the circular path at then Match the following and choose the

the position of its zero velocity and then correct option.

9
fall vertically downward.
Reason: In vertical circular motion,
? 7
tension in the string at the highest
position is maximum.
╩
(1) A (2) B �

(3) C (4) D Column I Column II

vB2 7
(A) (P)
21. Assertion: A body tied to an end of a gl 2
string is whirled along a vertical circle v C2
(B) (Q) 4
with such a velocity at the lowest point gl
that, at some position, tension in the string
TB
is zero but the speed at the position is (C) (R) 5
2mg
non-zero. The body will leave the circular
TC
(D) (S) 7
path at the position of zero tension. mg
Reason: In vertical circular motion, so as (1) (A) - R, (B) - S, (C) - P, (D) - P
to cross the highest point along the (2) (A) - P, (B) - Q, (C) - R, (D) - S
circle, speed at the highest point, vH ≥ 0 . (3) (A) - R, (B) - P, (C) - Q, (D) - P
(1) A (2) B (4) (A) - S, (B) - R, (C) - P, (D) - Q
(3) C (4) D

34 Circular Motion
 Exercise – IV (Previous Year Question)

1. The position vector of a particle R as a 4. A car is negotiating a curved road of radius
function of time is given by: R. The road is banked at an angle θ. The

R 4 sin(2πt) ˆi + 4cos(2πt) ˆj
= coefficient of friction between the tyres of

Where R is in meters, t is in seconds and the car and the road is µs. The maximum

î and ĵ denote unit vectors along x and safe velocity on this road is:

y-directions, respectively. Which one of [NEET_2016]

the following statements is wrong for the µs + tan θ µs + tan θ

(1) gR2 (2) gR
motion of particle ? [AIPMT_2015] 1 – µs tan θ 1 – µs tan θ

(1) Path of the particle is a circle of radius g µs + tan θ g µs + tan θ

(3) (4)
4 meter R 1 – µs tan θ R2 1 – µs tan θ

(2) Acceleration vectors is along –R 2
5. In the given figure, a = 15 m/s represents
(3) Magnitude of acceleration vectors is
the total acceleration of a particle moving
v2
where v is the velocity of particle. in the clockwise direction in a circle of
R
(4) Magnitude of the velocity of particle is radius R = 2.5 m at a given instant of time.

8 meter /second The speed of the particle is: [NEET_2016]

2. A particle of mass 10 g moves along a

circle of radius 6.4 cm with a constant
tangential acceleration. What is the
magnitude of this acceleration if the (1) 5.7 m/s (2) 6.2 m/s
kinetic energy of the particle becomes
(3) 4.5 m/s (4) 5.0 m/s
–4
equal to 8 × 10 J by the end of the
6. A particle moves so that its position
second revolution after the beginning of

the motion? [AIPMT_2015] ˆ + sin ωty
vector is given by r = cos ωtx ˆ .

(1) 0.1 m/s

2
(2) 0.15 m/s
2 Where ω is a constant. Which of the
2 2 following is true? [NEET_I_2016]
(3) 0.18 m/s (4) 0.2 m/s
(1) Velocity and acceleration both are

3. What is the minimum velocity with which perpendicular to r

a body of mass m must enter a vertical (2) Velocity and acceleration both are

loop of radius R at lowest point so that it parallel to r

can complete the loop? [AIPMT_2015] (3) Velocity is perpendicular to r and

(1) gR acceleration is directed towards the

origin
(2) 2gR 
(4) Velocity is perpendicular to r and
(3) 3gR
acceleration is directed away from the
(4) 5gR
origin

Circular Motion 35
7. One end of string of length  is connected 10. A mass m is attached to a thin wire and

to a particle of mass 'm' and the other end whirled in a vertical circle. The wire is

is connected to a small peg on a smooth most likely to break when: [NEET_2019]

(1) the mass is at the highest point
horizontal table. If the particle moves in
(2) the wire is horizontal
circle with speed 'v' the net force on the
(3) the mass is at the lowest point
particle (directed towards centre) will be
(4) inclined at an angle of 60° from vertical
(T represents the tension in the string):
[NEET_2017]
11. Two particles A and B are moving in
mv 2 mv 2
(1) T + (2) T − uniform circular motion in concentric
 
circles of radius rA and rB with speed υA
(3) Zero (4) T
and υB respectively. The time period of

8. A body initially at rest and sliding along a rotation is the same. The ratio of angular

frictionless track from a height h (as speed of A to that of B will be:

[NEET_2019]
shown in the figure) just completes a
(1) rA : rB (2) υA : υB
vertical circle of diameter AB = D. The
height h is equal to: [NEET_2018] (3) rB : rA (4) 1 : 1

12. A particle starting from rest, moves in a

circle of radius 'r'. It attains a velocity of
V0 m/s in the nth round. Its angular

3 acceleration will be: [NEET_2019(Odisha)]

(1) D (2) D
2 V0
(1) rad / s2
7 5 n
(3) D (4) D
5 4 V02
(2) rad / s2
2πnr 2

9. A block of mass 10 kg is in contact against V02

(3) rad / s2
the inner wall of a hollow cylindrical drum 4πnr 2

of radius 1 m. The coefficient of friction V02

(4) rad / s2
between the block and the inner wall of 4πnr

the cylinder is 0.1. The minimum angular

13. The angular speed of the wheel of a
velocity needed for the cylinder to keep
vehicle is increased from 360 rpm to
the block stationary when the cylinder is
1200 rpm in 14 second. Its angular
vertical and rotating about its axis, will be:
2
acceleration is: [NEET_2020(Covid)]
(g = 10 m/s ) [NEET_2019] 2
(1) 2π rad/s
10
(1) 10 rad/s (2) rad/s (2) 28π rad/s
2
2π
2
(3) 10 rad/s (4) 10π rad/s (3) 120π rad/s
2
(4) 1 rad/s

36 Circular Motion
14. A point mass 'm' is moved in a vertical 16. The angular acceleration of a body, moving
circle of radius 'r' with the help of a string. along the circumference of a circle, is:
The velocity of the mass is 7gr at the [NEET_2023]

lowest point. The tension in the string at (1) along the radius, away from centre
the lowest point is: (2) along the radius towards the centre
[NEET_2020(Covid)] (3) along the tangent to its position

(1) 6 mg (2) 7 mg (4) along the axis of rotation

(3) 8 mg (4) 1 mg
17. A particle is executing uniform circular

15. The angular speed of a fly wheel moving motion with velocity v and acceleration

with uniform angular acceleration changes a . Which of the following is true?

from 1200 rpm to 3120 rpm in 16 seconds. [NEET_2023(Manipur)]

 
2 (1) v is a constant; a is not a constant
The angular acceleration in rad/s is:  
(2) v is not a constant; a is not a constant
[NEET_2022]
 
(3) v is a constant; a is a constant
(1) 2π (2) 4π
 
(4) v is not a constant; a is a constant
(3) 12π (4) 104π

Circular Motion 37
 ANSWER KEY

Exercise - I
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 2 3 2 2 3 3 1 4 2 3 3 4 1 4 3 4 4 1 1 2
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 2 1 4 2 4 3 1 1 3 1 4 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 1
Que. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
Ans. 1 1 3 2 3 3 1 2 3 2 3 1

Exercise - II
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Ans. 3 4 4 1 4 4 3 1 2 3 2 4 2

Exercise - III
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 1 2 2 3 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 2 4
Que. 21 22 23
Ans. 2 2 4

Exercise – IV (Previous Year Questions)

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Ans. 4 1 4 2 1 3 4 4 3 3 4 3 1 3 2 4 2

38 Circular Motion