Free AP Physics C lesson
Circular Motion & Banked Turns
This AP Physics C: Mechanics lesson is designed for AP Physics C self-study. It includes 4 video lessons, 7 practice questions, and an estimated completion time of 32 minutes.
Video lessons
Circular Motion Problems
Watch on YouTubePhysics of Circular Motion (part II)
Watch on YouTubePhysics of Banked Turns
Watch on YouTubeThe Physics of a Car Traveling Around a Banked Turn (Without Friction and Then With Friction)
Watch on YouTube
Practice covered
- A person sits at the top of a Ferris wheel moving in uniform circular motion. Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the normal force (F_N) and the person's weight (mg)?
- A car travels around a flat circular turn of radius r with coefficient of static friction mu_s. What is the maximum speed the car can travel without sliding?
- A person at the bottom of a circular loop (like the Viper ride) experiences a normal force. If the person has mass m, travels with speed v, and the loop has radius R, write the expression for the normal force F_N.
- A car travels around a banked turn at the perfect speed where no friction is needed. At this speed, which force(s) provide the centripetal acceleration?
- For a banked turn with angle theta and radius r, what is the ideal speed v at which a car can travel without relying on friction? (Use g for gravitational acceleration)
- A car travels faster than the ideal speed around a banked turn. In which direction does the friction force act?
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