Question

Explain the meaning of uniform circular motion. Give one example of such a motion.

Answer 1

We have already studied about the circular motion i.e., it is a motion of an object along the circumference of a circle or rotation along a circular path. It can be classified into two types of motion, uniform circular motion and non-uniform circular motion.

Complete step by step answer:
Uniform circular motion is a motion of an object that moves in a straight line i.e., rotation along a circular path with a constant speed along that line because it covers equal distance in equal interval of time, irrespective of the duration of the time. However, the velocity of uniform circular motion is not constant because velocity is a vector quantity which depends on both the body’s speed and its direction of travel.

This irregular velocity shows the presence of acceleration. Therefore, this centripetal acceleration has constant magnitude and is always directed towards the axis of rotation. This in turn produces a centripetal force which also contains a constant magnitude and directed towards the axis. No tangential acceleration acts on the body.

In case, if an object is involved in rectilinear motion and the motion is consistent, then acceleration of the object must be zero.Some examples of uniform motion are the motion of electrons around its nucleus, motion of blades of the windmill, tip of second hand of a watch with circular dial, the motion of artificial satellites around the earth, etc,.

Note: It is worth noting here that in case of uniform circular motion, the angular speed and acceleration remains constant, whereas the velocity changes. However, in non-uniform circular motion, both the angular speed and velocity changes.