Centripetal acceleration and forceEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Centripetal acceleration and force

1. A ball of mass 0.25 kg is attached to a light string and whirled in a horizontal circle of radius 0.80 m on a frictionless table. The other end of the string is fixed at the centre of the circle and the ball moves at a constant speed of 4.0 m s⁻¹.
   The ball moves at constant speed. Explain why a resultant force acts on it and state the direction of that force.2 marks
2. A laboratory centrifuge spins at a steady 3000 revolutions per minute. A sample tube is held so that its contents are at a distance of 0.12 m from the axis of rotation.
   The tube wall must provide the force needed to keep 5.0 g of sediment moving in the circle at this radius. Calculate this force.2 marks
3. A car of mass 1200 kg drives round a flat, circular bend of radius 45 m. On a dry road the maximum sideways friction force the tyres can provide is 7.8 kN.
   Calculate the maximum speed at which the car can take the bend without skidding.3 marks