Grade 12 · Week 08 · Thursday · Day 04

Circular Motion & Friction Laboratories

Guiding question: What changes when radius, speed, mass or friction limit changes?

Objective: Run controlled model experiments; distinguish force required from force available.

45–60 minutes · No apparatus · Standalone offline lesson

Learn the science

One variable at a time

The Circle Studio computes inward acceleration a_c=v²/r and F_required=mv²/r. Hold m and r fixed while varying v: a doubled speed quadruples required inward force. Then hold mass and speed fixed while changing radius: a doubled radius halves the required force. Record exact parameters, calculations and model provenance for each trial.

Available flat-road friction is a constraint

The circle model's optional flat-surface check uses the ideal inequality mv²/r≤μ_s mg; at constant mass the m factors cancel. Under that specific model, v_limit=√(μ_sgr) indicates a mathematical friction boundary, not a safe driving speed. It assumes steady speed, dry-style constant coefficient, level road, proper contact and that lateral static friction alone supplies all inward net force.

Compare with the contact laboratory

The Friction Lab models a pushed block beginning at rest, not a car turning in a circle. It teaches that friction adjusts below a static threshold and uses a simplified kinetic approximation after slip begins. The Circle Studio treats lateral static friction capacity as a maximum radial constraint. These are related friction principles but different physical scenarios; do not transfer the block's kinetic formula into the turning model indiscriminately.

Synthetic data is not measured evidence

Our SVG charts and CSV downloads come from equations, without sensors or risky live equipment. Record a prediction, a matched trial, units, a numerical conclusion and a limitation. Use the teacher's supplied data table if controls are unavailable. No spinning weighted objects, swinging masses, cycling in traffic or vehicle testing is requested.

Vocabulary

controlled variable
A parameter kept fixed to isolate another parameter.
inverse-radius relation
For fixed speed, required circular acceleration decreases as radius grows.
square-speed relation
Centripetal acceleration grows with the square of speed.
friction limit
Maximum static contact force under specified assumptions.
model provenance
Description of how numerical values were generated and what was assumed.

Worked example

For m=2 kg, r=8 m, v=4 m/s, F_required=4 N. Raise speed to 8 m/s with r and m held: F_required=16 N. Double radius instead to 16 m with original speed 4 m/s: required force becomes 2 N.

Calculate independently and write the units and directions.

Independent evidence journal

Complete at least three Circle Studio trials and two Friction Lab trials. Export both notebooks and compare one pair of matched runs.

Notes stay in this browser if storage is available. Export for a portable copy.

Daily Practice · 4 Questions

Open-book learning and instant explanations with an 80% practice target. No official exam questions or verified transcripts are stored here.