GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

622 videos | 38 hours

Circular Motion

Please subscribe to watch this video.

This, and all other videos, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos.

Forces Forces and motion

Circular Motion

5:04 Average Speed and Velocity
Spec 4.5.6.1.3
Previous Measuring Speed Next Accelerating Distance-Time Graphs
  • An object can change direction without affecting its speed, altering its velocity.
  • Velocity is a vector quantity with both magnitude (speed) and direction.
  • Changing velocity without changing speed involves altering the direction of the vector.
  • Example: A rugby player changes direction to avoid a tackle while maintaining speed.
  • Circular motion involves constant speed but changing velocity.
  • Example: A ball on a string spun in a circle has constant speed but changing direction.
  • Understanding circular motion is important for exams, focusing on constant speed and changing velocity.
  • Vehicles, airplanes, and race cars use circular paths to maintain speed while changing direction.
  • Satellites maintain stable orbits by keeping constant speed and changing direction.
  • Fairground rides keep constant speed while changing direction, creating a sensation of velocity change.
  • Key exam point: Velocity changes, but speed remains constant in circular motion.

Please subscribe to access these revision notes.

This, and all other video notes, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos and revision notes.