Spark image

Motion in a circle - acceleration

As the ball moves round the circle its speed (and therefore its velocity) increases. As its velocity (red line) increases the force (blue line) needed to keep it moving in a circle of constant radius also increases.

The ball eventually reaches its maximum velocity and the force remains constant.

Press the START button to start the animation.



 
 
 
© John Bourne and Keith Gibbs 2020