IB Physics – Topic A.2 · Space, time and motion

A.2Circular motion (extension)

Syllabus section: Forces and momentum

Motion in a circle at constant speed: v = 2πr/T, a = v²/r and F = mv²/r, then vertical circles and conical pendulums. Extension material — the Cambridge IGCSE 0625 core (3.3) only asks for the direction of the force; this is standard groundwork for AS/A Level and AP Physics.

Uniform circular motion: v = 2πr/T, centripetal acceleration a = v²/r and centripetal force F = mv²/r, including vertical circles and conical pendulums.