Circular Motion and Gravitation

This is what I learned about Circular Motion and Gravitation. I learned that when moving in a circle, an object travels at a distance around the perimeter of the circle so that when the car moves at 5 m/s, the car would travel 5 meters along the perimeter in one second. This is the period T to get one complete rotation and it is given in seconds. The frequency is the number of rotations per second. In the case of circular motion when an object is accelerating, the acceleration is centripetal, meaning towards the center of the circle. I have also learned about Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which states every object is attracted to every other object in the universe.

What I have found difficult about what I have studied is figuring out what the centripetal force is. At first, I had no idea how to find it but now I realize the Centripetal force is the force pointing towards the center of the circle in the FBD. The Centripetal force is provided by the force which keeps the object in circular motion.  I have also found it difficult when the coefficient of friction is added to the problems. I did not know where the equation of mu times mg was from but then I learned where it was made from and how to convert it into my problems.


My problem solving skills are growing. With each mistake, I see how to apply every equation to solve any problem. I am doing well with the FBD's and knowing what provides the centripetal force. An area of concern is I am not sure what exactly the force to maintain the car's circular motion is. But for now, my problem solving skills are fine.

Newton's Second Law

This is what I learned about Newton's Second Law.  I learned it says that for a particular force, the acceleration of an object is proportional to the net force and inversely proportional to the mass of the object. The direction of the force is the same as the acceleration.

What I have found difficult about what I have studied is solving problems with the coefficient of friction.  At first, the problem seemed unsolvable but if you kept working the it, the answer would find its way to you.

My problem-solving skills are fine for the time being.  After I missed a few classes, the material seemed hard, but it is easy now.  I understand how to draw FBD's and after a miscalculation on our recent quiz, I realize that if the object is in Newtons, it DOES NOT have to be multiplied by 9.8.  Other than that, I fell like I am a good problem solver.