Circular Motion and Newton's Second Law
The Newton's Second Law Video Tutorial uses five example problems to demonstrate the use of a free-body diagram, Newton's second law, and circular motion equations to solve a problem related to an object moving in a circle.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How can you combine a free-body diagram, Newton’s second law, and circular motion equations to solve a physics word problem?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Circular Motion and Gravitation Module, Mission CG5
This Minds On Physics mission includes 8 different circular motion scenarios to mathematically analyze. It's great practice. It's a great follow-up to the video.
Concept Builders, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams in Circles
Students love Concept Builders. Earn stars, dataways, and trophies while you master a concept. This one provides a great exercise in identifying free-body diagrams for objects moving in circles.
Calculator Pad, Circular Motion and Gravitation Problem Set, Problems #8-15
The Calculator Pad is the go-to place on our website for solving Physics word problems. You will find problems, answers, and audio-guided solutions. You can't go wrong with that.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Circular and Satellite Motion Chapter, Lesson 2, Newton's Second Law - Revisited
This page from our Tutorial section is the written version of our video Tutorial. You will find additional problems with answers and solutions. Check it out.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Circular Motion and Gravitation
Get students active and thinking with our free Think Sheets from the Curriclum Corner section of our website. Here's one to get you started ...
Mathematics of Circular Motion
Teacher Toolkits, Circular Motion
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. Give this one on circular motion a try.
Physics Interactives, Roller Coaster Model
Give students a chance to explore the variables that affect a rider's experience on a roller coaster. Students can design loops and hills and dips and explore the resulting speeds, accelerations and normal forces.
Minds On Physics, Circular Motion and Gravitation Module, Mission CG5
This Minds On Physics mission includes 8 different circular motion scenarios to mathematically analyze. It's great practice. It's a great follow-up to the video. And if you have a Task Tracker account for Minds On Physics, you can customize the mission as you like and assign it to students and view score reports.
Concept Builders, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams in Circles
Students love Concept Builders. They can earn stars, dataways, and trophies while they master a concept. This one provides a great exercise in identifying free-body diagrams for objects moving in circles.
Calculator Pad, Circular Motion and Gravitation Problem Set, Problems #8-15
The Calculator Pad is the go-to place on our website for solving Physics word problems. It includes problems, answers, and audio-guided solutions. You can't go wrong with that. Consider sending your students there today.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Circular and Satellite Motion Chapter, Lesson 2, Newton's Second Law - Revisited
This page from our Tutorial section is the written version of our video Tutorial. You will find additional problems with answers and solutions. Check it out.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.