We are going to expand our available math equations in this lesson. It will be helpful to have your equation sheet ready. A copy of the equation sheet is under resource materials on this website and on google classroom. It can also be found HERE.
We already talked about the equation to find the centripetal velocity in lesson 2. Now, we are adding two equations to solve for the centripetal acceleration and three equations to solve for the centripetal force. These are actually the same equations that we had before, a=v/t and F=ma, just reworked to be able to fit for objects that are traveling in a circle.
If you look at the two force equations in the first column, they are both forms of F=ma. The first force equation is using the first a equation and the second force equation is using the second a equation in that same column.
After writing your givens for the math problem, you can choose the equation that best fits the givens that you have. One acceleration equation is not better than the other. The givens that you have in your problem will dictate what equation to use.
Click here for the paper that I use in the video. As you watch this video, pause it and try the math on your own. When you have your answer, start the video and see if you are right. It is important to know where YOU make your mistakes so you can correct them for next time!
Remember there are more practice math problems under Chapter 6 Resources. Practice the math and see if your answer matches my answer.
Click on the picture to take you to the practice problems that I will be going over the next time we have class. Remember, you need to try the problems on your own to see where you make your mistakes if you want to learn how to do the math problems on your own.
Be sure to head over to google classroom and fill out the exit pass.