Circular Motion
Interactive simulation — adjust parameters and watch the visualization update in real time.
Live graphs
How it works
In uniform circular motion the speed is constant but the velocity vector turns, so there is a centripetal acceleration toward the center of the circle: a = ω²r = v²/r. The net force required is F = ma, pointing in the same direction as the acceleration (inward). Tension, gravity, or normal force can provide this in real setups.
Key equations
v = ω r, T = 2π/ω
a = ω²r = v²/r (toward center)
F = m a (centripetal force)