Dynamics and the Causes of Motion · Mechanics & Motion

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Extending dynamics to curved paths and the universal law of gravitation. Students model planetary orbits and centripetal forces in mechanical systems.

Key Questions

  1. 1How does this model explain the necessity of a net force directed toward the center of a circular path?
  2. 2What variables affect the orbital period of a satellite around a planet?
  3. 3How would an engineer determine the optimal banking angle for a high speed railway curve?

Common Core State Standards

HS-PS2-4HS-ESS1-4
Grade: 11th Grade
Subject: Physics
Unit: Dynamics and the Causes of Motion
Period: Mechanics & Motion

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