Circular and Satellite Motion

We have 18 ready-to-use problem sets on the topic of Circular Motion and Gravitation, along with many review sets comprised of the problems in these sets (CP = Conceptual Physics, HP = Honors Physics).

These problem sets focus on the use of Newton's laws of motion and of universal gravitation to mathematically analyze situations involving circular motion or satellite motion.

Problem Sets

Set CG1: Linear Speed
4 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use the equation v = 2•π•R/T to determine the speed, radius or period.

Set CG2: Centripetal Acceleration 1
7 Problems - Easy Difficulty

Use circular motion equations to relate the linear speed or centripetal acceleration to the radius of the circle and the period.

Set CG3: Centripetal Acceleration 2
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use circular motion equations to relate a linear speed or centripetal acceleration to the rotational speed.

Set CG4: Centripetal Force
5 Problems - Easy Difficulty

Use circular motion equations to relate a linear speed or centripetal acceleration to the centripetal force.

Set CG5: Circular Motion and a Force Analysis 1
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use circular motion equations, a force analysis, and Newton's second law to analyze situations with objects moving in vertical circles. Most problems include some scaffolding.

Set CG6: Circular Motion and a Force Analysis 2
5 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use circular motion equations, a force analysis, and Newton's second law to analyze situations with objects moving in horizontal circles.

Set CG7: Circular Motion and a Force Analysis 3
6 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use circular motion equations, a force analysis, and Newton's second law to analyze situations with objects moving in circles.

Set CG8: Circular Motion and a Force Analysis 4
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use circular motion equations, a force analysis, and Newton's second law to analyze situations with objects moving in circles.

Set CG9: Gravitational Force 1
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use Newton's law of universal gravitation to calculate the force of attraction between two objects of known mass and separation distance.

Set CG10: Gravitational Force 2
5 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use Newton's law of universal gravitation to calculate the force of attraction between two objects of known mass and separation distance.

Set CG11: Gravitational Force 3
4 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use Newton's law of universal gravitation as a proportional reasoning tool and as a problem-solving tool for some complex scenarios.

Set CG12: Gravitational Field Strength
6 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use the equation for gravitational field strength to calculate the value of g under varying conditions.

Set CG13: Orbital Speed
8 Problems - Hard Difficulty

Use the equation for orbital speed to relate the orbital radius, orbital period, and the mass of the central body.

Set CG14: Orbital Acceleration
6 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Relate the orbital period and orbital radius to the orbital acceleration.

Set CG15: Satellite Motion Mathematics
4 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use orbital motion equations to relate the orbital radius, orbital speed, orbital period, and the mass of the central body.

Set CG16: Kepler's Third Law 1
4 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use Kepler's third law to analyze period-orbital radius data in an effort to determine an unknown period or radius of orbit.

Set CG17: Kepler's Third Law 2
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use Kepler's third law to relate the orbital period, orbital radius, and the mass of the central body.

Set CG18: Kepler's Third Law 3
5 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Combine Kepler's third law with proportional reasoning skills to determine an unknown period or radius of orbit.

Summary Sets

These activities are combinations of the above Problem Sets, used primarily for Lesson Plans activities and Review

Circular and Satellite Motion 1: Force Analysis (CP)
2 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use F_net=m•a and a free-body diagram to solve the following problems.

Circular and Satellite Motion 1: Force Analysis
5 Problems - Medium Difficulty