Learning Outcomes for Circular and Satellite Motion
Lesson Plans || Learning Outcomes and Activities || Teacher Notes || Labs
The list below displays sample learning objectives for the unit on Circular and Satellite Motion. The various activities from the Lesson Plans have been organized by objective. This format of organizing The Physics Classroom's activities may be more useful to some teachers than the Lesson Plan format. It is worth noting that the activities identified below only include those activities included on the Lesson Plans and in the Pre-Built Task Tracker courses. Additional activities are referenced on the Teacher Notes page.
1. Velocity and Acceleration for Moving in Circles
Describe the direction and magnitude of the velocity and acceleration vectors for an object moving in uniform circular motion; explain how a constant speed object can have an acceleration.
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Labs:
Lab 1 - Making the Turn
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Physics Interactives with Concept Checkers:
Concept Builders:
Minds On Physics:
2. The Centripetal Force Requirement
Identify the direction of the net force on an object moving along a circular or curved path; predict the relative magnitude of the inward force and outward force (if present) at key locations along the path; relate the law of inertia to the sensation of being pulled outward while moving along a circular path.
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Labs:
Lab 2: Loop the Loop
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Physics Interactives with Concept Checkers:
Minds On Physics:
3. Force Analysis of Circular Motion Situations
Construct a free-body diagram for an object moving in a horizontal or vertical circle and use it along with mathematical equations to predict the value of a force, acceleration or circular motion quantity.
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Minds On Physics:
Mission CG5 on Mathematical Analysis of Circular Motion
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4. Universal Gravitation
Explain the "universal" of Newton's law of universal gravitation, use the equation to calculate the gravitational force, and use the inverse square relationship to predict how a variation in distance or mass affects the gravitational force.
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Minds On Physics:
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5. Gravitational Field Strength
Derive the equation for gravitational field strength (g) from the universal gravitation equation and describe the variables that affect the value of g at any given location; calculate the value of g when given sufficient information.
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6. Satellite Motion
Describe what a satellite is, provide examples of satellites, and describe the relative magnitude and direction of the velocity, acceleration, and net force vectors for both circular and elliptical orbits.
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Minds On Physics:
7. Orbital Mathematics
Combine universal gravitation equations and circular motion equations to analyze the motion of orbiting satellites and to predict a value of orbital period, orbital speed, orbital acceleration, net force, etc.
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8. Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Describe Kepler's three laws of planetary motion; use the law of harmonies to predict the period or mean radius for one satellite if given the period or mean radius of another satellite.
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9. Weightlessness
Explain the cause of partial and complete weightlessnes and describe the conditions that lead to sensations of weighing less than normal.
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Review Activities
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