Circular Motion

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Update - 1/1/2026
These notes have changed to match the 2025 IB Physics curriculum and a "forces first" sequence. If you are looking for the files that were posted here, you can find them in the notes archive 

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Content Guide

Content Guide - Circular Motion (pdf)
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Content Guide - Circular Motion (editable)
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Content Guide - Circular Motion - KEY (pdf)
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Content Guide - Circular Motion - KEY (editable)
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1 - Defining Circular Motion

• I can convert between angular displacement in revolutions and radians
  
• I can define and measure the period of circular motion
  
• I can calculate angular velocity in radians per second
  
• I can describe and calculate tangential velocity based on the angular velocity and radius
  
• I can determine the direction and magnitude of centripetal acceleration and centripetal force
  

1 - Defining Circular Motion - COMPLETE (pdf)
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1 - Defining Circular Motion - COMPLETE (editable)
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1 - Defining Circular Motion - STUDENT (pdf)
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1 - Defining Circular Motion - STUDENT (editable)
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2 - Circular Motion in Force Fields

• I can calculate the speed of an orbiting object based on the distance and mass of the object it’s orbiting around
  
• I can describe the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field
  
• I can use the magnetic force with circular motion to calculate the properties of a particle moving through a magnetic field
  

2 - Circular Force Fields - COMPLETE (pdf)
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2 - Circular Force Fields - COMPLETE (editable)
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2 - Circular Force Fields - STUDENT (pdf)
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2 - Circular Force Fields - STUDENT (editable)
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3 - Orbits

• I can describe Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion
  
• I can use Kepler’s 3rd Law to mathematically compare the period and radius of an orbit
  

3 - Orbits - COMPLETE (pdf)
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3 - Orbits - COMPLETE (editable)
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3 - Orbits - STUDENT (pdf)
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3 - Orbits - STUDENT (editable)
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4 - Vertical Circular Motion

• I can draw correctly proportioned free body diagrams for horizontal and vertical circular motion
  
• I can compare the forces on an object at different positions in vertical circular motion
  
• I can identify the combination of forces that make the net force that results in circular motion.
  
• I can determine the magnitude and direction of the forces needed to move in a vertical circle
  

4 - Vertical Circular Motion - COMPLETE (pdf)
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4 - Vertical Circular Motion - COMPLETE (editable)
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4 - Vertical Circular Motion - STUDENT (pdf)
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4 - Vertical Circular Motion - STUDENT (editable)
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5 - Circular Motion Scenarios

• I can draw and solve a problem when circular motion is produced by a normal force 
  
• I can draw and solve a problem when circular motion is produced by a friction force 
  
• I can draw and solve a problem when circular motion is produced by components of an angled tension force
  

5 - Circular Motion Scenarios - COMPLETE (pdf)
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5 - Circular Motion Scenarios - COMPLETE (editable)
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5 - Circular Motion Scenarios - STUDENT (pdf)
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5 - Circular Motion Scenarios - STUDENT (editable)
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