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Ever thought of how significant circular motion is in explaining all circular phenomena? Right from satellites that provide information about the outer world to the vehicles that take u-turns, circular motion is everywhere. Physics classifies circular motion into two types: uniform circular motion and non-uniform circular motion. Along with this, there are two further divisions: vertical and horizontal circular motion. The definition of horizontal circular motion indicates circular motion across a horizontal surface.
Horizontal circular motion moves in a horizontal pattern, contradictory to vertical circular motion. However, before learning more about it, it is essential to understand other terms. This includes knowing what circular motion is as well as an overview of its types. Further, differentiating between vertical and horizontal circular motion is also essential.
In the following sections, we will start by highlighting what circular motion is and its types. After this, we will provide the definition of horizontal circular motion, along with its formulas and examples.
Circular Motion and Its Kinds
Circular motion is defined as the motion involving a circular path. Any object that travels in a circular path is said to be in circular motion. For instance, if you switch on the fan, it moves in a circle. This movement is known as circular motion.
Circular motion is classified on the basis of uniformity and non-uniformity. Circular motion that is uniform till the time of its completion is known as uniform circular motion. The circular motion that shifts in its entire period of completion is termed non-uniform circular motion.
Uniform circular motion is a motion where the speed, acceleration, and velocity of the body in motion is always constant. In this type of circular motion, the body does not change its position. The distance covered and the time of the motion also remains constant.
In a non-uniform circular motion, the speed, acceleration, and velocity of the body continues to change. It does not remain stagnant and fluctuates. As a result, the distance covered in such a motion might vary when compared. The time taken to complete this motion also differs, and the body in motion keeps changing its position.
Apart from uniform and non-uniform circular motion, there can be two other classifications: vertical circular motion and horizontal circular motion. Vertical circular motion is a circular motion that involves movement along the vertical circular path. The definition of horizontal circular motion states that it is the circular motion occurring on a horizontal surface.
The detailed explanation regarding the definition of horizontal circular motion below.
What is Horizontal Circular Motion?
Horizontal circular motion is defined as a motion that takes place on a horizontal surface that is circularly orientated. It refers to the motion when the body is moving on a horizontal surface and circular path. Here, the object’s movement is on a horizontal surface. However, this horizontal surface is projected in a circular shape. This is why it is known as a horizontal surface.
There are various derivations and formulas of horizontal circular motion. The diagram below shows what horizontal circular motion is using strings.
Suppose a body of mass m is tied at one point of a string. It whirls in a horizontal circle of radius r and middle point O.
The body transfers with a uniform linear pace v and angular pace ω.
Since the weightage mg of the body acts at right angles to the tension TS at the side of the string, the pressure closer to the middle O is:
F = TS = mv2/ r = mω2r
Thus, the tension within the string is the same as centripetal pressure. The above is the deviation of the horizontal circular motion’s formula.
There are various day-to-day examples of horizontal circular motion: the movement of the pendulum, rotation of the earth, rotation of the car wheel, movement of the ceiling fans, and more.
Horizontal circular motion has its own criteria and features which distinguishes it from vertical circular motion. This is elaborated in the next section.
Features and Criteria of Horizontal Circular Motion
While the definition of horizontal circular motion elaborates on what kind of motion it is, there is a lot that differentiates this type of motion from others.
In horizontal circular motion, the angular rate of rotation is constant. Angular rate of rotation is how fast the body rotates or revolves to the next point. Here, the rotation of the body is constant as it rotates from one point to another.
In a horizontal circular motion, the body or the object is at constant speed i.e. the rate at which the object moves in this type of motion is constant and does not fluctuate.
Horizontal circular motion is a part of the uniform circular motion. Here, the object carries forward the same speed, velocity, distance, and acceleration. Therefore, it is always constant at any point of change.
Horizontal circular motion is an exploration of how inward force affects the object’s mass, distance, speed, and travel when in uniformity. Here, inward force is a centripetal force without which the object is unable to change its direction.
These are some distinctive features of horizontal circular motion. In other ways, the definition of horizontal circular motion fits right under uniform circular motion. Throughout the course of motion, there is no shift in any factors that would affect the motion.
Conclusion
The article explains the significance of circular motion briefly. It discusses what circular motion is and the main two types of circular motion: uniform circular motion and non-uniform circular motion. Further, it also discusses the other two types: vertical and horizontal circular motion.
Horizontal circular motion is defined as a motion that takes place on a horizontal surface that is circularly orientated. It refers to the motion when the body is moving on a horizontal surface and circular path. This was also differentiated from vertical circular motion. The derivation to support the formula of horizontal circular motion was also given for proper understanding.
