Physics 9702 · AS & A Level
Centripetal acceleration
11 practice questions on Centripetal acceleration, with worked solutions and instant marking.
A steel ball rests on the inner surface of a hollow circular cone. It travels in a horizontal circle at constant speed, as shown in Fig. 1.1. The side of the cone makes an angle of $52\degree$ to the horizontal. There is no friction between the ball and the cone.
Feb/March 2025
Section A. Write your answers in the spaces provided for each question.
May/June 2010
A steel sphere with mass $0.29\,\text{kg}$ hangs in equilibrium from a vertical spring. In Fig. 2.1, the sphere’s centre is $8.5\,\text{cm}$ below the top of the spring. The sphere is then set into motion so that it travels round a horizontal circle at constant speed, as shown in Fig. 2.2. The distance from the centre of the sphere to the top of the spring is now $10.8\,\text{cm}$.
May/June 2023
A steel sphere with mass $0.29\,\text{kg}$ hangs in equilibrium from a vertical spring. In Fig. 2.1, the sphere’s centre is $8.5\,\text{cm}$ below the top of the spring. The sphere is then made to travel in a horizontal circle at constant speed, as shown in Fig. 2.2. The distance from the sphere’s centre to the top of the spring is now $10.8\,\text{cm}$.
May/June 2023
A large bowl is formed from a section of a hollow sphere. A small spherical ball is placed in the bowl and is given a horizontal speed. The ball then travels in a horizontal circular path with constant radius, as shown in Fig. 2.1. The forces on the ball are its weight $W$ and the normal reaction force $R$ from the bowl on the ball, as shown in Fig. 2.2. The normal reaction force $R$ makes an angle $\theta$ to the horizontal.
Oct/Nov 2014
A large bowl is formed from a section of a hollow sphere. A small spherical ball is positioned inside the bowl and then launched with horizontal speed. The ball travels round a horizontal circular path with constant radius, as shown in Fig. 2.1. The forces acting on the ball are its weight $W$ and the normal reaction force $R$ from the bowl, as shown in Fig. 2.2. The normal reaction force $R$ makes an angle $\theta$ to the horizontal.
Oct/Nov 2014
With reference to velocity and acceleration, describe uniform circular motion.
Oct/Nov 2021
State the meaning of centripetal acceleration.
Oct/Nov 2021
Complete every question in the spaces supplied.
Oct/Nov 2021
A spherical planet may be treated as a point mass located at its centre.
Oct/Nov 2022
Define the radian in terms of angle measurement.
Oct/Nov 2023