Circular Motion and Gravitation

What this page covers

The resources here follow two linked ideas: how objects move in circles, and how gravity acts between masses. On the circular motion side, the mind map called Circular Motion starts with angle, radians and arc length, then moves on to angular velocity and linear velocity. The note on centripetal and centrifugal forces explains the force that keeps a body on a curved path and how its direction always points toward the center of the circle.

On the gravity side, the mind map Gravitational Fields begins with what gravity is and how it pulls masses together. The mind map Sr-3/ Kepler's law looks at ellipses, orbit eccentricity and angular momentum. Rotational motion is here too, with a mind map on energy, forces and torque.

Where to start

1. Open the mind map Circular Motion to see the vocabulary in one view.
2. Read the note on periodic time and centripetal acceleration, or the one on angles and velocity.
3. Work through the flashcard deck Circular Motion Basics to fix the definitions.
4. Move to the mind map Gravitational Fields, then the flashcard deck on gravitational fields, which asks you to define field strength, radial fields and point masses.

Using quizzes and maps together

Use a mind map first to see how ideas connect, then test yourself. The quiz The Princeton Review Chapter 9 Rotational Motion asks you to find the linear speed of a point on a spinning disc, which puts the link between angular and linear speed into practice. Rotational Kinematics MC Review tests which rotational quantities match their straight-line counterparts. If a question trips you up, go back to the matching map or note and try again.

Levels and where it fits

This unit sits in the Mechanics strand of Physics. Most resources suit school students, and several mention A-level Physics, IB Physics, GCSE Physics or AP Physics. A smaller share suits university students. Since the resources were made by GoConqr users, styles and depth vary, so try a few sets and keep the ones that fit how you study.

Ready to begin? Choose one mind map, read it through, then take a quiz to see what stuck.