Circular motion worksheet with answers

Free printable Circular motion worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
r = 1.1 mvmax​ = ?

A 0.8 kg stone is whirled in a horizontal circle of radius 1.1 m on a smooth, level table, held by a string that breaks at a tension of 10 N. Find the highest speed vmax the stone can have.

m = 0.8 kgr = 1.1 mTmax = 10 N
vmax = m/s
2.Easy
r = 0.6 mvmax​ = ?

A 0.5 kg stone is whirled in a horizontal circle of radius 0.6 m on a smooth, level table, held by a string that breaks at a tension of 200 N. Find the highest speed vmax the stone can have.

m = 0.5 kgr = 0.6 mTmax = 200 N
vmax = m/s
3.Medium
L = 1.5 m20°

A small ball on a string of length 1.5 m moves in a horizontal circle so that the string makes a constant angle of 20° with the vertical (a conical pendulum). Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the speed v of the ball.

L = 1.5 mθ = 20°g = 9.81 m/s²
v = m/s
4.Medium
L = 1.7 m20°

A small ball on a string of length 1.7 m moves in a horizontal circle so that the string makes a constant angle of 20° with the vertical (a conical pendulum). Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the speed v of the ball.

L = 1.7 mθ = 20°g = 9.81 m/s²
v = m/s
5.Hard
r = 0.6 mv = ?

A ball on a string 0.6 m long is swung in a vertical circle. Use g = 9.81 m/s². What is the smallest speed vmin at the top for which the string just stays tight?

r = 0.6 mg = 9.81 m/s²
vmin = m/s
6.Hard
r = 0.7 mv = ?

A ball on a string 0.7 m long is swung in a vertical circle. Use g = 9.81 m/s². What is the smallest speed vmin at the top for which the string just stays tight?

r = 0.7 mg = 9.81 m/s²
vmin = m/s

Answer key

  1. 1. vmax = 3.708 m/s
  2. 2. vmax = 15.49 m/s
  3. 3. v = 1.353 m/s
  4. 4. v = 1.441 m/s
  5. 5. vmin = 2.426 m/s
  6. 6. vmin = 2.62 m/s

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.