Circular Velocity Formula: Definition & Solved Examples

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Muskan Shafi

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Circular Velocity is the velocity possessed by an object in a uniform circular motion. The motion of an object along the circumference of a circle or rotation along its round direction is called circular motion. The object may be shifting in uniform movement and has a constant angular rate of rotation and speed or a non-uniform motion with changing rate of rotation. Objects moving in circles have a speed that is equal to the distance traveled per time of travel. The average speed of the object can be determined by multiplying the rotational frequency by the circumference.

Circular velocity is directly proportional to the radius of the circular path and is inversely proportional to the time taken by the object. Circular Velocity Formula is defined as the circumference of the circular path divided by the time taken. Circular Velocity Formula is given as vc = 2πr/T, where, Vc is the circular velocity, r is the radius of the circular path, and T is the time taken.

Key Terms: Circular Velocity, Uniform Circular motion, Radian, Angular Velocity, Motion, Circumference, Circular Path, Radius, Time Taken


What is Circular Velocity?

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Circular Velocity is defined as the velocity of an object along the circumference of a circle or rotation along a uniform circular path. Uniform circular motion is a type of motion in which an object moves in a circular motion at a constant speed whereas the velocity changes at each location due to the changing direction of the velocity vector

  • The circular velocity is inversely proportional to the time taken by an object. 
  • It is directly proportional to the radius of the circular path.
  • Circular Velocity is denoted by the symbol vc.
  • Its unit of measurement is m/s.
  • The dimensional formula of Circular Velocity is given by [M0L1T-1].

Circular Velocity 

Circular Velocity 

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Circular Velocity Formula

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The Circular Velocity Formula is defined as the circumference of the circular path divided by the time taken. Thus, 

The Circular Velocity Formula is expressed as

vc = 2πr/T

Where 

  • R refers to the radius of the circular orbit.
  • T refers to the time period.

Circular velocity can also be calculated when angular velocity ω is given. In this case, the Circular Velocity Formula is 

vc = ωr

Where 

  • ω denotes the angular velocity.
  • r denotes the radius of the circular path.

Circular Velocity Formula

Circular Velocity Formula


Solved Examples on Circular Velocity Formula

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Here are a few solved examples of Circular Velocity Formula with detailed solutions to understand the concept better.

Example 1: Find the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion when the radius is 5 m for a time of 2 s.

Solution: We have,

  • Radius r = 5
  • Time T = 2

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr/ T

= (2 × 3.14 × 5)/ 2

= 31.4/ 2

= 15.7 m/s

Thus, the circular velocity of the object is 15.7 m/s.

Example 2: Find the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion when the radius is 4 m for a time of 7 s.

Solution: We have,

  • r = 4
  • T = 7

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr/ T

= (2 × 3.14 × 4)/ 7

= 25.12/ 7

= 3.58 m/s

Therefore, the circular velocity of the given object is 3.58 m/s.

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Things to Remember

  • Circular velocity refers to the velocity of an object while undergoing uniform circular motion.
  • It is denoted by the symbol vc and its unit of measurement is m/s. 
  • It is directly proportional to the radius of the circular path and is inversely proportional to the time taken.
  • Circular velocity is equal to the circumference of the circular path divided by the time taken by the object.
  • Circular Velocity Formula is given as vc = 2πr/T, where r refers to the radius of the circular path and t is the time taken.
  • In case angular velocity is given, the Circular Velocity Formula is given as vc = ωr, where is angular velocity.

Sample Questions

Ques. Find the circular velocity of a pebble tied to a thread of 0.75 m when swirled is rotating with the angular velocity of 45 radians/s. (3 Marks)

Ans. Given parameters are,

  • Angular velocity ω = 45 rad/s
  • Radius = 0.75 m

The circular velocity formula is given by

Vc = 45 × 0.75

Vc = 33.75 m/s.

Ques. The distance from Sun to Earth is 149500000 km and the period of earth's revolution is 365.25 days. Find the circular velocity of the earth. (3 Marks)

Ans. Given parameters are,

  • Radius r = 1495 × m
  • Period T = 365.25 days

The circular velocity is expressed by

 vc = 2πr/T

 vc = (2 x 3.24 x 1495 x 108) / 365.25

Vc = 2.571 × 109 m/s.

Ques. Find the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion when the radius is 3 m for a time of 4 s. (3 Marks)

Ans. We have,

  • r = 3
  • T = 4

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr/ T

= (2 × 3.14 × 3)/ 4

= 18.84/ 4

= 4.71 m/s

Ques. What is the circular velocity formula? (2 Marks)

Ans. The circular velocity formula is defined as the circumference of the circular path divided by the time taken.

vc = 2πr/T

Here, r is the radius of the circular path and t is the time taken.

Ques. Find the radius of the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion is 5 m/s for a time of 3 s. (3 Marks)

Ans. We have,

  • vc = 5
  • T = 3

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr/ T

=> r = vcT/ 2π

= (5 × 3)/ (2 × 3.14)

= 15/ 6.28

= 2.38 m

Ques. Find the radius of the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion is 8 m/s for a time of 2 s. (3 Marks)

Ans. We have,

  • vc = 8
  • T = 2

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr/ T

=> r = vcT/ 2π

= (8 × 2)/ (2 × 3.14)

= 16/ 6.28

= 2.54 m

Ques. How can we say that an object is in a uniform circular motion? (3 Marks)

Ans. If a particle is moving in a uniform circular motion, then 

  • Its speed will be constant.
  • The velocity is changing at every instant.
  • No tangential acceleration is there in this case.
  • Radial or centripetal acceleration = ω2r
  • v=ωr

Ques. Find the time of the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion is 7 m/s for a radius of 5 m. (3 Marks)

Ans. We have,

  • vc = 7
  • r = 5

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr/ T

=> T = 2πr/ vc

= (2 × 3.14 × 5)/ 7

= 31.4/ 7

= 4.48 s

Ques. Find the time of the circular velocity of an object undergoing circular motion is 12 m/s for a radius of 8 m. (3 Marks)

Ans. We have,

  • vc = 12
  • r = 8

Using the formula we have,

vc = 2πr / T

=> T = 2πr / vc

= (2 × 3.14 × 8) / 12

= 50.24/ 12

= 4.18 s

Ques. Give some examples of uniform circular motion. (3 Marks)

Ans. A few examples of uniform circular motion are as follows: 

  • The motion of artificial satellites around the earth is a great example of uniform circular motion. 
  • The motion of electrons around its nucleus is another example.
  • The motion of the blades of the windmills is also uniform circular motion.

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