AP Physics
1
Explorer
vertical circular motion — diagnostic
← all simulations
T = mv²/R − mg·cos θ
v² = 2g(h − y)
y = R(1 + cos θ)
T (constraint force)
— N
adjust sliders
0
— N max
m · mass
10.0 kg
h · drop height
20.0 m
R · loop radius
5.0 m
θ · angle from vertical
45°
y = R(1+cosθ)
— m
v = √2g(h−y)
— m/s
mv²/R
— N
mg·cosθ
— N
mg
— N
Three circles show the independent
inputs: geometry → energy → forces.
θ: 0° = top · 90° = side · 180° = bottom
① Geometry + mg
decompose gravity on string
② Energy + centripetal
mv²/R demand vs mg·cosθ share
③ Net T
constraint force result