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Exit to H2 Physics 9478

Circular Motion & Gravitation Explorer

Switch between circular-motion, gravitation, and orbital-comparison views to compare inward force, g, potential, speed, and period.

  • GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Express angular displacement in radians and use s = rθ.
  • Relate angular velocity, period, frequency and tangential speed using v = rω.
  • Explain and apply centripetal acceleration and resultant-force relationships.
  • Apply Newton's law of gravitation to point and spherical masses.
  • Derive and apply gravitational field strength, including the near-surface model.

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Orbit setup

Main mode
2.1 R
6.8 km s⁻¹
1.00 M⊕
Comparison controls
Radius comparison and force
4.5 R
800 kg

Orbit checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

      Practice run

      Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

      Run mode
      Try Circular Motion Quiz

      Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

      Study lensUse centripetal acceleration and force directions correctly for circular motion questions.13 min activity

      Try this

      Keep the inward-force picture fixed first, then compare how radius changes affect speed, period, field strength, and potential.

      Learn to

      • Use centripetal acceleration and force directions correctly for circular motion questions.
      • Connect v²/r, ω²r, period, and frequency without mixing tangential and radial ideas.
      • Compare orbital speed, period, field strength, and potential at different radii.

      Exam transfer

      • Orbit reasoning
      • Graph/trend comparison

      Governing idea

      Centripetal acceleration a = v²/r = ω²r, gravitational force F = GMm/r², and gravity supplies the centripetal resultant for an ideal circular orbit.

      Model boundary

      Orbiting bodies are treated as point masses in circular orbits, with other bodies and atmospheric drag ignored.

      Avoid this trap

      Centripetal force is not an extra force; it is the name for the inward resultant supplied by real forces such as gravity or tension.

      How to explore

      Compare circular-motion models and orbit changes while keeping centripetal ideas and gravitation trends aligned.

      Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

      About this activity

      Switch between circular-motion, gravitation, and orbital-comparison views to compare inward force, g, potential, speed, and period. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

      How this activity affects progress
      Course and syllabus information
      Course
      GCE A-Level H2 Physics
      Edition
      GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027