Circular motion
1.5.4What the syllabus asks of you
- Describe, qualitatively, motion in a circular path due to a force perpendicular to the motion as: (a) speed increases if force increases, with mass and radius constant (b) radius decreases if force increases, with mass and speed constant (c) an increased mass requires an increased force to keep speed and radius constant ( F = mv2 / r is not required)
Read the notes first
Chapter 1: Circular motion
Drill this topic
Every question on Circular motion, untimed, marked as you go.
Make a worksheet
Choose the years and how many questions, then print it with the answers on separate pages.
18 questions
1Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 12 · Q12Also set in May / June 2016 Paper 11, May / June 2016 Paper 12Show mark scheme →
A
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D
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2May / June 2025 · Paper 11 · Q6Show mark scheme →
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3Oct / Nov 2024 · Paper 11 · Q12Show mark scheme →
Aaway from the centre of the Earth
Bin the direction of motion of the satellite
Cin the opposite direction to the motion of the satellite
Dtowards the centre of the Earth
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4May / June 2024 · Paper 12 · Q11Show mark scheme →
AA
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DD
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5Oct / Nov 2023 · Paper 12 · Q9Show mark scheme →
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6Oct / Nov 2022 · Paper 11 · Q8Show mark scheme →
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7Oct / Nov 2022 · Paper 12 · Q8Show mark scheme →
Abackwards
Bforwards
Ctowards the centre of the bend
Dtowards the road
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8May / June 2022 · Paper 12 · Q5Also set in May / June 2022 Paper 11Show mark scheme →
AA
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9Oct / Nov 2021 · Paper 12 · Q5Also set in Oct / Nov 2021 Paper 11, Oct / Nov 2016 Paper 11, Oct / Nov 2016 Paper 12Show mark scheme →
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10May / June 2021 · Paper 11 · Q5Show mark scheme →
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11May / June 2021 · Paper 12 · Q5Show mark scheme →
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12May / June 2020 · Paper 12 · Q8Also set in May / June 2020 Paper 11Show mark scheme →
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13Oct / Nov 2019 · Paper 12 · Q9Also set in Oct / Nov 2019 Paper 11Show mark scheme →
Aacceleration P, velocity Q
Bacceleration Q, velocity P
Cacceleration Q, velocity R
Dacceleration R, velocity Q
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14May / June 2019 · Paper 11 · Q7Show mark scheme →
AA
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CC
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15May / June 2018 · Paper 11 · Q3Show mark scheme →
AThe resultant force on the satellite is zero.
BThe resultant force on the satellite is in direction B.
CThe resultant force on the satellite is in direction C.
DThe resultant force on the satellite is in direction D.
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16May / June 2017 · Paper 11 · Q7Show mark scheme →
Athe acceleration of the satellite and the displacement of the satellite
Bthe acceleration of the satellite and the velocity of the satellite
Cthe resultant force on the satellite and the acceleration of the satellite
Dthe resultant force on the satellite and the velocity of the satellite
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17May / June 2017 · Paper 11 · Q8Show mark scheme →
AIts acceleration is constant in direction but not in size.
BIts acceleration is constant in size but not in direction.
CIts gravitational potential energy varies.
DIts velocity is constant.
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18May / June 2017 · Paper 12 · Q8Show mark scheme →
AThey are balanced as the car is moving at constant speed.
BThey are unbalanced with a resultant in the direction away from the centre.
CThey are unbalanced with a resultant in the direction of travel of the car.
DThey are unbalanced with a resultant in the direction towards the centre.
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