Circular motion explained by countable radial kicks

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel dynamical approach to teach circular motion. According to the principle of inertia, objects without external influences move in a uniform and straight way. With a kick, one can turn the motion towards one side. By successively continuing these turns, a complete circle can be reached. With the help of standard kicks that all have the same strength and well defined directions, students construct circular movements with varying radii, velocities and masses. By counting the vivid standard kicks, all influencing factors of the radial force are quantified. We give examples that were tested and evaluated in high school physics classes.