Non-Uniform Circular Motion

Definition

Non-uniform circular motion is circular motion in which speed changes with time.

Vertical circular motion and some driven circular systems require both radial and tangential analysis.

Radial acceleration:

a_{r} = \frac{v ^{2}}{r}

Tangential acceleration:

a_{t} = \frac{d v}{d t}

Radial acceleration changes velocity direction.
Tangential acceleration changes speed.
This page is optional enrichment unless the question explicitly involves changing speed around the circle.