Today’s topic is Critical velocity in vertical circular motion. Once we are done with its definition we will derive the Critical Velocity formula.



Definition: The minimum velocity of an object at the highest point of the rotation while having a vertical circular motion, is called Critical Velocity. If the velocity of the object falls below this at the highest point then the object will not be able to continue in its circular path. Please note this concept of critical velocity is applicable only for vertical circular motion.

Critical Velocity Formula [ Minimum velocity at the highest point of vertical circle]

Critical velocity formula is expressed as V1 = √(gr)

where g is the acceleration due to gravity and r is the radius of the vertical circular path being traversed by the object.

So the minimum velocity needed at the highest point to complete a vertical circle is expressed as √(gr)

Formula for the Minimum Velocity at the Lowest Point of the vertical circle to attain the Critical velocity at the highest point: √(5gR) formula

Minimum Velocity at the Lowest Point of the vertical circle to attain the Critical velocity at the highest point is expressed with the following formula:

V2 = √(5gR)

Circular motion in horizontal plane vs Circular motion in vertical plane

Circular motion in vertical plane has some basic difference with the same in horizontal plane . In the last post on Centripetal Force, we have showed that while rotating in a circle in Horizontal plane, the gravitational force has no role (no work done) on the rotating object. But during the circular motion in vertical plane , the role of gravitation is omnipresent. The Vertical circular motion also has a concept of critical velocity, which has no connection with horizontal circular motion.

circular motion in vertical plane

Critical Velocity Formula – derivation

Let’s take a rock of mass m tied to a light and inextensible string and start to rotate it along a vertical circular path of radius R.

What can be observed from its motion? Yes, it’s not uniform.

Circular Motion in Vertical Plane

While descending from the highest point (A) of the circular track to the lowest point B, its velocity gradually increases. Also the tension of the string increases gradually as the rock comes from A to B. If you rotate the rock with the string tied with your finger, then you can feel this difference.

Let’s consider that the velocity at A and B are V1 and V2 respectively. Here we have to consider the Tension in the string as well.

Now please note that both at A and B, the net force required for the circular motion to continue is Centripetal Force.(designated as CF in the following diagrams)

As we know, Centripetal Force is a real force which has to be provided by some agent/s or it’s to be generated by the mutual interaction of multiple agents in a system.

Now we will analyze with Free Body diagrams to find out who supplies this centripetal force at point A and B.

derivation with FBD



At the highest point (A) if we consider the forces acting on the rock then these are,

(i) The weight (mg) of the rock acting vertically downwards

(ii) The tension exerted by the string (T1) on the rock (direction is away from the rock along the string)

FBD for Topmost position (A)

So these 2 forces are mutually acting to supply the required Centripetal force at point A.

Now considering the position of A, all these 2 vectors are pointing vertically downwards i.e. towards the centre.

So we can write this equation for the point A

T1 + mg = (mV1^2)/R ……………………..(1)

Now consider point B. The force components acting on the rock here are as listed below:

(i)The weight (mg) of the rock is acting vertically downwards.

(ii) The tension exerted by the string (T2) on the rock (As said earlier, the string tension at B is more than that at point A. We mark this say, as T2)

FBD for lowest position (B)

Again if we consider the position of B, weight acts vertically downwards. Direction of T2 is again away from the rock and along the string, so at B it’s vertically upwards. As these 2 force components mutually act to supply the centripetal force at point B also, so we can write this equation for the point B

T2 – mg = (mV2^2)/R …………………….. (2)

Now let’s move towards deriving the expression of Critical Velocity.

At the highest point, let’s consider that the tension of the string is zero (T1 = 0) and the weight of the rock is sufficient enough to supply the centripetal force required to sustain the circular motion.

In that case, we can write,

mg = (mV1^2)/R

Critical Velocity formula or Equation

V1 = √(gr) …………………….. (3)

Please note that, this is the minimum velocity at point A which can keep the rock in its circular path. If its velocity falls below this value, then the string will slack and the rock will drop down finally.

Derivation of formula for the Minimum Velocity at the Lowest Point to attain the Critical velocity at the highest point

We can easily calculate the expression of minimum value of V2 at point B (lowest point of the circular path at a vertical plane), which is a must to maintain the Critical Velocity at point A (the highest point).

Circular Motion in Vertical Plane

Note that the height difference between A and B is the diameter of the circle = 2R

Total Energy of the rock at point B (the lowest point) = its Kinetic energy = ½ . mV2^2 ………….. (4)

Total energy of the rock at point A (the highest point) = its Kinetic Energy + its Potential Energy

= ½ .mV1^2 + mg. (2R)

= ½ .m.gR + 2mgR [ substituting V1 with critical velocity i.e. (gR)^(1/2)]

=(5/2)mgR ………………..(5)

Equating equation 4 and 5 following the Law of conservation of Energy, we get,

V2^2 = 5gR

or, V2 = √(5gR)…………..(6)

This is the equation of the minimum velocity at the lowest point of a vertical circular motion path that is a must to avail critical velocity at the highest point of the same vertical circular motion path.

Here we have studied the concepts of Critical velocity as well as derived its expression. Also we have derived the equation of the minimum velocity required at the lowest point of the circle, to attain just the critical velocity at the highest point of circular track.





Hope you have liked the post on Critical Velocity. Now can you please do 2 things ?

(1) Pls Share this using the social media buttons and

(2) subscribe by filling in the tiny form up there to get my newsletters with updates and ebook links!

Related Study: Centripetal force







Critical Velocity in Vertical Circular motion – minimum velocity for a vertical circle