Enter the mass, velocity, and radius into the calculator to determine the centripetal (radial) force acting on an object in uniform circular motion.
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Centripetal Force Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the centripetal (radial) force required for uniform circular motion.
F_c = m*v^2 / r
- Where Fc is the centripetal force (N)
- m is the mass (kg)
- v is the (tangential) speed (m/s)
- r is the radius (m)
To calculate centripetal force, multiply the mass by the tangential speed squared, then divide by the radius.
Centripetal Force Definition
Centripetal force is the net inward (radial) force required to keep an object moving along a circular path. In uniform circular motion, it changes the direction of the velocity; a constant speed requires zero net tangential force.
Centripetal Force Example
How to calculate centripetal force?
- First, determine the mass.
Measure or calculate the mass of the object.
- Next, determine the radius
Measure the radius of rotation.
- Next, determine the velocity.
Calculate the tangential speed.
- Finally, calculate the centripetal force.
Calculate centripetal force using the equation above.
Is angular speed centripetal force?
No. Angular speed (ฯ) is a rate of rotation (rad/s), while centripetal force is a force (N) directed toward the center of the circular path. They are related (for uniform circular motion) by Fc = mฯยฒr = mvยฒ/r.
FAQ
Centripetal force is the net inward (radial) force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. In uniform circular motion it changes the direction of velocity, not the speed.
