Centripetal Force Calculator
Calculate centripetal force required for circular motion using mass, velocity, and radius
Calculate Centripetal Force
Mass of the object in circular motion
Radius of the circular path
Tangential velocity of the object
Centripetal Force Results
Formula used: F = mv²/r
Input values: m = 0.000 kg, v = 0.00 m/s, r = 0.000 m
RPM: 0.0 rpm
Force Analysis
Example Calculation
Car on Circular Track
Car mass: 2,000 kg
Speed: 45 km/h (12.5 m/s)
Track radius: 10 m
Calculation
F = mv²/r
F = 2000 × (12.5)² / 10
F = 2000 × 156.25 / 10
F = 31,250 N
Centripetal vs Centrifugal
Centripetal Force
Inward force (real)
Required for circular motion
Centrifugal Force
Outward force (fictitious)
Felt in rotating frame
Sources of Centripetal Force
Gravitational force (planetary orbits)
Friction (car turning on road)
Tension (ball on a string)
Normal force (banked curves)
Magnetic force (charged particles)
Understanding Centripetal Force
What is Centripetal Force?
Centripetal force is the inward force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. It always points toward the center of the circular motion and is responsible for continuously changing the direction of the object's velocity, even if the speed remains constant.
Key Characteristics
- •Always points toward the center of circular motion
- •Perpendicular to the velocity vector
- •Does no work (force ⊥ displacement)
- •Required for any curved motion
Mathematical Formulas
F = mv²/r
F = mω²r
a = v²/r
- F: Centripetal force (Newtons)
- m: Mass of the object (kg)
- v: Linear velocity (m/s)
- ω: Angular velocity (rad/s)
- r: Radius of circular path (m)
- a: Centripetal acceleration (m/s²)
Real-World Examples
Earth's Orbit
Gravitational force provides centripetal force
Car on Curve
Friction between tires and road
Satellite Motion
Earth's gravity keeps satellites in orbit
Newton's Laws Connection
First Law
Without centripetal force, object moves in straight line
Second Law
F = ma relates force to centripetal acceleration
Third Law
Equal and opposite reaction (centrifugal effect)