Centripetal Force Calculator
Calculate the centripetal force required to keep an object moving in a circular path based on mass, velocity, and radius.
Results:
Centripetal Force Formula
The centripetal force (F) required to keep an object moving in a circular path is calculated using:
Where:
- F = Centripetal force (in Newtons, N)
- m = Mass of the object (in kilograms, kg)
- v = Velocity of the object (in meters per second, m/s)
- r = Radius of the circular path (in meters, m)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is centripetal force?
Centripetal force is the net force required to keep an object moving in a circular path at constant speed. It’s always directed toward the center of rotation.
How is centripetal force different from centrifugal force?
Centripetal force is a real force directed toward the center that keeps an object in circular motion. Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act outward on a body in a rotating frame of reference.
What are some real-world examples of centripetal force?
Examples include: the tension in a string spinning a ball, gravity keeping planets in orbit, friction between tires and road when a car turns, and the normal force on a roller coaster loop.
What happens if centripetal force is removed?
If centripetal force is removed, the object will stop moving in a circular path and will instead move in a straight line tangent to its previous circular path (Newton’s first law).