How to Calculate Centripetal Force
What is Centripetal Force?
Centripetal force is the inward force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. Without it, the object would fly off in a straight line tangent to the circle. F_c = mv²/r = mω²r.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1F_c = m × v² / r (mass × velocity² / radius)
- 2Or: F_c = m × ω² × r (using angular velocity ω in rad/s)
- 3Centripetal acceleration: a_c = v² / r
Worked Examples
Input
1,200kg car rounding 80m curve at 20 m/s
Result
Centripetal force = 6,000N
1200×400/80 = 6,000N
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