Centripetal Force Calculator
What is Centripetal Force?
Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path by constantly pulling it toward the center of the circle. Without this force, the object would move in a straight line due to inertia. The word centripetal comes from Latin, meaning “center-seeking”.
In circular motion, even if the speed of an object remains constant, its direction continuously changes. This change in direction requires a force, and that force is the centripetal force. Common real-life examples include a car turning on a curved road, planets orbiting the sun, a stone tied to a string being whirled in a circle, and electrons revolving around the nucleus.
Formula for Centripetal Force
The centripetal force is calculated using the formula:
F = m × v² / r
Where:
F = Centripetal force (Newtons, N)
m = Mass of the object (kg)
v = Velocity of the object (m/s)
r = Radius of the circular path (m)
Worked Example
Suppose a 2 kg object is moving in a circular path with a velocity of 5 m/s and a radius of 2 meters. Using the formula:
F = (2 × 5²) / 2 = 25 N
This means a force of 25 Newtons is required to keep the object moving in that circular path.
How to Use This Calculator
Using this centripetal force calculator is simple and user-friendly:
- Enter the mass of the object in kilograms.
- Enter the velocity in meters per second.
- Enter the radius of the circular path in meters.
- Click the Calculate button to instantly get the centripetal force.
This calculator is extremely useful for physics students, engineering students, and competitive exam aspirants. It saves time, reduces calculation errors, and helps in quickly understanding the relationship between mass, velocity, and radius in circular motion.
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