Centripetal Force Calculator:
Enter the values of mass of the object, m(kg), velocity of the object, V(m/s2) and radius of the circular path, r(m) to determine the value of centripetal force, Fc(N).
Centripetal Force Formula:
Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path and is directed towards the center around which the object is moving.
Centripetal force, Fc(N) in Newtons is equated by dividing the product of mass of the object, m(kg) in kilogram and square of velocity of the object, V(m/s) in metre per second by radius of the circular path, r(m) in metres.
Centripetal force, Fc(N) = m(kg) * V2(m/s) / r(m)
Fc(N) = centripetal force in Newtons, N.
m(kg) = mass of the object in kilogram, kg.
V(m/s) = velocity of the object in metre per second, m/s.
r(m) = radius of the circular path in metres, m.
Centripetal Force Calculation:
1. A 1 kg ball is tethered on a string and swung in a circular path with a radius of 2 metres at a velocity of 5 m/s. Calculate the centripetal force exerted on the ball.
Given: m(kg) = 1kg, V(m/s) = 5m/s and r(m) = 2m.
Centripetal force, Fc(N) = m(kg) * V2(m/s) / r(m)
Fc(N) = 1 * 52 * / 2
Fc(N) = 12.5N.
2. A force of 500 N is required to keep an object moving in a circle with a radius of 5 metres at a velocity of 10 m/s. Find the mass of the object.
Given: Fc(N) = 500N, V(m/s) = 10m/s and r(m) = 5m.
Centripetal force, Fc(N) = m(kg) * V2(m/s) / r(m)
m(kg) = Fc(N) * r(m) / V2(m/s)
m(kg) = 500 * 5 / 102
m(kg) = 25kg.