Centripetal Force Calculator
Calculate the force required to keep an object moving in a circular path.
🌀 Physics📐 F = mv²/r
Mass (kg)
Velocity (m/s)
Radius of circle (m)
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Centripetal Force Calculator | F = mv²/r | Newtons |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
Car on Curve
2000 kg car at 20 m/s on 100m curve.
- F = 2000×400/100 = 8,000 N
- Provided by tire friction
✓ 8,000 N
Example 2
Spinning Mass
2 kg at 10 m/s, radius 5 m.
- F = 2×100/5 = 40 N
✓ 40 N
Example 3
Earth's Orbit
5.97e24 kg at 29780 m/s, r=1.496e11 m.
- F = 3.55e22 N (gravitational)
✓ 3.55×10²² N
Real-World Applications
Physics Students
Solve circular motion problems.
Engineers
Design curved roads and circular systems.
Teachers
Demonstrate circular motion.
Astronomers
Calculate orbital forces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Centrifugal force is fictional
Centrifugal force is a fictitious force in a rotating frame. The real force is centripetal (inward).
⚠️
Centripetal ≠ gravity
Centripetal acceleration = v²/r. Earth gravity = 9.81 m/s². Different quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What provides centripetal force? ▾
Cars: tire friction. Satellites: gravity. Ball on string: tension. Roller coaster loop: normal force + gravity.
Critical speed at top of a loop? ▾
v_crit = √(gr). Below this, the car loses contact with the track.
Why does water stay in a swung bucket? ▾
If centripetal acceleration > g, the bucket pushes the water inward harder than gravity pulls it down.