What is Centripetal Force?

No object can move in a circle without the centripetal force. If you can remove the centripetal force from the object that moves in a circle, it would fly off in a straight line. You probably have felt the centripetal force without realising what it is. Ever felt the force when a car turns around in a sharp corner, or have you ever spun a ball on a string? That is a centripetal force. This force always pulls the object towards the centre of the circle.

Formula: F = (m × v²) / r

• F = Centripetal force measured in Newtons (N)
• m = mass of the object measured in kilograms (kg)
• v = speed or velocity measured in meters per second (m/s)
• r = radius of the circle measured in meters (m)

Our Centripetal Force Calculator uses this formula to solve the problems and drive results.

How to Use the Centripetal Force Calculator?

You can calculate centripetal force, velocity, or radius by following simple steps to use our Centripetal Force Calculator:

1. Select the option from the dropdown menu on the calculator that you want to find out. Along with the centripetal force, velocity or radius, you can also find out angular velocity and time period. Select the right option.
2. Add the relevant values in the given sections and leave the sections with no available values. Make sure to enter the values consistent with units.
3. After typing all the values, click the calculate button, and you will get your values instantly. The Centripetal Force Calculator does all the math for you.

How Does It Work? – Science Behind The Scene

Objects moving in a circle tend to go in a straight line, but a force pulls them toward the centre. That pull, known as Centripetal Force, is actually what keeps these objects in a circular path. For heavier or faster objects, the circle tends to be smaller, and the force would be more potent. The racing cars are designed to operate at a centripetal force, as they need strong tires for turns at sharp corners. The force that you felt while being pushed in your seat at a spinning ride is pulling you inward. This Centripetal Force Calculator works using formulas.

Choose to calculate the centripetal force

What could be the centripetal force of a ball tied on a string, with mass 0.5 kg, speed 4 m/s, radius 1.2m?

1. Step 1: Centripetal Force Calculation
2. Step 2: Formula: F= mv²/r
3. Step 3: Given: m= 0.5 kg, v= 4 m/s, r= 1.2 m
4. Step 4: Force: F= (0.5 × 4²) / 1.2 = 6.6666666666667 N

Result: Centripetal Force = 6.6666666666667 N

Choose to calculate velocity

If the ball weighs 0.5 kg, the radius of the circular path is 1.2 meters, and the centripetal force is 6.67 N, what is the velocity of a ball attached to a string?

• Mass m = 0.5 kg
• Radius of circle r = 1.2 m
• Centripetal force F = 6.67 N

1. Step 1: Velocity Calculation
2. Step 2: From F= mv²/r, solving for v: v = √(Fr/m)
3. Step 3: Given: F= 6.67 N, m = 0.5 kg, r = 1.2 m
4. Step 4: Velocity: v = √((6.67 × 1.2) / 0.5) = 4.0009998750312 m/s

Result: Velocity = 4.001 m/s

FAQs

What values do I need to use the calculator?

Our Centripetal Force Calculator can be used to calculate different factors related to centripetal force. You need any three of the following, and the calculator will find the missing one for you.

• Mass (kg)
• Velocity (m/s)
• Radius (m)
• Centripetal Force (N)

What units should I use when entering numbers?

To get correct and error-free units, you need to enter values measured in accurate units mentioned in the relevant sections.

Can I calculate speed or radius too?

Yes! Just choose what you want to solve for (like speed or radius) and enter the other values. The calculator will handle the rest.

Enhance Your Physics Grades With Free Centripetal Force Calculator Now!