Engineering & Physics CalcyZone Calculator
Centripetal Force Calculator
Calculate centripetal force and acceleration for circular motion.
Centripetal force
4500 N
Centripetal acceleration
4.5 m/s² (0.4589 g)
Step-by-step working
- a = v²/r = 15² / 50 = 4.5 m/s²
- F = m a = 4500 N
Mathematical Formula
a = v²/r; F = m v²/r.
Overview & Explanation
Any object moving in a circle needs a net inward force.
How It Works
- Square speed, divide by radius.
- Multiply by mass.
Practical Applications
- Road curve design.
- Amusement rides.
Example 1: 1,000 kg car, 15 m/s, 50 m curve
4.5 kN.
1
Inputs
Mass (kg): 1000 · Speed (m/s): 15 · Radius (m): 50
= entered
2
Step 1
a = v²/r = 15² / 50 = 4.5 m/s²
3
Step 2
F = m a = 4500 N
4
Centripetal force
Result
= 4500 N
Example 2: 0.2 kg ball on 1 m string at 5 m/s
Lab demo.
1
Inputs
Mass (kg): 0.2 · Speed (m/s): 5 · Radius (m): 1
= entered
2
Step 1
a = v²/r = 5² / 1 = 25 m/s²
3
Step 2
F = m a = 5 N
4
Centripetal force
Result
= 5 N
How it's calculated & sources
a = v²/r; F = m v²/r.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is centrifugal force real?
It is a fictitious force in the rotating frame.
What provides it on a road?
Tyre friction and banking.
In g?
Divide acceleration by 9.81.
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