Centripetal Force Calculator

Centripetal force calculator calculates the total centripetal force acting on a body moving in a circular motion. This tool is very handy for calculating:

• Centripetal force (F)
• Mass (m)
• Radius (r)
• Velocity (v)

In this space, we will explain the centripetal force definition, how to calculate centripetal without using centripetal force formula calculator, equation for centripetal force, and some examples of centripetal force as well.

How centripetal calculator works?

To use centripetal velocity calculator, follow these steps:

• Choose what you want to calculate from the dropdown list.
• Enter the required values in the given input boxes.
• Hit the Calculate button to get the result.
• Use the Reset button to enter new values.

Circular motion calculator is a multiservice and multipurpose tool that offers ease of use for the users.

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is a force that pulls the object inwards, towards the axis around which it rotates. It forces the object to move along a circular path.

For example, centripetal force acts on a moving car when the car turns along a banked road.

Centripetal force formula

Centripetal force equation can be derived from Newton’s second law of motion as:

F = mv²/r

Where,

F represents the centripetal force,

m is mass,

v is the velocity, and

r refers to the radius.

How to find centripetal force?

To find centripetal force without using a centripetal force solver, follow the below steps:

• Identify and write down the values.
• Write down the formula of centripetal force and place the values.
• Solve the equation to get the centripetal force.

Example:

A ball attached to a 3 meter long string is moving in a circular motion with a velocity of 5 m/s. If the mass of the ball is 2.5 kg, find the centripetal force acting on it?

Solution:

Step 1: Write down the given values.

r = 3/2 = 1.5 m

v = 5 m/s

m = 2.5 kg

Step 2: Write down the formula and substitute the values.

F = mv²/r

F = (2.5 × 5²)/1.5

F = 62.5/1.5

F = 41.67 N

Use our magnitude of centripetal force calculator above to cross-check the calculations.

FAQs

What are 3 examples of centripetal force?

A few examples of centripetal force are:

• A car taking a turn on a curved road.
• Ball attached to string moving in a circular motion.
• The motion of a satellite around orbit in space.

What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?

Centripetal force acts on an object which is moving along a curved path. It is directed inwards towards the axis. Whereas, centrifugal force (-f=mv^2/r) also acts on an object moving along a curved path but directed outwards away from the axis.