Centripetal Force Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the centripetal force calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Centripetal Force

centripetal_force = mass * pow(velocity, 2) / radius

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
massMass(kg)2
velocityTangential Velocity(m/s)5
radiusRadius(m)3

How It Works

Centripetal Force

An object in circular motion requires a net inward force directed toward the center of the circle.

Formula

F_c = m * v² / r

This force does not do work since it is always perpendicular to velocity.

Worked Example

A 2 kg ball on a 3 m string swings at 5 m/s.

mass = 2velocity = 5radius = 3
  1. 01F_c = m * v² / r
  2. 02F_c = 2 * 25 / 3
  3. 03F_c = 50 / 3
  4. 04F_c = 16.667 N

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