Centripetal Force Calculator - Circular Motion Force

This physics calculator helps you calculate centripetal force for circular motion. Centripetal force is the inward force required to keep an object moving in a circular path.

Centripetal Force Definition

• Centripetal Force: Inward force for circular motion
• SI Unit: Newton (N)
• Formula: F = mv²/r
• Direction: Toward center of circle

Centripetal Force Formulas

• Velocity: F = mv²/r
• Angular Velocity: F = mω²r
• Frequency: F = m(2πf)²r
• Period: F = m(2π/T)²r
• Acceleration: a = v²/r = ω²r
• Banking Angle: θ = arctan(v²/gr)

Applications

• Astronomy: Planetary orbits and satellite motion
• Transportation: Vehicle dynamics and banking
• Sports: Hammer throw and discus
• Amusement Parks: Circular rides
• Atomic Physics: Electron orbits
• Engineering: Rotating machinery

Important Notes

• Centripetal force is a real force
• Always points toward center of circle
• Required for any circular motion
• Increases with mass, velocity, and radius
• Can be provided by various forces

Centripetal Force Sources

• Tension: String or rope
• Gravity: Planetary orbits
• Friction: Car turning
• Normal Force: Banking curves
• Electromagnetic: Electron orbits

Common Examples

• Satellite: Gravity provides centripetal force
• Car Turning: Friction provides centripetal force
• String Swing: Tension provides centripetal force
• Banking Curve: Normal force provides centripetal force
• Electron Orbit: Coulomb force provides centripetal force

Circular Motion Parameters

• Period: Time for one complete revolution
• Frequency: Number of revolutions per second
• Angular Velocity: Rate of angular displacement
• Linear Velocity: Speed along circular path
• Radius: Distance from center to object

Centripetal Force Units

• SI: N (Newton)
• Imperial: lbf (pound-force)
• Metric: kgf (kilogram-force)
• CGS: dyn (dyne)
• Engineering: kN (kilonewton)

Centripetal Force Measurement

• Force Sensors: Direct measurement
• Accelerometers: Acceleration measurement
• Strain Gauges: Deformation measurement
• Load Cells: Force measurement
• Optical Methods: Displacement measurement