Speed To Force Calculator

Centripetal Force Formula:

\[ F = m \times \frac{v^2}{r} \]

Centripetal Force (F):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What Is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. It always acts towards the center of the circle and is perpendicular to the object's velocity vector.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the centripetal force formula:

\[ F = m \times \frac{v^2}{r} \]

Where:

\( F \) — Centripetal force (Newtons)
\( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
\( v \) — Velocity of the object (meters per second)
\( r \) — Radius of the circular path (meters)

Explanation: The formula shows that centripetal force increases with mass and the square of velocity, but decreases with increasing radius.

3. Importance Of Centripetal Force Calculation

Details: Calculating centripetal force is essential for designing safe curves on roads and railways, analyzing satellite orbits, designing amusement park rides, and understanding circular motion in physics.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, and radius in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?
A: Centripetal force is the real force that keeps an object in circular motion, while centrifugal force is a perceived outward force in a rotating reference frame.

Q2: What are some real-world examples of centripetal force?
A: Car turning on a curved road, satellite orbiting Earth, ball on a string being swung in a circle, electrons orbiting atomic nuclei.

Q3: How does velocity affect centripetal force?
A: Centripetal force increases with the square of velocity - doubling the speed requires four times the centripetal force.

Q4: What happens if centripetal force is insufficient?
A: The object will follow a tangential path and move away from the circular path (like a car skidding on a curve).

Q5: Can this formula be used for any circular motion?
A: Yes, this formula applies to uniform circular motion where speed is constant. For non-uniform circular motion, additional factors must be considered.