Centripetal Force Calculator
Centripetal force is the inward pull needed to keep something moving along a curved path. Without it, the object would carry on in a straight line. This page finds that force from the mass, the speed and the radius of the curve.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
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- Updated
How it works
The force equals mass times speed squared, divided by the radius of the curve. Doubling the speed quadruples the force, and a tighter curve needs more force at the same speed.
The force points toward the centre of the curve, and something real supplies it, such as tension, friction or gravity. The calculation gives only its size.
Worked example
A 2.2 lb object moving at 30 mph around a curve of radius 100 ft needs an inward force of 1.3 lbf.
Questions
Why does speed matter so much?
The force depends on speed squared, so a small rise in speed needs a much larger inward force.
Is centripetal force an extra force?
No. It is the name for the inward part of forces already acting, such as friction on a road or tension on a string.
What does the acceleration output mean?
It is how fast the direction of motion is turning toward the centre, in metres per second squared.
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