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Centripetal Force Formula:
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Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It always acts perpendicular to the velocity of the object and towards the center of the circular path.
The calculator uses the centripetal force formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass and the square of the velocity, and inversely proportional to the radius of the circular path.
Details: Calculating centripetal force is crucial in various fields including physics, engineering, and astronomy. It helps in designing curved roads, roller coasters, and understanding planetary motion.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, and radius in meters. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?
A: Centripetal force is the real force that keeps an object moving in a circle, while centrifugal force is a perceived outward force in a rotating reference frame.
Q2: Can centripetal force change the speed of an object?
A: No, centripetal force only changes the direction of motion, not the speed. It acts perpendicular to the velocity vector.
Q3: What are some real-world examples of centripetal force?
A: Examples include Earth's gravity keeping the Moon in orbit, tension in a string when swinging an object, and friction between tires and road when turning.
Q4: How does radius affect centripetal force?
A: For the same mass and velocity, a smaller radius requires greater centripetal force to maintain circular motion.
Q5: What happens if centripetal force is removed?
A: The object will move in a straight line tangent to its circular path, following Newton's first law of motion.