How does one calculate centripetal force?

Consider the standard equation for force, F = ma. In a centripetal system, the acceleration a is given by a = v^2/r. Plugging this in to the equation for force yields F = mv^2/r; hence to calculate centripetal force, we need to know the mass m (in kg) of the object in centripetal motion, it's velocity in meters per second, and the radius of its motion in meters. Putting these units together, we end up with the centripetal force in kgm/s^2, or Newtons.

Answered by Liora W. Physics tutor

1161 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A piece of card is released from rest at a height of 0.5m above a light gate. It falls freely and a computer measures the velocity as it passes through the light gate to be 3.10m/s. What is the acceleration due to gravity measured by this experiment?


Explain how a standing wave is formed


How do you work out the direction and strength of the force on a current carrying wire in a magnetic field?


How could I calculate the internal resistance of a cell?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences