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.
LW
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸A small ball is projected with speed 15 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizontal. Find the distance from the point of projection of the ball at the instant when it is travelling horizontally.
How and why does a geostationary satellite stay above the same point on the Earths surface?
Explain the photo-electric effect and how the particle theory of light explains the phenomena. State the equation used to the determine the kinetic energy of a photo-electron and explain the origin of the terms used in your equation.
How is a piezoelectric crystal used to generate waves of ultrasound?