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 body is moving at 70km/h and has a mass of 130kg, calculate its maximum kinetic energy.
A particle that moves uniformly in a circular path is accelerating yet moving at a constant speed. Explain this statement.
Why does an α particle cause more ionisation than a β particle if they have the same kinetic energy?
State what is meant by resonance and provide some examples where it is crucial.