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 ▸Explain why gas bubbles rise faster through magma as they start to expand. (3)
A cannon is fired at 30 degrees from the ground and the cannonball has initial velocity of 15 m/s. What is the height of the highest point the cannonball reaches and how far is this point horizontally from the cannon?
How does Einsteins explanation of the photons explain the effect of varying intensity of light in the Photoelectric effect?
How do I find the x and y components of a vector?