Circular Motion - Centripetal Force
Circular Motion - Centripetal Force
\[F_c = \frac{m v^2}{r}\]
Variables
Fc = centripetal force (N)
m = mass (kg)
v = tangential velocity (m/s)
r = radius of rotation (m)
Description
What is this formula?
This equation calculates the centripetal force required to keep an object moving in a circular path.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing circular motion involving mass, tangential velocity, and radius.
Example
If a 3 kg object moves at 10 m/s in a circle of radius 5 m:
Fc = (3 × 10²) / 5 = 60 N
Applications
Vehicle dynamics, orbital mechanics, rotating machinery, amusement rides, and engineering physics.
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