Example 1
A 1,000 kg car at 10 m/s on a 20 m radius curve requires 5,000 N inward.
Mendeleev
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Physics tools › Centripetal force
Mendeleev · Physics
Centripetal force
Centripetal force is the inward resultant force required to keep an object moving along a circular path.
Formula usedF₍c₎ = mv²/r
Visual cue · circular motion
Calculate
Centripetal force
What do the symbols mean?
Fforce
mmass
vspeed
rradius
Two worked examples
Example 2
At the same speed and radius, doubling mass doubles the required force.
Good to know“Centripetal force” is not a new kind of force: it is the inward resultant of real forces such as friction, tension or gravity.