Centripetal Force Calculator
F_c = m × v² / r. Force required to keep object in circular motion.
Result
Centripetal force
12,000.00 N
Acceleration 8.000 m/s² (0.815 g).
- Mass1500 kg
- Velocity20 m/s
- Radius50 m
- Centripetal force12,000.0000 N
- Centripetal acceleration8.0000 m/s²
- g equivalent0.8155 g
- Period (one loop)15.708 s
Step-by-step
- F_c = m × v² / r = 1500 × 20² / 50 = 1500 × 400 / 50 = 12,000.0000 N.
- a_c = v² / r = 400 / 50 = 8.0000 m/s² = 0.8155 g.
- Period T = 2πr/v = 15.7080 s.
How to use this calculator
- Enter mass, velocity, radius.
- Read force and acceleration.
About this calculator
Centripetal force directs toward the center of circular motion. F_c = mv²/r. Doubling speed quadruples required force; halving radius doubles it. A 1500 kg car taking a 50m corner at 20 m/s (~45 mph) needs 12,000 N (1200 kg of equivalent push) — supplied by tire friction. Lateral g rises sharply with speed: tightening curve from 50m to 25m at same speed doubles g-load.
Frequently asked
Centripetal: real, toward center, is the actual physical force (friction, tension, normal). Centrifugal: apparent, in rotating reference frame.
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