1. What is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of rotation. It is responsible for maintaining circular motion and preventing objects from flying off tangentially.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the centripetal force formula:

Where:

• \( F_c \) — Centripetal force (Newtons)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
• \( v \) — Tangential velocity (meters per second)
• \( r \) — Radius of the circular path (meters)

Explanation: The formula shows that centripetal force increases with mass and the square of velocity, but decreases with increasing radius.

3. Importance of Centripetal Force

Details: Centripetal force is fundamental in understanding circular motion in physics, from planetary orbits to vehicle dynamics on curved roads and amusement park rides.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, and radius in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?
A: Centripetal force is the real force pulling towards the center, while centrifugal force is a perceived outward force in a rotating reference frame.

Q2: What are some real-world examples of centripetal force?
A: Car turning on a curve, planets orbiting the sun, a ball on a string being swung in a circle, and electrons orbiting atomic nuclei.

Q3: How does centripetal force relate to acceleration?
A: Centripetal force causes centripetal acceleration, which is always directed toward the center of the circular path.

Q4: What happens if centripetal force is removed?
A: The object will continue moving in a straight line tangent to its previous circular path (Newton's first law).

Q5: Can centripetal force do work on an object?
A: No, centripetal force is always perpendicular to the direction of motion, so it changes direction but doesn't change speed or do work.