1. What is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center around which the object is moving. It's not a fundamental force but rather a description of the net force causing circular motion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the centripetal force formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Centripetal force (newtons)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)
• \( r \) — Radius of the circular path (meters)

Explanation: The force required to keep an object moving in a circle increases with mass and the square of velocity, but decreases with larger radius.

3. Importance of Centripetal Force

Details: Understanding centripetal force is crucial in designing roads, roller coasters, and analyzing planetary orbits. It explains phenomena from washing machine spin cycles to the motion of satellites.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is centripetal force a real force?
A: It's a net force that causes circular motion, resulting from other forces like tension, gravity, or friction.

Q2: What's the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?
A: Centripetal is the inward force needed for circular motion, while centrifugal is the apparent outward force in a rotating frame of reference.

Q3: How does velocity affect centripetal force?
A: Force increases with the square of velocity - double the speed requires quadruple the force.

Q4: What are practical applications of this formula?
A: Used in designing banked turns on roads, calculating satellite orbits, and amusement park rides.

Q5: What if my object isn't moving in a perfect circle?
A: For more complex paths, you'd need to consider tangential acceleration and other factors.