Centripetal Forces
Key points
- Centripetal acceleration and velocity are caused by centripetal forces.
- The direction of the force is towards the center of the circle.
- Centripetal forces are the net forces that cause uniform circular motion.
Centripetal Forces are the net forces that act towards the center of the circle and cause circular motion.
- Centripetal forces will be stronger with higher acceleration and velocity, as well as mass.
- Radius also has an influence – a smaller radius means a “tighter” circle and a greater centripetal force.
- Note: There is a difference between centripetal and centrifugal forces, as seen in the second image to the right.
Formula Booklet
The formula booklet equation is to the right.
- From Newton’s Second Law, we know that F=ma, so the force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the centripetal acceleration.
- Use the first formula if using linear velocity, and the second for angular velocity.
- In word problems, use calculated values for centripetal force in combination with forces like friction, weight, and reaction forces.
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