Centripetal Force

Front

What is centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force is the net force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration (a_c) is given by the formula: a_c = v²/r, where v is the tangential velocity and r is the radius of the circular path.

Front

What is tangential velocity?

Back

Tangential velocity is the linear speed of an object moving along a circular path, measured in meters per second (m/s).

Front

How does the radius of a circle affect centripetal acceleration?

Back

The relationship between the radius of a circle and centripetal acceleration is inverse; as the radius increases, the centripetal acceleration decreases for a constant tangential velocity.

Front

What is the unit of centripetal force?

Back

The unit of centripetal force is Newton (N).

Front

What direction does centripetal force act?

Back

Centripetal force always acts directed toward the center of the circular path.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the object; as mass increases, centripetal force increases if velocity and radius remain constant.

Front

What is the formula for centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force (F_c) is calculated using the formula: F_c = (m * v²) / r, where m is mass, v is tangential velocity, and r is the radius.

Front

If a horse gallops around a circular arena, what provides the centripetal force?

Back

The centripetal force for the horse is provided by the tension in the horse's muscles and the friction between its hooves and the ground.

Front

What happens to centripetal force if the speed of an object in circular motion increases?

Back

If the speed of an object in circular motion increases, the centripetal force required to maintain that motion also increases.