Centripetal Force Math (Simple)

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 calculating centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force (F_c) can be calculated using the formula: F_c = m * a_c, where m is the mass of the object and a_c is the centripetal acceleration.

Front

What is centripetal acceleration?

Back

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle, calculated as a_c = v^2 / r, where v is the tangential speed and r is the radius.

Front

How do you calculate tangential speed?

Back

Tangential speed (v) can be calculated using the formula: v = 2 * π * r / T, where r is the radius and T is the period of rotation.

Front

What is the relationship between centripetal force and mass?

Back

Centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the object; as mass increases, the required centripetal force also increases for the same acceleration.

Front

What is the effect of increasing the radius on centripetal force?

Back

Increasing the radius of the circular path decreases the required centripetal force for a given speed, as F_c = m * (v^2 / r).

Front

If a car is moving at a constant speed in a circle, what can be said about its acceleration?

Back

The car experiences centripetal acceleration, which is directed towards the center of the circle, even though its speed remains constant.

Front

What is the unit of centripetal force?

Back

The unit of centripetal force is Newton (N), which is the same as the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI).

Front

How does the speed of an object affect centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force increases with the square of the speed; if the speed doubles, the centripetal force required increases by a factor of four.

Front

What is the centripetal force acting on a 1200 kg truck with a centripetal acceleration of 2.3 m/s²?

Back

The centripetal force is 2760 N, calculated using F_c = m * a_c.