What is Centripetal force: Definition and 561 Discussions

A centripetal force (from Latin centrum, "center" and petere, "to seek") is a force that makes a body follow a curved path. Its direction is always orthogonal to the motion of the body and towards the fixed point of the instantaneous center of curvature of the path. Isaac Newton described it as "a force by which bodies are drawn or impelled, or in any way tend, towards a point as to a centre". In Newtonian mechanics, gravity provides the centripetal force causing astronomical orbits.
One common example involving centripetal force is the case in which a body moves with uniform speed along a circular path. The centripetal force is directed at right angles to the motion and also along the radius towards the centre of the circular path. The mathematical description was derived in 1659 by the Dutch physicist Christiaan Huygens.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. D

    How to calculate centripetal force in helical movement

    Hi there, I hope you experts can help me out: I have a braiding process in which a rod is wrapped around with braiding wires. Pulling the rod is the linear velocity, spinning of the braiding wires around the rod is a circular movement. Added together they form a helical movement. The ratio of...
  2. O

    Can someone explain this quote about centripetal motion?

    Homework Statement In describing a wheel's circular motion: "Circular motion arises purely from the resistance of the ground upon which it is applied…this resistance is equal to the force which draws the wheel in the right line" Homework Equations F=m(v^2/r) The Attempt at a Solution Is this...
  3. M

    B Understanding the Horizontal Component of Normal Force in Banked Curves

    Why during a banked curve is the horizontal component of the normal force considered as the net force and the centripetal force? The horizontal component of Normal force, N·sinθ, is not even ponting towards the centre of the curvature.
  4. E

    Centripetal Force for non point particle

    Say there is a point particle attached to a rope of radius r. It spins with angular velocity w. As a result, the force needed to keep this particle in circular motion is: F = mv2/r However, now say I have some irregular shaped object, with say some constant surface density for simplicity. It...
  5. Sbr:132

    Why centripetal force does not increase the value of tangent

    ] I found in a textbook that the value does not change because the centripetal force is perpendicular to the tangential velocity. But I am confused, because a vector can have a component, which is perpendicular to the vector. So if the centripetal force is perpendicular to the tangential...
  6. F

    Centripetal force and spinning discs

    Apologies for a possibly very basic question. I was recently asked by someone to explain to them the answer to the following classical mechanics (uniform circular motion) problem: Consider two discs of different radii, attached to one another such that they are concentric, and each containing a...
  7. O

    Centripetal Force: Weight + Direction Explained

    I can't seem to post pictures, but I will give the link to the question along with the link to the answer given in the mark scheme. Here goes: Question: http://papers.xtremepapers.com/CIE/Cambridge%20International%20A%20and%20AS%20Level/Physics%20(9702)/9702_w07_qp_4.pdf Answer link (mark...
  8. A

    Electron enters magnetic field at 5000V -- What's the radius?

    Hi! I'm getting ready for an exam and want to make sure if I solved some problems correctly. I would be grateful for your feedback :smile: 1. Homework Statement After going through potential difference of 5000 V an electron falls in uniform magnetic field. It’s induction is 0.1T and the...
  9. D

    Centripetal force of rolling disc

    Homework Statement http://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1602233/question/questiontext/1933161/1/1188262/Screen%20Shot%202014-04-03%20at%2011.21.21%20am.png[/B] A disc has radius r<<R and mass m = 7.8 g. When released, it rolls on its edge without skidding on the track in the sketch...
  10. B

    Question about Centripetal Force

    Homework Statement Question 2.b. from this paper - http://www.sqa.org.uk/files_ccc/PhysicsEQPAH.pdf Homework Equations let theta = x Tcosx = mg Tsinx = 2.5 (2.5 is the centripetal force) The Attempt at a Solution I rearranged the above equations and got 52 degrees as my answer. The...
  11. D

    Why does centripetal force not apply in gravitation problem?

    Homework Statement The elliptical orbit of a comet is shown above (hidden document I apologize but easy to picture). Positions 1 and 2 are, respectively, the farthest and nearest positions to the Sun, and at position 1 the distance from the comet to the Sun is 10 times that at position 2. What...
  12. Blockade

    Can someone check if this centripetal force is correct?

    I don't know if my ΣFin is correct I am having trouble setting it up. Can you check if the new diagram and the component setup is right? Problem: Work:
  13. L

    How to graph Fc=mv^2/r so that the gradient = velocity

    Homework Statement Fc = mv^2/r represents the motion of a simple pendulum. Describe how this data could be graphed so that the gradient of a straight line could be used to determine the velocity of the object. Homework Equations Fc = mv^2/r The Attempt at a Solution I'm kinda stumped. I tried...
  14. K

    Friction, centripetal force, gravity, and velocity

    Homework Statement Rebecca goes on a popular ride at an amusement park that involves a cylinder rotating on a vertical axis, with a radius of 6.20 m. Rebecca stands inside, with her back against the wall of the cylinder. The ride rotates and presses Rebecca against the wall of the cylinder...
  15. B

    Physics Centripetal Force problem?

    1. At what rate a space station 200m in diameter would have to rotate to create gravity equal to 0.7 that at the surface of earth. How fast does it spin, and how long would it take to make a complete rotation? 2. a2 = v2 / 100m T = 2pi(r) / v 3. so far: 6.867m/s2 = v2 / 100m = 26.2 m/s T =...
  16. N

    Centripetal forces in our solar system

    i calculated the centripetal forces in our solar system but i can't seem to find a connection using the centripetal force formula: Fmpz=(m⋅v2)/r i found out that the mean centripetal force for the planets around the sun is about 10^39, the mean centripetal of the moons around Jupiter is about...
  17. ajayguhan

    Is sum centrifugal force and centripetal force zero?

    While balancing rotating mass we consider the inertia force (centrifugal force) is equal and opposite to centripetal force which causes the rotation. if both force(applied external force on rotating mass) which causes the motion and force which resist motion (inertia force) are equal and...
  18. C

    Circular Motion Question searching for Centripetal force

    Homework Statement A 50 g weight is swung in a circle on the end of a 90 cm long string at the speed of 5.9 m/s, what is centripetal force? [1.9 N] Homework Equations Vc = (2πr)\T |a| = v^2/r Fc = T-Fg (not sure if T is force of tension or period, my teacher,incorrectly,uses it...
  19. J

    Proving t^2/r^3: What Went Wrong?

    Homework Statement In our unit on centripetal force, a large portion of the unit has been focusing on gravity and how the orbit is related to centripetal force. Our teacher told us to prove t^2/r^3 using F=(mv^2)/r and F=G(mM/r^2) as a small side part of our homework Homework Equations t^2/r^3...
  20. G

    Centripetal Force hydrogen atom

    Question: In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the speed of the electron is approximately 2.18 × 106 m/s. Find the central force acting on the electron as it revolves in a circular orbit of radius 5.02 × 10−11 m. Answer in units of N. Comment on Attempt: Ok I tried using the centripetal...
  21. D

    Centripetal force question -- car speed on an offramp

    Homework Statement If a car doubles its speed on a circular off-ramp how much more centripetal force will be required for it to make the turn2. The attempt at a solution I think that half of the centripetal force will be required for it to make the turn due to the fact that faster the car goes...
  22. Mr Davis 97

    Centripetal force due to banked curves

    I don't really understand how the centripetal force arises from driving on a banked curve. There are three forces acting on a car in circular motion on a banked curve: normal force, gravity, and applied force. Let's assume that there is no friction, and that somehow the car is already at a...
  23. T

    Understanding Centripetal Force: Free Body Diagram of a Roller Coaster Loop

    So I understand that centripetal force is "center-seeking", however I'm curious as to how this looks on a free body diagram. I know there is no arrow on the FBD representing centripetal force. However, if we're looking at say a roller coaster at the top of a loop, gravity points downward, and...
  24. P

    Why does the mud fly off tangentially from a rotating plate?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations centripetal force F = mrw^2 The Attempt at a Solution the answer says that it is the one at the edge because F is greater since r is greater. but should the force be inwards, why would the mud leave the plate. what force acts on it. can someone help
  25. R

    Wanting clarification on Centrifugal force

    I was wondering if someone could help dissect my understanding of Centrifugal force and explain any errors in my logic. So imagining that I am driving a car and making a right turn. I make the right turn and am forced into the side of the door. I feel a force acting on me but after I make my...
  26. K

    Forces that can be considered centripetal force

    Can you help me find the kind of force that can result in a rotation?(the force that can be considered as centripetal force) I know that static friction, contact force, tension, gravity can cause rotation, what else? can you help me find as many as possible? and kinetic friction can't cause...
  27. D

    Centripetal Force Problem: Determine Vehicle Speed and Forces | 1988M1 Homework

    Homework Statement 1988M1. A highway curve that has a radius of curvature of 100 meters is banked at an angle of 15° as shown above. a.Determine the vehicle speed for which this curve is appropriate if there is no friction between the road and the tires of the vehicle. On a dry day when...
  28. J

    MHB Centripetal Force Calculation: How Many G's Can Your Centrifuge Simulate?

    #1 Round and round we go! You are constructing a centrifuge to use its spinning motion to act like increased gravity. (a) Find the formula for centripetal force. (b) Your centrifuge can spin at 35,000 rpms and your samples are placed 1.75 inches from the center of rotation. If the force of...
  29. DanielleG

    Centripetal Force Theory Questions

    Homework Statement Answer True, False, or Cannot tell to each of the five statements below. A small projectile is launched horizontally 1 m above the surface of a smooth, airless planet, with sufficient speed for orbit. A bug riding in a small hole in the projectile has apparent weight...
  30. A

    Centripetal Force Experiment: Impact of Free Mass on Error

    Homework Statement I'm doing the lab report questions for the centripetal force experiment using this apparatus: ftp://ftp.pasco.com/Support/Documents/english/ME/ME-8088/012-08478B.pdf. One of the lab questions asks whether using a larger "free mass" reduces the percentage error. Homework...
  31. S

    Understanding centripetal force

    I don't have a specific homework assignment, but rather my problem is with the general concept. I don't understand the forces acting in uniform circular motion. As I understand it, the force is directed inward, and there is no other force in the same dimension (in an idealized model). But in my...
  32. H

    Centripetal Force: Inertial vs Non-Inertial Frame Time

    Hello, I've been thinking about inertial and non inertial reference frames. A common example is non rotating reference frame vs a rotating reference frame. As illustration, I have attached two images below. The left is the inertial frame and the right is the non inertial frame. Both...
  33. C

    Rotational Motion - Centripetal force

    Homework Statement A hump backed bridge is in the form of a circular arc of radius 35m. What is the greatest speed with which a car can cross the bridge without leaving the ground at its highest point? Homework Equations F = m v2/r = mrω2 The Attempt at a Solution I've tried using the equation...
  34. UMath1

    Centripetal Force Washing Machine

    I know that the centripetal force is the resultant force which points to the center. So in the case of a washing machine, what force pushes the clothes and water to the outer edge? There is not centrifugal force, but then how come all the clothes appear to get pushed to the circumference of the...
  35. V

    Centripetal force and orbital motion....

    Hi, The force of gravity is the centripetal force when an object is in motion. But in projectile motion, where the speed is not enough to keep it in orbit, could the force of gravity be equated to centripetal force? I'm trying to understand if all types of curved motion can be explained by...
  36. A

    Centripetal Acceleration Question

    Homework Statement A skateboarder has to do a loop the vertical loop of a roller coaster track. The radius of the loop is 6.53 m, what is the minimum velocity the skateboarder must have to not fall off when he is at the top of the loop. Homework Equations Equation for centripetal...
  37. Z

    What is the reaction force of centripetal force

    According to Newton's 3rd law, force exists in pair. When I attach a ball to a rope and rotate it, I am giving the ball an centripetal force to keep it moving in circular motion, so is the tension in the string the reaction force I am asking? I also want to ask about the reason why centrifugal...
  38. G

    Centripetal force is resultant force?

    Homework Statement I know that centripetal is the resultant force acting to enable the a body to move in a circular path ... But , in the triangle , the R3 looks like the resultant force ..Can someone tell me which is the correct resultant force in this diagram ? What is R3 actually ...
  39. D

    Converting axial pressure to centripetal force

    I am working on a case where a spring foce is applied to the center of wheel . the wheel is pulled by a motor with a rope tied on the wheel. I know the spring force in the centere of the wheel. how can i know the centripetla force exerted by it
  40. TomW17

    Moments caused by centripetal force?

    Homework Statement I was thinking about different scenarios in circular motion and came to this scenario. Suppose there's a car moving in a circle around some track. Obviously it's the frictional forces between the tyres and the road which provide the centripetal force. Now, suppose there's a...
  41. S

    Relativistic centripetal force is a byproduct of time

    From special relativity, we know that t=t0/(1-v2/c2)1/2 For the object moves as a circle with radius r, the velocity v = w r Therefore, time varying along radius r as t=t0/(1-w2 r2/c2)1/2 In this case ds2= dr2- c2 dt2 = dr2- c2 dt02 /(1-w2 r2/c2) Since object will move in shortest path in...
  42. Dr. Who

    Conservation of Energy problem

    Question:- A bead slides without friction around a loop-the-loop (Please click on the below link for diagram). The bead is released from a height h = 3.50R. (a) What is its speed at point A? (b) How large is the normal force on it if its mass is 5.00 g...
  43. D

    Centripetal Acceleration Outwards

    Hi. I have a question that I can't seem to figure out in my self study of physics. Why does centripetal acceleration point inward? When I drive around a corner, my body experiences a push away from the corner. I go that way, however, because of the car pushing me towards it. Not because of the...
  44. L

    How centripetal force is created?

    Hello, teachers. Do we apply centripetal force ourselves Or is it created by some other source? What is the source? How is it created? I could not find the answer, I'm confused, please help me clarify this. Many many thanks.
  45. M

    Centripetal Force of swung keys Problem

    Homework Statement Keys with a combined mass of 0.100 kg are attached to a 0.25 m long string and swung in a circle in the vertical plane. A) What is the slowest speed the keys can swing and still maintain a circular path? B) What is the tension in the string at the bottom of the circle...
  46. Satvik Pandey

    Friction and centripetal force.

    Homework Statement A car goes on a horizontal circular road of radius ##R##, the speed increasing at a constant rate ##\frac{dv}{dt}=a##. The friction coefficient between the road and the tier is ##\mu##. Find the speed at which the car will skid. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I...
  47. M

    How Does a Rotating Space Station Simulate Gravity for Astronauts?

    Homework Statement To simulate gravity, a circular space station with a radius of 150 m is rotated so that astronauts standing on the inner surface move at 30 m/s. If the 75 kg astronaut stands on a bathroom scale, what reading will it give? (Assume that the scale is calibrated in Newtons)...
  48. J

    Centripetal force roller coaster problem

    Homework Statement A roller coaster car has a mass of 500 kg when fully loaded with passengers.(a)If the vehicle has a speed of 20.0 m/s at point A, what is the force exerted by the track on the car at this point?(b)What is the maximum speed the vehicle can have at B and still remain on the...
  49. J

    Maximum Speed on a Banked Curve with Friction

    Homework Statement A concrete highway curve of radius 70 m is banked at a 15° angle. What is the maximum speed with which a 1500 kg rubber tired car can take this curve without sliding? The static friction coefficient is 1. Homework Equations Centripetal Force = ## (m v^2) / r ## Maximum...
  50. I

    Need help with centripetal force problem.

    [Note from mentor: this thread was originally posted in one of the non-homework forums, therefore it does not use the standard homework template.] ----------------------------------- Hi, I am self-studying ap physics, and as I have no teacher to guide me, am seeking help online. I have a...
Back
Top