What is Centripetal: Definition and 1000 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.

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  1. H

    Centripetal acceleration at two different points on the earth

    Homework Statement This is a question from my OCR A levels book. City X is on the equator of the Earth whlie another city (City Y) is located latitude 52° N. What is the centripetal acceleration on a piece of rock located in each city. Homework Equations data given : angular velocity...
  2. K

    Centripetal Force in Loop-the-Loop Maneuvers: Ranking Normal Forces on a Pilot

    Homework Statement A pilot flies a loop-the-loop maneuver at constant speed. Two forces act on the pilot- the force due to gravity and the normal force of the seat pressing on him. Rank the largest to smallest normal forces on the pilot when [a. he is at the bottom of the loop right side up]...
  3. B

    Acceleration due to Centripetal force

    I'm thinking about how this sphere would move down the ramp and through the loop at the bottom of the ramp. I'm mostly interested in what's going on at the very top point of the loop. If I were to draw a free-body diagram of the sphere at that point, what forces would be present? I'm guessing...
  4. khurram usman

    Centripetal and tangential acceleration in rotational motion ?

    centripetal and tangential acceleration in rotational motion...? consider a stone attached to a string moving in a horizontal circle in a gravity field. now it has two accelerations one along the \hat{r} direction and the other along \theta\hat{} (theta hat) direction but there is only one...
  5. H

    Finding Centripetal Force Using Lab Data

    Homework Statement So in lab, we had this setup where we had a string, two masses, and a tube. We attached one of the masses, then put the string through the tube, and attached the other mass on the other end. Then, by holding the tube, we were to spin a mass above our heads and time how...
  6. M

    Centripetal acceleration of an orbit to the earth help

    Homework Statement A geostationary satellite goes around the Earth in 24hr. Thus, it appears motionless in the sky and is a valuable component for telecommunications, including digital television. If such a satellite is in orbit around the Earth at an altitude of 35 800 km above the Earth's...
  7. O

    Centripetal Motion: Tangential & Centripetal Accel.

    I have a question about the difference between tangential acceleration and centripetal acceleration. I understand that in centripetal motion, centripetal acceleration is toward the center of a circle. However perpendicular to that is tangential acceleration which depends on tangential velocity...
  8. S

    Compare centripetal acceleration of Mars and Earth

    Homework Statement Is the centripetal acceleration of Mars in its orbit around the Sun larger or smaller than the centripetal acceleration of the Earth? Homework Equations I assume that the relevant equation is a=v^{2}/r since you are trying to compare the centripetal accelerations of Mars...
  9. S

    Static Friction and Centripetal Force

    Hi, I am very confused. I have searched everywhere online and have drawn free-body diagrams, but I am still confused as to why static fricition, not kinetic friction, provides the centripetal force in a car moving in a circle. In addition, assuming that the centripetal force of a car...
  10. F

    Understanding Centripetal Force: The Case of Rotating Objects on a Table

    Hello Forum, I think I understand what the centripetal force does: it is a force perpendicular to the velocity of the object, a force that does not cause changes in kinetic energy but only modifies the trajectory. I am not clear on this specific situation: object1 is rotating on a table. It...
  11. B

    Centripetal Motion Velocity vs. Position Angle Assignment

    1. Show that the angle between two position vectors is equal to the angle between two instantaneous velocity vectors eg. v1 and v2 when v1 and v2 are conncected tail to tail in a uniform circle. No angles are given, it is just general. 2. Has to be proven without calculus. No information...
  12. S

    Minimum Coefficient of Friction calculation using Centripetal force

    A() 61 kg child stands at the rim of a merrygo-round of radius 1.05 m, rotating with an angular speed of 1.87 rad/s The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2 What is the child’s centripetal acceleration? Answer in units of m/s What minimum force between her feet and the floor of the...
  13. M

    Centripetal Force (Horizontally Banked Question)

    Homework Statement If a curve with a radius of 60m is properly banked for a car traveling at 60km/h (16.66m/s) with no friction, what must be the coefficient of friction if the car is not to skid when traveling at 90km/h (25m/s) Homework Equations mac = mv^2/r The Attempt at a...
  14. M

    Centripetal Force (RPM Question)

    Homework Statement A coin is placed 18cm from the axis of a rotating turntable of variable speeds. If the coefficient of friction is 0.68, what is the maximum r.p.m that the coin can handle before sliding off? Homework Equations This is basically what I need.. I know there's mv^2/r But...
  15. B

    Centripetal Force: Banked Curve

    Homework Statement A 1200 kg car travels around a curve banked at 42.5 degrees in a circular path of radius = 150m, but the ramp is only 55m long. The force of friction on the car is 9000N, calculate the speed of the car. So: radius = 150 m θ (angle the incline makes with the...
  16. L

    What is the centripetal acceleration?

    Homework Statement If a ball is being twirled in a circle with a radius of 0.5m, and then is let go such that the balls velocity makes an angle 30 degrees from the horizontal and then covers a distance of 1,000m before it hits the ground. What was the centripetal accelertaion provided by the...
  17. S

    What is the centripetal acceleration of the Ferris wheel?

    A 39.0 kg child takes a ride on a Ferris wheel that rotates four times each minute and has a diameter of 17.0 m. (a) What is the centripetal acceleration of the child? (b) What force (magnitude and direction) does the seat exert on the child at the lowest point of the ride? (c) What...
  18. W

    Electron centripetal acceleration

    hi experts electrons certainly have centripetal acceleration - and we learned that accelerated particles do emit EM waves - than does electron radiate while revolving around nucleus?
  19. B

    Calculating Mass from Centripetal Force Slope

    Homework Statement How do you calculate the mass from slope of a line T^2 on y-axis and 1/f on x axis?? Homework Equations 4π^2mr/fc The Attempt at a Solution I don't know how to attempt this. I have a data table and the graph has y=0.7385x-0.0254. Obviously 0.7385 is the slope...
  20. C

    Slightly confused regarding centripetal force, radius and frequency

    Homework Statement Hello everybody, I have a question that is tied into my lab report regarding centripetal force. The question asks if the frequency of rotation were to increase how would the radius r and the centripetal force change? Homework Equations 2\pif = v/r rearrange for...
  21. P

    Quantitative centripetal force apparatus-free body diagram

    hi there i was looking at this video on utube and have two questions regarding it. at 1:02. the person starts to rotate the apparatus. my first question is that HOW CAN U DRAW THE FREE BODY DIAGRAM OF THE MASS ATTACH TO THE SPRING while its rotating? i know there is the mg downward from...
  22. T

    Centripetal Force with angle problem

    Homework Statement Consider the figure below, a ball of mass m=0.100 kg tied by a string of 0.100 m travels in a circular motion with 2 revolutions per second. Find the angle θ that keeps the ball stationary. Given: m = 0.100 kg, v = 2 rev/sec L = 0.100 m (radius?)...
  23. P

    Need Quick Help - Centripetal Acceleration and Tension

    Homework Statement Find the centripetal force of an object that is being swung in a horizontal circle on a string above your head given the constant velocity of the object, the period, and the circumference of the circle. Hanging from the bottom of the string is another mass (50g).Homework...
  24. S

    Creating a Physics Problem with Coulomb's Law and Centripetal Force

    The idea being that I have two particles of opposite charge (particles implying the mass is negligible relative to the electric forces at play). One is fixed at the center, the other orbits around at a fixed radius. How would I go about solving for the angular velocity required to keep this...
  25. M

    Centripetal and Tangencial Accelaration

    Homework Statement English is not my first language from the beginning I apologize for any mistakes in scientific terms, anyhow. Car with 500kg. No initial velocity, and from origin or the referential. Circular track, 50m radius. The module of the velocity increases in 2m/s Homework...
  26. T

    Finding the Normal Force of a block on an incline experiencing centripetal force

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  27. M

    Why do the centripetal and gravitational force equal each other in orbit?Also

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  28. L

    FBD of centripetal acceleration

    Homework Statement I need to make a free body diagram of an object being twirled around on a string in a circular motion. What forces are acting on it and what are there equations? For example I know that the force of gravity is acting on the string so I am showing the Fg = mg equation on my...
  29. M

    AP Physics CH 5: Centripetal Motion

    Homework Statement Derive an expression for Vmin, the minimum speed the ball can have at point Z without leaving the circular path. Homework Equations V≤(x/t) V≤(2∏r)/(t) V=√(GM1)/(r) The Attempt at a Solution I set 2∏r = to x since its in a circle. i then had V≤(2∏r)/(t) then...
  30. M

    Space Shutte Centripetal force problem

    Homework Statement The space shuttle releases a satellite into a circular orbit 555km above the earth how fast must the shuttle be moving when release occurs in m/s? Homework Equations V= square root ((GM)/r) r= 555000 G= 6.67 * 10^-11 -mass was not given so I am not sure how to plug it in...
  31. J

    Centripetal and centrifugal force

    In circular motion why the centripetal and centrifugal not get cancelling. .?
  32. S

    How to find magnitude of centripetal acceleration and of net force?

    Homework Statement A ferris wheel at a carnival has a radius of 12 m and turns so that the speed of the riders is 8m/s a) what is the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the riders? b) what is the magnitude of the net force required to produce this centripetal acceleration for a...
  33. J

    Normal force, centripetal force

    A woman is riding a Jet Ski at a speed of 26 m/s and notices a seawall straight ahead. The farthest she can lean the craft in order to make a turn is 22°. This situation is like that of a car on a curve that is banked at an angle of 22°. If she tries to make the turn without slowing down, what...
  34. J

    Centripetal Force Calculation for Hanging Partner

    Will you please tell me if my work is correct? My professor said to ask my TA for the even answers in prep for my quizzes on Fridays, but the TA told me there is no way to access even answers...somebody is not being honest. Anyhow, any help would be great. Thank you! In Figure 5.8 the man...
  35. L

    Centripetal Acceleration with infinite Radius?

    Centripetal Acceleration with infinite Radius?? Homework Statement Find centripetal acceleration given speed is 38m/s and radius is infinity large The Attempt at a Solution So The answer would get infinitely smaller so is zero the best answer?
  36. S

    AP Physics B: Centripetal Force and Gravity

    Homework Statement Two stars of mass m1 and m2 are in orbit around their center of mass. If 2m1=5m2, and their orbital period is 120Ms, calculate the mass of the larger star, given that the distance between their centers is 1400Gm. Homework Equations F=GmM/r2 The Attempt at a...
  37. J

    Understanding centripetal force and free body diagram

    Homework Statement a person is standing stationairy on Earth (whilst it is rotating) there is a net force towards the centre of the earth. What would the free body diagram look like. Please could someone explain why thanks Homework Equations I know the formula for...
  38. X

    Static friction and centripetal force

    Homework Statement "If the coefficient of static friction between the block of mass m and the turntable is \mu_s, determine the maximum constant angular velocity of the platform without causing the block to slip." I'm actually using this problem to understand why I'm getting the wrong answer...
  39. W

    Centripetal force + uncertainty

    Homework Statement The centripetal force is given by F= (mv2) / r. If the mass is measured to be 2.8 +/- 0.1 kg, the velocity is 14 +/- 2 ms^-1, and the radius 8.0 +/- 0.2 m, find the force on the mass, including the uncertainty. Homework Equations F= (mv2) / r The Attempt at a...
  40. K

    Centripetal and Tangential Acceleration (Change in Speed over time)

    Homework Statement A car is rounding a curve on the interstate, slowing from 30 m/s to 22 m/s in 7.0 seconds. The radius of the curve is 30 meters. What is the acceleration of the car? vi=30 m/s vf=22 m/s t=7 s r=30 meters. Homework Equations change in velocity/change in time=...
  41. R

    Centripetal Force through Turns

    Hi, I face some difficulties trying to solve the following problem: "You’re sitting in the passenger seat of the car, approaching a tight turn with a 10.0-meter radius. You know that the coefficient of static friction is 0.8 on this road (you use the coefficient of static friction...
  42. B

    Calculating Centripetal Force for Particle in Circular Motion

    A particle of charge Q is fixed at the origin of an xy coordinate system. At t = 0 a particle (m = 0.694 g, q = 5.04 µC is located on the x-axis at x = 20.2 cm, moving with a speed of 34.0 m/s in the positive y direction. For what value of Q (in μC) will the moving particle execute circular...
  43. J

    Turning car Centripetal Acceleration behavior?

    Hi all! A professional race-car driver is asked to make 2 different "quarter-circle" turns on a racing track. He completes them at the highest possible constant linear speed (he is well familiar with the car and the road so it's an easy task for him). Turn 1: Radius is R1=20m. Linear...
  44. K

    Friction forces playing the role of centripetal force

    Can you describe( graphically,like a diagram,or a picture) how a friction force plays the role of the centripetal force?For example, a car performing an uniform circular motion on a plane in a idela situation.The car will perform the turn because of friction forces between tyres and...
  45. B

    Simple banked curve, centripetal acceleration problem

    If a car can negotiate a curve of radius 200 m at 30 m=s without any frictional force being required, what is the banking angle r = 200 m v = 30 m/s tanΘ = v2/r Θ = tan-1(v2/r] Θ = tan-1(302/200] Θ =77.47 degrees I thought this problem was a simple one, but the answer that is...
  46. B

    Centripetal force motorcycle problem

    A motorcycle is traveling up one side of a hill and down the other side. The crest of the hill is a circular arc with a radius of 45.0 meters. Determine the maximum speed that the cycle can have while moving over the crest without losing contact with the road. Will somebody sound this...
  47. S

    Centripetal forces and satellites

    Hi I am kind of new to the forum nice to be here! here is my question. Homework Statement A satellite is kept in a circular orbit 300km above the surface of the Earth by the force of gravity. At this altitude the acceleration due to gravity is 8.9 m/s. The radius of the Earth is 6.4*10^6m...
  48. O

    Is the movement of winds due to coriolis or centripetal force?

    Is the movement of winds due to coriolis or centripetal force? Or is there no way to tell, like for example for tidal forces, there is no way to tell wether they are caused by centripetal forces or gravity. (At least that is how I have understood the problem.) Earth is like a huge turntable...
  49. jaumzaum

    Understanding Centripetal Force: The Confusion Behind Car Skidding Explained

    Hi everyone, Maybe it could be an idiot question but I've never know why. If centripetal force points to the center, Why a car making a turn tend to skid to away of the road? I mean, there would have to be a force opposite to centripetal, that is in fact, greater than it, for the...
  50. G

    Centripetal Motion Homework: Min Coeff of Friction

    Homework Statement At amusement parks, there is a popular ride where the floor of a rotating cylindrical room falls away, leaving the backs of the riders "plastered against the wall. Suppose the radius of the room is 3.30 m and the speed of the wall is 10.0 m/s when the floor falls away...
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