# Help with F=mv^2/r

Hello!

I have a problem with centrifugal force calculus. An arm of 20 cm long with a 100 gr weight at the end is spining with 1000 rpm.

F = mv^2/r
F = 100 x 1,000^2 / 20 = 100 x 1,000,000 / 20 = 100,000,000 / 20 = 5,000,000 Kgf?

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Hootenanny
Staff Emeritus
Gold Member

Hello!

I have a problem with centrifugal force calculus. An arm of 20 cm long with a 100 gr weight at the end is spining with 1000 rpm.

F = mv^2/r
F = 100 x 1,000^2 / 20 = 100 x 1,000,000 / 20 = 100,000,000 / 20 = 5,000,000 Kgf?
Welcome to PF,

You need to be careful with your quantities here. It is generally best to use S.I. units (i.e. meters, kilograms, seconds etc.) for such problems. You should also note that 1000 rpm is a frequency as opposed to a speed (which is what v is in you're equation).

Doc Al
Mentor

To use that formula, you need to figure out the speed (v) of the weight. 1000 rpm (revolutions per minute) is not the speed. Hint: What's the circumference of the path, which equals one revolution?

I see, cm to meters, rpm to radians/second? now i think i am closer

m = 100 gr = 0.1 Kg
r= 20 cm = 0.2 m

F= 0.1x104.72/0.2=0.1x10,966.2784/0.2=1,096.62784/0.2=5,483.1392 Kgf or Newton?

Am i correct now?

Doc Al
Mentor

You correctly found the angular speed ($\omega$, measured in radians/sec), but you still haven't found the tangential speed (v, measured in m/s).

now im lost, how do i convert radians/sex to m/s?

Redbelly98
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper

From the hint in post #3.

What distance does the weight travel during 1 revolution?
How long does it take the weight to travel through 1 revolution?

v = distance / time