Centripetal Force Calculator

Your details

Pick the unknown. Fill in the other three values and the calculator rearranges F = mv²/r.
Tangential speed uses F = mv²/r. Angular velocity uses F = mω²r.
Display unit for the centripetal force result.
ResultInward force directed at the centre
4,500
Centripetal force4,500N
Centripetal acceleration4.5m/s²
In g-force0.46g
Angular velocity0.3rad/s
Rotation rate2.9rpm
Time per revolution20.94s
0.46 g
Gentle (≤ 1 g)<1Strong (1-3 g)1-3Intense (3-6 g)3-6Extreme (> 6 g)6+

A force of 4,500 N keeps this object on its circular path.

  • Centripetal force always points toward the centre: F = m·v²/r, or F = m·ω²·r using angular velocity.
  • Force scales with the SQUARE of speed, so doubling the speed quadruples the force required.
  • The centripetal acceleration is 4.5 m/s², about 0.46 g.

Next stepCheck whether the available force, friction, tension or gravity, can actually supply this much, or the object slips outward along a tangent.

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