Centripetal Force Calculation

Note that the conditions here assume no additional forces, like a horizontal circle on a frictionless surface. For a vertical circle, the speed and tension must vary.

Any of the data values may be changed. When finished with data entry, click on the quantity you wish to calculate in the formula above. Unit conversions will be carried out as you enter data, but values will not be forced to be consistent until you click on the desired quantity. Calculation for: Radius r = m = ft Mass = m=kg = slugs Weight = W=N = lbs Velocity = v=m/s = ft/s or in common highway speed units, velocity = km/h = mi/h Centripetal force= F=N = lbs Discussion of concept

Centripetal Acceleration on Elevator

The centripetal acceleration expression is obtained from analysis of constant speed circular motion by the use of similar triangles. From the ratio of the sides of the triangles: