Definition:

• The force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle, maintaining the object’s circular motion.

Simple Experimentation:

• To maintain circular motion, a centripetal force is required.
• According to Newton’s First Law of Motion, an object will continue moving in a straight line unless acted upon by a force.
• Examples:
  1. Car Turning a Corner: Friction between the tires and the road provides the centripetal force.
  2. Ball Whirled on a String: Tension in the string provides the centripetal force.
  3. Earth Orbiting the Sun: Gravitational force provides the centripetal force.

More Centripetal Force Needed If: a. The mass of the object increases. b. The speed of the object increases. c. The radius of the circle decreases.

Formula for Centripetal Force:

Fc=mv2/R (mv square over R)

Where:

• Fc = Centripetal force
• m= Mass of the object
• v = Tangential velocity
• R = Radius of the circular path

Centripetal Acceleration:

                                      ac​=v2​/R (v square over r)

Where:

• ac​ = Centripetal acceleration