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. Z

    Centripetal acceleration turntable problem

    Homework Statement A small container of water is placed on a turntable inside a microwave oven, at a radius of 12.0 cm from the center. The turntable rotates steadily, turning one revolution in each 7.25 s. What angle does the water surface make with the horizontal? Homework Equations F = ma a...
  2. toforfiltum

    Confused abt derivation of centripetal acceleration

    A comparison of corresponding parts of these two similar isosceles triangles yields velocity triangle displacement triangle where |-vo| = |vf| = v In a small time interval Δt, the arc length s → c. Okay, so I got this from Physics LAB, and I don't understand the last statement that...
  3. Z

    What is the reaction force of centripetal force

    According to Newton's 3rd law, force exists in pair. When I attach a ball to a rope and rotate it, I am giving the ball an centripetal force to keep it moving in circular motion, so is the tension in the string the reaction force I am asking? I also want to ask about the reason why centrifugal...
  4. aconner5

    Visualizing Centripetal Accelearation

    Hey Everyone :), This is my first post and I'm hoping it will give me some insight into how to view centripedal force. I was following a problem in An Introduction to Mechanics by Kleppner and Kolenkow and made my way through their problem on uniform circular motion. I am having trouble...
  5. G

    Centripetal force is resultant force?

    Homework Statement I know that centripetal is the resultant force acting to enable the a body to move in a circular path ... But , in the triangle , the R3 looks like the resultant force ..Can someone tell me which is the correct resultant force in this diagram ? What is R3 actually ...
  6. andyrk

    Tangential and Centripetal Acceleration in Circular Motion

    Why is there no component of tangential acceleration in uniform circular motion? I think its because when we apply the WE Theorem (Work-Energy Theorem) as follows: Work Done = ΔKE => F.S = 1/2*m*(vf2 - vi2), =>(ma).s = 1/2*m*(vf2 - vi2) => (ma).s = 1/2*m*(0) (since the speed remains constant in...
  7. D

    Converting axial pressure to centripetal force

    I am working on a case where a spring foce is applied to the center of wheel . the wheel is pulled by a motor with a rope tied on the wheel. I know the spring force in the centere of the wheel. how can i know the centripetla force exerted by it
  8. TomW17

    Moments caused by centripetal force?

    Homework Statement I was thinking about different scenarios in circular motion and came to this scenario. Suppose there's a car moving in a circle around some track. Obviously it's the frictional forces between the tyres and the road which provide the centripetal force. Now, suppose there's a...
  9. C

    Hooke's Law and Centripetal Motion

    Homework Statement A 0.20 kg mass hangs vertically from a spring and an elongation below the support point of the spring of 9.50 cm is recorded. With 1.00 kg hanging on the spring, a second elongation of 12.00 cm is recorded. Calculate the spring constant k in Newtons per meter. (Note the...
  10. G

    Friction as centripetal force....problem with the mass

    Homework Statement The problem is that if I have a 5kg mass and 1 kg mass at the same radius with the same μ...and I increase slowly the angular speed ω...then the first mass that will stop the circular motion is the one of the 5 kg mass because needs more centripetal force.Can someone say...
  11. T

    Can someone explain to me what centripetal acceleration?

    Homework Statement I also need help on a problem. but FIRST, can someone explain to me how radial acceleration relates to gravity and how gravity can be split up into tangential and radial accelerations and how that can be compared to radial acceleration ? I know the basic stuff..like if a...
  12. S

    Relativistic centripetal force is a byproduct of time

    From special relativity, we know that t=t0/(1-v2/c2)1/2 For the object moves as a circle with radius r, the velocity v = w r Therefore, time varying along radius r as t=t0/(1-w2 r2/c2)1/2 In this case ds2= dr2- c2 dt2 = dr2- c2 dt02 /(1-w2 r2/c2) Since object will move in shortest path in...
  13. D

    Centripetal combined with Gravitational Force

    Hi! So I learned Newtons Law of Gravity and used the numbers to calculate that the acceleration due to the attraction between masses is 9.8m/s/s. Hooray! This is what I've learned is the acceleration due to gravity. However, does the rotation of the Earth and the subsequent centrifugal force...
  14. D

    Centripetal Acceleration Outwards

    Hi. I have a question that I can't seem to figure out in my self study of physics. Why does centripetal acceleration point inward? When I drive around a corner, my body experiences a push away from the corner. I go that way, however, because of the car pushing me towards it. Not because of the...
  15. Tyrannosaurus_

    Centripetal motion, find radius - which solution is correct?

    Homework Statement The planet Saturn will orbit the Sun every 19 Earth years (= 599 184 000 seconds). Assume Saturn travels on a circular orbit with a speed of 9 690m/s. What is the radius of the orbit of Saturn? I can solve this in two different ways, and get two different values. Which is...
  16. L

    How centripetal force is created?

    Hello, teachers. Do we apply centripetal force ourselves Or is it created by some other source? What is the source? How is it created? I could not find the answer, I'm confused, please help me clarify this. Many many thanks.
  17. M

    Centripetal Force of swung keys Problem

    Homework Statement Keys with a combined mass of 0.100 kg are attached to a 0.25 m long string and swung in a circle in the vertical plane. A) What is the slowest speed the keys can swing and still maintain a circular path? B) What is the tension in the string at the bottom of the circle...
  18. Satvik Pandey

    Friction and centripetal force.

    Homework Statement A car goes on a horizontal circular road of radius ##R##, the speed increasing at a constant rate ##\frac{dv}{dt}=a##. The friction coefficient between the road and the tier is ##\mu##. Find the speed at which the car will skid. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I...
  19. M

    How Does a Rotating Space Station Simulate Gravity for Astronauts?

    Homework Statement To simulate gravity, a circular space station with a radius of 150 m is rotated so that astronauts standing on the inner surface move at 30 m/s. If the 75 kg astronaut stands on a bathroom scale, what reading will it give? (Assume that the scale is calibrated in Newtons)...
  20. J

    Centripetal force roller coaster problem

    Homework Statement A roller coaster car has a mass of 500 kg when fully loaded with passengers.(a)If the vehicle has a speed of 20.0 m/s at point A, what is the force exerted by the track on the car at this point?(b)What is the maximum speed the vehicle can have at B and still remain on the...
  21. I

    Need help with centripetal force problem.

    [Note from mentor: this thread was originally posted in one of the non-homework forums, therefore it does not use the standard homework template.] ----------------------------------- Hi, I am self-studying ap physics, and as I have no teacher to guide me, am seeking help online. I have a...
  22. SherlockIsReal

    Centripetal Force, and Car Drifting Question

    deleted
  23. SpiderET

    Gravity of Earth combined with centripetal force

    Gravity is weaker on equator. What I know, this effect is due to combination of two factors: 1. Earth is rotating with surface speed 450 m/s on equator and this is causing centripetal force which is decreasing gravity. 2. Earth is flattered on poles, so that means that there is longer distance...
  24. avito009

    Is the force for centripetal acceleration inversely proportional to the radius?

    Since F=mv2/r. Does that mean the force required for centripetal acceleration is inversely proportional to the radius? If radius is more the lesser centripetal force is required, is this correct?
  25. A

    Problem with Centripetal velocity on a banked corner

    first of all thanks for reading and especially thank you to people who helped with my previous question here https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/does-the-coefficient-of-friction-change-with-the-angle.798572/#post-5019349 Unfortunately i am having more problems with this instructor insisting...
  26. J

    Circular Motion and centripetal acceleration

    Homework Statement Q.1. Explain the changes in the tension of a piece of string which is being swung vertically with a bucket of water at the end. What would the minimum centripetal acceleration need to be for water to not fall out?Homework Equations ac = v^2/r The Attempt at a Solution The...
  27. S

    Create artificia gravity in space craft by using centripetal

    creating artifical gravity by using centripetal force what is the formula g value
  28. H

    What is the centripetal acceleration in a vertical circle with a given velocity?

    Homework Statement The questions asks for the centripetal acceleration of the mass in the vertical circle shown in the picture. It also states the object has exactly enough velocity to maintain a vertical circle. Homework Equations F=ma, a=v^2/r The Attempt at a Solution I've tried solving...
  29. C

    Centripetal Force: Normal Contact Force & Velocity

    if the centripetal force can be only provided by normal contact force. centripetal velocity is Vs. If V<Vs, then it will lose contact of the road? Or it will lose contact when n=0? Or when n<0? THX
  30. _N3WTON_

    Centripetal Acceleration of rocket car

    Homework Statement A rocket car is constrained to move on an elliptical track (semi-major axis a and semi-minor axis b ). The car is moving at a constant speed v_0 . Determine the acceleration of the car in \frac{m}{s^2} . a = 4 \hspace{2 mm} km , b = 2 \hspace{2 mm} km , and v_0 = 360...
  31. H

    Centripetal Acceleration for non uniform speed

    Homework Statement An airplane flies in a loop (a circular path in a vertical plane) of radius 120m . The pilot's head always points toward the center of the loop. The speed of the airplane is not constant; the airplane goes slowest at the top of the loop and fastest at the bottom. At the top...
  32. B

    Centripetal Force: Speed Change w/ Doubled Radius & Force

    Homework Statement The centripetal force acting on an object is doubled. The radius is also doubled. The speed of the object: (a) increases by a factor of 4 (b) increases by a factor of 2 (c) decreases by a factor of 2 (d) The change in the object's speed depends on its mass Homework...
  33. HTHLAndre

    Proving Centripetal Acceleration Physically?

    How Can I Prove this Physically Homework Statement [/B] So I need to do a project where I prove centripetal acceleration. All the cases I've seen of where it's proved is using formulas, though I need an actual project. By an actual project I mean something like...
  34. terryds

    Centripetal Force and velocity

    Homework Statement http://www.sumoware.com/images/temp/xzfrbardcbliotkt.png [/B] A box travels in a circular track like the picture above. How much velocity it must have in point A to get out of the track when reaching point B ? Homework Equations Fcentripetal = m V^2/R E = E' The Attempt...
  35. G

    What does the centripetal force equal? (generally)

    Hey guys, new to the forum here and I have a general question regarding the centripetal force. In the example of a ferris wheel where there is a normal force pushing up against the person and the gravitational force pulling the person down, which force is centripetal? I know that the centripetal...
  36. H Smith 94

    Gyroscopic precession: What provides the centripetal force?

    Hi there! I've been searching the internet for hours trying to find a decent explanation to this question. I'm thinking particularly of the example of a precessing spinning top. (Note: I own this diagram. Please do not use it without direct and written permission.) So when the top is tilted...
  37. R

    Radius relation to centripetal force

    Homework Statement The radius for the inside of a curve is half the radius for the outside. With 2 cars of equal mass, car A travels on the inside and car B travels on the outside at equal speed. Which statement is correct? a. The force on A is half the force on B b. The force on B is half the...
  38. M

    SOLVED Centripetal force in magnetic field

    Hello. I have currently just started styding magnetism. My book states that an electic charge moving perpendicular to the magnetic field will cause the particle to move in a circular motion. This formula describes the motion of the particle: qvB=mv2/r According to the formule F=qvBsinα, the...
  39. oreo

    Centripetal Force: Why Static Friction is Used in Bank Curve Problems

    Why do we use coefficient of static friction instead of coefficient of kinetic friction in bank curve problems
  40. M

    Centripetal Force and Constant speed

    I'm confused about how it is possible for speed to be constant when a centripetal force is being applied to an object. If something is orbiting a planet, when it is at what one person considers the top of the planet, all of the objects velocity is in the horizontal direction, and all of the...
  41. M

    Centripetal force and rotation

    I noticed that if you swing a ball around attached to a string with a centripetal force. The ball also rotates. What causes this rotation? Is there always rotation when there's a centripetal force? does an object orbiting the Earth always face the same way as it orbits?
  42. M

    Centripetal force and friction

    As a car makes a turn, there is a centripetal force due to friction causing this turn if I'm correct. How is this possible if the tangent line of the turn is the direction of the cars motion, and friction acts in the opposite direction? I would think that the force of friction where the...
  43. geek96boolea10

    Find Mass and Speed given Tension and Angle

    Homework Statement Imagine one of those amusement park rides where you have a large rotating disc with seats hung by chains around it. As the disc spins, the seats also spin whilst rising up as well. The question asks for all answers to be written given the constants L, the length of the chain...
  44. L

    Centripetal acceleration of objects in orbit around the Earth

    Hi all. The answer to this might be trivial. If it is, sorry for posting. If you calculate the acceleration due to gravity of an orbiting satellite, it could be around 8.5-9.5m.s-2, depending. So, it's tangential velocity is such that as it falls towards earth, Earth curves away and the...
  45. S

    Centripetal Acceleration at top of Loop

    Homework Statement A roller coaster is on a track that forms a circular loop in the vertical plane. If the car is to just maintain contact at the top of the loop, what is the minimum value for its centripetal acceleration at this point? A) 2g downward B) g downward C) 2g upward D) g upward E)...
  46. N

    Difference between centripetal and linear acceleration?

    Hello all! I'm having some difficulty understanding one of the concepts of angular motion. My textbook tells me that the total linear acceleration of a point in a rotating body is the vector sum of tangential acceleration and centripetal acceleration. However, later on in the chapter, there is...
  47. S

    Separating out centripetal and gravitational acceleration

    Has anyone got any experience of this using a dual axis sensor on a pendulum? I have attempting to do itt however I am not completely satisfied that my method is successful
  48. D

    Centrifugal Spaceship Accelerator

    Suppose we launch two ships and move them close to the Sun. They have solar collectors and can absorb a massive amount of energy thanks to their proximity to the Sun. The ships are connected by a 1000 meter long rod of titanium, and each ship's rocket is position opposite the other's, so that...
  49. S

    Centripetal Force Lab Question

    Homework Statement Basically, we did a centripetal acceleration lab where a hanging mass(s) was connected to a string, run through a tube, and connected to a rubber stopper. The force of gravity of the hanging mass is what supplied the force of tension to the rubber stopper for its centripetal...
  50. minimario

    Centripetal Acceleration and Tension: Correct?

    Homework Statement A stuntman whose mass is 70 kg swings from the end of a 4.0-m-long rope along the arc of a vertical circle. Assuming he starts from rest when the rope is horizontal, find the tensions on the rope that are required to make him follow his circular path at a height of 1.5 m...
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