Force can make a moving object stop or stop a moving object. In a linear motion, the effect of force can be called a push or a pull. In the case of a curvilinear motion, the force can be categorized into centripetal and centrifugal forces. The centripetal force tries to pull the object towards the center, whereas the centrifugal force tries to pull the object away from the center. In this article, we look at the definition, examples, and formula for centripetal force.
Definition of centripetal force
Centripetal force is a real force that tries to pull an object towards the center of a circular motion. The force can be in the form of tension force, frictional force, gravitation, or any such force. This is in accordance with Newton’s first law of motion that an external force is mandatory for a change in direction.
Examples of centripetal force
- Shot-put and hammer throw
- Roller coasters
- Bike turning at sharp turns on a banked road
- Children playing on a merry-go-round or a carousel
- Banked turn in an aircraft
For more examples, you can read this article on 10 examples of centripetal force
Formula for centripetal force
Centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the object, square of the velocity, and inversely proportional to the radius of curvature. The SI unit of this force will be Newtons.
The centripetal force of a turning car
It is also directly proportional to the square of velocity, which is why, at high speeds, you require a lot of centripetal force to turn, which is difficult. Turning at a slow speed is easy. Sharp turns are also tough because the value of r is small, making the value of the centripetal force required large.
Centripetal force and tension force
When a ball is tied to a rope/string and is rotated, then the centripetal force is provided by the tension. This type of force is utilized in hammer-throw. Where an athlete uses the circular motion to build up centripetal force and releases the tension to transfer the force into centrifugal force and throw off the hammer.
What is the origin of centripetal force?
Centripetal force comes into the picture only during circular motion. During circular motion, there is a continuous acceleration of the object due to the change in direction. According to Newton’s second law of motion, an object in motion will continue to travel in a straight line without acceleration unless acted upon by an external force. In a circular motion, this accelerating force is provided by the centripetal force. This inward force might be in the form of gravitation, tension, electromagnetic force, etc.
How to solve centripetal force numerical problems?
- Centripetal force can be provided by any force like friction, gravitational force, etc. So first identify the force providing the centripetal force. Sometimes a combination of forces might provide the centripetal force.
- You can consider the speed to be constant unless specified. Velocity will change since it is a vector quantity.
- Apply the formula mv2/r and equate it with the forces providing the centripetal force.
How is centripetal force useful in daily life?
Centripetal force comes into action whenever we are in a circular motion. Examples include driving along a curved path, the revolution of the earth around the Sun, children playing in a merry-go-round or swing, etc.
Why do we need centripetal force?
In a circular motion, the object always tends to move outward. In other words, the inertia of the object tries to maintain a straight path and resists the change in direction. According to Newton’s first law of motion, an object in rest or uniform motion will continue in that state unless acted upon by an external force. So, there must be a force that provides this acceleration. This is the centripetal force. Without centripetal force, we cannot maintain circular motion, we will be pushed off the circle. The outward force is balanced by the centripetal force.
What is the centripetal force of earth?
The centripetal force for the Earth is provided by the gravitational pull of the Earth towards the sun. The centripetal force can be calculated by using the formula mv2/r. The mass of Earth is 5.972 × 10^24 kg, the speed of Earth around the sun is 460 m/s and the radio of Earth’s orbit is 150,000,000,000 m. The calculated value will be just a rough estimate as the orbit of Earth around the sun is slightly oval in shape.
What is the centripetal force of electrons?
The centripetal force of the electrons around the nucleus is provided by the electrostatic forces of attraction. The electron is negatively charged and the nucleus contains positively charged protons. The formula for centripetal force will be the same mv2/r.
Is centripetal force always due to tension?
No, it is not a rule that centripetal force is always provided by tension force. Tension can be a force providing centripetal acceleration, but not always. Forces like gravitation, friction, electromagnetics, etc. can also contribute. In most real-life scenarios, a combination of forces acts on an object.
Research
You can read this article titled “a novel discussion on centripetal force” origin of centripetal force in detail. The authors further derive the expression of centripetal force in a uniform circular motion.
In this article titled “Centripetal Acceleration Reaction: An Effective and Robust Mechanism for Flapping Flight in Insects,” the authors study the aerodynamics related to wing morphology and kinematics that generate lift.
Centrifugal spinning is a technique used to produce fine nanofibers. It differs from the traditional electrospinning of nanofibers where high voltages are required. Here, the centrifugal force is utilized for better spinning. In this research paper titled “Research on the development of centrifugal spinning,” the authors study the factors affecting this technique.
See Also
Banking of roads
Examples of centripetal force
Examples of centrifugal force
Centrifugal force
Differences between centripetal and centrifugal forces
