Find centripetal acceleration a = v² / r and force F = m v² / r for uniform circular motion.
| Acceleration (m/s²) | – |
| Force (N) | – |
Use this calculator for an object moving at constant speed on a circle. The acceleration points toward the centre: a = v² / r, and the required inward force is F = m a. On a level unbanked curve that force must come from friction, a cable, or (in orbit) gravity. “Centrifugal” in the rotating frame has the same magnitude, pointing outward.
An 800 kg car at 20 m/s on a 50 m radius needs a = 8 m/s² and F = 6400 N. Radius and speed must be greater than zero. This is uniform circular motion, not a varying-speed path.
Mass (kg): Mass going around, in kilograms.
Speed (m/s): Tangential speed, in metres per second.
Radius (m): Circle radius from the centre, in metres.
Acceleration (m/s²): Centripetal acceleration toward the centre.
Force (N): Centripetal force in newtons.
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