Uniform Circular Motion Calculator - Compute Centripetal Force & Acceleration Easily

Calculate key parameters of uniform circular motion quickly and easily. Enter the values you have, and let the calculator calculate!

Mass (kg):

Radius (m):

Velocity (m/s):

Results:

How to Use the Uniform Circular Motion Calculator

To use this calculator:

1. Enter the mass of the object in kilograms (kg).
2. Enter the radius of the circular path in meters (m).
3. Enter the velocity of the object in meters per second (m/s).
4. Click the "Calculate" button to see the results for centripetal acceleration, centripetal force, and tangential speed.

What is Uniform Circular Motion?

Uniform circular motion refers to the motion of an object traveling in a circular path at a constant speed. Even though the speed remains constant, the object is continuously changing direction, which means it is undergoing acceleration directed towards the center of the circle (centripetal acceleration).

Formulas

The key formulas used in this calculator are:

• Centripetal Acceleration: a_c = v² / r
• Centripetal Force: F_c = m * a_c
• Tangential Speed: v = r * ω (where ω is the angular velocity)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. It is necessary for keeping the object in circular motion.

How does mass affect centripetal force?

The centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the object. As the mass increases, the centripetal force required to maintain circular motion also increases.

Can this calculator be used for any circular motion?

This calculator is specifically designed for uniform circular motion, where the speed is constant. For non-uniform circular motion (changing speed), additional parameters would need to be considered.

What units are used in this calculator?

The calculator uses standard SI units: mass in kilograms (kg), radius in meters (m), velocity in meters per second (m/s), and force in newtons (N).

What if I enter invalid values?

If you enter invalid or negative values, the calculator will prompt you to enter valid positive numbers for mass, radius, and velocity.

How can I apply this calculator in daily life?

This calculator is useful in various fields such as physics, engineering, and even everyday situations, like analyzing the motion of cars on a circular track or understanding the dynamics of satellites orbiting a planet.