What is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It acts towards the center of the circle, pulling the object inward. When an item moves at a constant speed around a circular path, it encounters an accelerating centripetal force towards the centre.

The centripetal force, F_c​ can be calculated using the formula,

F_c = mv²/r

where:

• m is the mass of the object,
• v is its velocity, and
• r is the radius of the circular path.

Facts about Centripetal Force

• Centripetal force always points towards the center of the circle around which the object is moving.
• Without centripetal force, objects would move in straight lines due to inertia, rather than following the curved paths observed in circular motion.
• Common examples are :
  • the tension in a rope or string holding a tetherball,
  • the gravitational force keeping planets in orbit around the Sun
  • the friction between car tires and the road during a turn.

Centrifugal force and centripetal force are two important forces associated with circular motion. Centripetal force pulls objects towards the center of a circle, keeping them in orbit. Centrifugal force appears to push objects away from the center due to their rotation.

In this article, we will learn the difference between centrifugal force and centripetal force in detail.