Centrifugal Force Calculator

Category: Physics
- April 04, 2025
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Calculate the centrifugal force acting on an object in circular motion. Enter the mass, radius, and either angular velocity or linear velocity to determine the force.

Centrifugal Force Calculator

Velocity

Advanced Options

About Centrifugal Force

Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act on an object moving in a circular path and is directed away from the center of rotation. In reality, what we perceive as centrifugal force is actually the inertia of the object resisting the centripetal force that keeps it in circular motion.

Key Concepts
  • Centripetal Force: The real force directed toward the center of rotation that keeps an object moving in a circular path.
  • Centrifugal Force: The apparent force pushing outward, which is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the centripetal force.
  • Angular Velocity (ω): The rate of change of angular position, measured in radians per second (rad/s).
  • Linear Velocity (v): The tangential speed of an object moving in a circular path, related to angular velocity by v = ω × r.
  • Centripetal Acceleration: The acceleration toward the center, given by a = ω² × r = v²/r.
Applications

Understanding centrifugal force is important in many fields:

  • Engineering: Design of rotating machinery, centrifuges, and amusement park rides
  • Physics: Analyzing circular motion and orbits
  • Geology: Earth's rotation causing equatorial bulge
  • Biology: Centrifugation for separating particles
  • Transportation: Banking of curves on roads and railways
Unit Conversions
  • 1 rad/s ≈ 9.55 rpm (revolutions per minute)
  • 1 rpm = 2π/60 rad/s ≈ 0.1047 rad/s
  • 1 N = 0.225 lbf (pound-force)
  • 1 m/s ≈ 3.6 km/h ≈ 2.24 mph

What Is the Centrifugal Force Calculator?

The Centrifugal Force Calculator helps you find out the force acting on an object that’s moving in a circular path. This force pushes outward, away from the centre of rotation. The calculator takes inputs like mass, radius, and either angular or linear velocity to work out the centrifugal force, making it handy for physics studies, engineering designs, and practical applications involving rotating systems.

Centrifugal Force Formulas:
\( F = m \times \omega^2 \times r \)
\( F = m \times \frac{v^2}{r} \)

How to Use the Calculator

Just follow these steps to quickly and accurately calculate the centrifugal force:

  • Enter the Mass: Choose a unit (kg, g, or lb) and input the mass of the object.
  • Enter the Radius: Select the distance from the centre of rotation in units like metres, centimetres, feet, or inches.
  • Select Velocity Type: Choose between angular velocity or linear velocity based on what you know.
  • Provide Velocity Value: Input the corresponding value and unit (e.g., rad/s, rpm, m/s).
  • Adjust Settings (Optional): Pick your preferred units for force output, set decimal precision, or enable extra features like graphs and step-by-step solutions.
  • Click "Calculate": The tool will show the centrifugal force along with useful related values like acceleration and velocity.

Why This Calculator Is Useful

This calculator saves you time and eliminates guesswork when analysing rotating systems. Whether you’re studying physics, designing mechanical parts, or dealing with rotating equipment, understanding centrifugal force is crucial. This tool makes it easier by automatically converting units and displaying all necessary calculations clearly.

Key Features

  • Supports various units for mass, distance, and velocity
  • Converts between angular and linear velocity
  • Optional display of calculation steps for better understanding
  • Interactive chart showing the relationship between velocity and force
  • Customisable output precision and force units

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is centrifugal force?

Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force on an object moving in a circle, caused by the object's inertia. It’s not a real force acting on the object but a result of the rotating frame of reference.

What’s the difference between angular and linear velocity?

Angular velocity (\( \omega \)) refers to how fast an object rotates, measured in radians per second. Linear velocity (\( v \)) is the speed along the edge of the circular path, calculated as \( v = \omega \times r \).

Can I use this calculator for different unit systems?

Yes, you can enter values in either metric or imperial units, and the calculator will take care of the conversions for you.

What does the force vs. velocity chart show?

It visually illustrates how force increases with velocity, helping you understand the impact of changing speed in circular motion scenarios.

Who can benefit from this calculator?

Students, educators, engineers, hobbyists, and anyone working with rotating objects can find this calculator useful for understanding forces in motion.

Conclusion

The Centrifugal Force Calculator provides a quick, accurate, and user-friendly way to grasp forces in circular motion. Whether you’re solving a physics problem or designing a rotating system, this tool helps you calculate and visualise the results effortlessly.