🌀 Centrifugal Force Calculator
Calculate centrifugal force
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Mass
Input the mass (m) of the object in kilograms (kg). This is the mass of the object experiencing the centrifugal force, such as a person on a rotating ride or a mass on a spinning disk.
Enter Velocity
Input the tangential velocity (v) in meters per second (m/s). This is the speed of the object as it moves along its circular path. Make sure this is the linear speed, not angular velocity.
Enter Radius
Input the radius (r) in meters (m). This is the distance from the center of rotation to the object. The radius must be greater than zero. This value cannot be zero.
Calculate and Review
Click the "Calculate" button to compute the centrifugal force. The result will be displayed in newtons (N). Note that the calculator also shows the corresponding centripetal force, which has equal magnitude but opposite direction.
Formula
F_centrifugal = mv² / r
Where:
• F_centrifugal = Centrifugal force (N)
• m = Mass (kg)
• v = Tangential velocity (m/s)
• r = Radius (m)
Note: Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears in rotating (non-inertial) reference frames. In an inertial frame, the actual force is centripetal force (equal magnitude, opposite direction).
Example 1: Rotating Ride
A 70 kg person on a rotating amusement park ride moves at 15 m/s at a radius of 5 m. Calculate the centrifugal force.
Given:
• Mass (m) = 70 kg
• Velocity (v) = 15 m/s
• Radius (r) = 5 m
Solution:
F_centrifugal = mv² / r
F_centrifugal = 70 × 15² / 5
F_centrifugal = 70 × 225 / 5
F_centrifugal = 15,750 / 5
F_centrifugal = 3,150 N
Example 2: Spinning Object
A 2 kg object spins at 10 m/s in a circle of radius 4 m. What is the centrifugal force?
Given:
• Mass (m) = 2 kg
• Velocity (v) = 10 m/s
• Radius (r) = 4 m
Solution:
F_centrifugal = mv² / r
F_centrifugal = 2 × 10² / 4
F_centrifugal = 2 × 100 / 4
F_centrifugal = 50 N
Frequently Asked Questions
What is centrifugal force?
Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force that appears to act on objects in a rotating (non-inertial) reference frame. It's called a "fictitious" or "pseudo" force because it doesn't exist in an inertial frame - it's a consequence of viewing the system from a rotating perspective. The actual force keeping objects in circular motion is centripetal force, which points inward.
What's the difference between centrifugal and centripetal force?
Centripetal force is the real, inward-pointing force that keeps objects moving in a circle (provided by tension, gravity, friction, etc.). Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force felt in a rotating reference frame. They have equal magnitude but opposite directions. Centrifugal force is what you "feel" pushing you outward on a rotating ride, while centripetal force is what actually keeps you moving in a circle.
Is centrifugal force real or fictitious?
Centrifugal force is a fictitious force - it doesn't exist in an inertial (non-accelerating) reference frame. However, it's very real to observers in a rotating frame. It's a useful concept for analyzing rotating systems from the perspective of objects within that system. The force you feel pushing you outward on a spinning ride is real from your perspective, even though it's not a fundamental force.
What happens if the radius is zero?
If the radius is zero, the formula would involve division by zero, which is undefined. This makes physical sense - you can't have circular motion with zero radius. The calculator will show an error if you try to enter zero or negative radius values.
How does velocity affect centrifugal force?
Centrifugal force is proportional to the square of velocity (F ∝ v²). This means doubling the velocity quadruples the centrifugal force. For example, if you double your speed on a rotating ride, you'll feel four times the outward force. This is why high-speed rotating systems can be dangerous.
Where is centrifugal force used in real-world applications?
Centrifugal force is used in: centrifuges for separating mixtures (blood samples, chemical solutions), washing machines (spinning water out of clothes), amusement park rides, rotating machinery design, satellite and spacecraft design, and understanding weather patterns (Coriolis effect is related). Engineers must account for centrifugal forces when designing rotating systems.
About Centrifugal Force Calculator
The centrifugal force calculator computes the apparent outward force in a rotating reference frame using F = mv²/r. Note that centrifugal force is a fictitious force; the actual centripetal force points inward.
This calculator is essential for understanding rotating systems, whether you're analyzing amusement park rides, designing centrifuges, or studying circular motion. While centrifugal force is a fictitious force, it's a very useful concept for analyzing systems from a rotating reference frame and is what you actually experience when you're part of a rotating system.