Centripetal Force Calculator

Centripetal force is the net inward force that keeps an object moving in a circular path instead of flying off in a straight line. It always points from the object toward the center of the circle. F = m x v^2 / r.

Centripetal force is real and points inward. Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force that only exists in a rotating reference frame. From an inertial frame there is only the inward centripetal force keeping you on the curve.

Angular velocity omega = 2 x pi x f when you know the frequency f in hertz, and omega = 2 x pi / T when you know the period T in seconds. 2 Hz works out to 4 pi rad/s, roughly 12.566 rad/s.

Mass, radius, velocity, and force must be strictly positive for circular motion to make physical sense. Zero radius means no circle; zero mass is not a real object; negative force would imply an outward pull rather than centripetal.

The g-force is centripetal acceleration divided by standard gravity (1 g = 9.80665 m/s^2). A 4 g centripetal acceleration is four standard gravities. The apparent weight a rider feels also depends on the direction of the seat force and gravity.