Difference between revisions of "Centripetal force"
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'''Centripetal force''' is a [[force]] that is directed perpendicular to the [[velocity]] of an object traveling in a circular path towards the center of the circle.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref> | '''Centripetal force''' is a [[force]] that is directed perpendicular to the [[velocity]] of an object traveling in a circular path towards the center of the circle.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref> | ||
| − | The centripetal force is a required force to maintain a | + | The centripetal force is a required force to maintain a constant speed as the object travels in a circular path. The direction of the force is inward, toward the center of the circular path. |
The requirement of a centripetal force for such an object can be satisfied by a gravitational, electromagnetic, or any other type of force. | The requirement of a centripetal force for such an object can be satisfied by a gravitational, electromagnetic, or any other type of force. | ||
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<math>F = m r \omega^2</math> | <math>F = m r \omega^2</math> | ||
| − | Where m is the mass of the rotating point mass, r | + | Where m is the mass of the rotating point mass, r is the radius of the path and omega is the angular velocity (in radians per second). |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 22:39, July 8, 2009
Centripetal force is a force that is directed perpendicular to the velocity of an object traveling in a circular path towards the center of the circle.[1]
The centripetal force is a required force to maintain a constant speed as the object travels in a circular path. The direction of the force is inward, toward the center of the circular path.
The requirement of a centripetal force for such an object can be satisfied by a gravitational, electromagnetic, or any other type of force.
"Centripetal" is a term derived from the Latin words centrum (meaning "center") and petere (meaning "tend towards").
The equation for centripetal force is:
Where m is the mass of the rotating point mass, r is the radius of the path and omega is the angular velocity (in radians per second).
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000