Science
Torque from force
Calculate torque magnitude using force, the distance from the pivot and the angle between them; a parallel force produces no torque.
Calculators / Science / Centripetal force
Centripetal force calculator
Calculate the inward acceleration and force required to keep a mass moving at a given speed around a circular path of known radius.
On this page
Force25N
Acceleration12.5m/s²
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Calculate the inward acceleration and force required to keep a mass moving at a given speed around a circular path of known radius.
Force = m*v^2/r N; Acceleration = v^2/r m/s²
Worked example
Mass (kg): 2; Speed (m/s): 5; Radius (m): 2.
Force: 25 N; Acceleration: 12.5 m/s².
Assumptions and limits
Calculate the inward acceleration and force required to keep a mass moving at a given speed around a circular path of known radius. Ideal classical mechanics. Enter SI units and the angle between the force and lever arm; torque output is a magnitude.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Calculate the inward acceleration and force required to keep a mass moving at a given speed around a circular path of known radius.
When this tool is useful
Force = m*v^2/r N; Acceleration = v^2/r m/s²
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Mass (kg) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Speed (m/s) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Radius (m) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
Calculate the inward acceleration and force required to keep a mass moving at a given speed around a circular path of known radius. Ideal classical mechanics. Enter SI units and the angle between the force and lever arm; torque output is a magnitude.
How is the result calculated?
Force = m*v^2/r N; Acceleration = v^2/r m/s²