Centripetal Force Simulator
Classroom worksheet · Interactive simulation: https://lkforge.com/tools/physics/centripetal-force/
Name: Date:
Learning objectives
- Relate centripetal force to speed, mass, and radius.
- Identify the direction of centripetal acceleration.
- Explain what supplies the centripetal force in real situations.
Variables to change
- Speed
- Radius
- Mass
Procedure
- Set an object in uniform circular motion and note the required force.
- Double the speed at fixed radius and observe the force.
- Increase the radius at fixed speed and observe the force.
Observations
Record the centripetal force as you vary speed and radius, keeping the others fixed.
Questions
- Write the centripetal force equation.
- What happened to the force when you doubled the speed?
- Which way does centripetal acceleration point?
- What happens to the object if the centripetal force suddenly disappears?
- Give a real example of what provides centripetal force.
Answer key (instructors)
- 1. F = m·v²/r.
- 2. It quadrupled — force depends on the square of the speed.
- 3. Toward the center of the circle.
- 4. It flies off in a straight line tangent to the circle (Newton’s first law).
- 5. Tension in a string, friction on tires, or gravity for an orbiting satellite.
Uniform circular motion needs a net inward (centripetal) force F = mv²/r pointing to the center. It grows with the square of speed and shrinks with radius. Remove it and the object continues straight along the tangent.