EngineeringToolkit

Centripetal Force Formula

The inward force required to keep an object moving in a circular path.

Formula

Fc = mv²/r

Discipline: Mechanics. Result unit: N.

Variables and units

  • Fc — Centripetal Force (N): Radial inward force
  • m — Mass (kg): Mass of the object
  • v — Velocity (m/s): Tangential velocity
  • r — Radius (m): Radius of circular path