Centripetal Acceleration From Mass Calculator

This calculator determines centripetal acceleration based on mass, velocity, and radius of circular motion.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

a = v²/r

Where:
a = centripetal acceleration (m/s²)
v = velocity (m/s)
r = radius (m)

Result

Centripetal Acceleration: -- m/s²

Centripetal Acceleration From Mass Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Centripetal Acceleration calculator and understand the physics behind it

What is Centripetal Acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that causes an object to follow a curved path and that is always directed orthogonal to the motion of the body and toward the fixed point of the center of the curve.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the mass of the object in kilograms (kg)
  2. Enter the velocity of the object in meters per second (m/s)
  3. Enter the radius of the circular path in meters (m)
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the centripetal acceleration
  5. Click "Reset" to clear all inputs and start over

Applications of Centripetal Acceleration

Centripetal acceleration has many real-world applications:

  • Designing curved roads and highways
  • Understanding planetary orbits around stars
  • Calculating the forces on swinging pendulums
  • Determining the stability of rotating objects
  • Analyzing amusement park rides like merry-go-rounds and roller coasters

Important Notes

The formula used in this calculator is a = v²/r, where:

  • a is the centripetal acceleration
  • v is the linear velocity of the object
  • r is the radius of the circular path

Remember that centripetal acceleration is always directed toward the center of the circle, perpendicular to the velocity vector.