How is centripetal force calculated in circular motion?

Centripetal force is calculated using the formula Fc = mv²/r, where Fc is the centripetal force.

In circular motion, an object moves in a circular path with a constant speed. The force that keeps the object moving in a circle is called the centripetal force. It acts towards the centre of the circle and is always perpendicular to the velocity of the object. The magnitude of the centripetal force depends on the mass of the object, the speed of the object, and the radius of the circle.

The formula for calculating the centripetal force is Fc = mv²/r, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the speed of the object, and r is the radius of the circle. This formula shows that the centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass and the square of the speed of the object, and inversely proportional to the radius of the circle.

It is important to note that the centripetal force is not a new type of force, but rather the result of other forces acting on the object. For example, in the case of a car turning a corner, the centripetal force is provided by the friction between the tyres and the road. In the case of a satellite orbiting the Earth, the centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth.

In summary, the centripetal force is calculated using the formula Fc = mv²/r, and depends on the mass, speed, and radius of the object in circular motion.