BRAINCAKECentripetal Force
Applying Newton's second law F = ma to the centripetal acceleration gives F = mv2/r
Since v = r ω , the centripetal force F = mω2r.
According to Newton's second law, the centripetal force is proportional to the centripetal acceleration and takes place in the same direction i.e towards the centre of the circle.
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Key terms in this lesson
- centripetal acceleration
- The acceleration of an object moving in a circle at constant speed, directed towards the centre of the circle.
More in Circular Motion
- Uniform Circular Motion
- Angular Displacement
- Angular Speed
- Centripetal Acceleration
- Proof - centripetal acceleration
- On the Road
- The London Eye
- A Spin Dryer
All 9 lessons in Circular Motion · All OCR A-level Physics topics