Centrifugal Force Calculator

Calculate the centrifugal force experienced by an object moving in a circular path.

Enter Parameters
Select your preferred input method and enter the values
rωvFm
Results
Calculated centrifugal force and related values

Centrifugal Force

-

Linear Velocity

-

Angular Velocity

-

Centripetal Acceleration

-

More Information

What is Centrifugal Force?

Centrifugal force is the apparent force that draws a rotating body away from the center of rotation. It's an outward force apparent in a rotating reference frame.

Key Characteristics:

  • Apparent Force - Not a true force, but the result of inertia in a rotating reference frame
  • Circular Motion - Acts on objects moving in a circular path, directed away from the center
  • Proportional Factors - Increases with mass, velocity squared, and decreases with radius
Real-World Applications

Engineering

  • •
    Centrifuges and separators
  • •
    Rotating machinery design
  • •
    Structural stress analysis

Transportation

  • •
    Vehicle cornering forces
  • •
    Railway curve design
  • •
    Roller coaster safety

Space Technology

  • •
    Artificial gravity systems
  • •
    Satellite orbit mechanics
  • •
    Spacecraft design

Other Fields

  • •
    Medical centrifuges
  • •
    Washing machine design
  • •
    Industrial mixers
Key Formulas

From Linear Velocity

Common
F = m × v²/r

Where F is force, m is mass, v is velocity, and r is radius

From Angular Velocity

Scientific Use
F = m × ω² × r

Where ω is angular velocity in radians per second

From RPM

Engineering Use
F = m × (2π × RPM/60)² × r

Where RPM is revolutions per minute

Centripetal Acceleration

Related
a = v²/r = ω² × r

Acceleration directed toward the center of rotation

Related Concepts

Moment of Inertia

Resistance to rotational motion

Centripetal Force

Inward-directed balancing force

Angular Momentum

Rotational equivalent of linear momentum

Circular Motion

Movement along a circular path

Rotational Dynamics

Study of rotating objects

Coriolis Effect

Deflection of moving objects in rotating systems

Further Learning
Explore these resources to learn more about centrifugal force and its applications

Classical Mechanics

Study Newton's laws and their application to rotating systems

Physics of Rotating Systems

Explore frame of reference effects and fictitious forces

Engineering Applications

Discover practical uses in machine design and safety engineering