Centrifugal Force Equation | Problems (And Solutions)

Centrifugal Force Equation

Centrifugal force (Fc) is equal to mass (m) times the square of velocity (v2) divided by the radius (r). Using the equation of centrifugal force: Fc = [m × v2] ÷ r, the value of centrifugal force acting on an object can be calculated.

Let’s solve some problems based on this equation, so you’ll get a clear idea.

Centrifugal Force Practice Problems

Problem 1: What is the centrifugal force acting on a scooter of mass 80 kg moving in a circular path of radius 16 m with the velocity of 2 m/s?

Solution:

Given data:
Mass of a scooter, m = 80 kg
Radius of a circular path, r = 16 m
Velocity of a scooter, v = 2 m/s
Centrifugal force acting on a scooter, Fc = ?

Using the equation of centrifugal force,
Fc = [m × v2] ÷ r
Fc = [80 × (2)2] ÷ 16
Fc = 320 ÷ 16
Fc = 20 N

Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on a scooter is 20 N.


Problem 2: Calculate the centrifugal force acting on a 150 kg bike moving with the velocity of 1 km/h in a circular path of radius 5 m.

Solution:

Given data:
Centrifugal force acting on a bike, Fc = ?
Mass of a bike, m = 150 kg
Velocity of a bike, v = 1 km/h = 0.27 m/s
Radius of a circular path, r = 5 m

Using the equation of centrifugal force,
Fc = [m × v2] ÷ r
Fc = [150 × (0.27)2] ÷ 5
Fc = 10.935 ÷ 5
Fc = 2.18 N

Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on a bike is 2.18 N.


Problem 3: One girl of mass 24 kg is enjoying a carousel ride. A girl sitting on a carousel rotates in a circular path of radius 8 m with the velocity of 1 m/s. Calculate the centrifugal force acting on a girl.

Solution:

Given data:
Mass of a girl, m = 24 kg
Radius of a circular path, r = 8 m
Velocity of a girl, v = 1 m/s
Centrifugal force acting on a girl, Fc = ?

Using the equation of centrifugal force,
Fc = [m × v2] ÷ r
Fc = [24 × (1)2] ÷ 8
Fc = 24 ÷ 8
Fc = 3 N

Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on a girl is 3 N.


Problem 4: A bus of mass 700 kg is moving in a circular path with the velocity of 0.8 km/h. If the radius of a circular path is 8 m, then what is the centrifugal force acting on a bus?

Solution:

Given data:
Mass of a bus, m = 700 kg
Velocity of a bus, v = 0.8 km/h = 0.22 m/s
Radius of a circular path, r = 8 m
Centrifugal force acting on a bus, Fc = ?

Using the equation of centrifugal force,
Fc = [m × v2] ÷ r
Fc = [700 × (0.22)2] ÷ 8
Fc = 33.88 ÷ 8
Fc = 4.23 N

Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on a bus is 4.23 N.

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