Centrifugal Force Equation | Problems (And Solutions)

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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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