1. What is Centrifugal Force?

Definition: Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force on a mass when it is rotated, arising from the inertia of the body.

Purpose: This calculator helps determine the force experienced by an object moving along a curved path, important in physics and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Centrifugal force (Newtons, N)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms, kg)
• \( \omega \) — Angular velocity (radians per second, rad/s)
• \( r \) — Radius of rotation (meters, m)

Explanation: The force increases with the square of angular velocity and directly with both mass and radius.

3. Importance of Centrifugal Force Calculation

Details: Understanding centrifugal force is crucial in designing rotating machinery, amusement park rides, and analyzing circular motion in physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kg, angular velocity in rad/s, and radius in meters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert RPM to rad/s?
A: Multiply RPM by π/30 (≈0.10472). For example, 100 RPM = 100 × 0.10472 ≈ 10.472 rad/s.

Q2: Is centrifugal force a real force?
A: It's an apparent force in a rotating reference frame, while centripetal force is the real inward force causing circular motion.

Q3: What's a typical angular velocity for applications?
A: Car tires at highway speeds might rotate at ~80 rad/s, while centrifuges can reach thousands of rad/s.

Q4: How does radius affect the force?
A: Force increases linearly with radius - doubling the radius doubles the centrifugal force at the same angular velocity.

Q5: What are practical applications of this calculation?
A: Designing centrifuges, roller coasters, calculating g-forces in aviation, and analyzing planetary orbits.