# Centrifugal Force Calculator

Calculate centrifugal force using F = mv²/r. Find angular velocity and centripetal acceleration for rotating objects. Free online physics calculator.

## What this calculates

Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced by an object in a rotating reference frame. While it is a fictitious (pseudo) force, it has real physical effects that engineers and physicists must account for. This calculator determines the centrifugal force magnitude, the angular velocity, and the centripetal acceleration for an object moving in a circular path.

## Inputs

- **Mass** (kg) — min 0 — Mass of the rotating object.
- **Tangential Velocity** (m/s) — min 0 — Linear (tangential) speed of the object along the circular path.
- **Radius** (m) — min 0 — Radius of the circular path.

## Outputs

- **Centrifugal Force** (N) — F = mv²/r (apparent outward force in rotating frame)
- **Angular Velocity** (rad/s) — ω = v/r
- **Centripetal Acceleration** (m/s²) — a = v²/r (directed toward the center)

## Details

In a rotating reference frame, an object appears to be pushed outward by a centrifugal force F = mv²/r = mω²r. This has the same magnitude as the centripetal force but acts in the opposite direction. While centripetal force is the real inward force causing circular motion, centrifugal force is how that motion feels to a rotating observer.

The centripetal acceleration a = v²/r points toward the center and is the actual acceleration the object experiences. For a car on a circular track, the tires provide centripetal friction inward; the driver feels pushed outward (centrifugal). For a satellite in orbit, gravity provides the centripetal force while the astronaut feels weightless because everything accelerates together.

Centrifugal force applications are widespread: centrifuges separate materials by density, washing machines spin-dry clothes, amusement park rides create thrilling sensations, and industrial processes use centrifugal casting. In engineering design, rotating machinery must withstand centrifugal stresses that grow with the square of rotational speed.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Is centrifugal force real or fictitious?**

A: Centrifugal force is classified as a fictitious (pseudo) force because it only appears in a rotating reference frame. In an inertial (non-rotating) frame, there is no outward force; the object simply tends to move in a straight line. However, the effects are very real: a centrifuge truly separates materials, and a rider truly feels pushed outward on a merry-go-round.

**Q: What is the difference between centrifugal and centripetal force?**

A: Centripetal force is the real inward force that causes circular motion (e.g., tension in a string, gravity). Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force felt in a rotating reference frame. They have equal magnitude (mv²/r) but act in opposite directions.

**Q: How does a centrifuge work?**

A: A centrifuge spins samples at high speed, creating a large centrifugal force that separates components by density. Denser particles move outward faster. An ultracentrifuge spinning at 100,000 RPM can generate forces over 500,000 times gravity (500,000 g), used to separate proteins, DNA, and cellular components.

**Q: Why does centrifugal force increase with the square of velocity?**

A: Because both the direction change rate (proportional to v) and the momentum to be redirected (proportional to v) increase with velocity. Doubling the speed quadruples the centrifugal force. This is why high-speed curves are dangerous and why centrifuges need very strong rotors.

**Q: How is centrifugal force used in engineering?**

A: Engineers account for centrifugal force in rotating machinery (turbines, engines, flywheels), centrifugal pumps and compressors, centrifugal casting of metals, and the design of curved roads and railways (banking the turn to counteract the outward push on vehicles).

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/physics/centrifugal-force
Category: Physics
Last updated: 2026-04-21