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ScienceAges 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Use F = mv² ÷ r to calculate the inward centripetal force acting on a mass in uniform circular motion. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A 45 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 45 kg, r = 9 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 2 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 36 kg, r = 6 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 21 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 21 kg, r = 7 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 9 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 9 kg, r = 9 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 12 kg, r = 6 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 49 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 49 kg, r = 7 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 60 kg, r = 10 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 4 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 4 kg, r = 2 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 27 kg, r = 9 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 80 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 80 kg, r = 10 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
View the answer key
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A 45 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    45 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (45 × 3²) ÷ 9 = 405 ÷ 9 = 45 N.

  2. 2. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    252 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (14 × 6²) ÷ 2 = 504 ÷ 2 = 252 N.

  3. 3. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    320 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 8²) ÷ 7 = 2240 ÷ 7 = 320 N.

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    600 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (36 × 10²) ÷ 6 = 3600 ÷ 6 = 600 N.

  5. 5. A 21 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    12 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (21 × 2²) ÷ 7 = 84 ÷ 7 = 12 N.

  6. 6. A 9 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    81 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (9 × 9²) ÷ 9 = 729 ÷ 9 = 81 N.

  7. 7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    32 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 4²) ÷ 6 = 192 ÷ 6 = 32 N.

  8. 8. A 49 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    847 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (49 × 11²) ÷ 7 = 5929 ÷ 7 = 847 N.

  9. 9. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    726 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (60 × 11²) ÷ 10 = 7260 ÷ 10 = 726 N.

  10. 10. A 4 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    288 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (4 × 12²) ÷ 2 = 576 ÷ 2 = 288 N.

  11. 11. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    243 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (27 × 9²) ÷ 9 = 2187 ÷ 9 = 243 N.

  12. 12. A 80 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    288 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (80 × 6²) ÷ 10 = 2880 ÷ 10 = 288 N.

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A 45 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 45 kg, r = 9 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 2 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 36 kg, r = 6 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 21 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 21 kg, r = 7 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 9 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 9 kg, r = 9 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 12 kg, r = 6 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 49 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 49 kg, r = 7 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 60 kg, r = 10 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 4 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 4 kg, r = 2 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 27 kg, r = 9 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 80 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 80 kg, r = 10 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A 45 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    45 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (45 × 3²) ÷ 9 = 405 ÷ 9 = 45 N.

  2. 2. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    252 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (14 × 6²) ÷ 2 = 504 ÷ 2 = 252 N.

  3. 3. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    320 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 8²) ÷ 7 = 2240 ÷ 7 = 320 N.

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    600 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (36 × 10²) ÷ 6 = 3600 ÷ 6 = 600 N.

  5. 5. A 21 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    12 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (21 × 2²) ÷ 7 = 84 ÷ 7 = 12 N.

  6. 6. A 9 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    81 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (9 × 9²) ÷ 9 = 729 ÷ 9 = 81 N.

  7. 7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    32 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 4²) ÷ 6 = 192 ÷ 6 = 32 N.

  8. 8. A 49 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    847 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (49 × 11²) ÷ 7 = 5929 ÷ 7 = 847 N.

  9. 9. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    726 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (60 × 11²) ÷ 10 = 7260 ÷ 10 = 726 N.

  10. 10. A 4 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    288 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (4 × 12²) ÷ 2 = 576 ÷ 2 = 288 N.

  11. 11. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    243 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (27 × 9²) ÷ 9 = 2187 ÷ 9 = 243 N.

  12. 12. A 80 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    288 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (80 × 6²) ÷ 10 = 2880 ÷ 10 = 288 N.

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification