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. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 42 kg, r = 6 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
2. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 12 kg, r = 6 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
3. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 63 kg, r = 9 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
4. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 6 kg, r = 6 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
5. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 40 kg, r = 5 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
6. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 25 kg, r = 5 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 12 kg, r = 12 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
8. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 24 kg, r = 3 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
9. A 77 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 11 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 77 kg, r = 11 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
10. A 50 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 50 kg, r = 10 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
11. A 20 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 = 20 kg, r = 10 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12. A 3 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 3 kg, r = 3 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

12 questions · Seed 104733 · 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. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
175 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (42 × 5²) ÷ 6 = 1050 ÷ 6 = 175 N.
2. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
18 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 3²) ÷ 6 = 108 ÷ 6 = 18 N.
3. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
448 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (63 × 8²) ÷ 9 = 4032 ÷ 9 = 448 N.
4. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
49 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 7²) ÷ 6 = 294 ÷ 6 = 49 N.
5. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
128 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (40 × 4²) ÷ 5 = 640 ÷ 5 = 128 N.
6. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
720 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (25 × 12²) ÷ 5 = 3600 ÷ 5 = 720 N.
7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
49 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 7²) ÷ 12 = 588 ÷ 12 = 49 N.
8. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
200 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (24 × 5²) ÷ 3 = 600 ÷ 3 = 200 N.
9. A 77 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 11 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
112 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (77 × 4²) ÷ 11 = 1232 ÷ 11 = 112 N.
10. A 50 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
245 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (50 × 7²) ÷ 10 = 2450 ÷ 10 = 245 N.
11. A 20 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.
242 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (20 × 11²) ÷ 10 = 2420 ÷ 10 = 242 N.
12. A 3 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
121 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (3 × 11²) ÷ 3 = 363 ÷ 3 = 121 N.

12 questions · Seed 104733 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 42 kg, r = 6 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
2. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 12 kg, r = 6 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
3. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 63 kg, r = 9 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
4. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 6 kg, r = 6 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
5. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 40 kg, r = 5 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
6. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 25 kg, r = 5 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 12 kg, r = 12 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
8. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 24 kg, r = 3 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
9. A 77 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 11 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 77 kg, r = 11 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
10. A 50 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 50 kg, r = 10 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
11. A 20 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 = 20 kg, r = 10 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12. A 3 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
m = 3 kg, r = 3 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

12 questions · Seed 104733 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
175 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (42 × 5²) ÷ 6 = 1050 ÷ 6 = 175 N.
2. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
18 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 3²) ÷ 6 = 108 ÷ 6 = 18 N.
3. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
448 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (63 × 8²) ÷ 9 = 4032 ÷ 9 = 448 N.
4. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
49 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 7²) ÷ 6 = 294 ÷ 6 = 49 N.
5. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
128 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (40 × 4²) ÷ 5 = 640 ÷ 5 = 128 N.
6. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
720 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (25 × 12²) ÷ 5 = 3600 ÷ 5 = 720 N.
7. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
49 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 7²) ÷ 12 = 588 ÷ 12 = 49 N.
8. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
200 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (24 × 5²) ÷ 3 = 600 ÷ 3 = 200 N.
9. A 77 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 11 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
112 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (77 × 4²) ÷ 11 = 1232 ÷ 11 = 112 N.
10. A 50 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
245 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (50 × 7²) ÷ 10 = 2450 ÷ 10 = 245 N.
11. A 20 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.
242 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (20 × 11²) ÷ 10 = 2420 ÷ 10 = 242 N.
12. A 3 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.
121 N
Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (3 × 11²) ÷ 3 = 363 ÷ 3 = 121 N.

12 questions · Seed 104733 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification