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

    m = 14 kg, r = 7 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 42 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 = 42 kg, r = 7 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 40 kg, r = 8 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 36 kg, r = 12 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 8 kg, r = 4 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 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 = 3 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 54 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 54 kg, r = 9 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 25 kg, r = 5 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 48 kg, r = 8 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 8 kg, r = 4 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 18 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 18 kg, r = 3 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    50 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (14 × 5²) ÷ 7 = 350 ÷ 7 = 50 N.

  2. 2. A 42 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.

    24 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (42 × 2²) ÷ 7 = 168 ÷ 7 = 24 N.

  3. 3. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    180 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (40 × 6²) ÷ 8 = 1440 ÷ 8 = 180 N.

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    108 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (36 × 6²) ÷ 12 = 1296 ÷ 12 = 108 N.

  5. 5. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    128 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (8 × 8²) ÷ 4 = 512 ÷ 4 = 128 N.

  6. 6. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    98 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 7²) ÷ 3 = 294 ÷ 3 = 98 N.

  7. 7. A 54 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    294 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (54 × 7²) ÷ 9 = 2646 ÷ 9 = 294 N.

  8. 8. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    605 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (25 × 11²) ÷ 5 = 3025 ÷ 5 = 605 N.

  9. 9. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 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 = (48 × 11²) ÷ 8 = 5808 ÷ 8 = 726 N.

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 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 = (8 × 4²) ÷ 4 = 128 ÷ 4 = 32 N.

  11. 11. A 18 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    384 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (18 × 8²) ÷ 3 = 1152 ÷ 3 = 384 N.

  12. 12. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    125 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 5²) ÷ 7 = 875 ÷ 7 = 125 N.

12 questions · Seed 43 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 7 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 42 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 = 42 kg, r = 7 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 40 kg, r = 8 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 36 kg, r = 12 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 8 kg, r = 4 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 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 = 3 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 54 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 54 kg, r = 9 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 25 kg, r = 5 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 48 kg, r = 8 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 8 kg, r = 4 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 18 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 18 kg, r = 3 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 43 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    50 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (14 × 5²) ÷ 7 = 350 ÷ 7 = 50 N.

  2. 2. A 42 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.

    24 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (42 × 2²) ÷ 7 = 168 ÷ 7 = 24 N.

  3. 3. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    180 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (40 × 6²) ÷ 8 = 1440 ÷ 8 = 180 N.

  4. 4. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    108 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (36 × 6²) ÷ 12 = 1296 ÷ 12 = 108 N.

  5. 5. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    128 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (8 × 8²) ÷ 4 = 512 ÷ 4 = 128 N.

  6. 6. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    98 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 7²) ÷ 3 = 294 ÷ 3 = 98 N.

  7. 7. A 54 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    294 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (54 × 7²) ÷ 9 = 2646 ÷ 9 = 294 N.

  8. 8. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 11 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    605 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (25 × 11²) ÷ 5 = 3025 ÷ 5 = 605 N.

  9. 9. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 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 = (48 × 11²) ÷ 8 = 5808 ÷ 8 = 726 N.

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 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 = (8 × 4²) ÷ 4 = 128 ÷ 4 = 32 N.

  11. 11. A 18 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    384 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (18 × 8²) ÷ 3 = 1152 ÷ 3 = 384 N.

  12. 12. A 35 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    125 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 5²) ÷ 7 = 875 ÷ 7 = 125 N.

12 questions · Seed 43 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification