Small practice. Bright discoveries.Explore the free starter collection
worksheetstudio.
Sign in
Back to worksheets
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.

New variationTry interactive challengeBrowse templates

Choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy. Use your browser’s paper setting for A4 or Letter.

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 42 kg, r = 7 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 32 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 32 kg, r = 4 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. 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

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

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

  5. 5. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 36 kg, r = 6 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 12 kg, r = 2 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 48 kg, r = 6 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 30 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 = 30 kg, r = 5 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 25 kg, r = 5 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 18 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 = 18 kg, r = 3 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 32 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 = 32 kg, r = 4 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 27 kg, r = 9 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 44 · 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 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (42 × 10²) ÷ 7 = 4200 ÷ 7 = 600 N.

  2. 2. A 32 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 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 = (32 × 5²) ÷ 4 = 800 ÷ 4 = 200 N.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. A 7 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (7 × 9²) ÷ 7 = 567 ÷ 7 = 81 N.

  5. 5. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    486 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (36 × 9²) ÷ 6 = 2916 ÷ 6 = 486 N.

  6. 6. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    486 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 9²) ÷ 2 = 972 ÷ 2 = 486 N.

  7. 7. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    1152 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (48 × 12²) ÷ 6 = 6912 ÷ 6 = 1152 N.

  8. 8. A 30 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.

    726 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (30 × 11²) ÷ 5 = 3630 ÷ 5 = 726 N.

  9. 9. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 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 = (25 × 7²) ÷ 5 = 1225 ÷ 5 = 245 N.

  10. 10. A 18 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.

    150 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (18 × 5²) ÷ 3 = 450 ÷ 3 = 150 N.

  11. 11. A 32 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.

    512 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (32 × 8²) ÷ 4 = 2048 ÷ 4 = 512 N.

  12. 12. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 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 = (27 × 6²) ÷ 9 = 972 ÷ 9 = 108 N.

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 42 kg, r = 7 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 32 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 32 kg, r = 4 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. 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

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

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

  5. 5. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 36 kg, r = 6 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 12 kg, r = 2 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 48 kg, r = 6 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 30 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 = 30 kg, r = 5 m → v = 11 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 7 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 25 kg, r = 5 m → v = 7 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 18 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 = 18 kg, r = 3 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 32 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 = 32 kg, r = 4 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 6 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 27 kg, r = 9 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A 42 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (42 × 10²) ÷ 7 = 4200 ÷ 7 = 600 N.

  2. 2. A 32 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 4 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 = (32 × 5²) ÷ 4 = 800 ÷ 4 = 200 N.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. A 7 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (7 × 9²) ÷ 7 = 567 ÷ 7 = 81 N.

  5. 5. A 36 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    486 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (36 × 9²) ÷ 6 = 2916 ÷ 6 = 486 N.

  6. 6. A 12 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    486 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (12 × 9²) ÷ 2 = 972 ÷ 2 = 486 N.

  7. 7. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    1152 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (48 × 12²) ÷ 6 = 6912 ÷ 6 = 1152 N.

  8. 8. A 30 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.

    726 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (30 × 11²) ÷ 5 = 3630 ÷ 5 = 726 N.

  9. 9. A 25 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 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 = (25 × 7²) ÷ 5 = 1225 ÷ 5 = 245 N.

  10. 10. A 18 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.

    150 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (18 × 5²) ÷ 3 = 450 ÷ 3 = 150 N.

  11. 11. A 32 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.

    512 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (32 × 8²) ÷ 4 = 2048 ÷ 4 = 512 N.

  12. 12. A 27 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 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 = (27 × 6²) ÷ 9 = 972 ÷ 9 = 108 N.

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification