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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 49 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 = 49 kg, r = 7 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 15 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 = 15 kg, r = 5 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 60 kg, r = 10 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 7 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 16 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 16 kg, r = 8 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 7 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 24 kg, r = 8 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 28 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 = 28 kg, r = 7 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 9 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 = 9 kg, r = 3 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 63 kg, r = 9 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 40 kg, r = 5 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 84 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 84 kg, r = 12 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 49 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.

    567 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (49 × 9²) ÷ 7 = 3969 ÷ 7 = 567 N.

  2. 2. A 15 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.

    432 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (15 × 12²) ÷ 5 = 2160 ÷ 5 = 432 N.

  3. 3. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    96 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (60 × 4²) ÷ 10 = 960 ÷ 10 = 96 N.

  4. 4. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (14 × 3²) ÷ 7 = 126 ÷ 7 = 18 N.

  5. 5. A 16 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 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 = (16 × 5²) ÷ 8 = 400 ÷ 8 = 50 N.

  6. 6. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (14 × 12²) ÷ 7 = 2016 ÷ 7 = 288 N.

  7. 7. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 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 = (24 × 9²) ÷ 8 = 1944 ÷ 8 = 243 N.

  8. 8. A 28 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.

    256 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (28 × 8²) ÷ 7 = 1792 ÷ 7 = 256 N.

  9. 9. A 9 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.

    75 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (9 × 5²) ÷ 3 = 225 ÷ 3 = 75 N.

  10. 10. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 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 = (63 × 4²) ÷ 9 = 1008 ÷ 9 = 112 N.

  11. 11. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 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 = (40 × 8²) ÷ 5 = 2560 ÷ 5 = 512 N.

  12. 12. A 84 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    28 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (84 × 2²) ÷ 12 = 336 ÷ 12 = 28 N.

12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A 49 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 = 49 kg, r = 7 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 15 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 = 15 kg, r = 5 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  3. 3. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 60 kg, r = 10 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 7 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 16 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 16 kg, r = 8 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 m at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 14 kg, r = 7 m → v = 12 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 9 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 24 kg, r = 8 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 28 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 = 28 kg, r = 7 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  9. 9. A 9 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 = 9 kg, r = 3 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 63 kg, r = 9 m → v = 4 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 40 kg, r = 5 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  12. 12. A 84 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 84 kg, r = 12 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r
12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Circular motion & centripetal force

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A 49 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.

    567 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (49 × 9²) ÷ 7 = 3969 ÷ 7 = 567 N.

  2. 2. A 15 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.

    432 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (15 × 12²) ÷ 5 = 2160 ÷ 5 = 432 N.

  3. 3. A 60 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 10 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    96 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (60 × 4²) ÷ 10 = 960 ÷ 10 = 96 N.

  4. 4. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (14 × 3²) ÷ 7 = 126 ÷ 7 = 18 N.

  5. 5. A 16 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 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 = (16 × 5²) ÷ 8 = 400 ÷ 8 = 50 N.

  6. 6. A 14 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 7 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 = (14 × 12²) ÷ 7 = 2016 ÷ 7 = 288 N.

  7. 7. A 24 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 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 = (24 × 9²) ÷ 8 = 1944 ÷ 8 = 243 N.

  8. 8. A 28 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.

    256 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (28 × 8²) ÷ 7 = 1792 ÷ 7 = 256 N.

  9. 9. A 9 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.

    75 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (9 × 5²) ÷ 3 = 225 ÷ 3 = 75 N.

  10. 10. A 63 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 9 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 = (63 × 4²) ÷ 9 = 1008 ÷ 9 = 112 N.

  11. 11. A 40 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 5 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 = (40 × 8²) ÷ 5 = 2560 ÷ 5 = 512 N.

  12. 12. A 84 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    28 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (84 × 2²) ÷ 12 = 336 ÷ 12 = 28 N.

12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification