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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 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 45 kg, r = 9 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 2 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 2 kg, r = 2 m → v = 3 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 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 48 kg, r = 6 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 6 kg, r = 2 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 64 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 64 kg, r = 8 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 18 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 = 18 kg, r = 6 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 35 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 = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

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

    m = 6 kg, r = 3 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 8 kg, r = 2 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. 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

  12. 12. 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
12 questions · Seed 47 · 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 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    20 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (45 × 2²) ÷ 9 = 180 ÷ 9 = 20 N.

  2. 2. A 2 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    9 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (2 × 3²) ÷ 2 = 18 ÷ 2 = 9 N.

  3. 3. A 35 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.

    500 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 10²) ÷ 7 = 3500 ÷ 7 = 500 N.

  4. 4. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 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 = (48 × 8²) ÷ 6 = 3072 ÷ 6 = 512 N.

  5. 5. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    300 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 10²) ÷ 2 = 600 ÷ 2 = 300 N.

  6. 6. A 64 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    72 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (64 × 3²) ÷ 8 = 576 ÷ 8 = 72 N.

  7. 7. A 18 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.

    300 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (18 × 10²) ÷ 6 = 1800 ÷ 6 = 300 N.

  8. 8. A 35 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.

    405 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 9²) ÷ 7 = 2835 ÷ 7 = 405 N.

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

    72 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 6²) ÷ 3 = 216 ÷ 3 = 72 N.

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    100 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (8 × 5²) ÷ 2 = 200 ÷ 2 = 100 N.

  11. 11. 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.

  12. 12. 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.

12 questions · Seed 47 · 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 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 45 kg, r = 9 m → v = 2 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  2. 2. A 2 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 2 kg, r = 2 m → v = 3 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 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  4. 4. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 m at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 48 kg, r = 6 m → v = 8 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  5. 5. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 6 kg, r = 2 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  6. 6. A 64 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 64 kg, r = 8 m → v = 3 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  7. 7. A 18 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 = 18 kg, r = 6 m → v = 10 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  8. 8. A 35 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 = 35 kg, r = 7 m → v = 9 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

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

    m = 6 kg, r = 3 m → v = 6 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    m = 8 kg, r = 2 m → v = 5 m/s → F_c = ? · F_c = mv² ÷ r

  11. 11. 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

  12. 12. 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
12 questions · Seed 47 · 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 2 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    20 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (45 × 2²) ÷ 9 = 180 ÷ 9 = 20 N.

  2. 2. A 2 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    9 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (2 × 3²) ÷ 2 = 18 ÷ 2 = 9 N.

  3. 3. A 35 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.

    500 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 10²) ÷ 7 = 3500 ÷ 7 = 500 N.

  4. 4. A 48 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 6 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 = (48 × 8²) ÷ 6 = 3072 ÷ 6 = 512 N.

  5. 5. A 6 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    300 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 10²) ÷ 2 = 600 ÷ 2 = 300 N.

  6. 6. A 64 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 8 m at a constant speed of 3 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    72 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (64 × 3²) ÷ 8 = 576 ÷ 8 = 72 N.

  7. 7. A 18 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.

    300 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (18 × 10²) ÷ 6 = 1800 ÷ 6 = 300 N.

  8. 8. A 35 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.

    405 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (35 × 9²) ÷ 7 = 2835 ÷ 7 = 405 N.

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

    72 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (6 × 6²) ÷ 3 = 216 ÷ 3 = 72 N.

  10. 10. A 8 kg mass moves in a horizontal circle of radius 2 m at a constant speed of 5 m/s. Using F = mv² ÷ r, calculate the centripetal force acting toward the centre.

    100 N

    Centripetal force F = (m × v²) ÷ r = (8 × 5²) ÷ 2 = 200 ÷ 2 = 100 N.

  11. 11. 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.

  12. 12. 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.

12 questions · Seed 47 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification