Circular motion
Motion of an object in a circular path at constant speed. Although speed is constant, velocity is not (direction changes), so the object accelerates toward the centre (centripetal acceleration). This acceleration is caused by a centripetal force directed toward the centre: F = ma = mv²/r = mω²r, where v is speed, ω is angular velocity, and r is radius.
Formula
F = mv²/r = mω²r
Real World
On a Formula 1 circuit at Silverstone's high-speed Copse corner, the friction between tyres and tarmac provides the centripetal force keeping the car on its circular path at over 200 mph.
Exam Focus
Never list 'centripetal force' as a separate force in a free-body diagram — identify the actual force (tension, friction, gravity) providing it.
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