calculate_centripetal_force
Calculate the inward force needed to keep an object moving in a circular path using mass, velocity, and radius. Useful for analyzing car turns, satellite orbits, and centrifuges.
Instructions
Calculate centripetal force: F_c = m v² / r.
Force required to keep an object moving in a circle.
Always points toward the center of the circular path.
Args:
mass: Mass in kg
velocity: Speed (velocity magnitude) in m/s
radius: Radius of circular path in meters
Returns:
Dict containing:
- centripetal_force: F_c in Newtons
- centripetal_acceleration: a_c in m/s²
Tips for LLMs:
- Not a new force - it's the net inward force (tension, friction, gravity)
- Faster speed → much more force needed (v² relationship)
- Tighter turn → more force needed
- Use for: car turns, satellite orbits, centrifuges
Example - Car turning:
result = await calculate_centripetal_force(
mass=1500, # kg
velocity=20, # m/s (72 km/h)
radius=50 # meter turn radius
)
# F_c = 12000 N (provided by friction between tires and road)
Input Schema
TableJSON Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mass | Yes | ||
| velocity | Yes | ||
| radius | Yes |