Mechanics
Centripetal acceleration
The acceleration that goes with the force, always pointing at the centre.
The Formula
a = v^2 / r = omega^2 x r
The acceleration that goes with the force, always pointing at the centre.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Centripetal acceleration | metres per second squared | Inward acceleration. |
| v | Speed | metres per second | Tangential speed. |
| omega | Angular velocity | radians per second | Rate of turning in radians per second. |
| r | Radius | metres | Radius of the path. |
What Each Symbol Means
ametres per second squared
Centripetal acceleration
Inward acceleration.
vmetres per second
Speed
Tangential speed.
omegaradians per second
Angular velocity
Rate of turning in radians per second.
rmetres
Radius
Radius of the path.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate a centripetal force page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate A Centripetal Force, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.