Question

A body of mass 2 kg is moving in a circular path of radius 3 m with a constant speed of 6 m/s. What is the centripetal force acting on the body?

• A. 4 N
• B. 24 N
• C. 8 N
• D. 12 N

Hint:

Remember: The centripetal force is proportional to the square of the speed and inversely proportional to the radius.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Determine the Centripetal Force on the Object

Provided data:

• Object mass: \( m = 2 \, \text{kg} \)
• Velocity: \( v = 6 \, \text{m/s} \)
• Circular path radius: \( r = 3 \, \text{m} \)

Procedure:

1. Apply the centripetal force equation:

Centripetal force \( F_c \) is calculated as:

\[ F_c = \frac{m v^2}{r} \]

2. Insert given values into the equation:

\[ F_c = \frac{2 \times (6)^2}{3} \]

Calculation:

\[ F_c = \frac{2 \times 36}{3} = 24 \, \text{N} \]

Result:

The calculated centripetal force is \( 24 \, \text{N} \).