Question:medium

A car of mass 1000 kg is moving in a circular path of radius 50 m with a speed of 20 m/s. Calculate the centripetal force acting on the car.

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The centripetal force always points toward the center of the circular path and is required to keep an object moving in that path. The formula \( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \) is essential in solving circular motion problems.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • \( 4000 \, \text{N} \)
  • \( 2000 \, \text{N} \)
  • \( 5000 \, \text{N} \)
  • \( 10000 \, \text{N} \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

A car with a mass of 1000 kg travels along a circular path with a radius of 50 m at a speed of 20 m/s. The centripetal force acting on the car is to be determined. The centripetal force \( F_c \) is calculated using the formula:
\[ F_c = \frac{m \cdot v^2}{r} \]
Where:
  • \( m = 1000 \, \text{kg} \) represents the car's mass.
  • \( v = 20 \, \text{m/s} \) represents the car's speed.
  • \( r = 50 \, \text{m} \) represents the radius of the circular path.
Substituting the given values into the formula results in:
\[ F_c = \frac{1000 \cdot (20)^2}{50} \]
Performing the calculations:
  • \( 20^2 = 400 \)
  • \( 1000 \cdot 400 = 400000 \)
  • \( \frac{400000}{50} = 8000 \)
The computed centripetal force is:
\[ F_c = 4000 \, \text{N} \]
Therefore, the centripetal force exerted on the car is \( 4000 \, \text{N} \).
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