Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Centripetal Force Activity
In this physics activity, young scholars will simulate a race car on a circular track. Velocity, acceleration, and force vectors will be analyzed at various places along the track. As the students progress in the activity, prompts for...
Other
Game Dev: There Is No Such Thing as Centrifugal Force
This resource provides an exceptional explanation of centripetal force. Explains why the common misconception of a centrifugal force is incorrect.
Walter Fendt
Walter Fendt: Model of a Carousel: Centripetal Force
This resource features an applet that models the motion of a carousel ride at an amusement park to demonstrate centripetal force. The motion parameters can be modified and seen in the animation.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Centripetal Force Requirement
Animation depicting the effect of a centripetal force on the motion of an object. Newton's laws are used to explain why circular motion requires an inward-directed force.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Bobsled
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about centripetal motion in the context of a bobsled on a track. Adjust variables to test how many ways the bobsled can stay on the track in a race with the simulation. Examine potential problems...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Physics: Centripetal Force
In the following interactive students will begin to calculate coefficient of friction on a car tire. They will also calculate ideal speed and angle of a car on a turn.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics: Circular Motion Study Guide
This study guide on circular motion covers key terms, centripetal force, linear vs. circular motion, precession, and equations. Includes four example problems with detailed solutions. The guide is available for download with free...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: To Survive at High Velocity
This video segment adapted from NOVA looks at speed, velocity, and centripetal force on the racetrack. [6:28]
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Accelerometer: Centripetal Acceleration
Students work as physicists to understand centripetal acceleration concepts. They also learn about a good robot design and the accelerometer sensor. They also learn about the relationship between centripetal acceleration and centripetal...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Centripetal Acceleration Lab
In this lab students will explore multiple variables of centripetal acceleration. Students collect data on distance from the center of rotation and angular speed, in order to determine the Centripetal Acceleration. Student also research...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Roller Coaster G Forces
Roller coaster rides are notorious for creating accelerations and g-forces. The magnitude and direction of normal force and gravity during the motion through a coaster's loop are depicted this animation.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Centripetal Acceleration Review
Centripetal motion can be a complex topic so use this website to review the key concepts, equations, and skills for centripetal motion. Also, the connection to centripetal acceleration is discussed here.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Vortex
Investigate centripetal force in this activity where you create a mini-tornado in two connected soda bottles.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Formula for Force
Explains what force is and the formulas used to calculate it in different scenarios.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Centripetal Acceleration
In this activity, students observe the centripetal acceleration of an object in uniform circular motion. Relate the changes in velocity and radius to the centripetal acceleration.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Forces
Students learn about various forces and how they relate to everyday life in this interactive learning module.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Goalie
[Free Registration/Login Required] This hockey simulation addresses the question of how to force an object to move in a circle.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: What Is Centripetal Acceleration?
Learn what centripetal acceleration means and how to calculate it. Included are two example problems with solutions.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Uniform Circular Motion and Centripetal Acceleration Review
Review the key concepts, equations, and skills for uniform circular motion, including centripetal acceleration and the difference between linear and angular velocity.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Tightening the Turns in Speed Skating
Fast turns around the track can become your laboratory tests in these experiments, whether you skate on ice, wood, or pavement. The goal is to determine which type of turns are best in a race - tight, medium, or wide - and then to figure...
Other
Federal Aviation Administration: Anti Gravity Marble [Pdf]
This experiment examines Newton's Second Law of Motion. Learn how centrifugal and centripetal force help to keep a marble in a can when turned upside down.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Inertia Right Hand Turn
Many students of physics do not believe in centripetal/inward forces. Even after completion of a thorough physics course, such students will still incorrectly believe that an object moving in a circle experiences an outward force. Use...
PBS
Pbs: Nova: Top Gun Over Moscow
An online exhibit investigating the sensations experienced by a cockpit pilot in a Russian aircraft. Focuses on G-forces and apparent weightlessness.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Centrifugal Force Experiment
Demonstrate centrifugal force by carrying a ball in an upside-down plastic pitcher.