ΣF=ma_c (sum of forces equals mass times centripetal acceleration)

Definition

This equation represents Newton's second law applied to circular motion. It states that the sum of all forces acting on an object moving in a circle is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its centripetal acceleration.

Related terms

Centripetal Force: Centripetal force is the net force directed towards the center of a curved path that keeps an object moving in a circle.

Centripetal Acceleration: Centripetal acceleration refers to the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. It always points towards the center of the circle.

Tangential Velocity: Tangential velocity is the linear speed at which an object moves along its circular path tangent to that point. It is perpendicular to both centripetal force and centripetal acceleration.