> [!summary] The centripetal force describes how an object rotates around a circle. > **Key Equations:** > Centripetal force: $F_{c} = ma_{c} = \frac{mv^2}{r}$ >[!info]+ Read Time **⏱ 1 min** # Definition The centripetal force is not a new force and describes how objects rotate in a circle. The centripetal force is a center-seeking force that forces the object to rotate in a circle. This force is only valid in [[Frames of References|inertial frame of references]]. Mathematically, this is described using [[Centripetal Acceleration|centripetal acceleration]] and [[Newton Laws|Newton's second law]] $ F_{c} = ma_{c} = \frac{mv^2}{r} $ # Resources <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4bMawIIWi7w?si=Z8fNAUt2nFHU5cCB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>