Centripetal force – uniform circular motion on a string

PhysicsForces & DynamicsAges 15–16

A mass m tied to a string of length R moves in uniform circular motion with angular speed ω (viewed from above). The velocity vector is always tangential, while the acceleration and string tension point toward the center with F = mω²R = mv²/R; the F(ω) graph is a parabola. Drag the mass to change the radius, slide the ω bar, or press Cut string to watch the mass fly off along the tangent.