Centripetal Force — the NEET Physics formula with its derivation, variables, validity constraints and worked solver.
Centripetal Force Valid for inertial reference frames involving uniform or instantaneous circular motion. Define position vector for a particle in circular motion. Differentiate position twice to obtain acceleration vector. Identify centripetal acceleration magnitude a c = v 2/r. Apply Newton's Second Law F = ma. Radius r must be greater than zero. Represents the net force in the radial direction, not a separate physical interaction. Centripetal force is a unique type of force (like gravity) rather than a label for the net force causing circular motion. An outward 'centrifugal' force acts on the object in the inertial frame. Centripetal force does work on the object (it does zero work as it is perpendicular to motion).