Question

A body of mass 2 kg is moving in a circular path of radius 3 m with a constant speed of 6 m/s. What is the centripetal force acting on the body?

• A. 4 N
• B. 8 N
• C. 24 N
• D. 12 N

Hint:

Remember: The centripetal force is proportional to the square of the speed and inversely proportional to the radius.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Given: Mass of the body, \( m = 2 \, \text{kg} \)
Radius of the circular path, \( r = 3 \, \text{m} \) 
Speed of the body, \( v = 6 \, \text{m/s} \) 

Step 1: Formula for Centripetal Force The centripetal force \( F_c \) is given by the formula: \[ F_c = \frac{m v^2}{r} \] where: - \( m \) is the mass, - \( v \) is the speed, - \( r \) is the radius of the circular path. 

Step 2: Substitute the given values Substitute the given values into the formula: \[ F_c = \frac{(2 \, \text{kg})(6 \, \text{m/s})^2}{3 \, \text{m}} \] \[ F_c = \frac{2 \times 36}{3} = \frac{72}{3} = 24 \, \text{N} \] 

Answer: The correct answer is option (b): 8 N.