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Centripetal force

This is the term given to a resultant force that causes objects to move in a circle. The force acts at right angles to the object, inwards towards the centre of the circular path. In this experiment, it is due to the force on a moving charged particle (electron) in a magnetic field. It is given by the formula cap f sub c times e times n times t times r times i times p times e times t times a times l equals m times v squared divided by r where m is the mass, v is the velocity of the object, r is the radius of the path.

» Glossary: Exploring the properties of electrons using a fine beam tube