The formula of centripetal force is f = (mv 2)/r or f = mrw 2. In classical mechanics, centripetal force is the resultant force pointing to the center of the circle (the center of curvature) when an object moves along a circle or a curved orbit. The word "centripetal force" is named according to the function of this resultant force. This effect can be produced by any force such as elasticity, gravity and friction, and can also be provided by the resultant force of several forces or their components.