Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act on an object moving in a circular path when viewed from a rotating reference frame. It acts outwardly away from the center of rotation.
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Centrifugal force is not a real force but rather an apparent force observed in a non-inertial (rotating) frame of reference.
It is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the centripetal force, which keeps an object moving in a circular path.
The formula for centrifugal force is $F_c = m \omega^2 r$, where $m$ is mass, $\omega$ is angular velocity, and $r$ is the radius of the circular path.
Centrifugal force helps explain phenomena like why passengers feel pushed outward when taking a sharp turn in a car.
This concept is crucial for understanding non-inertial frames and the forces experienced within them.
Review Questions
What distinguishes centrifugal force from centripetal force?
In what type of reference frame does centrifugal force appear to act?
How can you calculate centrifugal force using mass, angular velocity, and radius?
Related terms
Centripetal Force: The real inward-directed force required to keep an object moving in a circular path.
Non-inertial Frame: A reference frame that is accelerating or rotating, where fictitious forces like centrifugal force appear.