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.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
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.
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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.