Fictitious forces

Definition

Fictitious forces, also known as pseudo-forces, arise when observing motion from a non-inertial reference frame. They do not result from any physical interaction but are perceived due to the acceleration of the reference frame itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fictitious forces appear in accelerating or rotating reference frames.
2. Examples include the centrifugal force and Coriolis force.
3. They have no real source but are used to apply Newton's laws in non-inertial frames.
4. These forces are proportional to the mass of the object experiencing them.
5. The magnitude and direction of fictitious forces depend on the acceleration of the reference frame.

Review Questions

• What is a fictitious force and why does it appear?
• Name two examples of fictitious forces.
• How do fictitious forces relate to the mass of an object?

Related terms

Inertial Reference Frame:

A frame of reference in which an object not subject to forces moves at a constant velocity.

Centrifugal Force:

A fictitious force that appears to act outward on a mass when it is rotated.

Coriolis Force:

A fictitious force that acts on objects moving within a rotating reference frame, causing them to follow curved paths.