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chunkymonkey
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In class, I was told that the "centrifugal force" is merely an effect, and I can dig that. However, isn't the supposed "centripetal force" in actuality also merely an effect?
Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. On the other hand, centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act on an object moving in a circular path, directed away from the center of the circle.
Centripetal force is required for an object to maintain circular motion, as it constantly changes the direction of the object's velocity. Centrifugal force is the result of this change in direction, and it is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the centripetal force.
No, centripetal and centrifugal forces cannot act on the same object at the same time. Centrifugal force is a fictitious force, meaning it only appears to exist in a non-inertial reference frame. In an inertial reference frame, only the centripetal force is present.
Some examples of centripetal forces include the force of gravity keeping planets in orbit around the sun, the tension in a string keeping a spinning top in motion, and the friction between a car's tires and the road as it makes a turn. Examples of centrifugal forces include the sensation of being pushed outward when making a sharp turn in a car, the water being flung outwards from a spinning bucket, and the outward force experienced on a roller coaster loop.
Centripetal force is necessary for an object to remain in stable circular motion. If the centripetal force is too weak, the object will fly off in a straight line. Centrifugal force can also affect stability, as it can cause an object to wobble or lose balance if it is too strong relative to the centripetal force.