Centrifugal Forces Someone explain, please.

In summary, "Centrifugal force" is a fictitious force that is not actually a force. In order for an object to move in a circular motion, a constant force must be applied at a right angle to its motion, known as "centripetal" force. This force is often felt as a "centrifugal force" on the object, but it is actually the centripetal force that is real.
  • #1
JasonRox
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I'll start with Centripetal.

When you spin a bucket with water up and down, Centripetal Force is acting on the water to keep it in.

I know what a Centrifuge is, and what it does, but what is Centrifugal Force.

It's something like particles of water pushing to the bottom of the bucket or something.

Can someone clear this up please?
 
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  • #2
"Centifugal force" is a "fictious" force- it isn't really a force.

Anything, including a bucket and the water in it, will move in a straight line unless acted on by a force. In order to make the bucket and water move in a circle, we have to apply a constant force on them, at right angles to their motion- what you correctly call "centripetal" force (although you say "Centripetal Force is acting on the water to keep it in"- do you understand that the centripetal force is acting toward the center of the circle?).

We feel the force we have to apply to the bucket as a force of the bucket on us: "Centrifugal force" but it is the centripetal force that is real.
 
  • #3
LOL. I was going to mention that! Why didn't that book say that.

Thanks, it clears up now.
 

What is centrifugal force?

Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act on objects that are moving in a circular motion. It is a result of the inertia of the object trying to keep it moving in a straight line, rather than following the curved path.

How is centrifugal force different from centripetal force?

Centrifugal force is the outward force that appears to push an object away from the center of its circular motion, while centripetal force is the inward force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. Centrifugal force is a result of inertia, while centripetal force is a result of a real force acting on the object.

What is the equation for calculating centrifugal force?

The equation for calculating centrifugal force is Fc = m x (v^2 / r), where Fc is the centrifugal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circular motion.

How does centrifugal force affect the motion of objects in a centrifuge?

In a centrifuge, the object experiences an outward centrifugal force, which causes it to move away from the center of rotation. This force is used to separate substances of different densities in a mixture. The faster the centrifuge spins, the greater the centrifugal force acting on the object will be.

Can centrifugal force be felt by humans?

No, centrifugal force is a fictitious force and cannot be felt. It is only observed as a result of an object's inertia and its circular motion. However, the effects of centrifugal force can be felt, such as the sensation of being pushed outwards when turning in a car.

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