Centrifugal Forces Someone explain, please.

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between centripetal and centrifugal forces. Centripetal force is the real force acting towards the center of a circular path, necessary to keep objects, such as water in a spinning bucket, in circular motion. In contrast, centrifugal force is described as a fictitious force that is perceived when an object moves in a circular path, resulting from the inertia of the object. The conversation emphasizes that without the application of centripetal force, objects would move in straight lines.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces.
  • Familiarity with circular motion dynamics.
  • Knowledge of inertia and its effects on moving objects.
  • Basic comprehension of the difference between real and fictitious forces.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of circular motion in physics.
  • Study the mathematical equations governing centripetal force.
  • Explore real-world applications of centrifuges in various fields.
  • Investigate the implications of fictitious forces in non-inertial reference frames.
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Students of physics, educators teaching circular motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of forces in rotational systems.

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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"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.
 
LOL. I was going to mention that! Why didn't that book say that.

Thanks, it clears up now.
 

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