Centrifugal force and attraction force

In summary, when an object orbits in a circular path, it may appear to be experiencing an outward force or centrifugal force. However, this sensation is actually caused by inertia and not by centrifugal force. Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that only appears in non-inertial, rotating frames and does not affect the value of gravitational force. The perception of gravity is actually the net force remaining after subtracting the centrifugal force from the weight of the object.
  • #1
Nousher Ahmed
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When an object, orbiting in circular path, experiences the sensation of being thrown outward away from the of circle. We often think that an outward force or centrifugal force is responsible for this trend. But it is wrong idea. Inertia is responsible for this.
Since Earth rotates around its axis, an object standing on the surface of Earth rotates with earth. We say that it affect the downward force that object feels while standing on the surface of earth, and to calculate the net value of attraction force between Earth and object we subtract the value of centrifugal force from the weight of that object. This is because centrifugal force pulls this object outward, and the value of centrifugal force equals to that of centripetal force.
But we know that centrifugal force is not responsible for the sensation of being thrown from the of circle. So why, in the case of effect of Earth's rotation on value of gravitational force, do we think that centrifugal force wants to pull the object to outward?
 
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  • #2
Nousher Ahmed said:
When an object, orbiting in circular path, experiences the sensation of being thrown outward away from the of circle. We often think that an outward force or centrifugal force is responsible for this trend. But it is wrong idea. Inertia is responsible for this.
Centrifugal force is an example of a 'fictitious' or inertial force. It only appears when viewing things from a non-inertial, rotating frame; it is used to allow Newton's laws to be applied. Viewed from an inertial reference frame, there would be no centrifugal force.

It's just a tool.
 
  • #3
So why, in the case of effect of Earth's rotation on value of gravitational force...

Rotation doesn't effect gravitational force, that stays constant. What your brain interprets as the force of gravity is really the net force left over after centripetal force has been deducted from gravity.
 

1. What is centrifugal force?

Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act on objects in a rotating frame of reference. It is caused by the inertia of the object trying to move in a straight line while the frame of reference is rotating.

2. How is centrifugal force different from centripetal force?

Centrifugal force is the equal and opposite reaction to the centripetal force, which is the actual force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. Centripetal force is directed towards the center of rotation, while centrifugal force is directed away from the center.

3. Can centrifugal force be observed in everyday life?

Yes, centrifugal force can be observed in everyday life, such as when a car turns a corner and passengers feel pushed towards the outside of the turn, or when water is spun out of wet clothes in a washing machine.

4. How does the strength of centrifugal force change with speed?

The strength of centrifugal force increases with the speed of rotation. This can be seen in a centrifuge, where the faster it spins, the stronger the centrifugal force is on the samples inside.

5. Does centrifugal force exist in space?

Yes, centrifugal force exists in space. Any object that is moving in a circular path in space will experience centrifugal force. However, since there is no friction in space, the object will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by another force.

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