Centripetal Acceleration Outwards

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of centripetal acceleration and the forces experienced when navigating a curve, particularly in the context of driving a car. Participants explore the relationship between centripetal acceleration, centripetal force, and the sensation of being pushed outward while turning.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why centripetal acceleration points inward, expressing confusion about the forces at play when turning a corner.
  • Another participant emphasizes that a force is necessary to change direction, challenging the initial participant's understanding of the forces involved.
  • A third participant clarifies that centripetal force is what keeps a person in the car while turning, and distinguishes between centripetal and centrifugal forces, noting that centrifugal force is an effect of a non-inertial frame of reference.
  • The same participant explains that the sensation of being pushed outward is due to centrifugal force, while centripetal force acts inward to maintain circular motion.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the clarification on the difference between centrifugal and centripetal forces, indicating a learning moment for the participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit some disagreement regarding the interpretation of forces involved in circular motion, particularly the distinction between centripetal and centrifugal forces. The discussion remains unresolved as different perspectives are presented without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of understanding regarding the definitions and implications of centripetal and centrifugal forces, which may affect their interpretations of the situation described.

dliangsta
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Hi. I have a question that I can't seem to figure out in my self study of physics. Why does centripetal acceleration point inward?

When I drive around a corner, my body experiences a push away from the corner. I go that way, however, because of the car pushing me towards it. Not because of the centripetal acceleration, but because of its equal and opposite force.

That's what my brain tells me anyway, but I must have a logical flaw somewhere, or else 99% of the physics community wouldn't disagree with me. Can anyone help me? Thanks :)
 
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dliangsta said:
When I drive around a corner, my body experiences a push away from the corner. I go that way, however, because of the car pushing me towards it.
If no force were acting on you, you would have continued straight ahead. Since you follow the car around the corner, some force is necessary to make you change direction.
dliangsta said:
Not because of the centripetal acceleration, but because of its equal and opposite force.
What force? Equal and opposite to what?
 
The centripetal force is the force from your car seat that makes sure you follow the car. In an inertial system, it is the only force there is. It points to the center or you would end up turning in the other direction.

The centrifugal force is an effect of your system being non-inertial and points outwards. In the system where the car is at rest, it is this force that explains why you are pressed to the away from the center of the motion. The force from the car seat now explains why you are not moving with respect to the car. Surely you feel that the car seat is pushing you in that direction. It is the same when you accelerate the car, the car seat will push you forward.

In the same fashion, the floor pushes you up (not down) to counteract gravitational acceleration.
 
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Thanks @Orodruin! Your explanation was very helpful. Thanks also to @Svein!

I didn't know the difference between centrifugal and centripetal and just used them interchangeably... Thank you guys!
 

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