- #1
danago
Gold Member
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Hi. This isnt a homework problem, but im asking for the sake of adding to my understanding of the topic.
In class, we have just begun uniform circular motion on the horizontal plane.
Now, i understand that for an object to be accelerating (changing direction in this case), there needs to be a net force acting on it, in the direction of the acceleration. When referring to circular motion, this is the centripetal force, which acts directly towards the center of the circle.
I have heard of a centrifugal force. Ive searched it on the internet, and most of the things ive read talk about how it doesnt exist. Its a force that people assume to exist, when actually, it is just the laws of intertia kicking in.
Im a bit confused. What exactly is the centrifugal force?
Thanks in advance,
Dan.
In class, we have just begun uniform circular motion on the horizontal plane.
Now, i understand that for an object to be accelerating (changing direction in this case), there needs to be a net force acting on it, in the direction of the acceleration. When referring to circular motion, this is the centripetal force, which acts directly towards the center of the circle.
I have heard of a centrifugal force. Ive searched it on the internet, and most of the things ive read talk about how it doesnt exist. Its a force that people assume to exist, when actually, it is just the laws of intertia kicking in.
Im a bit confused. What exactly is the centrifugal force?
Thanks in advance,
Dan.