What is the difference between centrifugal and centripetal forces?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between centrifugal and centripetal forces, exploring their definitions, implications, and contexts of application. Participants delve into theoretical explanations and practical examples, particularly in relation to rotating systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define centripetal force as directed towards the center and centrifugal force as directed away from the center.
  • One participant describes centrifugal force as an effect observed in a washing machine's spin cycle, noting that it is not a true force until an object is pressed against something.
  • Another participant mentions that centrifugal force is considered a fictitious force that only exists in a rotating frame of reference, emphasizing that it does not have an equal and opposite force acting on it.
  • Conversely, centripetal force is described as a real force that requires a corresponding opposite force, illustrated with the example of a rock on a string being swung around.
  • There is a suggestion that the relationship between centrifugal and centripetal forces may relate to Newton's third law, although this connection is not fully clarified.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of centrifugal force, with some considering it a real force under certain conditions while others categorize it as fictitious. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these definitions and their relationship to Newton's laws.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that centrifugal force is dependent on the choice of reference frame, while centripetal force is described as a regular force applicable in both rotating and non-rotating frames. The discussion highlights the complexity of these concepts without reaching a consensus.

kthayes
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Maybe misspelled, i know. What is the difference between the two?? Please explain.
 
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Centripetal - towards the center
Centrifugal - away from the center
 
Centrifugal force is exerted from clothes, towards the drum, in a spin cycle. It works away from center, when the water and clothes are pressed towards an outer constraint. Fugal is latin for escaping, and the former conseption was to think that a force was pushing the object away from center. Centrifugal force is, however, not a force until the object presses on to something. Until then it is an imaginary force.

Centripetal force is the force opposing centrifugal force, inwards. Petere means "tend towards". The spin cycle drum would be exerting centripetal force on the clothes. The water escapes through the holes, so allthough some centripetal/centrifugal force is given to water as well (or else the clothes would dry instantly/completely), the lack of centripetal- and the equal sentrifugal force is what allows water to escape. Escaping water continues straight forward (like a car not turning), while clothes keep on turning.
Hope this helps, somehow.:smile:
 
so, basically the "third law" thing, right? if i have centrifugal motion, equal and op. is centripetal?
 
kthayes said:
so, basically the "third law" thing, right? if i have centrifugal motion, equal and op. is centripetal?

Yes, but 1st, as much
 
Thanx Vespa...'71...nice lookin vespa
 
Centrifugal force only exists in a rotating frame of reference. This is the force that flings matter outward from the rotation center. It's called a fictitious force because it only exists due to a certain choice of coordinates. Note, there's no "equal and opposite force" to the centrifugal force. The force is coming out of space itself. An object being flung out from the center can't "feel" the centrifugal force unless there's something in the way. If it is stuck against a wall, the force it actually feels pushing against the wall is centripetal force.

Centripetal force is a regular force in that it must occur with a matching opposite force. This force exists no matter if you are in a rotating or non-rotating frame. For example, a rock attached to a string that is swinging around--the string pulls on the rock inward, and the rock pulls on the string outward. This is a real force and an actual interaction between two pieces of material.
 

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