Centripetal Versus Centrifugal Force: Key Differences
English with a size of 2.58 KBForce Comparison Table
| Centripetal Force | Centrifugal Force |
|---|---|
| Centripetal force is the force acting on an object in circular motion which is directed towards the axis of rotation or centre of curvature. | Centrifugal force in a circular motion is not a real force; it acts radially away from the centre of the circle. It results from the effect of inertia. |
| If a car is travelling through a curve on a circular horizontal road, the centripetal force provided by the force of friction between the vehicle's tires and the road surface allows the car to negotiate the turn. | When a car in motion takes a sudden turn in a curved path, passengers in the car experience an outward push; this is due to the centrifugal force acting on passengers. |
| A satellite orbiting a planet is supported by centripetal force. | Removing excess water by spin drying clothes in a washing machine is done with the help of centrifugal force. |
Defining Centripetal Force
Centripetal force is the force acting on an object in circular motion which is directed towards the axis of rotation (or) centre of curvature.
Examples of Centripetal Forces:
- The gravitational force of the Earth on the Moon orbiting the Earth.
- The gravitational force of the Sun on the planets orbiting the Sun.
- The electric force acting on an electron orbiting the nucleus.
Forces that can act as centripetal forces include: Tensional force, Gravitational force, Electric force, Frictional force, Horizontal components of normal force, Upward thrust (Lifting Force) on a plane.
Acceleration and Force in Circular Motion
1. Acceleration at the Apex of a Hill
Yes, once the car has reached the apex of the hillock, it has acceleration. The direction of the acceleration is directed towards the center of the hillock (curvature).
2. Real vs. Fictitious Forces
No. The centripetal force is a real force acting on an object. Centrifugal force is not a real force. It seems to point radially away from the center of the circle. It results from the effect of inertia.
For an object moving in a circle with constant angular velocity, the direction of acceleration of the object is directed towards the center of the circle.
3. Tension in a Vertical Swing
When a bob is swinging in the vertical circle, the tension in the rope is the greatest at the bottom of the circular path.