Difference between Centrifugal Force and Centripetal Force

Centrifugal force and centripetal force are two important forces associated with circular motion. Centripetal force pulls objects towards the center of a circle, keeping them in orbit. Centrifugal force appears to push objects away from the center due to their rotation.

In this article, we will learn the difference between centrifugal force and centripetal force in detail.

What is Centrifugal Force?

Centrifugal force is a force that acts on the object when it is in a circular motion. It is a pseudo force that seems to act outwardly on a mass moving in a circular path. This force has the same magnitude as a centripetal force but in the opposite direction.

The formula for centrifugal force is,

F = mv²/r

• where m is the mass,
• ω is the angular velocity, and
• r is the radius of the circle.

Facts about Centripetal Force

• Centrifugal force is considered fictitious because it results from the rotation of the observer’s frame of reference, not from any physical interaction or external force.
• This force seems to push objects outward from the center of rotation. For example, when you take a sharp turn in a car, you feel pushed against the door.
• Despite being fictitious, centrifugal force has practical implications, such as in designing roads and amusement rides to counteract these forces.

What is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It acts towards the center of the circle, pulling the object inward. When an item moves at a constant speed around a circular path, it encounters an accelerating centripetal force towards the centre.

The centripetal force, F_c​ can be calculated using the formula,

F_c = mv²/r

where:

• m is the mass of the object,
• v is its velocity, and
• r is the radius of the circular path.

Facts about Centripetal Force

• Centripetal force always points towards the center of the circle around which the object is moving.
• Without centripetal force, objects would move in straight lines due to inertia, rather than following the curved paths observed in circular motion.
• Common examples are :
  • the tension in a rope or string holding a tetherball,
  • the gravitational force keeping planets in orbit around the Sun
  • the friction between car tires and the road during a turn.

Difference between Centrifugal Force and Centripetal Force

Centrifugal force and centripetal force are two forces associated with circular motion. Here are the differences between these two forces:

Aspect	Centripetal Force	Centrifugal Force
Definition	The force that acts on an object moving in a circular path that is directed towards the center of the circle, keeping the object on its path.	An apparent force that seems to act outward on a body moving in a circle, observed from a rotating frame of reference.
Direction	Always directed towards the center of the circle.	Always directed away from the center of the circle.
Origin	Real force caused by gravitational pull, tension, or other forces.	Fictitious or pseudo force observed in a rotating reference frame; it does not exist in an inertial frame.
Purpose in Circular Motion	Keeps the object moving along the circular path by providing necessary centripetal acceleration.	No actual role in real dynamics; it is a felt force that does not act on the object in an inertial frame.
Examples	Gravitational force acting as centripetal force for orbiting planets, friction between the car tires and road in a roundabout.	The feeling of being pushed outward when turning quickly in a car, or the mud flying off a spinning tire.
Dependence on Frame of Reference	Observed from inertial frame of reference.	Observed from non-inertial frame of reference.

Read More,

• Centripetal and Centrifugal Force
• Centripetal Acceleration
• Applications of Centrifugation

FAQs on Centrifugal Force vs Centripetal Force

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is a real force that acts on any object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle to maintain the circular motion.

What is centrifugal force?

Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act outward on a body moving in a circle when observed from a rotating non inertial reference frame. It is not a real force in classical mechanics.

How do centripetal and centrifugal forces differ in direction?

Centripetal force is always directed towards the center of the circle, while centrifugal force acts outward, away from the center.

Why is centrifugal force considered a fictitious force?

Centrifugal force is considered fictitious because it does not exist in an inertial frame of reference and only appears due to the acceleration of the rotating frame itself.

Give examples of centripetal force in everyday life?

Examples include the tension in the string of a ball, the gravitational pull keeping planets in orbit, and the friction between car tires and the road in a curve.

What role does centripetal force play in driving a car around a curve?

In driving, the centripetal force required to keep the car on a curved path comes from the friction between the car tires and the road. This force pulls the car towards the center of the curve, enabling it to follow the curved road safely.

Does centrifugal force affect the design of roadways and vehicles?

Yes, the concept of centrifugal force is considered in the design of roadways, particularly in the banking of curves to counteract the outward force felt by vehicles, enhancing stability and safety at higher speeds.