Answer to Question #150855 in Physics for Karishma

Question

Rotational movement is motion around an object's center of mass where every point in the body moves in a circle around the axis of rotation. The center of mass is the point in an object from which there is an equal amount of mass in any two opposite directions. The axis of rotation is a line that passes through the center of mass. Compare between centrifugal force and centripetal force. Provide diagram / figures to support your answer.
(10 marks)

Answer 1

Centripetal force is a real force required to change object's direction of motion from a straight line to a circle.

Centrifugal force is not real (apparent) force experienced by objects moving in a circle. Centrifugal force is a consequence of inertia described in Newton's first law: objects that do not experience the action of any force or subjected to balanced action of different forces moves in a straight line or rests. So, bodies (parts of bodies) moving at a constant speed must move in a straight line due to inertia. Centripetal force is required to overcome inertia and curve their path. Centrifugal force is a consequence of the fact that by inertia, a body must move in a straight line, but centripetal force acts on the body to move it in a circle. The reaction force experienced by the body (part of a body) is the centrifugal force.