Centripetal Force Definition

A net force that keeps an object moving in a circular motion is known as a centripetal force. Each object moving at velocity v along a circle of radius r suffers an acceleration directed toward the path's centre. The force that propels an item in a circular motion is known as the centripetal force, which is not fundamental. According to Newton's first law, an object will continue to move in a straight path unless acted upon by an outside force. The centripetal force is the outside force in this situation. The Centripetal Force Formula states that the centripetal force is the product of mass (in kg) and tangential velocity (in metres per second) squared, divided by the radius (in metres). This formula predicts that the centripetal force will double with a doubling of tangential velocity. Examples of centripetal forces include the tension force in a swinging tethered ball's thread and the gravitational pull that keeps a spacecraft in orbit. Even more, forces can be present as long as they all contribute to a net force directed towards the centre of the circular path (by adding their vector summations).

The force is applied in the direction of the object's motion's centre or the osculating circle (the circle that best fits the local path of the object if the path is not circular). As speed is squared in the formula, doubling the speed requires four times the force. The radius of curvature's inverse relationship with the force demonstrates that the force is proportional to the square of the radial distance. Another way to express this force is to use the object's rotational velocity, which is correlated with the tangential velocity. Because the velocity in particle accelerators can approach the speed of light in a vacuum, the same rest mass now exerts more inertia (relativistic mass), requiring more effort to achieve the same centripetal acceleration.

Daily Life Examples

1. The stress on the rope pushes the object towards the centre when you spin a ball on a string or twirl a lasso.
2. When a car is spinning, the frictional force between the ground and the wheels produces the centripetal force.
3. In a roller coaster, the regular force from the seat or the wall pushing you towards the centre provides the force as you go around a loop.
4. The centripetal force acting on the planets as they revolve around the Sun is produced by gravity.

Difference between Centripetal and Centrifugal Force

1. The component of force applied on an object in curvilinear motion that is pointed in the direction of the axis of rotation or the centre of curvature is known as the centripetal force.
2. Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that moves in a circle and is directed away from the circle's centre.
3. It is seen from an inertial point of view.
4. From a non-inertial frame of reference, centrifugal force is observed.
5. The centripetal force generated by the friction between the automobile's tyres and the road surface allows a car travelling through a curve on a circular, horizontal road to make the turn.
6. Passengers in a car feel pushed outward when a moving car makes an abrupt manoeuvre to the left. This is a result of passengers being subject to centrifugal force.