Centrifugal vs Centripetal
Difference, Examples & Quiz
What's the difference? Which one is correct?
Definition: Centrifugal is a force that acts outward from the center of rotation.
Usage: Centrifugal force is commonly observed in rotating systems such as centrifuges and amusement park rides.
- 1. The clothes in the washing machine are pushed to the sides due to centrifugal force.
- 2. When a car takes a sharp turn, the passengers experience centrifugal force pushing them towards the outside of the curve.
- 3. In a centrifuge, the denser particles move towards the outer edge due to centrifugal force.
Definition: Centripetal is a force that acts inward toward the center of rotation.
Usage: Centripetal force is responsible for keeping objects moving in a circular path.
- 1. The tension in a string that keeps a ball moving in a circular motion is an example of centripetal force.
- 2. When a car takes a sharp turn, the tires exert centripetal force on the road to prevent skidding.
- 3. The gravitational force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun is a centripetal force.
Centrifugal and centripetal are two terms used to describe forces and motion. They are often used in the context of physics and mechanics.
Centrifugal vs Centripetal : 5 Quizzes
1. What type of force causes objects to move away from the center?
2. What type of force causes objects to move towards the center?
3. Which force is responsible for the feeling of being pushed outwards when turning in a car?
4. Which force is responsible for the tension in a string when swinging a ball in a circular motion?
5. Which force is responsible for the rotation of the Earth around its axis?
FAQs
What is centrifugal force?
Centrifugal force is the apparent force that acts outward on a body moving in a curved path.
What is centripetal force?
Centripetal force is the force that acts inward on a body moving in a curved path, directed toward the center of curvature.
How does centrifugal force affect objects in a rotating reference frame?
Centrifugal force causes objects to move away from the center of rotation in a rotating reference frame.
How does centripetal force keep objects in circular motion?
Centripetal force provides the necessary inward force to keep objects moving in a circular path.
What are some examples of centrifugal and centripetal forces in everyday life?
Examples of centrifugal force include the water being thrown outwards from a spinning bucket and the clothes sticking to the inner surface of a washing machine drum. Examples of centripetal force include the tension in a string when swinging a ball in a circular motion and the gravitational force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun.