The centripetal and centrifugal forces are similar in pronunciation and are less or more related to the dame field. But these cannot be used interchangeably. There is a difference between the centripetal and centrifugal forces. So to understand these concepts better, here are a few differences between them.
Centripetal vs Centrifugal Force
The main difference between the centripetal and centrifugal force is that the direction of the centripetal force is from the object towards the center, and on the other hand, in the case of the centrifugal force, the direction of force is from the center towards the object. The centrifugal force acts in the opposite direction to that of centripetal force.
This centripetal force has a fixed direction that is this force works along the radius of the curvature, and it is from the object towards the center of the curvature. There are many real-time examples of this force. For example, a satellite rotating in an orbit or a merry-go-round. Both of these are examples of centripetal force.
As per Newton’s law, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So as per this law, the centripetal force should have an opposite force. This led to the existence of the centrifugal force. This centrifugal force is so-called a frictional force. This is not a real force; this is the inertia of the effect of the body moving.
Comparison Table Between Centripetal and Centrifugal Force
| Parameters of Comparison | Centripetal Force | Centrifugal Force |
| Definition | This is a force that has the capacity to make an object kept moving around in a circular path. | This is the tendency of the particular object to fly away from the center. |
| Direction | The force is along the circle’s radius and is directed from the objects to the center. | The force is along the radius, and it is towards the object from the center |
| Defined by | This theory was first discovered and defined by Sir Isaac Newton | This theory was first discovered and defined Christian Huygens |
| Status | This is a real force that affects the body moving and keeps the body moving in the circular path | This is not a real force. This is the inertia of the effect of the body moving |
| Year of discovery | 1684 | 1659 |
What is Centripetal Force?
The theory of centripetal force was first discovered by Sir Isaac Newton in the year 1685. The definition of this force is that this is a force that has the capacity to make an object keep moving around in a circular path. The centripetal force is observed in our normal lives also.
The centripetal force has many formulas to derive. The formulas mainly comprise the mass of the object, velocity of the object radius of curvature. These values are required to calculate the magnitude of centripetal force. The centripetal force is a vector having both magnitude and direction.
This centripetal force has a fixed direction that is this force works along the radius of the curvature, and it is from the object towards the center of the curvature. There are many real-time examples of this force. For example, a satellite rotating in an orbit or a merry-go-round. Both of these are examples of centripetal force. Due to the existence of this force, the satellite or the horses of the merry-go-round move around a particular orbit. This force is a real force that affects the body moving and keeps the body moving in the circular path. So this force has a magnitude as well as direction.
What is Centrifugal Force?
The theory of centrifugal force was first developed by sir Christian Huygens. This theory was developed in the year 1659. The theory of centrifugal force is actually the opposite force of the centripetal force. The centripetal force is the Newtonian force in which the force on an object is towards the center of the rotating object. The centrifugal force emerges due to the inertia of the rotating object.
As per Newton’s law, the centripetal force should have an opposite force. This led to the existence of the centrifugal force. This centrifugal force can also be termed as a frictional force as it works in the opposite direction to that of centripetal force. This is not a real force; this is the inertia of the effect of the body moving.
This force tends to flee the object towards the outer field than that of the orbit. For example, the graviton is a ride present in some amusement parks. In this ride, the rider enjoys the feeling of fleeing outside the orbit. This is one of the examples of centrifugal force.
Main Differences Between Centripetal and Centrifugal Force
- Centripetal force is a force that has the capacity to make an object keep moving around in a circular path. In contrast to that, centrifugal force is the tendency of the particular object to fly away from the center.
- The centripetal force is along the circle’s radius and is directed from the objects to the center. On the other hand, the centrifugal force is along the radius and is towards the object from the center.
- Centripetal force is a real force that affects the body moving and keeps the body moving in the circular path. In contrast, centrifugal force is not a real force; this is the inertia of the effect of the body moving.
- The centripetal force was discovered by Isaac Newton. On the other hand, the centrifugal force was discovered by Christian Huygens.
- The centripetal force was discovered in the year 1684. On the other hand, centrifugal force was discovered in the year 1659.
Conclusion
Both of these forces are very important in daily life. Both centripetal and centrifugal forces are balanced together due to their existence. The centripetal force is due to the gravitational pull, electrostatic force, gravitational pull, etc., and on the other hand, the emergence of the centrifugal force is due to inertia.
The difference between these forces should be known to everyone because this is a very important concept in physics.
References
- https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.026112
- https://search.proquest.com/openview/3f0f2cca36d71200dc8bd58429755b06/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=105379