difference between centrifugal and centripetal?

Answer 1

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The difference between centripetal and centrifugal forces is quite simple - centrifugal forces do not exist while centripetal forces do. As with most simple statements, there is a great deal more to understanding this issue than simply memorizing which of the forces does or does not exist. To understand the centripetal force and the fictitious centrifugal force, let's first examine the words centripetal and centrifugal.

centri is derived from the Latin centr meaning "center."

petal is derived from the Latin petere meaning "seek."

fugal is derived from the Latin fugere meaning "to flee" as in fugitive.

So, literally, the centripetal force is a "center-seeking" force. The fictitious centrifugal force is, literally, a non-existing "center-fleeing" force. Now that we know the definition of the terms, we pose the question: "Which force, the 'center-seeking' force or the 'center-fleeing' force, keeps an object in a circular path?"


Let us impose on a point-mass object the condition that it be on a circular path at any time. The vector velocity of this object is always tangent to the circle, therefore it changes direction in time, as the object moves along the circle. Consequently, the circular motion is a accelerated motion, simply because the direction of vector velocity changes, even if its magnitude (speed) remains constant. The problem now becomes to find out what force generates the acceleration that keeps the object moving on a circle.

Answer 2

Centripetal force is the force that must be applied radially inwards TO the body to keep it moving in a circular path

By Newton's third law of motion, to every force there must be an equal but opposite reaction. Therefore it follows that the body must exert a radially outward force upon its restraint. This is called the centrifugal force.

Answer 3

force towards the centre is centripetal and away from centre is centrifugal. If both balance each-other, the body revolves in a circular path.

Answer 4

centrifugal pushes things out from the centre whereas centripetal pushes things into the centre