Difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force:
| Sr. No. |
Centripetal force |
Centrifugal force |
| i. |
Centripetal force is directed along the radius towards the centre of a circle |
Centrifugal force is directed along the radius away from the centre of a circle. |
| ii. |
It is a real force. |
It is a pseudo force. |
| iii. |
It is considered in inertial frame of reference. |
It is considered in non-inertial frame of reference. |
| iv. |
In vector form, it is given by
\(\vec F = -\cfrac{m\text v^2}r\hat r_0\)
with usual notations. |
In vector form, it is given by
\(\vec F = +\cfrac{m\text v^2}r\hat r_0\)
with usual notations |
Note:
1. If centripetal force, somehow vanishes at any point on its path, the body will fly off tangentially to its path at that point, due to inertia.
2. The work done on the revolving particle by a centripetal force is always zero, because the directions of the displacement and force are perpendicular to each other.
Thus, W = \(\vec F.\vec s\) = Fs cos θ
But θ = 90°
\(\therefore\) W = Fs cos 90° = 0
3. Any one of the real forces or their resultant provide centripetal force. 4. Accelerated frame is used to attach the frame of reference to the particle performing U.C.M.
