Question

Distinguish between centripetal force and centrifugal force. State any two points of distinction.

Answer 1

Centripetal force	Centrifugal force
1. Centripetal force is the force required to provide centri‐ petal acceleration to a particle to move it in a circular path.	1. The centrifugal tendency of the particle, in its accelerated, i.e., non-inertial, frame of reference, is explained by assuming a centrifugal force acting on it.
2. At every instant, it is directed radially towards the centre of the circular path.	2. At every instant, it is directed radially away from the centre of the circular path.
3. It is a real force arising from gravitational or electromagnetic interaction between matter.	3. It is a pseudo force since it is the effect of the acceleration of the reference frame of the revolving particle.