Question

A particle of mass m rotates in a circle of radius a with a uniform angular speed ω. It is viewed from a frame rotating about the Z axis with a uniform angular speed ω. The centrifugal force on the particle is

(a) mω²a

(b) mω²₀a

(c) m((ω + ω₀)/2)²a

(d) mωω₀a.

Answer 1

The right answer is (b) mω₀²a

Explanation:

 The frame of reference is rotating with a uniform angular speed ω₀, so it has an acceleration towards the center and it is a non-inertial plane. To apply Newton's Laws in this frame we apply a pseudo force equal to mω₀²a to the particle but opposite to the direction of the acceleration of the frame. This pseudo force is the centrifugal force on the particle.