Centripetal and Centrifugal Force: Overview, Questions, Preparation

The centripetal force acts with respect to the center of curvature in a curvilinear motion. The unit of the Centripetal force is Newton (N). it is always perpendicular to the displacement of the object. If the object accelerates due to any force, the centripetal force changes its direction or speed of the motion acting on it. In simple words, if the object changes its direction, it means the object is accelerating.

The calculation of the centripetal force shows the relationship between the mass, tangential velocity, and radius of the object. The centripetal force will be quadrupled when the tangential velocity is doubled. The illustration of the centripetal force is as follows:

F = mac = mv2 / r 

Here, F = centripetal force,

M = mass of the object,

V = velocity of the object,

Ac = Centripetal acceleration,

And r = radius of the object.

If an object experiences an outward force while moving in the circular motion, that force is defined as centrifugal force. The force depends on certain factors like the mass of the object, radius, and the velocity of the object’s rotation. The unit of the centrifugal force is Newton. It drives the object away from the center, which is not entirely applicable in the real world.

The centrifugal force calculation also shows the relation between the velocity, mass, and radius, but it is a negative product. The calculation is as follows:

Fc = - mv2 / r

Here, Fc = Centrifugal force,

M = mass of the object,

V = velocity of the object,

And r = radius of the object.

Centripetal and centrifugal force for Class 10

The chapter ‘Force’ holds a weightage of 8 marks in total. It includes only 2 questions consisting of a short question of 3 marks and one long question of 5 marks as per the new pattern of 2021.

Example 1) Write the formula of Centripetal force.

Answer – The formula of centripetal force is F = mac = mv2 / r.

Example 2) State the examples of Centrifugal force.

Answer – The examples of Centrifugal force include a bike making a turn, vehicle driving around a curve, equatorial railways, etc.

Example 3) Write the formula of centrifugal force.

Answer – The centrifugal force can be calculated using the following formula:

                  Fc = - mv2 / r

Q: What do you mean by centripetal force?

Q: What is Centrifugal force?

Q: What are the examples of Centripetal force?

Q: What is the Unit of centripetal and centrifugal force.

Q: What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal forces?