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Difference between Centrifugal Force and Centripetal Force

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
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Centrifugal force and centripetal force are two important forces associated with circular motion. Centripetal force pulls objects towards the center of a circle, keeping them in orbit. Centrifugal force appears to push objects away from the center due to their rotation.

In this article, we will learn the difference between centrifugal force and centripetal force in detail.

What is Centrifugal Force?

Centrifugal force is a force that acts on the object when it is in a circular motion. It is a pseudo force that seems to act outwardly on a mass moving in a circular path. This force has the same magnitude as a centripetal force but in the opposite direction.

The formula for centrifugal force is,

F = mv2/r

  • where m is the mass,
  • ω is the angular velocity, and
  • r is the radius of the circle.

Facts about Centripetal Force

  • Centrifugal force is considered fictitious because it results from the rotation of the observer's frame of reference, not from any physical interaction or external force.
  • This force seems to push objects outward from the center of rotation. For example, when you take a sharp turn in a car, you feel pushed against the door.
  • Despite being fictitious, centrifugal force has practical implications, such as in designing roads and amusement rides to counteract these forces.

What is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It acts towards the center of the circle, pulling the object inward. When an item moves at a constant speed around a circular path, it encounters an accelerating centripetal force towards the centre.

The centripetal force, Fc​ can be calculated using the formula,

Fc = mv2/r

where:

  • m is the mass of the object,
  • v is its velocity, and
  • r is the radius of the circular path.

Facts about Centripetal Force

  • Centripetal force always points towards the center of the circle around which the object is moving.
  • Without centripetal force, objects would move in straight lines due to inertia, rather than following the curved paths observed in circular motion.
  • Common examples are :
    • the tension in a rope or string holding a tetherball,
    • the gravitational force keeping planets in orbit around the Sun
    • the friction between car tires and the road during a turn.

Difference between Centrifugal Force and Centripetal Force

Centrifugal force and centripetal force are two forces associated with circular motion. Here are the differences between these two forces:

AspectCentripetal ForceCentrifugal Force
DefinitionThe force that acts on an object moving in a circular path that is directed towards the center of the circle, keeping the object on its path.An apparent force that seems to act outward on a body moving in a circle, observed from a rotating frame of reference.
DirectionAlways directed towards the center of the circle.Always directed away from the center of the circle.
OriginReal force caused by gravitational pull, tension, or other forces.Fictitious or pseudo force observed in a rotating reference frame; it does not exist in an inertial frame.
Purpose in Circular MotionKeeps the object moving along the circular path by providing necessary centripetal acceleration.No actual role in real dynamics; it is a felt force that does not act on the object in an inertial frame.
ExamplesGravitational force acting as centripetal force for orbiting planets, friction between the car tires and road in a roundabout.The feeling of being pushed outward when turning quickly in a car, or the mud flying off a spinning tire.
Dependence on Frame of ReferenceObserved from inertial frame of reference.Observed from non-inertial frame of reference.

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