Unit of Centripetal Force

As centripetal force is itself a force it is measured in Netwon which is the SI unit of Force. Other units to measure the centripetal force are kgms-2, dyne, etc. 

In the circular motion, the centripetal force is always directed towards the centre and it is always perpendicular to the tangent which gives the direction at any given point.

Centripetal and Centrifugal Force

Centripetal and Centrifugal Force – An object performing a circular motion is changing its velocity every second. That means a force acts on the particle which makes it move in a circular motion that changes at every instance. The forces acting on the object in circular motion are centripetal force and centrifugal force. These forces allow objects to move in a circular motion.

Let’s learn more about centripetal force and centrifugal force and their differences in this article.

Table of Content

  • Centripetal Force vs Centrifugal Force
  • What is Centripetal Force?
  • Calculating Centripetal Force
  • Unit of Centripetal Force
  • Examples of Centripetal Force in Daily Life
  • What is Centrifugal Force?
  • Calculating Centrifugal Force
  • Unit of Centrifugal Force
  • Examples of Centrifugal Force in Daily Life
  • Solved Examples on Centripetal Force and Centrifugal Force

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Centripetal Force vs Centrifugal Force

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Examples of Centripetal Force in Daily Life

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Centripetal and centrifugal forces are fundamental concepts in physics, especially concerning circular motion. The centripetal force acts on an object moving along a curved path, always directed towards the center of the circle. Its role is crucial in maintaining uniform circular motion by continually altering the direction of the object’s velocity without affecting its speed. On the other hand, centrifugal force is a pseudo-force that appears to push outward from the center of rotation, opposing the centripetal force. While centripetal force is real and observable, centrifugal force is an apparent force experienced by objects in a rotating reference frame due to their inertia. Together, these forces play a significant role in explaining various phenomena, from planetary orbits to the dynamics of amusement park rides, enriching our understanding of circular motion in the physical world....

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