Centrifugaalinen

Centrifugaalinen is a Finnish adjective used to describe phenomena, devices, or processes that rely on centrifugal action—the outward tendency produced by rotation as objects move away from the axis. In Finnish technical language it can modify nouns such as voima (force), laite (device), or prosessi (process).

In physics, the centrifugal force is the outward effect observed in a rotating frame of reference. It is not a real force acting on objects in an inertial frame; rather, it reflects inertia as the frame rotates. The inward counterpart is the centripetal force required to keep an object moving in a circle.

Common applications include centrifuges and centrifugation, which separate mixtures by density as they are spun at high speeds; centrifugal pumps and centrifugal fans that move fluids or air by imparting rotational energy; and various industrial and laboratory processes that rely on outward separation or transport.

Centrifugal acceleration is described by a = ω^2 r, with ω the angular velocity and r the distance from the axis. Higher angular speeds increase the outward effect, enabling rapid separation or fluid handling.

Thus, centrifugaalinen covers a broad range of rotating phenomena and equipment whose operation depends on centrifugal action, and is used in both everyday language and formal technical contexts in Finnish.