Centrifugalkraften

Centrifugalkraften, often translated as centrifugal force, is a term used in physics to describe an apparent outward force that acts on a body moving in a circular path. This force is not a true force in the Newtonian sense, but rather an effect experienced by an observer in a rotating frame of reference.

When an object moves in a circle, its velocity is constantly changing direction, even if its speed remains constant. This change in velocity requires a real force acting towards the center of the circle, known as the centripetal force. Without this centripetal force, the object would continue in a straight line due to inertia, according to Newton's first law of motion.

However, from the perspective of someone rotating with the object, it appears as though an outward force is pushing them away from the center. This perceived outward force is what is commonly referred to as centrifugal force. It arises because the rotating observer's inertial frame of reference is accelerating. To maintain their circular motion within this accelerating frame, they feel an "inertial force" pushing them outwards.

In a non-rotating (inertial) frame of reference, only the centripetal force is present, causing the circular motion. The centrifugal force is a fictitious force, or pseudoforce, that exists only within the rotating frame. It is a useful concept for analyzing motion in rotating systems, such as the spinning of a centrifuge or the feeling of being pushed outward on a merry-go-round.