centrifugaalivoima

Centrifugaalivoima is a term sometimes used to describe an apparent outward force experienced by an object moving in a circular path. This perceived force is not a true force in the Newtonian sense, but rather an effect of inertia. When an object moves in a circle, its velocity is constantly changing direction, meaning there is a real inward force, the centripetal force, acting on it to keep it on that circular path.

From the perspective of an observer rotating with the object, it feels as though there is an outward force pushing them away from the center of rotation. This is because the object's inertia tends to make it continue in a straight line. As the centripetal force pulls it inward, the object resists this change in motion, leading to the sensation of an outward push.

The magnitude of this apparent centrifugal force depends on the object's mass, its speed, and the radius of the circular path. A common example is when a car turns a corner. Passengers inside the car feel pushed outwards, away from the center of the turn. This is not a force pushing them out, but rather their bodies continuing in a straighter path due to inertia, while the car turns beneath them.

In a non-inertial reference frame (a frame of reference that is accelerating), centrifugal force is often included as a fictitious force to make Newton's laws appear to hold. However, in an inertial reference frame, only the centripetal force is considered a real force. The term centrifugalkraft is the Swedish equivalent.