tsentrifugaaljõud

Tsentrifugaaljõud is a term used in Estonian to describe centrifugal force. Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force that arises in a rotating frame of reference as a consequence of inertia. It is not a real force in the Newtonian sense, but rather a fictitious force or inertial force. When an object moves in a circular path, it experiences a centripetal force pulling it towards the center of the circle. An observer in the rotating frame of reference would perceive this as an outward force pushing the object away from the center, which is the centrifugal force.

The magnitude of the centrifugal force is proportional to the object's mass, the square of its angular velocity, and the radius of its circular path. It is often expressed by the formula F_c = mω²r, where m is the mass, ω is the angular velocity, and r is the radius. While it appears to act outwards, it's important to remember that the true force acting on the object causing it to move in a circle is the centripetal force directed inwards. Examples of centrifugal force can be observed in everyday phenomena such as water being flung from a spinning mop or the feeling of being pushed outwards when riding a merry-go-round. It is a crucial concept in understanding rotational motion and its effects.