Why is Centrifugal force “not real”? I remember my physics teacher in high school pushing that idea and understanding why back then, but I do not remember now. I also forgot so much about physics in general that a simple would be much appreciated!

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Why is Centrifugal force “not real”? I remember my physics teacher in high school pushing that idea and understanding why back then, but I do not remember now. I also forgot so much about physics in general that a simple would be much appreciated!

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Anonymous 0 Comments

_Centrifugal force_ is what you perceive as something pushing you outwards as you go around a corner/curve. Nothing is pushing you outwards (hence _not real_).

What is actually happening is that your vehicle is being accelerated inwards, but your momentum tries to take you in the same direction you’re already moving. You end up with the sensation of being forced outward.

In physics you’d have discussed this as relativity, the effects of accelerating reference frames, and circular motion.

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