Calculate the 'outward' force felt by an object in a rotating frame of reference.
Motion Parameters
Calculation Results
Radius must be greater than 0
About this calculator
Overview
Centrifugal force is a 'fictitious' or inertial force that appears to act on all objects when viewed in a rotating frame of reference. It is equal and opposite to the centripetal force required to keep the object in a circular path.
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Pro Tips
Centrifugal force feels very real to the observer inside the rotating system (like a passenger in a turning car).
Increasing the radius (r) while keeping constant linear velocity reduces the force.
Increasing velocity (v) has a square effect on the force—doubling speed quadruples the outward push.
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Fun Facts
"This force is used in centrifuges to separate blood components or enrich uranium."
"The 'Gravity' you feel on a spin-ride at the fair is actually centrifugal force."
"Earth is slightly bulged at the equator because of centrifugal force caused by its rotation."
