What is the Difference Between Pseudo Force and Centrifugal Force?

The main difference between pseudo force and centrifugal force lies in their definitions and the context in which they are used.

• Pseudo Force: A pseudo force is a force that appears in a non-inertial frame of reference, such as a rotating or accelerating system. It is used to make Newton's laws of motion valid in such non-inertial frames. The centrifugal force is a special case of a pseudo force, and it arises due to Newton's third law of motion, which states, "For every action, there is an equal, but opposite, reaction".
• Centrifugal Force: Centrifugal force is a pseudo force experienced by objects in a rotating frame of reference, such as when sitting on a merry-go-round or in a car taking a corner. It is the sensation of being "pulled" away from the center of the circular path. However, there is no actual force acting outward on the object; instead, it is the result of the object's inertia and the constraining centripetal force.

In summary, centrifugal force is a specific type of pseudo force that occurs in rotating systems, while pseudo forces can occur in any non-inertial system. Both concepts are used to help calculate the motion of objects in non-inertial frames of reference.

Comparative Table: Pseudo Force vs Centrifugal Force

Here is a table comparing pseudo force and centrifugal force:

In summary, pseudo force is a general concept used in non-inertial frames, while centrifugal force is a specific type of pseudo force that occurs in rotating systems. Both are mathematical constructs introduced to simplify calculations and are not real forces acting on objects.