Difference Between Centrifugal Force and Centripetal Force

Centripetal force and centrifugal force are terms often used to describe the forces involved in circular motion, but they have distinct meanings, directions, and physical interpretations.

Detailed Explanation of Centripetal force and centrifugal force

• Centripetal Force is the actual force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, pulling it toward the center and keeping it in that path. For example, the tension in a string when you swing a ball in a circle, or gravity keeping planets in orbit, are both centripetal forces. This force is necessary for any object to follow a curved or circular trajectory.
• Centrifugal Force is not a real force in the strict Newtonian sense; rather, it is an apparent force that is felt by an observer in a rotating reference frame. It seems to push objects outward, away from the center of rotation. For instance, when you take a sharp turn in a car, you feel as if you are being thrown outward—this is the centrifugal force. It arises due to inertia: your body wants to continue in a straight line, but the car is turning, so you feel a force pushing you outward.
• Frame of Reference: The distinction between these forces is rooted in the frame of reference. In an inertial (non-rotating) frame, only centripetal force is needed to describe the motion. In a rotating frame (such as being inside a spinning ride), centrifugal force appears as a necessary "fictitious" force to explain why you feel pushed outward.