Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsCircular Motion
When viewed from an inertial frame of reference, a particle of mass m is seen travelling in a circle of radius r at a uniform speed v . What is the centrifugal force acting on the particle?
Options
- Azero
- Bmv^2 r directed away from the centre
- Cmv^2 r along the tangent passing through the particle
- Dmv^2 r directed towards the centre
Correct answer
A. zero
Step-by-step solution
Centrifugal force is a pseudo force which is experienced only in a non-inertial (rotating) frame of reference. When viewed from an inertial frame of reference, no pseudo forces are present. The particle executes circular motion solely due to a real centripetal force of magnitude mv^2 r directed towards the centre. Thus, the centrifugal force acting on the particle in an inertial frame is zero.