Define centripetal and centrifugal forces and their importance.
Centripetal and centrifugal forces :
According to Newton’s third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When an object is rotating around a fixed axis in a circular path, two opposing forces are at work : centripetal force and centrifugal force.
Centripetal force is the force that causes rotating objects to move towards the centre, or axis, of rotation.
Centrifugal force is the force that causes rotating objects to move away from the centre, or axis, of rotation.
Both forces working together ensure that an object will remain on a circular path while rotating around a fixed point. For example, when a ball is attached to a line and spun around in a circular path, the line exerts a centripetal force on the ball, keeping the ball moving in its orbit. To keep the line taut to allow this circular path, the ball exerts a centrifugal force on the line.