Chapter 10, Problem 14A

Why is the centrifugal force the ladybug feels in the rotating frame called a fictitious force?

To determine

The nature of the centrifugal force in a rotating frame.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A body in a rotating frame experiences a centrifugal force which has the same magnitude as the centripetal force but is in the opposite direction to it.

A force is applied when two objects interact. The centrifugal force that the felt by ladybug is called a fictitious force because there is no interaction with another object, which exerts an outward force on it. The centrifugal force is not a fundamental force. It is experienced because of the rotation of the frame of reference itself. To a person outside, the frame of reference which is stationary, the outward acceleration is simply the inertia.

Conclusion:

The centrifugal force is not a fundamental force. It is experienced because of the rotation of the frame of reference itself.