MCAT Physics Question 14: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 14
14. Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force during circular motion. It has been described as a reaction force according to Newton's third law. Which of the following statements is most likely to be correct regarding centrifugal force?
- A. Centrifugal force exists only for uniform circular motion, not nonuniform circular motion.
- B. Centrifugal force exists only when tension or a normal force provides centripetal acceleration.
- C. Centrifugal force always acts antiparallel to the centripetal force vector.
- D. Centrifugal force is result of repulsive electrostatic interactions.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Because the question stem indicates that centrifugal force is reactionary and gives its direction, we can draw the conclusion that it is a reaction to the centripetal force. According to Newton's third law, these forces must have equal magnitude and opposite directions (antiparallel).