Thanks for saying this. I prefer not to introduce Centrifugal force
(except quickly in the context of "fictitious" forces) because I prefer
not to have an alternate approach that is not based on the narrative
that I have invested with so much of the students time.
I also try to avoid as much as possible the use of the words
"centripetal force". It is not a separate force - only the collection of
forces needed to have an accelerated motion toward a center. I simply
look at the net force per unit mass and equate it to v^2/r.
I wish both terms would disappear from our lexicon - at least at the
introductory level. I certainly use the concept of centrifugal force
myself when I find it suitable for something I am trying to explain to
myself - but I don't see its purpose in a Physics 101 type course.
Bob at PC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Philip Keller" <PKeller@holmdelschools.org>
But let's be clear -- this is a pedagogical decision, not a physics