Definition
Centrifugal force is the apparent force on a vehicle taking a curve, pushing it outwards. It is not a real force but the effect of inertia. It scales with the square of speed and inversely with curve radius: faster speed and tighter radius mean more centrifugal force.
Key facts
- Quadruples when speed doubles.
- Greater on tighter curves.
- Also greater with heavier vehicles and higher centres of gravity (SUVs roll over more easily).
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