A space shuttle is 200 miles above the earth and is moving in orbit at 18,000 mph. The shuttle remains in orbit because the gravitational force pulling it towards the Earth is balanced by the centrifugal force (the force of inertia) that is pushing it away from the Earth.
How does this work and what causes this? In other words, how exactly does centrifugal force work?
How does this work and what causes this? In other words, how exactly does centrifugal force work?
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The force due to rotation in newtons ( centripetal force) = mass x V^2/R, where m = mass in kg; v = velocity in m/s and R = radius of orbit.
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Centrifugal force comes from constantly changing an objects direction of travel which constantly opposes gravity.