Question

What is a centrifugal force?

Answer 1

Centrifugal force is fictitious; it is an explanation for what is actually the affect of inertia while following a curve.

Explanation:

Newton's 1st Law says that an object in motion tends to remain in motion at the same speed and in a straight line. There is an exception which says "unless acted on by an outside force". This is also called inertia.

So if you are in a car going around a curve, your body would continue in a straight line if it were not for the door your shoulder leans on. You think your centrifugal force is pushing on the door, but actually the door is pushing on you, forcing your motion to follow the curve.

I hope this helps,
Steve