QuestionMechanicsWhy is centripetal force not a real force?

Name: MarkScheme
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Examiners still write $F = mv^2/r$ on mark schemes. How do you explain this in 9702 P4?

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2 comments

u/examroom·2mo
Centripetal acceleration comes from a real force. $mv^2/r$ is the magnitude of that resultant — not a separate force on FBDs.
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u/pastpaper_pro·2mo
Draw FBD with only real forces, then write resultant radial force = $mv^2/r$ for method marks.
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