3D Pseudo Forces Simulation

Accelerating and rotating reference frames

Choose an experiment

Mission: compare the ground view with the accelerating vehicle view.

Frame acceleration3.0 m/s²

Object mass40 kg

Angular speed1.2 rad/s

Radius2.0 m

Relative speed1.5 m/s

Simulation speed1×

Live measurements

Linear pseudo force120 N

Centrifugal force115.2 N

Coriolis force144 N

Scale reading512 N

Fₚ = −m aᶠʳᵃᵐᵉ

Camera

Zoom100%

Force history

Teacher tools

Show all force labels

Interactive narrated lesson

Language

Narrator

Playback speed1×

Narration volume125%

Ready. Embedded audio can be captured by an external tab recorder when tab audio is shared.

Step 1 of 100%

What to watch:

Chapters

3D Pseudo Forces Simulation

Pseudo forces are apparent forces introduced when Newton's laws are applied inside an accelerating or rotating reference frame.

Learning objectives

Identify inertial and non-inertial frames.
Calculate linear pseudo force and determine its direction.
Explain centrifugal and Coriolis effects in rotating frames.
Connect elevator acceleration with apparent weight.
Separate real interaction forces from pseudo forces.

Equations

Linear pseudo force: Fₚ = −m aᶠʳᵃᵐᵉ

Centrifugal force: Fcf = m ω² r

Coriolis magnitude: Fcor = 2mωvᵣ

Elevator scale reading: N = m(g + a)

The minus sign in the linear equation means the pseudo force points opposite the acceleration of the chosen frame.

Suggested experiments

Double the mass and observe every mass-dependent force.
Reverse the vehicle acceleration and watch the pseudo arrow reverse.
Double angular speed and compare the centrifugal force.
Set elevator acceleration near −9.8 m/s² and observe apparent weight.

Questions for exploration

Why does a loose object seem to move backward during launch?
Why does centrifugal force grow with angular speed squared?
Which real force turns a passenger with a car?

Common misconceptions

A pseudo force is not caused by a physical interaction.
Centrifugal pseudo force is not the inward centripetal force.
Constant velocity does not create a linear pseudo force.

Applications

Vehicle safety, rotating machinery, amusement rides, atmosphere and ocean models, navigation, and elevator engineering.

Quiz

0 / 7