Re: Is the centrifugal force real ?

Hi

If you are in a 'rotating' reference frame the force feels real enough.
Viewed from the outside, most problems dealing with rotation can be solved 
in an inertial frame, i.e. non-accelerating/rotating. This schema has no
need of a concept like centrifugal force. The motion can be explained using
Newton's laws. Remember that 'real' depends on your motives. There is no 
such thing as 'gravitational force' in General Relativity because gravity
is more accurately described as distortions in spacetime, not as a force.

I suppose the answer I would give to such a straight question is 'no, it
doesn't exist' because it can be artificially generated in the equations of 
motion by transforming to a non-inertial coordinate system. A 'real' force 
like electromagnetism has no such analogue except for a gauge transformation
(don't ask) but such a transformation is an abstract, mathematical one, not
one which we can directly experience like getting on a merry-go-round.

Just remember that 'forces' are just a language for describing nature which was
widely spoken in the classical era. Post- relativity and QM we choose to use
other languages (fields, transformations). What matters is whether the language
is a fruitful one. If you're trying to solve a problem of a man standing inside
a rotating box and kicking a football, the 'centrifugal force' is a very helpful
tool for getting out the right answer. However, if the ball goes outside the box
into a non-rotating room, it is an unnecessary complication and we just use
'straight' mechanics. 

Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Max