Which of the following statements best relates to the understanding of centrifugal force?

The concept of centrifugal force is often described as an apparent force that acts outward on an object moving in a circular path, away from the center of rotation. When an object is in a rotating system, it tends to move outward because of the inertia that resists changes to its motion. This outward sensation is what we refer to as centrifugal force, even though it's important to note that this force is not a "real" force acting on an object. Rather, it is a result of the object's inertia in a rotating frame of reference.

In this context, the correct statement accurately captures the essence of centrifugal force by indicating that objects are indeed perceived as being pulled outward when they rotate around a central point. This understanding is crucial for applications involving circular motion, such as driving a vehicle around a curve, where the occupants feel as if they are being pushed outward.