Is the centripetal force real and is the force of gravity apparent?

[Luigi Fortunati]

The force of earth's gravity acting on the moon is a centripetal force.

If this is so (if it is the same force), how is one (the centripetal
force) real and the other (the gravitational one) apparent?

[Moderator's note: One good answer is probably enough. Also, followup
questions shouldn't repeat the discussion on this topic here not that
long ago. -P.H.]

[r***@gmail.com]

Post by Luigi Fortunati
The force of earth's gravity acting on the moon is a centripetal force.
If this is so (if it is the same force), how is one (the centripetal
force) real and the other (the gravitational one) apparent?
[Moderator's note: One good answer is probably enough. Also, followup
questions shouldn't repeat the discussion on this topic here not that
long ago. -P.H.]

Whether you consider gravity a real force or an apparent force depends
on the theoretical framework you are using. Under Newtonian gravity
theory it is a real force. Under General Relativity it is an apparent
force in that an object unaffected by outside forces follows a geodesic
path through space-time, just like an object moving freely in space.
Under GR, the force that we experience is the force required to make
the object move on a non-geodesic path, e.g. to be stationary on the
surface of the earth.

It is really just terminology. The calculated behavior is the same.

Rich L