Search
Centripetal force
/sˈɛntɹaɪptəl fˈɔːs/
/sˈɛntɹaɪptəl fˈoːɹs/Centripetal force
01
the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle or the axis of rotation, preventing the object from moving in a straight line
centripetal force
n
Example
When a car turns around a curve, the frictional force between the tires and the road provides the centripetal force.
When you swing a ball attached to a string in a circular motion, the tension in the string acts as the centripetal force.
In planetary motion, the gravitational pull exerted by the sun on a planet acts as a centripetal force keeping the planet in orbit.
The Earth's gravitational pull on the Moon provides the centripetal force necessary for the Moon's orbital motion.
The tension in the ropes of a spinning amusement park ride acts as the centripetal force, keeping the riders in circular motion.
