Multiple Choice
When a car moves through a curve on a flat road, what force provides the necessary (centripetal force) to keep the car following the curved path?
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8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation
Centripetal Forces
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the concept of in physics?
A
It is the force that pushes an object outward, away from the center of a circular path.
B
It is the force responsible for the acceleration of an object in a straight line.
C
It is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle.
D
It is the force that opposes the motion of an object due to friction.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that centripetal force is related to circular motion, where an object moves along a curved path.
Recall that for an object to move in a circle, it must constantly change direction, which means it experiences acceleration toward the center of the circle.
Recognize that this inward acceleration requires a net force directed toward the center, called the centripetal force.
Note that centripetal force is not a force that pushes outward; rather, it pulls or acts inward, keeping the object on its circular path.
Therefore, the best description is: centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle.
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