alleryStart learning →How is a centripetal force oriented relative to the object's path?
APerpendicular to the path
BAlong the path, ahead of the object
CAlong the path, behind the object
DAt forty five degrees to the path
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Perpendicular to the path
1. Centripetal force points the same way as centripetal acceleration, toward the centre.
2. The velocity of the object is along the path, that is, along the tangent.
3. A radius and its tangent meet at a right angle, so the force is perpendicular to the path.
4. This is why a centripetal force changes the direction of motion but not the speed.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 6 "Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation", section 6.3 Centripetal Force_
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