Question

Which statement is true about the centripetal force acting on a body moving at a constant speed in a circle?

A. It has no centripetal force.

B. It has a centripetal force that is directed radially and outward.

C. It has a centripetal force that is directed radially and inward.

D. It has a centripetal force that is directed tangentially.

Answer 1

Answer: C. It has a centripetal force that is directed radially and inward.

Explanation:

When a body moves in circle at constant speed, the body due its inertia tends to keep it moving forward. It is kept in the circumference by the centripetal force towards the center of the circle i.e. acting radially inwards.

So, the balance between inertia and centripetal force keeps the body moving in the circle at constant speed.

Answer 2

Answer: option C.

In fact that is the definition of centripetal force.

A force acting over an object in motion will make that the object change its velocity. If the force is perpendicular to the velocity, then the object will change the direction of the velocity. If the force is constant then the change in velocity is continuos and uniform which will make a uniform circular movement.