Final answer:
The force acting on the yo-yo is a centripetal force, pulling the yo-yo inward towards the center of its circular path, because objects in uniform circular motion are constantly accelerating towards the center. Therefore correct option is B
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement describing the force acting on a yo-yo in uniform circular motion is: "The force pulls the yo-yo inward, toward the center of its circular path." This force is known as the centripetal force, which is always directed towards the center of curvature of the object's path. According to Newton's second law, an object in uniform circular motion is constantly accelerating by changing its direction, therefore a net external force must be acting on it.
Even if an object moves at a constant speed along a circular path, there is still a net force present, because the direction of the velocity is continuously changing, indicating acceleration towards the center. Consequently, option a is incorrect since the centripetal force represents a net force that is acting on the yo-yo, causing it to accelerate towards the center and maintain its circular path. Options c and d are also incorrect as they do not correctly identify the direction of the net force acting on the yo-yo.