Final answer:
Centripetal force is any external force that keeps an object in uniform circular motion and always points towards the center of the object's circular path. It is perpendicular to the object's velocity and can be calculated using the formula Fc = m·ac.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Centripetal Force?
Centripetal force is defined as any external force that is responsible for keeping an object moving in uniform circular motion. It is referred to as a "center-seeking" force because it always points towards the center of the object's circular path. This force is perpendicular to the linear velocity of the object and can be quantified by the equation Fc = m·ac, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, and ac is the centripetal acceleration.
It's important to note that centripetal force is not a unique type of force; it could arise from tension, gravitational force, friction, or any other force that causes the necessary centripetal acceleration for circular motion. In the context of Newton's second law of motion, this centripetal force is the net force that results in the centripetal acceleration. One can experience the effect of this force when taking a turn in a vehicle, where the friction between the tires and the road acts as the centripetal force, pulling the vehicle inward towards the center of the circular path.