Final answer:
The force that causes a steel ball supported by a stick to rotate in a circle is called centripetal force. It's a "center-seeking" force that is required for the uniform circular motion of the ball. Therefore, The correct answer is A) Centripetal Force.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a steel ball supported by a stick rotates in a circle, the force that keeps it moving in that circle is the centripetal force. This is a "center-seeking" force that always points toward the center of rotation, ensuring the ball follows a circular path.
According to Newton's second law of motion, the force is given by the formula Fc = m*ac, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass, and ac is the centripetal acceleration.
This force is necessary because an object undergoing uniform circular motion experiences constant acceleration due to its constant change in direction, even though its speed might remain constant.
Examples of forces that can act as the centripetal force include tension, gravity, and friction. Among these, tension in the stick keeps the rotating ball moving in its circular path.