Question

Define centripetal force. Can any type of force (for example, tension, gravitational force, friction, and so on) be a centripetal force? Can any combination of forces be a centripetal force?

a) Centripetal force is directed outward.
b) Centripetal force pulls objects toward the center of rotation.
c) Only tension can be a centripetal force.
d) Centripetal force depends on the object's mass alone.

Answer 1

Centripetal force is any force causing uniform circular motion, pointing toward the center of rotation. It can be caused by a single force like tension, gravity, or friction, or a combination thereof. The term 'centripetal' signifies direction, not force type.

Step-by-step explanation:

Definition and Nature of Centripetal Force

Centripetal force is defined as any net force causing uniform circular motion. It is often referred to as a "center-seeking" force because it always points toward the center of the rotation, keeping an object in circular motion. It is crucial to understand that the term "centripetal" refers to the direction of the force, not its type, which means that various forces such as tension, gravitational force, friction, or a combination of these can serve as centripetal forces as long as they are directed towards the center of the circle and result in circular motion.

According to Newton's Second Law of Motion (Fnet = ma), a net force results in acceleration. In the case of circular motion, this acceleration is called centripetal acceleration, which is always directed toward the center of the circle. Therefore, any force or combination of forces that causes this centripetal acceleration can be labeled as a centripetal force.