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explain why an object in orbit needs a centripetal force acting on it. in what direction does a centripetal force act

User MystyxMac
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Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

A centripetal force is a force that makes a body follow a curved path,

its direction is always orthogonal to the motion of the body and towards the fixed point of the instantaneous center

Without this centripetal force, an object could never alter its direction. Means that the force can alter the direction of the object's velocity vector without altering its magnitude

The centripetal force acts upon an object moving in a circle at constant speed,The force always acts inward,

This means that the force is always directed perpendicular to the direction that the object is being displaced

Example: As a car makes a turn, the force of friction acting upon the turned wheels of the car provides centripetal force required for circular motion.

User Pidge
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