PhysicsCLASS 10CBSE
answered 28 May 2026What is centripetal force?
A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors
Centripetal force acts on an object in circular motion, always directed towards the centre of the circle.
Formula: F = mv²/r
| Situation | Force acting as centripetal |
|---|---|
| Stone on a string | Tension |
| Earth orbiting Sun | Gravity |
| Car turning a corner | Friction |
| Electron around nucleus | Electrostatic force |
Not a new type of force a role played by existing forces.
Centripetal force is the inward-directed force required to keep an object moving in a circle.