Freeintermediate~15 min
Circular Motion & Centripetal Force
Why objects curve instead of fly off
Uniform circular motion requires a net inward (centripetal) force to continuously change the direction of velocity. This force is NOT a new type of force — it is provided by tension, gravity, normal force, or friction depending on the situation. The centripetal acceleration always points toward the center, while velocity is always tangential. Remove the centripetal force and the object moves in a straight line (Newton's 1st Law).
Does a ball on a string get pulled outward when you spin it? Hint: there is no centrifugal force!
What you feel as 'centrifugal force' is actually your hand providing the inward pull — remove it, and the ball flies straight, not outward.