![]() ![]() To understand the importance of a centripetal force, it is important to have a sturdy understanding of the Newton's first law of motion - the law of inertia. For object's moving in circular motion, there is a net force acting towards the center which causes the object to seek the center. The word centripetal (not to be confused with the F-word centrifugal) means center seeking. This is sometimes referred to as the centripetal force requirement. So for an object moving in a circle, there must be an inward force acting upon it in order to cause its inward acceleration. The direction of the net force is in the same direction as the acceleration. And in accord with Newton's second law of motion, an object which experiences an acceleration must also be experiencing a net force. This acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle. ![]() Even if moving around the perimeter of the circle with a constant speed, there is still a change in velocity and subsequently an acceleration. As mentioned earlier in this lesson, an object moving in a circle is experiencing an acceleration. ![]()
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