Definition of Centripetal force Centripetal forceForce Force, n. [F. force, LL. forcia, fortia, fr. L. fortis strong. See Fort, n.] 1. Strength or energy of body or mind; active power; vigor; might; often, an unusual degree of strength or energy; capacity of exercising an influence...
Centripetal force may be considered the center-seeking force. Its direction is orthogonal (at a right angle) to the motion of the body in the direction toward the center of curvature of the body's path. Centripetal force alters the direction of an object's motion without changing itsspeed. ...
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It's because there are actually two different forces at work here. The merry-go-round effect is caused by centrifugal force, which repels things from the center, while gravity is instead related to centripetal force, which draws things toward the center. ...