Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path towards the center. It is seen in driving, satellite orbits, and even in a balloon experiment. Without it, objects would move in a straight line.
The force required to hold an object moving along a circular path is called centripetal force. The word centripetal comes from the Latin words for “center”, centrum and “tend towards”, petere. Consequently, it follows that centripetal force is a force that pushes an object towards the center. If it weren’t present, the object would keep its motion in a straight line.
Centripetal force is commonly seen when driving a car. For example, if a car is traveling on a flat, straight road at a constant speed, it is balanced by the force of the road, and engine torque balances the forces created by friction and wind. In that case, the car is in equilibrium and the centripetal force is zero. If the car is approaching a curve, the road must be designed to compensate for the curve. The road must provide additional force so that the car can turn the bend and not continue on a straight path.
Many roads are designed to be raised on the outermost edge. This creates a force to keep the cars on a winding road. The causeway or banked road can be clearly seen on circuits used for cycling or NASCAR® loops.
Looking at a satellite through a telescope is one way to see centripetal force in action. The satellite follows an orbit around the Earth. In that case, the centripetal force is the gravitational pull between the Earth and the satellite, since without it, the satellite would only travel in a straight line. The same theory can also be used for the centripetal force that keeps the planets in orbit around the sun. With planets, the force is provided by the Sun instead of the Earth.
There are easy ways to see centripetal force at work through experimentation at home. For example, take a clear balloon and put a coin inside the balloon. Then, inflate the balloon with your mouth so that it’s cloudy at both ends and clear in the center. If the entire balloon is clean, there is too much air. Hold the balloon around your neck with one hand and start twirling it.
At first, it might appear that the coin is jumping inside the balloon. Eventually, it will roll inside the balloon, just like a motorcyclist on a race track. Once started, the coin should orbit inside the balloon for half a minute or more. This is centripetal force.
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