Centripetal force

Centripetal force is the inward force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It acts toward the center of the circle, constantly pulling or pushing the object inward so it doesn't fly outward due to its inertia. For example, when a car takes a turn, friction between the tires and road provides the necessary centripetal force. Without this force, the object would move straight ahead instead of following a curved path. Centripetal force isn't a new type of force; rather, it's the name for the force responsible for circular motion, which can arise from gravity, tension, friction, or other interactions.