16
QuizMultiple Choice

Circular Motion and Gravitation — Test

Question 16 • Physics

How does a centripetal force cause circular motion?

Answer
A
It acts in the direction of the object’s motion and causes the object to constantly change speed.
B
It acts at a right angle to the object’s motion and causes the object to constantly change speed.
C
It acts at a right angle to the object’s motion and causes the object to constantly change direction.
D
It acts in the direction of the object’s motion and causes the object to constantly change direction.

Explanation

Centripetal force points toward the center of the circle, while the object’s motion is along the tangent to the circle. These directions are at right angles, so the force changes the object’s direction rather than its speed. Therefore, the correct choice is “It acts at a right angle to the object’s motion and causes the object to constantly change direction.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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