7
QuizMultiple Choice

Orbital Motion

Question 7 • 2003390-Physics 1 Honors Sem. 1 - Peters

How does a centripetal force cause circular motion?

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

Explanation

In circular motion, centripetal force points toward the center of the circle, perpendicular to the object’s instantaneous direction of motion. A perpendicular force changes the direction of velocity without changing the speed, so the object follows a curved path. Choice A correctly describes this.

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