A centripetal force is a net force that acts on an object to keep it moving along a circular path. It is not a fundamental force, but rather a label given to the net force that causes an object to move in a circular path. The direction of the centripetal force is always orthogonal to the motion of the body and towards the fixed point of the instantaneous center of curvature of the path. The centripetal force is not to be confused with centrifugal force, which is a fictitious force that appears to act on objects moving in a circular path.

Some key points about centripetal force include:

• Magnitude: The magnitude of the centripetal force is given by the formula Fc = mv^2/r, where m is the mass of the object, v is its velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

• Examples: Examples of centripetal force include the tension force in the string of a swinging tethered ball and the gravitational force keeping a satellite in orbit.

• Direction: The direction of the centripetal force is always towards the center of the circular path.

• Newtons Laws: The centripetal force is related to Newtons first law of motion, which states that an object will continue moving along a straight path unless acted on by an external force.

In summary, a centripetal force is a force that acts on an object to keep it moving along a circular path. It is not a fundamental force, but rather a label given to the net force that causes an object to move in a circular path. The direction of the centripetal force is always towards the center of the circular path, and its magnitude is given by the formula Fc = mv^2/r.