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GCSE Physics · key term
The resultant force on an object moving in a circle, directed towards the centre of that circle.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 2.21 · Paper 1
Revise: Centripetal ForceFor circular motion, this resultant force acts towards the centre of the circle. It is called the centripetal force; “centripetal” means centre-seeking. At every point on the path, its direction is inward along a radius.
Specification P8.3f · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
A force directed towards the centre of a circular path. Gravity provides this force for an orbiting planet.
Do not describe centripetal force as an extra type of force. Name the physical force that supplies the inward resultant force, such as tension, friction or gravity.
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