Question

Is centripetal force a real force? What are the minimum requirements for a force to become a centripetal force?

Please give a proper explanation.

Answer 1

Yes centripetal force is a real force because unlike the centrifugal force which is only felt in circular motion. Centripetal force is actually caused by some real force such as tension in swinging bucket in circular motion or friction in tyre of car moving in circular motion .while centrifugal force is apparent force or pseudo force which is only taken in non inertial frame .

minimum requirement are

object must be in circular motion.
there must be some force acting in radial direction inward.