Question

1. Is centripetal force a contact or non-contact force? Explain with an example.

2. When an object travels around a circle with a constant speed, in what Direction is its centripetal acceleration?

3. Describe a real-life situation where friction acts as a centripetal force. (Can be continuous or momentary)

Answer 1

1

The centripetal force is not necessarily a contact force. Some cases, it can contact with objects. For example, circular rotation of small ball tied at the end of thread.

In some cases, it cannot contact with objects. For example, the Earth rotates around the sun without contacting the sun.

2

The centripetal force is always acts towards the center. That is the centripetal acceleration directed towards center.

3

In the case of circular motion of car, the frictional force between tires and road provides centripetal force. In this case, the frictional force continuously provides necessary centripetal force while the car is moving in a circular path.