Centripetal Force: Why Objects Move in Circles

The force acting on an object moving in a circle towards the center of the circle is called the centripetal force. This force is responsible for keeping the object moving in a circular path. It constantly changes the direction of the object's velocity, but not its speed. Essentially, the centripetal force prevents the object from moving in a straight line and pulls it inward, causing it to continuously change its direction and maintain its circular motion.