Centripetal force is not a specific type of force; instead, it is the resultant force that causes an object to follow a circular path. Several forces can act as sources of centripetal force in different scenarios:
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Gravitational Force:
- Example: The Earth’s gravity provides the centripetal force for the Moon’s orbit around the Earth. The Sun’s gravity provides the centripetal force that keeps the planets in orbit around it.
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Tension Force:
- Example: A ball on a string being swung around in a circle; the tension in the string provides the centripetal force that keeps the ball moving in a circular motion.
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Frictional Force:
- Example: A car turning around a bend. The friction between the tires and the road provides the centripetal force that keeps the car moving in the curve.
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Normal Force (in some cases):
- Example: A roller coaster moving along a circular track. The normal force from the track provides the centripetal force that keeps the coaster on its curved path.
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Electric Force:
- Example: In an atom, the centripetal force is provided by the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged electrons and the positively charged nucleus, causing the electrons to move in orbit around the nucleus.
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