Which force keeps an object moving in a circular path?

An object moving in a circular path requires a specific type of force to continuously change its direction and keep it on that circular trajectory. This force is known as centripetal force.

Centripetal force acts towards the center of the circular path and is responsible for maintaining the object's circular motion. It can arise from various sources depending on the situation; for instance, in the case of a car turning around a curve, friction between the tires and the road provides the necessary centripetal force.

This force is essential because, without it, the object would not be able to follow the circular path and would instead move off in a straight line due to inertia, as described by Newton's first law of motion. Thus, centripetal force is fundamental to understanding circular motion in physics.