The net force exerted on a car traveling in a circular path at constant speed is
A)directed forward, in the direction of travel.
B)directed toward the center of the curve.
C)zero because the car is not accelerating.
D)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force exerted on a car traveling in a circular path at constant speed is directed toward the center of the curve. This force is called the centripetal force and it keeps the car moving in a circular path. Without this force, the car would move in a straight line due to the inertia. The presence of the centripetal force does not result in any change in the speed of the car, but it causes a change in the direction of motion. The net force is not zero because there is still a force acting on the car, even though it is not causing any acceleration.

The Net Force Exerted on a Car Traveling in a Circular