Centripetal Force

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Centripetal Force = The push or pull on a moving object toward the center of its curved path. Centripetal force is always a net force.

	Centripetal force keeps the planets in orbit. According to Newton’s 1^st law, all masses have inertia and would like to move at constant speed in a straight line. Earth wants to move straight but it is prevented from doing so due to the sun’s gravity. The sun applies a centripetal force.
	When you spin a bucket of water over your head without spilling a drop, you are also applying a centripetal force. If you let go of the bucket, it will move in a straight line. Centripetal Force Movie
Centripetal force pulls the plane toward the center of the circle. The plane’s inertia makes it want to fly straight.

While the coaster cars zoom around the loop, the track exerts a centripetal force toward the center of the loop.

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