Centripetal Force in Uniform Circular Motion

Steps:

• Object moves at constant speed on circular path, indicating uniform circular motion.
• Acceleration is centripetal, directed toward the circle's center, despite constant speed.
• Resultant force causes this acceleration, so it points radially inward.
• At shown position, option D aligns with the center of the path.

Why D is correct:

• Newton's second law requires net force F = mv²/r toward the center for circular motion.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Points tangential to motion; no tangential acceleration exists at constant speed.
• B: Points opposite motion; that would decelerate linearly, not curve the path.
• C: Points away from center; that would cause outward spiral, not circular orbit.

Final answer: D