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Centripetal: meaning, definitions and examples

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centripetal

 

[ sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physics motion

Centripetal refers to a force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle around which the object is moving. This force is essential for maintaining circular motion, as it keeps the object from flying off due to inertia.

Synonyms

center-seeking, radial

Examples of usage

  • The centripetal force keeps the satellite in orbit around the Earth.
  • When a car turns a corner, centripetal force pulls it toward the center of the turn.
  • The string provides the centripetal force needed for the ball to swing in a circular path.

Translations

Translations of the word "centripetal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 centrípeto

🇮🇳 केंद्रित

🇩🇪 zentripetal

🇮🇩 sentripetal

🇺🇦 центрипетальний

🇵🇱 centripetalny

🇯🇵 求心の

🇫🇷 centripète

🇪🇸 centrípeto

🇹🇷 merkezkaç

🇰🇷 구심의

🇸🇦 مركزي

🇨🇿 centripetální

🇸🇰 centripetálny

🇨🇳 向心的

🇸🇮 centripetalni

🇮🇸 miðlægur

🇰🇿 орталыққа тартушы

🇬🇪 ცენტრიპეტალური

🇦🇿 mərkəzə cəlb edən

🇲🇽 centrípeto

Etymology

The term 'centripetal' comes from the Latin word 'centrum,' meaning 'center,' and 'petere,' meaning 'to seek or to go towards.' In the early 19th century, the word began to be used in physics to describe forces that act towards the center of a circular path. This concept became crucial in understanding circular motion and dynamics, particularly in the context of Newton's laws of motion. Over time, the term has been adopted in various scientific fields, including engineering and astronomy, to describe forces that maintain an object's rotational path.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,046, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.