What term refers to a force that causes an object to move in a circular path?

The term that refers to a force causing an object to move in a circular path is centripetal force. This is the force that acts towards the center of the circular path and is essential for maintaining the object's circular motion.

When an object moves in a circular path, it constantly changes direction, which means there is a continuous change in velocity, even if the speed remains constant. Centripetal force is responsible for this change in direction and acts perpendicular to the object's velocity. It can result from various sources, such as tension in a string (for an object being swung around), gravitational attraction (as with planets orbiting a star), or friction (like a car taking a curve on a road).

This understanding of centripetal force is crucial in physics, as it applies to numerous real-world scenarios, from satellite motion to the circular motion of vehicles.