In uniform circular motion, centripetal force points in what direction?

In uniform circular motion, centripetal force points toward the center of the circle.

“Centripetal” means “center-seeking.” An object moving in a circle is constantly changing direction, even when its speed stays constant. That change in velocity requires inward acceleration, and Newton’s second law identifies the net force causing it as centripetal force. Its magnitude is F = mv²/r, where m is mass, v is speed, and r is radius.

The force is perpendicular to the object’s instantaneous velocity, which points along the tangent. This creates a common mix-up: “perpendicular to radius” is not correct because the centripetal force is directed along the radius, inward. “Centrifugal force” is the apparent outward force described from a rotating reference frame, not the inward net force in an inertial frame.

Centripetal force is not a separate fundamental interaction. Tension, gravity, friction, or a normal force can provide it. For example, tension keeps a ball moving in a circle on a string, while gravity keeps many satellites in orbit.