Centripetal Force
Centripetal Force, in physics, a force that draws the parts of a rotating object toward the center of the object, thereby causing the parts to move in a circular path. This force is directly opposite to centrifugal force, which pulls an object away from its center. In a properly rotating part, such as a wheel, both forces must be equal. If the centripetal force is overcome or ceases to exist, the wheel will “explode,” the parts flying off in all directions.