Which statement correctly describes the force responsible for uniform circular motion?

• A. It must always be directed away from the center of the circle.
• B. It must always be directed toward the center of the circle.
• C. It must always be directed tangentially to the path of the object.
• D. It must always be equal to $0$.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that uniform circular motion means an object moves in a circle at a constant speed.
2. Recall that even though the speed is constant, the velocity is changing because the direction changes continuously.
3. Recognize that a force must act on the object to change the direction of velocity, causing centripetal acceleration.
4. Know that this force, called the centripetal force, always points toward the center of the circle to keep the object moving along the circular path.
5. Conclude that the force responsible for uniform circular motion is always directed toward the center of the circle, not away from it or tangentially.