Centripetal force must be radial and directed towards the center of a circular path because it is responsible for changing the direction of an object's velocity without altering its speed. When an object moves in a circle, the velocity vector changes direction, creating an acceleration that points inward, which is the direction of the centripetal force. This inward force is essential for maintaining circular motion, as it prevents the object from moving off in a straight line due to inertia. Additionally, since centripetal force does not do work on the object, it cannot change the object's kinetic energy, reinforcing its radial nature. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the dynamics of circular motion.
