How does an object move when it is subject to a steady centripetal force? How does it move if that force suddenly disappears?

Centripetal force is the force that acts toward the center of a circle and causes an object to move in a circular path. This force is always directed towards the center of the circular path and is perpendicular to the object's velocity at any given point. The centripetal force can be calculated using the formula: F_c = m * v^2 / r, where F_c is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is its speed, and r is the radius of the circular path.

When an object is subjected to a steady centripetal force, it moves in a circular path with constant speed. The centripetal force ensures that the object keeps changing its direction towards the center of the circle, while its speed remains constant. The circular motion of the object is a result of a continuous change in its direction, caused by the centripetal force acting on it.

When the centripetal force suddenly disappears, there is no longer a force acting towards the center of the circle to keep the object moving in a circular path. In this situation, the object will continue moving in the direction of its velocity at the moment the centripetal force vanishes. This means that the object will move in a straight line tangent to its circular path at the point where the centripetal force disappeared. Its speed will remain constant because there is no force acting on it to change its speed. In conclusion, when an object is subjected to a steady centripetal force, it moves in a circular path with constant speed. When this force suddenly disappears, the object will continue moving in a straight line tangent to its previous circular path, maintaining its constant speed.