Definition
The inward force that acts on an object moving along a curved path, pulling it toward the center of the curve and keeping it on that curved path rather than continuing in a straight line.
Plain English
When something moves in a circle or curve, there has to be a force pulling it toward the middle of that curve. That inward pull is centripetal force.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of aircraft turns, propellers, wheels, and other rotating aircraft parts.
Derivation
From Latin 'centrum' (center) and 'petere' (to seek). Literally 'center-seeking.' That captures the idea exactly: a force that pulls the object toward the center of its circular path.
Why Pilots Care
In a banked turn the horizontal component of lift supplies this force; insufficient centripetal force causes the airplane to skid outward.
Analogy
Think of swinging a weight on a string in a circle. The tension in the string pulling the weight toward your hand is the centripetal force. Let go of the string and the weight flies off in a straight line.
Grounding Statement
Whenever something is moving in a circle, some force must be acting inward toward the center of that circle.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse centripetal force with the outward feeling you may notice in a turn. Centripetal force is the real inward force that makes the curved motion happen.
Example Sentence 1
During a level turn, the horizontal component of lift supplies the centripetal force needed to curve the aircraft's flight path.
Example Sentence 2
If bank angle is too shallow for the turn rate, the airplane lacks enough centripetal force and drifts outside the intended curved path.