Which force keeps an object moving in a circular path?

Centripetal force is the key factor that keeps an object moving in a circular path. This force acts towards the center of the circular path, providing the necessary pull to change the direction of the object's velocity without changing its speed. It is essential for any object that is moving in a curve, such as a car navigating a turn or a satellite orbiting a planet.

Momentum refers to the quantity of motion an object has, which remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. While it is involved in circular motion, it does not by itself maintain the path.

Friction can play a role in providing the centripetal force necessary in certain scenarios, such as a car turning on a road, but it is not the sole force determining circular motion. Friction works in conjunction with other forces.

Gravity is a fundamental force that influences objects with mass, such as celestial bodies, but in the context of keeping an object in a circular path, it is not the direct force responsible unless it is combined with other factors, like when a satellite is held in orbit by gravitational attraction. Thus, centripetal force specifically describes the need for a force that continually acts toward the center of the circle, fulfilling the requirement for circular motion.