๐ŸŽกap physics 1 review

Tangential Force

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

A tangential force refers to a force acting perpendicular to the radius at a point on a circular path. It causes rotation by exerting torque on an object.

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