Since the object is accelerating, this motion must be due to a force (or a set of forces, a net force) that points solely toward the center of the circle. (Note: if the motion is nonuniform circular m...Since the object is accelerating, this motion must be due to a force (or a set of forces, a net force) that points solely toward the center of the circle. (Note: if the motion is nonuniform circular motion, the net force can point in another direction.) This direction—toward the center of the circle—is called the centripetal or center-seeking direction.