Centripetal acceleration always points: in the opposite direction of the object's motion towards the center of the circle in the direction of the object's motion towards the outside of the circle

## Step 1<br />Centripetal acceleration is a concept in physics that describes the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle. This is because the object is constantly changing its direction of motion, which is towards the center of the circle.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The term "centripetal" comes from the Latin words "centrum" meaning center and "petere" meaning to seek. This reflects the fact that the acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options provided are incorrect. The acceleration is not in the opposite direction of the object's motion, nor in the direction of the object's motion, nor towards the outside of the circle.