volume_mute

An object moving around in a circle at a constant speed

publish date: 2023/03/12 22:42:00 GMT+11

volume_mute

It is possible for an object to move around in a circle at a constant speed.  How can there be an acceleration in this case?

There is no acceleration
Direction changes even if its speed is not

Correct Answer

Direction changes even if its speed is not

Explanation

Remember that acceleration was defined as the change in velocity divided by the change in time, and remember that velocity includes direction.  What is happening in the case of an object moving in a circle is that the object's direction is changing even if its speed is not.

Reference

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide

Quizzes you can take where this question appears