How can an object accelerate without changing speed?

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. Since velocity is a vector quantity (it has both magnitude and direction) defined as speed in a particular direction, any change in either speed or direction of travel is a change in velocity. Acceleration therefore occurs whenever an object changes direction- for example, a car driving around a roundabout is constantly accelerating even if its speed does not change.

EP
Answered by Ellen P. Physics tutor

77234 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A wave with a constant velocity doubles its frequency. What happens to the wavelength?


a )John heats up 2kg of water from 20 degrees c to 80 degrees c. How much energy input did this require? b )When John weighs the water at the end, he has less than he started with. Why might this be? c) What hazards are in this experiment?


Give an example of ionising radiation


How do I work out the efficiency of a process from a Sankey diagram?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences