How does an object in circular motion experience acceleration when it is going at a constant speed?

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. The important thing to realise here is that velocity is a vector quantity while speed is a scalar one. An object going in circular motion has constant speed at every point on the circle but the velocity is changing because the direction at which the object is moving is changing. The velocity is always tangential to the path defined by the movement. So, because the velocity is changing at every point, this means that there is a change of velocity at time progresses. By the previously mentioned definition of acceleration, the object experiences a change of velocity at different time intervals and thus is said to be accelerating. The acceleration of the object at every point is towards the centre of the circle. 

LK
Answered by Loukas K. Physics tutor

3189 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cricketer throws a ball vertically upwards so that the ball leaves his hands at a speed of 25 m/s. Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball, the time taken to reach max. height, and the speed of the ball when it is at 50% max. height.


Discuss the difference between sharpness and contrast in x-ray imaging


Explain how a standing wave is set up on a string fixed at both ends.


An electrical heater supplies 500J of heat energy to a copper cylinder of mass 32.4g Find the increase in temperature of the cylinder. (Specific heat capacity of copper = 385 J*kg^-1*Celsius^-1


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences