Why is an object that moves in a circular path accelerating when it has constant speed?

Think about the definition of acceleration - it is the rate of change of velocity. Your statement that the object's speed is constant is correct, can you think about why the object's velocity isn't constant? Velocity is a vector which means it has a direction as well as a magnitude, and the object's velocity is changing directiion (constantly) as it moves in a circle, therefore the rate of change of velocity = acceleration is non zero.

IS
Answered by Inigo S. Physics tutor

2564 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An electron falling from one energy level to another emits a photon of wavelength 550nm. What is the difference between the two energy levels?


Why is the refractive index of water bigger than that of air?


A child is going down a snowy hill on a sledge. Draw a free-body force diagram for the child and sledge.


What is gravitational potential energy? Why is it negative?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning