Why do we say that objects moving in a circle have acceleration even if their speed remains constant?

Because their speed might remain constant, but their velocity doesn't. Remember, velocity is a vector, so it has magnitude (which is the speed of the object), but also direction. For an object moving in a circle (or along any curve, for that matter), the direction of the velocity is constantly changing. This change in the velocity vector is explained by an acceleration pointing towards the centre of the circle called centripetal acceleration.

BA
Answered by Boris A. Physics tutor

2345 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between energy and power.


Draw diagrams to represent the particles in each state: solid, liquid, and gas.


How does a hydraulic jack work and how do I work out the pressures involved?


Why does resistance increase with temperature?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning