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

2350 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A spacecraft needs to be slowed down from a speed of 96m/s to 8.2m/s. This can be done by firing an object as the spacecraft is moving. If the mass of the spacecraft is 6730kg and the object is 50kg, calculate the velocity of the ejected object.


How would you calculate the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity of an object with an initial velocity of 15m/s which is travelling upwards at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal?


A cyclist rides 10km. In the first 5km, they climb a hill, averaging 10km/h. In the second 5km, they descend the hill, averaging 30km/h. What is their average speed over the full 10km?


When a particle travels in a circle of radius r, at constant speed v, what is its acceleration


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