If an object going in a circle has a force acting on it then why is it travelling at a constant speed

Velocity is a vector quantity, which means it has a direction and a magnitude. Newtons second law says that force is equal to rate in change of velocity. When an object is travelling in a circle with constant, its velocity is still changing since it's direction of travel is constantly changing. Since it's velocity is changing it experiences a force 

VB
Answered by Vedant B. Physics tutor

1657 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Alternating current produced by the generator in a nuclear power plant is supplied to the primary coil of a transformer. Explain, with reference to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, how a current arises in the secondary coil.


Sue's brother is on a sled on top of ice (assume no friction). Sue is pulling her brother with 15 N of force at a 38 degree angle above the horizontal. Calculate the work done if she pulls him for 50 meters.


What's the value of the normal force of a vehicle on a convex bridge? What about a concave one?


The diagram below represents a balloon just before take-off. The balloon’s basket is attached to the ground by two fixing ropes.Calculate the tension in either of the fixing ropes.


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