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

1775 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

What is the meaning of the term "Specific Heat Capacity"?


A ball in a room is thrown with a speed v = 15 m/s at an angle 45 degrees above the horizontal. If the ceiling is 4 m high, will the ball hit the ceiling? If so, what is the minimum angle at which the ball will not hit the ceiling? Neglect air resistance.


Could you please explain how does a general pulley system work and how I can solve problems associated with those?


Tritium is a radioactive nucleide with a half life of 4500 days, determine the time for 90% of it to decay.


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