How can an object be accelerating if it does not change in speed?

Speed is a scalar quantity, meaning that it only has a magnitude. Acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning that it has a magnitude and a direction. Velocity is the vector quantity equivalent of speed, as it has both magnitude and direction. Acceleration is dependent on velocity, rather than speed. Therefore, the object can be accelerating if it is changing direction without changing it's speed.

Answered by Chantelle C. Physics tutor

9696 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of annihilation?


You are in a vacuum chamber, and you drop a feather and a bowling ball (initially at rest) from a great height. Which will hit the ground first?


Is F=ma Newton's 2nd Laws of Motion?


An object is let in free fall from a platform 20m high above Earth's surface. Describe the event in terms of energy and thus determine the speed of the object when it hits ground. Air resistance is negligible and gravitational acceleration is constant.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences