Can a Particle Accelerate Without Changing Speed? | Quick Physics Question

[sun.shine_willy]

Homework Statement

It is possible for a particle to accelerate without changing its speed.

True or False?

Homework Equations

I don't think there is any except average acceleration equation

The Attempt at a Solution

I am thinking False because Acceleration depends on velocity vector

 

[JFonseka]

Think of uniform circular motion

 

[sun.shine_willy]

lol i am lost, wats uniform circular motion?

 

[JFonseka]

An example...

A car going around a circular track at the same velocity.

 

[sun.shine_willy]

oh i get it, so if the car goes in a circle, it accelerates but it doesn't actually increase its speed right?

 

[JFonseka]

Yes that's right, because the car's direction is always at a tangent to the circle, hence it accelerates at a tangent, but due to the centripetal force, it stays in a circular motion

 

[sun.shine_willy]

thankyou

JFonseka

 

[JFonseka]

No problem

 

[Gokul43201]

An example...

A car going around a circular track at the same velocity.

Just to clear up any possible misinterpretation, I believe Fonseka meant to write: A car going around a circular track at the same speed.

It is not possible to go around a circular track at constant velocity.

 

[JFonseka]

Just to clear up any possible misinterpretation, I believe Fonseka meant to write: A car going around a circular track at the same speed.

It is not possible to go around a circular track at constant velocity.

Yep, can't believe I said velocity there :O 100 push ups

 

[rocomath]

100 push ups

lol, it would be hilarious if a teacher did that infront of a classroom for saying the wrong thing