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

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sun.shine_willy
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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
 

Discussion

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Think of uniform circular motion
 
lol i am lost, wats uniform circular motion?
 
An example...

A car going around a circular track at the same velocity.
 
oh i get it, so if the car goes in a circle, it accelerates but it doesn't actually increase its speed right?
 
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
 
thankyou

JFonseka
 
JFonseka said:
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.
 
Gokul43201 said:
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
 
JFonseka said:
100 push ups
lol, it would be hilarious if a teacher did that infront of a classroom for saying the wrong thing