How Does an Object Moving in a Circle at Constant Speed Accelerate?

AI Thread Summary
An object moving in a circle at constant speed experiences acceleration due to the continuous change in direction, even though its speed remains unchanged. The acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle, which is known as radial or centripetal acceleration. The discussion highlights that while the object does not change its speed, it does change its velocity because velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction. The confusion arises regarding constant acceleration; while the magnitude of acceleration remains constant, its direction continuously changes. Thus, the key takeaway is that an object in circular motion accelerates by changing its velocity direction, not its speed.
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Homework Statement



Acceleration is a vector representing the rate of change of velocity. An object moving in a circle at constant speed:

A. accelerates without changing its velocity
B. Has constant acceleration
C. Changes speed but not velocity
D. Changes velocity but not speed


Homework Equations



Arad=V2/R


The Attempt at a Solution



The answer given in my book is D, which makes sense, but I also don't see how B is wrong. If the object's speed is constant, and radial acceleration is based off the magnitude of velocity (hence changing direction of velocity doesn't affect it), then shouldn't the acceleration also be constant?
 
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Remember that acceleration is a vector; it has a direction.
 

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