Tangential acceleration is zero in uniform circular motion because the magnitude of tangential velocity remains constant, even though its direction changes. In this context, the only acceleration present is the centripetal (or radial) acceleration, which acts towards the center of the circular path. This means that while the speed does not change, the continuous change in direction constitutes an acceleration, confirming that uniform circular motion is indeed a form of accelerated motion.
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I'm afraid that I don't understand the question.pcsx22 said:Homework Statement
the magnitude of tangential velocity is same but the directions are different..so how can the tangential acceleration be zero??Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
pcsx22 said:Homework Statement
the magnitude of tangential velocity is same but the directions are different..so how can the tangential acceleration be zero??
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Pi-Bond said:You just answered the question yourself; it's because the tangential velocity (magnitude) is the same. If there were any tangential acceleration, the magnitude would not be constant. The only acceleration in this case is normal acceleration (i.e. centripetal acceleration) which causes the direction to change.
The velocity vector continually changes direction. Any change in velocity, magnitude or direction, is an acceleration. In uniform circular motion, the magnitude (speed) doesn't change but the direction does. The tangential component of acceleration is zero, but the radial component is not.pcsx22 said:if tangential acceleration is considered to be zero in uniform circular motion then why is uniform circular motion is called accelerated motion??