How is tangential accleration zero in uniform circular motion?

AI Thread Summary
In uniform circular motion, tangential acceleration is zero because the magnitude of tangential velocity remains constant while only the direction changes. This means there is no change in speed, which would require tangential acceleration. However, the motion is still classified as accelerated due to the continuous change in direction of the velocity vector, resulting in radial or centripetal acceleration. The acceleration is directed towards the center of the circular path, confirming that while tangential acceleration is absent, the motion is still dynamic. Thus, uniform circular motion is characterized by constant speed but changing direction, leading to acceleration.
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How is tangential accleration zero in uniform circular motion??

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

 
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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

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


Acceleration vector would point to the center ( 0, 0 ) causing a radial(only) acceleration as in circular motion.
 


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.
 


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.

if tangential acceleration is considered to be zero in uniform circular motion then why is uniform circular motion is called accelerated motion??
 


pcsx22 said:
if tangential acceleration is considered to be zero in uniform circular motion then why is uniform circular motion is called accelerated motion??
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.
 
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