Question about Circular Motion

In summary, acceleration represents the rate of change of velocity and in the case of an object moving in a circle at constant speed, the correct answer is D as the object changes its velocity but not its speed. While B may seem like a possible answer, it is not accurate as the object's velocity is changing due to its changing direction, thus the acceleration is not constant.
  • #1
wobba63
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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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  • #2
Remember that acceleration is a vector; it has a direction.
 

1. What is circular motion?

Circular motion is the movement of an object along a circular path around a fixed point, known as the center of the circle. It is a type of rotational motion and is characterized by a constant distance between the object and the center point, as well as a constant speed or velocity.

2. What are the types of circular motion?

There are two types of circular motion: uniform circular motion and non-uniform circular motion. Uniform circular motion is when the object moves at a constant speed along the circular path, while non-uniform circular motion is when the object's speed changes throughout the motion.

3. What is centripetal force in circular motion?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity, but not its speed. It is necessary for an object to maintain circular motion.

4. How is centripetal force related to circular motion?

Centripetal force is directly proportional to an object's mass and the square of its velocity, and inversely proportional to the radius of the circular path. This means that a higher mass or velocity will require a greater centripetal force to maintain circular motion, while a larger radius will require less force.

5. What is the difference between circular motion and rotational motion?

Circular motion refers to the movement of an object along a circular path, while rotational motion refers to the spinning or turning of an object around its own axis. In circular motion, the object's distance from the center remains constant, while in rotational motion, the object's distance from its own axis changes. Additionally, circular motion can be both uniform and non-uniform, while rotational motion is always non-uniform.

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