What is the Difference Between Speed and Velocity in Kinematics?

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Constant speed refers to an object moving in a straight line without acceleration, meaning its velocity remains unchanged. In contrast, an object moving at constant speed in a circular path experiences centripetal acceleration, resulting in a continuously changing velocity. This distinction highlights the difference between speed, a scalar quantity, and velocity, a vector quantity that includes direction. Understanding these concepts is crucial in kinematics, as they clarify how forces and motion interact. The discussion emphasizes the common confusion between speed and velocity, particularly in circular motion.
anarchy.spirit
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wat moves at constant speed in straight line?
 
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These are some questions I need to answer..
>What moves at constant speed in straight line?
>What moves at constant speed in circle?
 
anyone here to help??
 
A lot of things can travel at a constant velocity in a straight line.

And I think that when something follows the path of a circle it is said to be constantly changing its speed (accelerating). Although I probably understood this wrong when I heard it.
 
Mozart said:
And I think that when something follows the path of a circle it is said to be constantly changing its speed (accelerating). Although I probably understood this wrong when I heard it.
confusing speed with velocity...
 
Are you looking for examples or what?

Something moving at a constant speed in a straight line has a constant velocity (no acceleration, no net force).

Something moving at a constant speed in a circle, has a constantly changing velocity (centripital acceleration toward the center of the circle).
 
free isolated objects
 
yourdadonapogostick said:
confusing speed with velocity...

hehe I always do.
 

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