Circular motion — the acceleration is not constant?

In summary, when an object moves at a constant speed in a circular path, the velocity is not constant due to the changing direction. Additionally, there must be a centripetal force present, so the net force on the object cannot be 0. None of the statements provided are true in this scenario.
  • #1
JessicaHelena
188
3

Homework Statement


An object moves at constant speed in a circular path. True statements about the motion include which of the following?

a) the velocity is constant
b) the acceleration is constant
c) the net force on the obj is 0 since its speed is constant

Homework Equations


hm none, really?

The Attempt at a Solution


the v is certainly not constant bc even if it's a UCM, direction is always changing.
There must be a centripetal force, so the net force cannot be 0.
I had rather confidently chosen that b) is the only true statement, but apparently none of them is supposed to be correct. Why is this so?
 
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  • #2
Why do you think that (b) is correct?
 

FAQ: Circular motion — the acceleration is not constant?

1. What is circular motion?

Circular motion is the movement of an object along a circular path. This can be seen in objects such as a spinning top, a Ferris wheel, or the Earth orbiting around the Sun.

2. How is acceleration in circular motion different from linear motion?

In circular motion, the direction of the object's velocity is constantly changing, which means its acceleration is not constant. In contrast, in linear motion, the object's velocity and acceleration are in the same direction, resulting in a constant acceleration.

3. What causes an object to accelerate in circular motion?

An object accelerates in circular motion due to the presence of a centripetal force, which pulls the object towards the center of the circular path. This force is necessary to keep the object moving in a circular path, as without it, the object would move in a straight line.

4. How is centripetal force related to circular motion?

Centripetal force is the force that is required to keep an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its centripetal acceleration.

5. Can an object in circular motion have a constant speed?

Yes, an object in circular motion can have a constant speed. This means that the magnitude of its velocity remains the same, but its direction is constantly changing. However, its acceleration is not constant because it is changing direction, even though its speed remains constant.

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