Physics
Physics
Problem
In one or two sentences, explain why an object moving at constant speed along a circular path is considered to be accelerating.Intuitive explanation
Even though the object's speed stays the same, its direction is constantly changing—and acceleration is any change in velocity, which includes direction, not just magnitude. The centripetal acceleration points toward the center of the circle, continuously pulling the object away from its natural straight-line path.
Intuitive explanation
Even though the object's speed stays the same, its direction is constantly changing—and acceleration is any change in velocity, which includes direction, not just magnitude. The centripetal acceleration points toward the center of the circle, continuously pulling the object away from its natural straight-line path.