What characterizes circular motion in physics?

What characterizes circular motion in physics?

• A. An object moves at a constant speed with constant velocity
• B. An object has a varying speed and constant velocity
• C. An object moves along a curved path with constant speed but changing velocity
• D. An object moves at constant velocity and changing speed

Answer: (C)

Circular motion in physics is characterized by an object moving in a circular path. In such motion, the magnitude of the speed can remain constant while the direction of the velocity constantly changes. This change in direction means that the velocity—defined as a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction—also changes over time, even if the speed (the scalar quantity) does not. When an object moves in a circular path, it is always experiencing a centripetal acceleration directed toward the center of the circle. This acceleration occurs regardless of whether the object's speed remains constant or varies. Hence, option C accurately describes this scenario: the object moves along a curved path—specifically, a circular one—with a constant speed while the velocity changes due to the continuous change in direction. In contrast, other options incorrectly state aspects of motion that do not align with the nature of circular motion. For instance, stating an object moves with constant velocity implies there is no acceleration, which contradicts the fundamental requirement of circular motion. Therefore, option C best describes the features associated with circular motion accurately.

Circular motion in physics is characterized by an object moving in a circular path. In such motion, the magnitude of the speed can remain constant while the direction of the velocity constantly changes. This change in direction means that the velocity—defined as a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction—also changes over time, even if the speed (the scalar quantity) does not.

When an object moves in a circular path, it is always experiencing a centripetal acceleration directed toward the center of the circle. This acceleration occurs regardless of whether the object's speed remains constant or varies. Hence, option C accurately describes this scenario: the object moves along a curved path—specifically, a circular one—with a constant speed while the velocity changes due to the continuous change in direction.

In contrast, other options incorrectly state aspects of motion that do not align with the nature of circular motion. For instance, stating an object moves with constant velocity implies there is no acceleration, which contradicts the fundamental requirement of circular motion. Therefore, option C best describes the features associated with circular motion accurately.