When an object moves in a circle at constant speed, what type of acceleration does it experience?

When an object moves in a circle at constant speed, what type of acceleration does it experience?

• A. Centripetal acceleration
• B. Linear acceleration
• C. Angular acceleration
• D. Rotational acceleration

Answer: (A)

When an object moves in a circle at a constant speed, it experiences centripetal acceleration. This type of acceleration occurs due to the continuous change in the direction of the velocity vector of the object as it travels along the circular path. Centripetal acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle at all times, ensuring that the object remains in circular motion. Although the speed of the object remains constant, its velocity changes because velocity is a vector quantity that depends on both the speed and direction of the object's motion. In contrast, linear acceleration refers to a change in the speed or direction of motion in a linear path, which does not apply when an object is moving uniformly in a circle. Angular acceleration relates to the rate of change of angular velocity in rotational motion, relevant for objects changing their rotational speed. Rotational acceleration is a broader term that generally encompasses angular acceleration but is not specific to circular motion at constant speed. Thus, centripetal acceleration is the most accurate description of the object's situation.

When an object moves in a circle at a constant speed, it experiences centripetal acceleration. This type of acceleration occurs due to the continuous change in the direction of the velocity vector of the object as it travels along the circular path.

Centripetal acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle at all times, ensuring that the object remains in circular motion. Although the speed of the object remains constant, its velocity changes because velocity is a vector quantity that depends on both the speed and direction of the object's motion.

In contrast, linear acceleration refers to a change in the speed or direction of motion in a linear path, which does not apply when an object is moving uniformly in a circle. Angular acceleration relates to the rate of change of angular velocity in rotational motion, relevant for objects changing their rotational speed. Rotational acceleration is a broader term that generally encompasses angular acceleration but is not specific to circular motion at constant speed. Thus, centripetal acceleration is the most accurate description of the object's situation.