An object moves in a circular path at a constant speed. Compare the direction of the object's velocity and acceleration vectors.
A) Both vectors point in the same direction.
B) The vectors point in opposite directions.
C) The vectors are perpendicular.
D) The question is meaningless, since the displacement is zero.
E) The question is meaningless, since the acceleration is zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In uniform circular motion, the acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle, while the velocity is tangent to the circle. Since the direction of the velocity is constantly changing, it cannot be in the same direction as the acceleration, which is always pointing towards the center of the circle. Therefore, the velocity and acceleration vectors are perpendicular to each other.

An Object Moves in a Circular Path at a Constant