When a body moves in circular motion at constant speed
A)the velocity and acceleration point in the same direction.
B)the velocity and acceleration point in opposite directions.
C)the velocity and acceleration point perpendicular to each other.
D)the acceleration is zero.
E)none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a body moves in circular motion at a constant speed, its velocity (direction of motion) is constantly changing. Therefore, there must be an acceleration acting on the body to cause this change in direction. The acceleration is always perpendicular to the velocity direction and points towards the center of the circular path. This is known as centripetal acceleration. Therefore, the velocity and acceleration point perpendicular to each other.

When a Body Moves in Circular Motion at Constant Speed