Multiple Choice
In the context of uniform circular motion, which term describes a path that is not centered around a common point?
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8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation
Uniform Circular Motion
Multiple Choice
In a uniform circular motion, which of the following statements about the direction of acceleration is correct?
A
The acceleration is always directed away from the center of the circle.
B
The acceleration is zero because the speed is constant.
C
The acceleration is always directed toward the center of the circle.
D
The acceleration is always tangent to the path of motion.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that in uniform circular motion, the speed of the object remains constant, but the direction of the velocity changes continuously.
Recall that acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity, which includes changes in both magnitude and direction of velocity.
Since the speed (magnitude of velocity) is constant, the acceleration must be due to the change in direction of the velocity vector.
In uniform circular motion, this acceleration always points toward the center of the circle, which is called centripetal acceleration.
Therefore, the acceleration vector is directed radially inward, perpendicular to the velocity vector, and not zero or directed outward or tangent to the path.
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