---
title: "Uniform Circular Motion — AP Physics 1 Definition & Guide"
description: "Uniform circular motion is movement in a circle at constant speed with acceleration pointing toward the center. Learn how it connects forces, energy, and rotation on the AP exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/uniform-circular-motion"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics 1"
---

# Uniform Circular Motion — AP Physics 1 Definition & Guide

## Definition

Uniform circular motion refers to an object moving along a circular path with constant speed. The object experiences acceleration towards the center of the circle, known as centripetal acceleration.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.6 Centripetal Acceleration and Centripetal Force](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-3/centripetal-acceleration-centripetal-force/study-guide/2ql78tc18tEq04YjkcV8)
- [Unit 3 Overview: Circular Motion and Gravitation](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-3/review/study-guide/EYz8EQHLZdA71szqCh1G)
- [Unit 3 FRQ (Circular Motion & Gravitation) Answers](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-Udr75ggSrboDhyB7/unit-3-frq-circular-motion-gravitation-answers/study-guide/IUtdqSkTaqOpY5r61pCq)
- [AP Physics 1 Exam Guide](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-8rHsBqinQEKVWaA8/2024-ap-physics-1-exam-guide/study-guide/XKzMYkm3IJJwxzoi4aS9)
- [3.1 Vector Fields](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-3/vector-fields/study-guide/vWXKxP5r56Se1SrFTDmm)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Tangential Velocity](/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/tangential-velocity): Tangential velocity is the instantaneous velocity tangent to the circular path.
- Periodic Motion: Uniform circular motion is an example of periodic motion because it repeats itself after completing one full revolution.
- [Angular Velocity](/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/angular-velocity): Angular velocity measures how fast an object rotates around its axis or moves along its circular path.