Uniform Circular Motion

Definition

Uniform circular motion refers to the motion of an object moving in a circle at a constant speed. The object's velocity is constantly changing because its direction is always changing, but its speed remains the same.

Analogy

Imagine riding a carousel at an amusement park. As you go around in circles, your speed stays constant, but you are constantly changing direction.

Related terms

Centripetal Motion: Centripetal motion is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It acts towards the center of the circle and is responsible for continuously changing the direction of the object's velocity.

Velocity: Velocity is a vector quantity that describes both the speed and direction of an object's motion. In uniform circular motion, velocity changes because the direction changes, even if the speed remains constant.

Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. In uniform circular motion, there is always acceleration present because even though speed may be constant, direction changes continuously.