Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Circular motion refers to the movement of an object along a curved path, where the object continuously changes its direction but maintains a constant speed.
Related terms
Centripetal force: This is the force that acts towards the center of a circular path and keeps an object moving in circular motion.
Tangential velocity: It is the velocity of an object tangent to its circular path at any given point.
Periodic motion: It refers to any type of motion that repeats itself after a certain period of time.