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Something is accelerating when it is traveling in a circle because the direction of its velocity is changing.

It is important to understand that a velocity not only has a magnitude but it also has a direction. In general, if the magnitude and/or direction of an object's velocity is changing, we say that it is accelerating.

Again, if something is traveling and only the direction that it is traveling changes, we still say it is accelerating because the direction that it is traveling is changing.

This is the case when something is traveling in a circle at constant speed. If you where to represent its velocity by a vector you would find that while the magnitude of the vector does not change over time, the direction of the vector does. In fact, over a very short period of time, if you where to represent the change in direction of its velocity by a vector, you would find that that "difference vector" points directly toward the center of the circle.

Again, this is all a bit confusing because when we generally use the word "accelerate" we mean that something is speeding up. However one just has to get use to the idea that when something is accelerating, it may be that only the direction of its velocity is changing and not necessarily the magnitude of its velocity.

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How can you be accelerating and traveling at a constant speed?

Acceleration refers to any change in an object's velocity, which includes changes in speed or direction. It is possible to have a constant speed while still accelerating if the direction of motion changes, for example, when moving in a circle at a constant speed. So, while the speed remains the same, the change in direction constitutes acceleration.


Is something accelerating with a constant speed?

That is possible, for example, if an object moves around in a circle. In this case, the velocity changes all the time; the speed does not.


Are you accelerating if you are traveling in a constant direction with constant speed and explain?

No, you are not accelerating if you are traveling in a constant direction with a constant speed. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, so if your velocity remains constant, there is no acceleration.


An object traveling in a circle is accerlerating because it is constantly changing?

An object traveling in a circle is accelerating because its direction is constantly changing as it moves along the circular path. This change in direction, even if the speed remains constant, results in an acceleration towards the center of the circle, known as centripetal acceleration.


How is it possible to be accelerating an traveling at a constint speed?

Acceleration refers to a change in velocity, which can occur even if the speed remains constant. For example, if an object is moving in a circular path at a constant speed, it is still accelerating because its direction is changing constantly. So, it is possible to be accelerating and traveling at a constant speed at the same time.

Related Questions

When an object is traveling in a circle it is accelerating but what is in constanly changing?

direction


What is the acceleration of a car that is going at a steady speed of 74 mph?

If something is traveling at a "steady" speed, it can't be accelerating.


How can you be accelerating and traveling at a constant speed?

Acceleration refers to any change in an object's velocity, which includes changes in speed or direction. It is possible to have a constant speed while still accelerating if the direction of motion changes, for example, when moving in a circle at a constant speed. So, while the speed remains the same, the change in direction constitutes acceleration.


Is something accelerating with a constant speed?

That is possible, for example, if an object moves around in a circle. In this case, the velocity changes all the time; the speed does not.


Are you accelerating if you are traveling in a constant direction with constant speed and explain?

No, you are not accelerating if you are traveling in a constant direction with a constant speed. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, so if your velocity remains constant, there is no acceleration.


An object traveling in a circle is accerlerating because it is constantly changing?

An object traveling in a circle is accelerating because its direction is constantly changing as it moves along the circular path. This change in direction, even if the speed remains constant, results in an acceleration towards the center of the circle, known as centripetal acceleration.


How is it possible to be accelerating an traveling at a constint speed?

Acceleration refers to a change in velocity, which can occur even if the speed remains constant. For example, if an object is moving in a circular path at a constant speed, it is still accelerating because its direction is changing constantly. So, it is possible to be accelerating and traveling at a constant speed at the same time.


An airplane traveling at a constant rate of speed in a straight line is not accelerating?

That's correct.


An ice skater glides around a rink at a constant speed of 2 ms is the skater acceleratng explain your answer?

Acceleration is change in velocity. These are vectors that have magnitude and direction. Changing either magnitude (speed) or direction will have the skater be accelerating. SO, if the skater is going at a constant speed of 2m/s in a straight line, he is not accelerating. If he is at a constant speed of 2m/s traveling in a circle (you gave the word "around"), he is accelerating. Going around in circles means there is a force constantly changing your direction. Obviously that force is coming from the skaters legs.


Why is static friction in use in a car accelerating around a circle?

Please answer this question


Can you also give an example of something that accelerates while traveling at constant velocity?

Yes, an object traveling in a circular path at a constant speed is accelerating because its direction is constantly changing. An example would be a car moving along a curved road at a constant speed.


An airplane traveling at a constant rate of speed in a straight line is not accelerating true of false?

true