Class 9 Exam  >  Class 9 Questions  >  Why uniform circular motion is said to be acc... Start Learning for Free
Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ?
Most Upvoted Answer
Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ?
Uniform Circular Motion: Accelerated Motion


In uniform circular motion, an object moves in a circular path at a constant speed. Although the speed is constant, the object is still considered to be undergoing accelerated motion. This may seem contradictory at first, as acceleration is often associated with a change in speed. However, in the case of uniform circular motion, acceleration refers to the change in the object's direction rather than its speed.


Centripetal Acceleration


In circular motion, there is a force called the centripetal force that acts towards the center of the circle, keeping the object on its circular path. This force is responsible for continuously changing the object's direction, and it is always perpendicular to the velocity vector at any given point.


The centripetal force causes the object to experience centripetal acceleration, which is defined as the rate of change of velocity in the direction of the center of the circle. This acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle and is perpendicular to the object's velocity vector.


Acceleration and Velocity Vectors


In order to understand why uniform circular motion is considered accelerated, it's important to consider the relationship between acceleration and velocity vectors. Acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. In circular motion, the acceleration vector is constantly changing its direction, even if the magnitude remains constant.


The velocity vector represents the object's speed and direction of motion. As the acceleration vector constantly changes its direction, it causes a continuous change in the direction of the velocity vector. This change in direction indicates a change in velocity, even if the speed remains constant. Thus, the object is considered to be undergoing accelerated motion.


Mathematical Representation


Mathematically, the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration can be determined using the following formula:


ac = v^2 / r


Where ac represents the centripetal acceleration, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circular path. This formula shows that centripetal acceleration is inversely proportional to the radius of the circle, meaning that a smaller radius will result in a larger acceleration.


Conclusion


Uniform circular motion is considered to be accelerated because the object undergoes a continuous change in direction, even if its speed remains constant. The centripetal acceleration, caused by the centripetal force acting towards the center of the circle, is responsible for this change in direction. While the object's speed remains the same, its velocity vector constantly changes, indicating accelerated motion.
Community Answer
Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ?
Can I write like this " it is said to be accelerated because it have a constant velocity "
Attention Class 9 Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.
Explore Courses for Class 9 exam

Top Courses for Class 9

Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ?
Question Description
Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? for Class 9 2024 is part of Class 9 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 9 exam syllabus. Information about Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? covers all topics & solutions for Class 9 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ?.
Solutions for Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 9. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 9 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ?, a detailed solution for Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? has been provided alongside types of Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Why uniform circular motion is said to be accelerated ? tests, examples and also practice Class 9 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 9 exam

Top Courses for Class 9

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev