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Is it possible for speed to be constant while acceleration is not zero?

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Final answer:

Yes, it is possible for speed to be constant while acceleration is not zero. This occurs when an object is moving in a curved path and experiencing centripetal acceleration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, it is possible for speed to be constant while acceleration is not zero. This occurs when an object is moving in a curved path. Even though the object's speed remains constant, its direction is changing, which means it is experiencing acceleration. The centripetal acceleration keeps the object moving in a curved path without changing its speed.

For example, consider a car moving around a circular track at a constant speed. The speed of the car remains the same, but it is constantly changing direction, resulting in a non-zero acceleration.

User JonathanWolfson
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Sure enough !

Acceleration means any change in speed OR DIRECTION of motion.

So if something is moving in a circle or around a curve, even at constant
speed, its direction is changing, so acceleration is not zero.
User Tinti
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8.5k points

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