Final answer:
An object moving at a constant speed in a circular motion experiences centripetal acceleration, which constantly changes the direction of its velocity towards the center of the circle while maintaining a constant angular velocity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an object moves at a constant speed along a circular path in a horizontal plane with the center at the origin, it experiences a special type of acceleration called centripetal acceleration. Even though the object is moving at a constant speed, there is a continuous change in the direction of its velocity, resulting in acceleration towards the center of the circle.
This is not to be confused with angular acceleration, which refers to a change in the angular velocity. In the context of uniform circular motion, the speed is constant, and there is no angular acceleration because the angular velocity is constant. Centripetal acceleration is necessary to maintain the object's circular path and is directed towards the center of the rotation which keeps the object's velocity constantly changing in direction even though its speed remains the same.