Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which quantity changes continuously for an object in uniform circular motion?
The mass changes
The speed changes
The direction of velocity changes
The kinetic energy changes
The direction of velocity changes
In uniform circular motion, an object moves along a circular path at a constant speed. While the magnitude of velocity remains unchanged, the direction of motion is tangent to the circle at every point, meaning the velocity vector changes continuously.
In uniform circular motion, an object moves along a circular path at a constant speed. While the magnitude of velocity remains unchanged, the direction of motion is tangent to the circle at every point, meaning the velocity vector changes continuously.
Think of a stone tied to a string being whirled in a circle; even though you pull the string with constant effort to keep the speed steady, your hand must constantly change the direction of the pull to prevent the stone from flying off in a straight line.
VAC: Velocity, Acceleration, Centripetal (The direction of all three changes in UCM).
acтАЛ=rv2тАЛ тАФ Centripetal acceleration formula
v=╧Й├Чr тАФ Vector relationship between velocity, angular velocity, and radius
The centripetal force acts towards the center of the circle, perpendicular to the velocity vector. According to Newton's second law, this force causes a change in velocity (acceleration) directed towards the center. Since velocity is a vector quantity, its continuous change in direction results in centripetal acceleration, even if the speed v remains constant.
Uniform circular motion implies constant speed but variable velocity.
Centripetal acceleration is directed toward the center of the circular path.
Kinetic energy K=21тАЛmv2 remains constant because speed v and mass m are constant.
The net work done by the centripetal force is zero because displacement is always perpendicular to the force.
Satellite orbiting the Earth
A car turning on a circular track at a constant speed
Option A is incorrect because mass is an intrinsic property that does not change during motion.
Option B is incorrect because uniform circular motion specifically implies a constant speed.
Option D is incorrect because kinetic energy depends on speed, which remains constant in UCM.
C is correct тАФ The direction of velocity changes continuously as the object traces the circular path, even if its magnitude remains constant.
Remember: A vector consists of both magnitude and direction. If only the direction changes, the vector is changing; hence, the object is accelerating.