In uniform circular motion, which type of acceleration is present?

In uniform circular motion, which type of acceleration is present?

• A. Tangential acceleration
• B. Normal (centripetal) acceleration
• C. Gravitational acceleration
• D. Zero acceleration

Answer: (B)

In uniform circular motion, the velocity is constant in magnitude but constantly changing direction as the object moves along the circle. This change in direction requires an acceleration called centripetal (normal) acceleration, directed toward the center of the circle. Its magnitude is a = v^2 / r, and it points inward at every point along the path. Because the speed doesn’t change, there is no tangential component of acceleration. So the only acceleration present is the inward (centripetal) one. Gravitational acceleration isn’t the type governing this motion; gravity may influence the path in some setups, but the characteristic acceleration for the motion itself is centripetal toward the center.

In uniform circular motion, the velocity is constant in magnitude but constantly changing direction as the object moves along the circle. This change in direction requires an acceleration called centripetal (normal) acceleration, directed toward the center of the circle. Its magnitude is a = v^2 / r, and it points inward at every point along the path.

Because the speed doesn’t change, there is no tangential component of acceleration. So the only acceleration present is the inward (centripetal) one. Gravitational acceleration isn’t the type governing this motion; gravity may influence the path in some setups, but the characteristic acceleration for the motion itself is centripetal toward the center.