Physics · Grades 10–12
Circular motion: changing velocity at constant speed · Revision sheet
Keep centripetal acceleration and actual force sources distinct.
Learn the idea
Velocity
Velocity includes direction. Moving around a circle changes velocity even if speed is constant.
Acceleration
For uniform circular motion, acceleration magnitude is v squared over radius and points inward.
Force source
Centripetal names the required inward resultant, not a new force to add beside gravity, friction or tension.
Limits
The uniform circular model assumes constant speed and fixed radius. A changing speed can add a tangential acceleration.
Explain without looking
- Why can a satellite in a circular orbit be accelerating while staying at the same speed?
- Speed is 4 m/s and centripetal acceleration is 2 m/s². Find radius.
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Independent educational review required. Grade bands are approximate; these are not officially aligned curricula.