Question detail
Explain why an object can accelerate even if its speed remains constant.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Forces and motion
Question
Explain why an object can accelerate even if its speed remains constant.
Answer
An object can accelerate if its direction changes, even if its speed remains constant. This is because acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity, which includes changes in direction.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's understanding of the concept of acceleration and its relationship with velocity, emphasizing that acceleration is not solely about changes in speed but also involves changes in direction.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Acceleration Units
Students often confuse the units of acceleration, stating it as metres per second (m/s) instead of metres per second squared (m/s²).
Remember that acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, which requires the time component to be squared in the units. Always express acceleration as m/s².
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