Which term describes a change in direction without a change in speed?

Which term describes a change in direction without a change in speed?

• A. Linear acceleration
• B. Radial acceleration
• C. Transverse acceleration
• D. Vertical acceleration

Answer: (B)

The term that accurately describes a change in direction without a change in speed is radial acceleration. When an object moves in a circular path, it continuously changes direction, which results in radial acceleration aimed toward the center of the circular trajectory. While the object's speed can remain constant, the constant change in direction requires a force that results in this acceleration. In contrast, linear acceleration refers to a change in the velocity of an object in a straight line, which involves changes in speed as well as direction. Transverse acceleration mainly relates to acceleration perpendicular to a specific reference line, and vertical acceleration concerns changes in position along a vertical axis, typically involving the effects of gravity. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the concept of radial acceleration as it specifically pertains to motion along circular paths where speed is held constant while direction is altered.

The term that accurately describes a change in direction without a change in speed is radial acceleration. When an object moves in a circular path, it continuously changes direction, which results in radial acceleration aimed toward the center of the circular trajectory. While the object's speed can remain constant, the constant change in direction requires a force that results in this acceleration.

In contrast, linear acceleration refers to a change in the velocity of an object in a straight line, which involves changes in speed as well as direction. Transverse acceleration mainly relates to acceleration perpendicular to a specific reference line, and vertical acceleration concerns changes in position along a vertical axis, typically involving the effects of gravity. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the concept of radial acceleration as it specifically pertains to motion along circular paths where speed is held constant while direction is altered.