Question

Can a body have constant speed but variable velocity?

Answer 1

Velocity is a vector quantity. This means velocity has a magnitude and a direction.The magnitude of velocity is speed.Let's hold magnitude constant.If we change direction thenwe are changing velocity without changing the speed!Circular motion is a prime example of thisconcept because the speed can stay the same, but the object has changing velocity. The acceleration is toward the center at every point.Note: Since we are changing velocity then we must have anacceleration. Acceleration is defined as a change in velocity over change in time.