Here's why:
* Acceleration is a change in velocity. Velocity includes both speed and direction.
* Circular motion involves a constant change in direction. Even though your speed might be constant, your direction is constantly changing as you move in a circle.
Example: Imagine a car driving at a constant 60 mph around a circular track. Even though the car's speed is constant, it's constantly accelerating because its direction is changing. This acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle and is called centripetal acceleration.
Key takeaway: Acceleration doesn't always mean an increase in speed. It can also mean a change in direction.
