* Acceleration is a change in velocity. Velocity has both magnitude (speed) and direction.
* Uniform speed means the magnitude of velocity (speed) remains constant. However, the direction of velocity changes constantly along a curved path.
* A change in direction means a change in velocity, which means there is acceleration.
Example:
Imagine a car driving around a circular track at a constant speed. Even though the car's speed is constant, its direction is constantly changing. This change in direction means the car is accelerating. This acceleration is called centripetal acceleration, and it always points towards the center of the circle.
Key takeaway: Acceleration is not just about changing speed; it's about changing velocity. Even if speed is constant, a change in direction implies a change in velocity and therefore acceleration.
