Question

Is it possible to have a constant speed, yet a non-zero acceleration? Is it possible to have constant acceleration and varying speed?

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Acceleration is a vector quantity that has both magnitude and direction, and if either of them will change, then acceleration will also change.
2. Yes, it is possible to have an accelerated motion with constant speed.
3. Let's take an example of a particle moving in a uniform circular motion, it has acceleration because the direction of the motion is changing but it has a constant speed along tangential throughout the motion.
4. Yes, it is possible to have constant acceleration and varying speed.
5. According to the first equation of motion if a particle is moving with a constant acceleration on a straight path, the speed of the particle with vary with time and its equation is $v=u+at$.

Hence, it is possible to have an accelerated motion with constant speed when a particle is moving in a uniform circular motion and a constant acceleration and varying speed when a particle is moving on a straight line.