We say that circular motion is accelerated because its direction changes i.e. velocity changes. But velocity is displacement/time and displacement for a circular path is a straight line. Change in direction does not happen in a straight line. How is circular motion accelerated then?

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Solution

Dear Student,

For a circular motion distance moved is a straight line path, i.e magnitude of displacement. While displacement has a direction, given by the radial vector that connects the centre of the circle to the specified point on the circumference.
( concept is similar to that of velocity. REMEMBER velocity is actually derivative of displacement. i.e velocity is directed in direction of displacement ALWAYS.

Regards.

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