• Velocity?and?acceleration?are both?vector?quantities
• An object in?uniform circular motion?has a constant?linear?speed
• However, it is?continuously changing direction.?Since velocity is the speed in a given direction, it, therefore, has a?constantly changing velocity
  • The object therefore must be?accelerating
  • This is because acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity

   

• This acceleration is called the?centripetal acceleration?and is?perpendicular?to the direction of the linear speed
  • Centripetal means it acts?towards the centre?of the circular path

   

Centripetal force and acceleration are always directed towards the centre of the circle

• The centripetal acceleration is caused by a?centripetal?force?of constant magnitude that also acts?perpendicular?to the direction of motion (towards the centre)
  • This is a result of?Newton's Second Law

   

• Therefore, the centripetal acceleration and force act in the?same direction