For an object moving in a circular path, which quantity remains constant?

Prepare for the OAR Mechanical Comprehension Test with comprehensive study materials. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

In the context of an object moving in a circular path, the quantity that remains constant is speed. Speed refers to how fast an object is moving, regardless of the direction of travel. For an object undergoing uniform circular motion, it maintains a constant speed as it moves around the circle, meaning the magnitude of its velocity does not change.

Velocity, on the other hand, is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction. Since the direction of the object's motion is continually changing as it moves in a circular path, its velocity is not constant. Displacement, which measures the shortest straight-line distance from the initial to the final position, also changes continuously as the object travels around the circle. Acceleration, in the case of circular motion, is present due to the change in direction and points towards the center of the circle, which means it is also not constant.

Therefore, while the speed of an object in uniform circular motion remains the same, the other quantities such as velocity, displacement, and acceleration do vary as the object moves along the circular path.

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