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PhysicsClassical Physics

If Velocity Is Constant, Then Acceleration Is What?

A constant velocity vector has zero time derivative, so the acceleration is zero; constant speed is different because direction can still change.

Question

If velocity is constant, then acceleration is what? Choose one:

  • (a) zero
  • (b) constant, but not necessarily zero
  • (c) constant
  • (d) not need more information

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Evidence boundary

The answer treats velocity as a vector measured in one inertial reference frame and constant throughout the interval in question. It does not claim that every motion with constant speed has zero acceleration; a changing velocity direction can produce nonzero acceleration even when speed stays fixed.