If an object's speed remains constant at 131 m/sec but changes direction, is it experiencing acceleration?

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Get ready for the UCF PSC1121 Physical Science Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our resources!

An object is considered to be experiencing acceleration whenever there is a change in its velocity, and velocity is defined as a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction. In this case, while the object's speed remains constant at 131 m/sec, the change in direction indicates that the object's velocity is changing, and thus it is experiencing acceleration.

Acceleration occurs not just from increases or decreases in speed, but also from changes in direction while maintaining a constant speed. A common example of this is a car navigating a circular track; even if the car's speed is constant, it is accelerating because its direction is continually changing.

This understanding of acceleration as a change in velocity clarifies why the other options don't hold true in this context. While speed being constant might suggest no acceleration in one perspective, the crucial factor here is the change in direction, which is a vital component of what constitutes acceleration.