a diagram shows the velocity vector for an object in uniform circular motion why is the vector tangenital to the circle

Question

the vector shows the path the object would follow if the net force acting on it stopped
the vector shows how the object pulls against the centipetal force
the vector approximates the curved path at that point
the vector indicates the direction of the force on the object

Answer 1

The correct answer is: the vector approximates the curved path at that point.

In uniform circular motion, the velocity vector of the object is always tangential (perpendicular) to the circle at any given point. This is because the object is constantly changing its direction, but its speed remains constant.

The velocity vector is tangent to the circle because it represents the instantaneous direction the object would travel if there were no net force acting on it. This means that, at any point along the circular path, the object would move in a straight line tangent to that point.

Therefore, the velocity vector approximates the curved path at that point, signifying the direction the object would follow if it were to continue moving in a straight line.