What characterizes uniform circular motion?

Uniform circular motion is characterized by an object moving at a constant speed along a circular path. This means that while the speed of the object remains unchanged, its velocity is continuously changing due to its constant change in direction. The relationship between speed and direction is crucial; even though the speed is constant, the object is accelerating because it is constantly changing direction. This acceleration, known as centripetal acceleration, acts towards the center of the circle, enabling the object to maintain its circular path.

This definition distinguishes it from other types of motion, such as moving with increasing or variable speeds, which do not fit the criteria for uniform circular motion. In contrast, objects moving along straight lines do not exhibit circular motion at all. Thus, the key feature of uniform circular motion is the maintenance of constant speed while following a circular trajectory.