What type of motion is described by an object moving with a constant speed in a circular path?

When an object moves with a constant speed in a circular path, it is undergoing uniform circular motion. This type of motion is characterized by the object maintaining a consistent speed while continuously changing direction due to the circular nature of its path.

Even though the speed is constant, the velocity of the object is not constant because velocity is a vector quantity that depends on both speed and direction. As the object moves around the circle, its direction changes, leading to a continuous change in velocity. This change in velocity indicates that there is an acceleration acting on the object, directed toward the center of the circle, known as centripetal acceleration.

In summary, uniform circular motion specifically refers to the scenario where the object travels along a circular trajectory at a steady speed, which is precisely what distinguishes it from other types of motion, such as accelerated motion (where speed may change) or non-uniform circular motion (where both speed and direction may vary).