# Can a object with constant acceleration change its trajectory?

That's a question from previous Physics tests which I am using to study.

I would say that no, if the acceleration of the object is constant, its velocity, which is directly related to the acceleration, will also remain the same and make the object always go on the same direction. Is my way of thinking correct?

Please correct me if I am wrong and give me better explanations if possible.

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If you throw a ball in space it will travel in a straight line. It you throw a ball on earth where it feels gravity (a constant acceleration) then it will follow a curved line instead. –  santa claus Jun 15 '13 at 17:46
Got it already, it can indeed change its direction but only one time. Considering, for example, throwing a object in the air on the Earth, it will start with a velocity (with opposite direction to the Earth) and acceleration $-9.8m/s^2$ (gravity), its velocity will be slowly decreased till it reach its maximum distance from the earth and $V=0$, then it's velocity becomes "negative", it changes its direction, and it goes towards the Earth, with increasing velocity. –  Luan Cristian Thums Jun 15 '13 at 18:01
@Luan No, that is not correct. An object with constant acceleration can change its direction of motion continuously. The parabolic motion of a simple projectile is precisely this, as Alec said. –  Mark Eichenlaub Jun 15 '13 at 18:16
@MarkEichenlaub can you explain me more about how it changes its direction constantly? With a practical example if possible, sorry, I don't see it. –  Luan Cristian Thums Jun 15 '13 at 18:26
I already described a practical example - throw a ball. It experiences constant acceleration (downward) while moving in a parabola. –  Mark Eichenlaub Jun 15 '13 at 19:03