Question

If a body is moving at constant speed in a circular path, its
a.velocity is constant and its acceleration is zero
b.velocity and acceleration are both changing direction only
c.velocity and acceleration are both increasing
d.velocity is constant and acceleration is changing direction

Answer 1

Answer:

Although speed of the body is constant, in circular motion, the direction of motion of the particle changes constantly, which means velocity of the particle is not constant. Since, the velocity of a particle changes continuously, acceleration of the particle is non-zero.

Answer 2

If a body is moving at constant speed in a circular path, its b. velocity and acceleration are both changing direction only.

Explanation:

• Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities. Both of them has direction and magnitude.

• Velocity is the rate of change in displacement with time.

• Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity with time.

• In a circular motion, the body changes direction of velocity at every point.

• This change in velocity produces acceleration.

• Because of the presence of acceleration, there is an inward centripetal force acting on the body.

• But since, this is a uniform circular motion, so the change is only in direction of both velocity and acceleration and not in magnitude.