Question

A body is acted upon by a constant force directed towards a fixed point. The magnitude of the force varies inversely as the square of the distance from the fixed point then path can be described by an equation similar to:

• A. $y=mx+c$
• B. $x^2+y^2=r^2$
• C. $y=c{x}^2$
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

none of these

The force field is similar to gravitational field.
So, the path is parabolic or elliptical or hyperbolic.
The exact trajectory will depend on the masses and energy of the particle.
Option(A) is equation of a straight line, it is ruled out.
Option(B) is equation for a circle and is also eqn of an ellipse with length of major axis equal to minor axis.
Option(C) is eqn of a parabola.
Hence, (D) is the best option.