Question

A boy is sitting in a merry-go-round which is moving at a constant speed of 10 m/s. This means that the boy is

• A. At rest
• B. Moving with no acceleration
• C. In accelerated motion
• D. Moving with uniform velocity.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

In accelerated motion

Explanation for the correct option

Option (C)

1. The body moves at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Speed is a scalar quantity, it has only magnitude.
2. The boy is sitting on the merry-go-round (circular path), although the speed of the boy is constant but the direction of the velocity of the boy is changing in every moment.
3. Velocity is a vector quantity it has both magnitudes and direction. So change in direction of velocity means the body is accelerated. As we know that the time rate of change in velocity is acceleration.

Explanation for the incorrect options

Option (A)

1. According to the question, the boy is sitting on the merry-go-round which is moving at a speed of 10 m/s. So, the boy is not at rest.

Option (B)

1. In the merry-go-round, the boy changes its direction continuously, and the boy is in accelerated motion. So, option (B) is incorrect.

Option (D)

1. Uniform velocity means the change in velocity is zero but in the merry-go-round, the boy changes its direction continuously. So, option (D) is incorrect.

So, option (C) is correct.