Question

A constant force is acting perpendicular to the velocity ofa particle. For this situation, which one of the following is correct?

• A. velocity is constant
• B. acceleration is constant
• C. momentum will be constant
• D. the particle follows an elliptical path

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

acceleration is constant

Since the force acts perpendicular to the velocity of the particle,acceleration will always be force per unit mass.So accelearation will remain constant for such a situation.Also the velocity in the direction of force is changing so momentum cannot be constant.

Also the particle's velocity will be either constantly increasing or decreasing thereby giving a constantly increasing or decreasing angle between the horizontal and perpendicular velocity.So it could not follow an elliptical path.