Question

A particle is decelerating while moving on a circular path clockwise as shown in the figure. When it is at point $\text{A}$, the direction of its net acceleration is best represented as

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Speed of particle at position $\text{A}$ is decreasing, hence its tangential acceleration must be in a direction opposite to its velocity.

Since, particle moving in clockwise direction, so direction of velocity at point $\text{A}$ will be in upward direction and tangential acceleration will be in downward.


Here, centripetal and tangential acceleration are acting as shown in figure.

So, the direction of net acceleration is represented by $\overrightarrow{a_r}$

Hence, option $\left(d\right)$ is correct.

$\begin{array}{c}\text{Why this question?}\\ \text{Tip: A particle undergoing circular}\\ \text{motion will move with increasing speed}\\ \text{if tangential acceleration is in the same}\\ \text{direction as the velocity at each point.}\end{array}$