Question

Identify the incorrect statement for uniform circular motion.

• A. The speed of the body remains constant.
• B. The velocity of the body is continuously changing.
• C. Velocity is always perpendicular to radius of the circle.
• D. The distance is always equal to displacement.

Answer 1

The correct option is D The distance is always equal to displacement.

In uniform circular motion:

• The speed of the body is constant
• The velocity of the body keeps changing, because of change in direction
• The direction of velocity is perpendicular to the radius of circle at any point.
• Distance travelled keeps increasing
• The magnitude of displacement oscillates between zero and half the circumference.

Clearly, distance is not equal to the displacement. When the object returns to its initial point, the displacement becomes zero, but distance is greater than zero.