Question

If the acceleration of the particle is constant in magnitude but not in direction, what type of path does the body follow?

Answer 1

1. In a circular path, the body constantly changes direction even though it is moving with a constant speed.
2. Thus, as the direction of the body changes, we can say that the velocity of the body changes.
3. Since the velocity changes, an acceleration must exist, as acceleration is given by: $a=\frac{changeinvelocity}{timetaken}$
4. Thus, the acceleration exists in a circular path, but since the magnitude of velocity is constant, the magnitude of the acceleration also remains constant.
5. But since the direction of the velocity changes, the direction of acceleration must also change.

Thus, If the acceleration of the particle is constant in magnitude but not in direction, the path that the body does follow is a Circular Path.