Question

The acceleration of a particle ‘ X ‘ remains constant in magnitude but not in direction, which of the following path does particle ’ X’ can have?

• A. Straight line
• B. Circular path
• C. Elliptical Path
• D. Parabolic path

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Circular path

Step 1: Accelerated motion

1. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
2. $acceleration=\frac{changeinvelocity}{changeintime}$.

Step 2: Explanation for the correct option

1. Acceleration is a vector quantity which means it has both magnitude and direction.
2. The motion of a body in which the magnitude of acceleration remains constant but the direction changes continuously is can be a motion in a circular path.
3. In this motion, the acceleration of the object is due to the centripetal force which makes the body move in a circular path.
4. During this circular motion, the acceleration of the object act along the radius of the circular path called radial acceleration.

Hence,

In a circular path, the motion of an object will have constant acceleration in magnitude but the direction changes continuously.