Question

The diagram below shows a toy airplane from above flying around in a circular path at constant speed in the direction indicated by the arrows.
Which of the following tables correctly describes the points at which the plane's velocity is south and at which its acceleration is south?

• A. Point $4$ - Point $2$
• B. Point $3$ - Point $2$
• C. Point $1$ - Point $3$
• D. Point $2$ - Point $3$
• E. Point $2$ - Point $4$

Answer 1

The correct option is B Point $3$ - Point $2$

In circular motion the velocity at any point is given by the tangent at this point , it is clear from the diagram that , tangent is in southward direction at point 3 ,therefore velocity will be in southward direction at point 3 .

Now as the speed of plane is constant therefore it has only centripetal acceleration , which is always directed toward the center of circular path ,we can see that at point 2 the centripetal acceleration is toward south .