Question

The speedometer of your car shows that you are travelling at a constant speed of $40{\text{ms}}^{-1}$. Is it possible that your car accelerating?

Answer 1

Given:
The speed of the car is constant at $40m{s}^{-1}$.

Acceleration:

1. Acceleration is the rate its velocity changes. Hence, the body can accelerate if it is changing its direction even if speed remains constant.

Explanation:

1. So, it is possible in case when your car is travelling on a curved path with constant speed.
   Change in direction arises due to centripetal acceleration. So, centripetal acceleration might be present.
   Hence, it is possible that your car is accelerating while moving at constant speed only if there is any centripetal force.