Question

What determines the nature of the path followed by the particle?

• A. Speed
• B. Velocity
• C. Acceleration
• D. Both (b) and (c)

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Both (b) and (c)

Explanation for correct option:

d) Both (b) and (c)

1. Velocity is rate change of displacement.
2. The rate of change of velocity is acceleration.
3. Both acceleration and velocity are vector quantities which have both direction and magnitude
4. The course could be a straight line, a circle, or a parabola, depending on the variations in velocity and acceleration.

Explanation for incorrect option:

1. Speed:
   1.1 Speed is a scalar quantity.
   1.2 Speed has no direction so it will not determine the path followed by the particle.

Hence, Option D is correct.