A particle is under the action of force of constant magnitude. The direction of the force is such that it is always normal to the velocity of the particle. If the motion of the particle is confined to a plane, then:
Correct answer: B. The particle has a circular motion
- A. The particle has a linear motion
- B. The particle has a circular motion
- C. The acceleration of the particle is constant
- D. The velocity of the particle is constant
Explanation
When a particle experiences a force that is always perpendicular to its velocity, the force alters the direction of the velocity without changing its magnitude. This results in a centripetal force that causes the particle to move in a circular path. Hence, the correct answer is that the particle has circular motion.Option A is incorrect because linear motion would require the force to be in the direction of motion, not perpendicular to it. Option C is incorrect because while the magnitude of acceleration is constant, its direction is continuously changing as the particle moves. Option D is incorrect because even though the speed (magnitude of velocity) is constant, the velocity itself is not constant due to the change in direction.
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About Force and Motion
Displacement, velocity and acceleration describe motion, including the horizontal and vertical components of projectile motion. The chapter connects these quantities with Newton's laws, momentum and impulse, then applies conservation of momentum to collisions, distinguishing elastic collisions from inelastic ones.
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