WBCS.LIVE practice question

If a body moves with a constant speed along a curved path its acceleration would be:

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. zero
  2. parallel to its velocity
  3. make any arbitrary angle with its velocity
  4. perpendicular to its velocity

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: perpendicular to its velocity

Explanation: āœ… Correct Answer: D) perpendicular to its velocity šŸ“š Explanation: When an object moves at a constant speed along a circular or curved path, its direction changes continuously, which generates a centripetal acceleration. This acceleration is always directed toward the center of the curve. Because the velocity vector is tangential to the path, the centripetal acceleration vector acts at a 90-degree angle, making it perfectly perpendicular to the velocity vector. This is a basic property of uniform circular motion.