Question 16
An object accelerates in
a direction that is always perpendicular to its motion.
What is the effect, if
any, of the acceleration on the object’s speed and direction?
speed direction
A changes changes
B changes constant
C constant changes
D constant constant
Reference: Past Exam Paper – June 2008 Paper 1 Q6
Solution:
Answer: C.
When the acceleration is
in the direction of the motion, the speed increases.
When the acceleration is
in the opposite direction of the motion, the speed decreases.
When the acceleration is
perpendicular to the direction of motion, the direction changes but the speed
remains constant. e.g. in circular motion
The speed does not change because the acceleration does not have a component along the direction of motion (since it is perpendicular).
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