Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Work and Energy
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Work and Energy
A particle is subjected to a force of constant magnitude that is...
A particle is subjected to a force of constant magnitude that is always perpendicular to its velocity. The motion of the particle occurs in a plane. It then follows that
Options
- Ait moves in a circular path
- Bits velocity is constant
- Cits acceleration is constant
- Dits kinetic energy is constant
Correct answer
D. its kinetic energy is constant
Step-by-step solution
Since the force is always perpendicular to the velocity, the power delivered by the force is zero ().
Therefore, the work done by the force is zero, which implies that the kinetic energy and the speed of the particle remain constant.
The magnitude of the force is constant, so the magnitude of the acceleration is also constant.
Since the force is perpendicular to the velocity, the acceleration is purely centripetal and is given by , where is the radius of curvature.
Because both and are constant, the radius of curvature is constant. Motion in a plane with a constant radius of curvature is a circular path.
Since the direction of motion changes continuously, the velocity and acceleration vectors are not constant.
Therefore, the work done by the force is zero, which implies that the kinetic energy and the speed of the particle remain constant.
The magnitude of the force is constant, so the magnitude of the acceleration is also constant.
Since the force is perpendicular to the velocity, the acceleration is purely centripetal and is given by , where is the radius of curvature.
Because both and are constant, the radius of curvature is constant. Motion in a plane with a constant radius of curvature is a circular path.
Since the direction of motion changes continuously, the velocity and acceleration vectors are not constant.