NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Physics · Chapter
A small block is moving on a frictionless horizontal circular track...
A small block is moving on a frictionless horizontal circular track with a steady speed. During its motion, the block possesses:
Options
- AConstant velocity and constant centripetal force
- BVariable linear momentum and variable acceleration
- CVariable kinetic energy and constant acceleration
- DConstant linear momentum and constant kinetic energy
Correct answer
B. Variable linear momentum and variable acceleration
Step-by-step solution
For a block moving on a circular track with a steady speed, the magnitude of velocity remains constant but its direction changes continuously.
Since velocity is a vector, the continuous change in direction means the velocity is variable.
Linear momentum is given by . Since velocity is variable, linear momentum is also variable.
The block experiences a centripetal acceleration directed towards the center of the circular track. As the block moves, the direction of this acceleration continuously changes, making the acceleration variable.
Kinetic energy is given by . Since speed is constant and kinetic energy is a scalar quantity, it remains constant.
Centripetal force also changes direction continuously, so it is a variable force.
Therefore, the block possesses variable linear momentum and variable acceleration.
Answer: Variable linear momentum and variable acceleration
Since velocity is a vector, the continuous change in direction means the velocity is variable.
Linear momentum is given by . Since velocity is variable, linear momentum is also variable.
The block experiences a centripetal acceleration directed towards the center of the circular track. As the block moves, the direction of this acceleration continuously changes, making the acceleration variable.
Kinetic energy is given by . Since speed is constant and kinetic energy is a scalar quantity, it remains constant.
Centripetal force also changes direction continuously, so it is a variable force.
Therefore, the block possesses variable linear momentum and variable acceleration.
Answer: Variable linear momentum and variable acceleration