Read each statement below carefully and state, with reasons, if it is true or false:
A. The net acceleration of a particle in circular motion is always along the radius of the circle towards the centre

B. The velocity vector of a particle at a point is always along the tangent to the path of the particle at that point

C. The acceleration vector of a particle in uniform circular motion averaged over one cycle is a null vector

Question

Read each statement below carefully and state, with reasons, if it is true or false:
A. The net acceleration of a particle in circular motion is always along the radius of the circle towards the centre

B. The velocity vector of a particle at a point is always along the tangent to the path of the particle at that point

C. The acceleration vector of a particle in uniform circular motion averaged over one cycle is a null vector

Philoid · Accepted Answer

A) False, because the net acceleration of a particle in circular motion along the radius can be both towards the centre of the circle and away from it. It is towards the centre of the circle only in case of uniform circular motion.

B) True, because while leaving the circular path, the particle moves tangentially to the circular path.

C) True, the acceleration of particle in a uniform circular motion is a vector directed towards the centre of the circular path. The sum of these vectors over one complete cycle is a null vector.