College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 3 - Motion in Two Dimensions - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 95: 3

Answer

(a) object speeds up or slows down. (b) object moves in a parabolic path. (c) object is in circular motion.

Work Step by Step

(a) When acceleration is parallel to initial velocity, the magnitude of the object's velocity either increases or decreases. \begin{align*} \vec v=\vec u+\vec a\,t \end{align*} Its direction remains the same. (b) When the acceleration is perpendicular to initial velocity, the component of the object's velocity along the direction of the acceleration increases consistently. The object moves in a parabolic path given by coordinates - \begin{align*} s_x&=u_xt\\ s_y&=\frac{1}{2}a_yt^2 \end{align*}(c) For acceleration always perpendicular to instantaneous velocity, the object moves in a circular path.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.