Question

Which of the following is a true statement concerning speed, velocity, and acceleration?

A) If the displacement of an object is zero, the speed must be zero
B) An increase in speed must mean the object experiences acceleration
C) Speed is a vector quantity representing magnitude and direction
D) An object cannot accelerate if it is moving at a constant speed

Answer 1

The true statement is that an increase in speed means the object experiences acceleration. Acceleration occurs when there's a change in velocity, which includes changes in speed or direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration in Physics. To answer which statement is true concerning these concepts:

• Speed is not a vector quantity; it only represents the magnitude of how fast an object is moving, irrespective of its direction.
• Velocity is a vector quantity as it comprises both magnitude and direction.
• An object can accelerate even if it is moving at a constant speed if there is a change in direction.

The correct answer to the question is 'An increase in speed must mean the object experiences acceleration' because acceleration is intimately connected to changes in the velocity's magnitude. Whether an object speeds up or slows down, as long as there is a change in speed, there is acceleration. Furthermore, an object can indeed accelerate while maintaining a constant speed if its direction changes, since acceleration is defined as the rate at which velocity changes, not just speed.