Question

Which of the following statements explains why a racecar going around a curve is accelerating, even if the speed is constant?

a) The racecar is experiencing centripetal acceleration, directed toward the center of the curve.

b) The racecar is experiencing tangential acceleration, directed along the curve.

c) The racecar is experiencing constant acceleration, maintaining its speed.

d) The racecar is experiencing zero acceleration since its speed is constant.

Answer 1

A racecar going around a curve is accelerating because it is experiencing centripetal acceleration, which is directed toward the center of the curve and changes the direction of the car's velocity. The correct answer to why a racecar going around a curve is accelerating, even if the speed is constant, is: a) The racecar is experiencing centripetal acceleration, directed toward the center of the curve.

Step-by-step explanation:

The racecar going around a curve is considered to be accelerating because the direction of its velocity is changing, even though its speed may be constant. This acceleration is known as centripetal acceleration, which is always directed toward the center of the curve. This type of acceleration does not change the magnitude of the velocity (i.e., the speed) but constantly changes the velocity's direction as the car turns. The correct answer to why a racecar going around a curve is accelerating, even if the speed is constant, is: a) The racecar is experiencing centripetal acceleration, directed toward the center of the curve.