64.5k views
4 votes
If Armando's speed is constant, what is his velocity direction while running along the circular track?

a. Radially inward
b. Radially outward
c. Tangential (tangent to the circle)
d. At an angle of 45 degrees to the radius

User Blackhex
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Armando's velocity direction while running at constant speed along a circular track is tangential to the circle, and his acceleration is radially inward towards the center of the circle.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Armando is running along a circular track at constant speed, his velocity is tangential to the circle at any given point. This means that the direction of his velocity at any point on the track is perpendicular to the radius of the circle at that point. As for the acceleration, in uniform circular motion, it is always directed radially inward toward the center of the circle, known as centripetal acceleration. This centripetal force is necessary to change the direction of the velocity to keep the runner moving along the circular path. Therefore, Armando's velocity direction while running along the circular track is tangent to the circle.

User Dtoux
by
7.3k points