Question

When a particle moves horizontally in uniform circular motion, what is the direction of its acceleration?

a) Tangential to the circle
b) Radial to the circle
c) Parallel to the ground
d) Perpendicular to the circle

Answer 1

In uniform circular motion, the direction of the acceleration is perpendicular to the circle.

Step-by-step explanation:

In uniform circular motion, the direction of the acceleration is perpendicular to the circle.

• The particle in uniform circular motion has two components of acceleration:
• Tangential acceleration: The acceleration in the direction of the tangential velocity. This component determines how the speed of the particle changes. Centripetal acceleration: The acceleration towards the center of the circle. This component is responsible for keeping the particle on the circular path.

The total acceleration is the vector sum of the tangential and centripetal accelerations. Therefore, when a particle moves horizontally in uniform circular motion, its acceleration is perpendicular to the circle.