Question

An object moves in a circular path at a constant speed. Compare the direction of the object's velocity and acceleration vectors.Select one:O a. The vectors are perpendicular.O b. The question is meaningless, since the acceleration is zero.O c. Both vectors point in the same direction.O d. The vectors point in opposite directions.O e. The question is meaningless, since the displacement is zero.

Answer 1

When the object is in a circular motion, the direction of the velocity will be changing at every point on the path of the object. The object is pulled towards the center continuously.

The change in the velocity indicates that there is an acceleration acting on the object. This acceleration is directed radially inwards. And the velocity of the object, at any instant, is along the tangent to the circular path.

Hence the velocity vector and the acceleration vector are perpendicular to each other.

Thus, the correct answer is option a.