Question 2: A particle moving with uniform speed in a circular path maintains :
(1) constant velocity
(2) constant acceleration.
(3) constant velocity but varying acceleration
(4) varying velocity and varying acceleration
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
In circular motion with uniform speed, the magnitude of velocity remains constant,
but its direction changes continuously.
Since velocity depends on both magnitude and direction,
a continuous change in direction means the velocity is changing.
Thus, the velocity of the particle is varying even though its speed is constant.
The particle experiences centripetal acceleration given by
a=\frac{v^{2}}{r}, which is always directed towards the centre of the circular path.
Although the magnitude of centripetal acceleration remains constant,
its direction keeps changing as the particle moves along the circular path.
Therefore, the acceleration is also varying.
Hence, a particle in uniform circular motion has varying velocity and varying acceleration.