Constant Speed and Path – Rankers Physics

Uniform Circular Motion: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): If the speed of a body is constant, the body cannot have a path other than a circular or straight line path. Reason (R): It is not possible for a body to have a constant speed in an accelerated motion.  
(1) Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
(2) Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false
(4) Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Uniform Circular Motion. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

A body can have constant speed and follow a curvilinear path (e.g., parabolic trajectory if air resistance is ignored). So (A) is false. A body can have constant speed but changing direction, leading to acceleration (e.g., UCM). So (R) is false.

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Similar Practice Questions

Explore conceptually related problems to test your knowledge.

1. Assertion (A): In uniform circular motion, angular acceleration is zero. Reason (R): In uniform circular motion, acceleration is constant.  
2. Assertion (A): Whenever a particle moves in a circular path with uniform speed, an acceleration exists which is directed towards the centre Reason (R): The net acceleration of a particle in circular motion is always radially inward.  
3. A particle start revolving on a circular path with constant angular acceleration \(\frac{\pi}{2}\text{ rad/sec}^2\). Then find number of cycles it will complete in first 12 seconds:
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