Question

A child is on a ride in a merry-go-round which is moving at a constant speed of 15 m/s. This means that the child is
1. at rest
2. moving with constant velocity
3. in accelerated motion
4. moving without acceleration

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : in accelerated motion

The correct answer is option 3) i.e. in accelerated motion

CONCEPT:

• Uniform circular motion is where a moving object traces a circular path with constant speed.
  • ​A circle is assumed to be a polygon with infinitely many sides such that each side approximates to a point.
  • So, if the object moving on a circular path undergoes a change in direction at every point.
  • Since direction changes and speed remains constant, velocity is varying at every point.

EXPLANATION:

• The child on the merry-go-round is under a uniform circular motion i.e. the child has a constant magnitude of velocity, but the direction of velocity changes at every point.
• A change in velocity is due to a change in magnitude or direction or both.
• Acceleration occurs if there is a rate of change of velocity.
• Since the child is moving with constant speed but the velocity changes, it is accelerated motion.