Question

the dots in the diagram show the location of the car every 1 second as it drives around the curve. they are equal distances apart. consider the cars motion when its at the position shown in the diagram. which statement is true and why? choose 1 answer: a the car is accelerating because its speeding up. b the car is accelerating because its changing direction. c the car is not accelerating because its moving at a constant speed. d the car is not accelerating because objects cant accelerate while turning.

Explanation:

1. Recall the definition of acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, and velocity is a vector quantity (has both magnitude - speed - and direction).
2. Analyze the car's motion: The dots are equally spaced, so the speed (magnitude of velocity) is constant. But the car is moving around a curve, so its direction is changing.
3. Evaluate each option:

• Option A: The car's speed is constant (dots equally spaced), so it's not speeding up. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Since velocity changes when direction changes (even with constant speed), acceleration occurs. This matches the definition of acceleration (change in velocity, which can be due to direction change).
• Option C: Acceleration occurs with direction change (velocity change), so the car is accelerating. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Objects can accelerate while turning (due to direction change in velocity). Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. The car is accelerating because it's changing direction.