Exercise: Time, Speed & Distance

Questions for: Velocity

A car travels around a perfectly circular track at a constant speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Considering the car's movement, which statement accurately describes its velocity?
A: The car's velocity remains constant throughout the journey.
B: The car's velocity changes continuously due to the varying direction of motion.
C: The car's velocity changes only when the speed increases or decreases.
D: The car's velocity is momentarily zero each time it completes a full circle.
Answer: B
Velocity is a vector quantity, possessing both magnitude (speed) and direction. Even though the car's speed (magnitude) is constant, its direction of travel is continuously changing as it moves along the circular track. Therefore, the car's velocity is continuously changing because its directional component is always varying. Why others are wrong: A — Velocity includes direction; a constant speed with changing direction means changing velocity. C — Velocity changes if either speed (magnitude) or direction, or both, change. D — The car is continuously in motion, so its velocity is never zero unless it stops.
A satellite orbits Earth at a constant altitude, maintaining a steady orbital speed of 28,000 km/h. Its path is approximately circular. Considering the satellite's motion, which of the following statements about its velocity is most accurate?
A: The satellite's velocity is constant because its speed does not change.
B: The satellite's velocity is constantly changing due to the continuous alteration of its direction.
C: The satellite's velocity increases as it completes each full orbit around Earth.
D: The satellite's velocity is zero when it is directly above the equator.
Answer: B
Velocity is a vector quantity, defined by both magnitude (speed) and direction. Even though the satellite's speed is constant, its direction of motion is continuously changing as it follows a circular path. Therefore, the velocity, which includes direction, must also be constantly changing. Why others are wrong: A — This statement confuses speed with velocity; constant speed does not mean constant velocity if direction changes. C — The scenario states constant orbital speed, implying no increase in velocity magnitude over an orbit. D — The satellite is in continuous motion; thus its velocity is never zero unless it stops, which it does not.
Ad Slot (Above Pagination)
Quiz