Chapter 2.2, Problem 16R

To determine

To describe: the velocity of a car as it goes around a track at a constant speed.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Velocity is rate of change of position of an object with respect to time. It has both direction and magnitude. Speed can be defined as the change of position of an object but it doesn’t have direction, it is a scalar quantity.

The car moving in a circular track would experience centripetal force. The centripetal force causes the object to move along the circle. The magnitude of the speed of the car is constant but the direction of the car along the track always changes. The direction of a car at any point would be tangential to the tract and outwards.

Conclusion:

Hence, around a track speed of the car remains the same but it direction continuously changes and its direction would be going outside.