Question Details

In the context of uniform circular motion, which of the following examples from
everyday life best illustrates this concept?

Options

A

A satellite revolving around the Earth at a fixed speed in a circular orbit

B

A pendulum bob swinging to and fro

C

A car moving with changing speed along a circular track

D

A person walking randomly in a park

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

A satellite revolving around the Earth at a fixed speed in a circular orbit

Solution :

The correct option is A satellite revolving around the Earth at a fixed speed in a circular orbit.

Understanding Uniform Circular Motion:
Uniform circular motion is defined as the motion of an object traveling along a circular path at a constant (fixed) speed.
Key features of uniform circular motion include:
1. Constant Speed: The magnitude of the velocity (speed) remains constant throughout the motion.
2. Changing Direction: The direction of motion changes continuously at every point along the circular path.
3. Centripetal Acceleration: Because the velocity vector changes direction, the object undergoes acceleration directed toward the center of the circle.

Evaluating the Options:

1. A satellite revolving around the Earth at a fixed speed in a circular orbit:
The satellite moves along a circular path with a constant speed while maintaining a constant radial distance from the center of the Earth. This perfectly satisfies all criteria of uniform circular motion.

2. A pendulum bob swinging to and fro:
This represents oscillatory or simple harmonic motion along an arc, where the speed changes continuously (stopping at extreme positions and moving fastest at the mean position).

3. A car moving with changing speed along a circular track:
While the path is circular, the speed is changing, making it non-uniform circular motion.

4. A person walking randomly in a park:
This is random motion without a fixed circular path or constant speed.

Therefore, the best illustration of uniform circular motion is a satellite revolving around the Earth at a fixed speed in a circular orbit.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Discover more resources

You may also like

Mock Tests

View All
  • JEE
  • intermediate
  • 3 hours
  • chemistry, mathematics, physics
  • Proctored

  • JEE
  • intermediate
  • 3 hours
  • chemical engineering, mathematics, physics

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...