⚛️ Physics · Motion in a Plane · NEET & JEE

A particle moves in a circle of radius 4 m. Its speed is 4 m s^-1 and increasing at 3 m s^-2. The magnitude of its net acceleration at that instant is:

Answer: 5 m s^-2.

A 3 m s^-2
B 4 m s^-2
C 5 m s^-2
D 7 m s^-2

Correct answer: C. 5 m s^-2

Explanation: Centripetal acceleration = v²/r = 16/4 = 4 m s^-2, tangential = 3 m s^-2. Net = √(4² + 3²) = 5 m s^-2.

Projectile trajectories launched at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees at the same speed, each annotated with range R, maximum height H and time of flight T, with coloured dots marking equal time intervals

Projectiles at equal speed: range is maximum at 45°, and complementary angles (30° and 60°) share the same range. Image: Cmglee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Concept context

Vectors, projectile motion, uniform circular motion, and relative velocity - the foundation of 2D kinematics for NEET and JEE.

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A particle moves in a circle of radius 4 m. Its speed is 4 m s-1 and increasing at 3 m s-2. The magnitude of its net acceleration at that instant is:

Concept context

More Motion in a Plane questions

A particle moves in a circle of radius 4 m. Its speed is 4 m s^-1 and increasing at 3 m s^-2. The magnitude of its net acceleration at that instant is: