New Enroll in RBI Grade B New Batch - Starts on May 21

    Question

    A particle is projected such that its velocity vector

    sweeps equal angles with horizontal at equal time intervals. The motion is best described as:
    A Uniform projectile motion Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Non-uniform projectile on variable g Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Spiral motion Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Uniform circular motion Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    We are told that the velocity vector sweeps equal angles with the horizontal in equal time intervals. This implies that the direction of the velocity vector changes uniformly with time — meaning the rate of change of the direction (angular change) is constant.

    • In uniform projectile motion , the angle of velocity with horizontal does not change uniformly. It depends on vertical velocity vy = u sinθ − gt, which is linear in time, so angle changes non-uniformly.
    • Non-uniform projectile with variable g could produce some complex motion, but it wouldn't necessarily cause a uniform angular sweep of the velocity vector unless fine-tuned, which is unlikely here.
    • In spiral motion , both magnitude and direction of velocity change in a way that creates spiraling paths — but again, the velocity vector does not sweep equal angles in equal time generally.
    • In uniform circular motion , the velocity vector changes direction at a constant angular rate while maintaining constant speed. This perfectly matches the condition — the velocity vector sweeps equal angles in equal time.

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