Question

Does a car moving around a circular track with constant speed have

(a) zero acceleration,

(b) an acceleration in the direction of its velocity,

(c) an acceleration directed away from the centre of its path,

(d) an acceleration directed toward the centre of its path, or

(e) an acceleration with a direction that cannot be determined from the given information?

Short answer

A car moving around a circular track with constant speed have an acceleration directed toward the centre of its path.

So, option d is correct

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Define centripetal force

The force operating on an object in curvilinear motion directed toward the axis of rotation or centre of curvature is known as centripetal force

Explanation

The car's velocity vector changes direction as it drives around a circular track at a constant speed.

A centripetal force pulls the moving object toward the centre of the circular route, resulting in a change in direction and hence, velocity.

So, Option (d) is the right answer.