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Question

A cyclist performing uniform circular motion throws an apple in his direction, the apple moves in a ________

The correct answer is
tangential path to the circular path at that point

Motion Analysis of Thrown Apple

In uniform circular motion, the velocity of an object (the cyclist) is always directed tangentially to the circular path at its current position.

When the cyclist throws the apple, the apple's initial velocity is determined by the cyclist's velocity at the exact moment of release.

This velocity vector is tangential to the circular path at that point.

Apple's Trajectory

According to Newton's first law (inertia), an object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Upon release, the apple possesses the tangential velocity from the cyclist. Ignoring significant forces like gravity for the immediate path determination, the apple will travel in a straight line along this tangential direction.

Therefore, the apple moves in a path tangential to the circular path at the point of release.

Correct Answer Analysis: Option 4 accurately describes this initial trajectory.

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Important Questions from Circular motion

  1. A uniform motion of a car along a circular path experiences

  2. A particle is moving in a circle with uniform speed. Which of the following quantities is constant?

  3. A particle is moving in a circle with uniform speed. It has constant

  4. The vehicle moving on a level circular path will exert pressure such that _____.

  5. Which of the following statement is incorrect about a body undergoing a uniform circular motion?

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