Home Physics Motion in a Plane Horizontal Projectile Motion A particle moves in a plane with constant ac…
Physics Motion in a Plane Horizontal Projectile Motion Single Correct MCQ
Published on: September 12, 2026

A particle moves in a plane with constant acceleration in a direction different from the initial velocity. The path of the particle will be

A
A straight line
B
An arc of a circle
C
A parabola
D
An ellipse

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Text Solution

Verified by Experts
The correct answer is:
C
Step 1: Understand the motion: When a particle moves with constant acceleration in a direction different from its initial velocity, it will undergo a change in its velocity vector over time.

Step 2: Analyze the effects of acceleration: Since the acceleration is constant but not in the direction of the initial velocity, the particle will not move in a straight line. Instead, the changing velocity will cause the trajectory to curve.

Step 3: Determine the type of path: The path will typically resemble a parabola because the component of acceleration perpendicular to the initial velocity causes a change in direction while the component along the direction of velocity causes a change in speed, leading to a parabolic trajectory.

Therefore, the answer is Option C: A parabola.

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