Question

liam is watching a toy car moving along a circular track. he observes that the car completes one full lap every 15 seconds. which statement best describes the difference between the cars speed and velocity? a. the cars speed is constant, but its velocity changes continuously because of the change in direction. b. both the cars speed and velocity are constant throughout the circular motion. c. the cars velocity is constant, but its speed changes as it moves around the circle. d. both the cars speed and velocity change continuously while moving around the circle.

Explanation:

Speed is a scalar quantity (only magnitude). Since the car completes one full lap every 15 seconds, the distance covered per unit time (speed) is constant. Velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction). As the car moves along a circular track, its direction is constantly changing (tangent to the circular path at each point). So, even though the speed (magnitude of velocity) might be constant (if it's uniform circular motion in terms of speed), the direction change makes the velocity (a vector) change continuously.

Answer:

A. The car's speed is constant, but its velocity changes continuously because of the change in direction.