Question

which of the following birds are accelerating? select all that apply. a falcon that is diving straight downward at a steady speed a vulture that is flying in a circle at a constant speed a cardinal that is flying up into the sky with increasing speed

Explanation:

Step1: Recall acceleration definition

Acceleration is a change in velocity. Velocity is a vector with speed and direction.

Step2: Analyze falcon

A falcon diving at steady speed has no speed - change. But velocity changes as direction can change. However, here with steady - speed and straight - line motion (assuming no change in direction other than downward), its acceleration is 0 in the absence of external factors affecting direction.

Step3: Analyze vulture

A vulture flying in a circle at constant speed has a changing direction of motion. Since velocity is a vector, a change in direction means a change in velocity, so it is accelerating.

Step4: Analyze cardinal

A cardinal flying up with increasing speed has a change in speed. Since speed is part of velocity, a change in speed means a change in velocity, so it is accelerating.

Answer:

a vulture that is flying in a circle at a constant speed, a cardinal that is flying up into the sky with increasing speed