Question

which of the following insects are accelerating? select all that apply. a mosquito that is flying in circles around a boys legs on a summer day an angry wasp that is flying away from its nest with increasing speed a swallowtail butterfly that is slowing down as it prepares to land on a flower

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the definition of acceleration

Acceleration is a change in velocity. Velocity is a vector quantity (has both magnitude and direction).

Step2: Analyze each insect's motion

• Mosquito flying in circles: Its direction is constantly changing. Since velocity (a vector) changes (due to direction change), there is acceleration.
• Angry wasp with increasing speed: The magnitude of its velocity (speed) is changing. So, there is acceleration.
• Swallowtail butterfly slowing down: The magnitude of its velocity (speed) is changing. So, there is acceleration.

Answer:

All three insects (the mosquito flying in circles, the angry wasp with increasing speed, and the swallowtail butterfly slowing down) are accelerating.