Question

multiple choice question
a stone is attached to the end of a string and moved in a circular horizontal path. as the stone moves, it maintains a constant speed. which statement correctly describes the stones acceleration?
o the stone only reacts to acceleration due to gravity.
o because the stone is at a constant speed, there is no acceleration.
o there is acceleration because the direction is changing.
o the stone only experiences acceleration due to gravity

Explanation:

Acceleration is a vector quantity that depends on both speed and direction. In circular motion, even with constant speed, the direction of velocity (tangent to the circle) changes continuously. This change in direction means there is an acceleration (centripetal acceleration) directed towards the center of the circle. Gravity acts vertically, but the motion here is horizontal, so gravity - related acceleration (vertical) is not the main focus for the horizontal circular motion's acceleration. Constant speed does not imply zero acceleration because of the direction - change factor.

Answer:

There is acceleration because the direction is changing.