Question

which of the following birds are accelerating? select all that apply.
a vulture that is flying in a circle at a constant speed
a hummingbird that is slowing down as it flies into the wind
an eagle that is perched motionless on its nest

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the definition of acceleration

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

Step2: Analyze each bird's motion

• Vulture flying in a circle at constant speed:

Although speed (magnitude of velocity) is constant, the direction of velocity is changing (as it moves in a circular path). Since velocity is changing, there is acceleration (centripetal acceleration).

• Hummingbird slowing down as it flies into the wind:

The magnitude of its velocity is changing (slowing down). Since velocity (a vector) is changing, there is acceleration.

• Eagle perched motionless on its nest:

The velocity of the eagle is \(v = 0\) and it remains \(v=0\) (no change in velocity). So, there is no acceleration.

Answer:

a vulture that is flying in a circle at a constant speed, a hummingbird that is slowing down as it flies into the wind