Chapter 10, Problem 42A

Can an object move along a curved path if no force acts on it?

To determine

Whether an object can move along a curved path if no force acts on it.

Answer to Problem 42A

No

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When an object moves in a circle, its speed remains constant always but its direction always changes which is always tangential.

Thus, the velocity of the object always changes when it moves along a curved path and thereby it can be said the object is accelerating on the curved path.

Then using Newton’s second law of motion, when there is a change in momentum of the object, then it means a force must acts on it which is given by,

  $F=\frac{dp}{dt}$

Conclusion:

Hence a force must be acting on an object which is moving along a curved path.