Chapter 6, Problem 55A

(a)

To determine

To Explain: Whether one can go around a curve with zero acceleration vector.

Explanation of Solution

The person or an object cannot move in a curved path when acceleration is zero. Acceleration indicates the change in velocity with time.Since velocity has both magnitude (speed) and direction, so the acceleration also changes with time in a circular path hence, in a circular path, one must have the acceleration.

Conclusion:

No,one can go around a curve with zero acceleration vector.

(b)

To determine

To Explain: Whether one can go around a curve withconstant acceleration vector.

Explanation of Solution

As the acceleration is rate of change of velocity, one can go around the curved with constant acceleration vector. This would mean that the speed could be same but the direction changes constantly which is required for tracing a curved path.

Conclusion:

Yes,one can go around a curve withconstant acceleration vector.