Circular Motion: Advanced — Variable Speed Circle MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

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Advanced — Variable Speed CircleHardQuestion 30669

Question

A particle moves in a circle with tangential acceleration a_t. The angle at which the resultant acceleration makes with the radius (centripetal direction) is:

A
arctan(a_t/a_c)
Correct
B
arctan(a_c/a_t)
C
arcsin(a_t/a_total)
D
45° always

Correct answer

arctan(a_t/a_c)

Explanation

a_c is radial (inward), a_t is tangential. The angle from the radial direction is φ where tanφ = a_t/a_c.

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