Which of the following is TRUE of a particle moving in a horizontal circle with constant angular velocity?
A
The energy is costant but the linear momentum varies
B
The linear momentum is conatant but the energy varies
C
both energy and linear momentum are constant
D
The speed and the linear velocity are both constant
Verified Correct Answer: A.
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
Energy is constant: Since the angular velocity (\(\omega\)) and radius (r) are constant, the speed remains constant. Kinetic energy depends only on mass and speed, so it remains constant.
Linear momentum varies: Linear momentum is a vector quantity. Although its magnitude is constant, its direction changes continuously in circular motion, so the momentum varies.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #27865)