Question

A particle moves in a straight-line OA; the distance of the particle from O at time t seconds is x ft, where x = a + bt + ct^2 (a, b > 0). What will be the nature of motion of the particle when c < 0?

(a) Uniform retardation

(b) Uniform speed

(c) Uniform acceleration

(d) Uniform velocity

The question was asked in an internship interview.

I'd like to ask this question from Calculus Application topic in division Application of Calculus of Mathematics – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Uniform retardation

Easy explanation: We have, x = a + bt + ct^2  ……….(1)

Let, v and f be the velocity and acceleration of a particle at time t seconds.

Then, v = dx/dt = d(a + bt + ct^2)/dt  = b + ct   ……….(2)

And f = dv/dt = d(b + ct)/dt = c   ……….(3)

Clearly, when c < 0,implies f < 0.

Hence in this case the particle moves withan uniform retardation.