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Physics Question 14 – NEET-UG 2023

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The angular acceleration of a body, moving along the circumference of a circle, is :

Angular acceleration is a vector quantity, and its direction is determined by the axis of rotation.

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Ninja Strategy•Axial Vector Recognition

Recognize that angular acceleration is an axial vector, meaning its direction must be along the axis of rotation, perpendicular to the plane of circular motion.

Step 1: Understand Angular Acceleration✦ Active

Angular acceleration (α→) is the rate of change of angular velocity (ω→). Both are vector quantities.

Step 2: Determine Direction of Angular Vectors○ Expand

Angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration are axial vectors. Their direction is always along the axis of rotation, perpendicular to the plane of circular motion. This direction is determined by the right-hand rule.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Remember that linear accelerations (centripetal and tangential) lie in the plane of motion, while angular acceleration is perpendicular to it.

Step 3: Evaluate Options○ Expand

Options (1) 'along the radius, away from centre' and (2) 'along the radius towards the centre' describe radial components of linear acceleration. Option (3) 'along the tangent to its position' describes the tangential component of linear acceleration. Option (4) 'along the axis of rotation' correctly describes the direction of angular acceleration.

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