For a particle moving under a central force, it's motion will be

For a particle moving under a central force, it's motion will be Correct Answer in a plane 

Concept:

Central force:

  • The central force in classical mechanics is defined as the force that is acting on an object which is directed along the line joining the object and the origin.
  • The magnitude of the central force depends only on the distance of the object and the centre.
  • Due to the central force, the body moves or tends to move in a circular or an elliptical orbit around an axis.
  • Since there is no torque due to the central force. So, the angular momentum will remain constant.
  • Some example of central forces is gravitational force and electrostatic force.

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Explanation:

Let, r represents the distance of the particle from origin and r̂ is radial direction, than central force

F(r) = F(r)r̂ 

So the torque acting on it

τ = r × F(r)r̂

⇒ τ = r × F = F(r) (r × r)

⇒ τ = 0    ......(1)

Let p = mv = linear momentum,

Now we know that momentum is also conserved in this case, therefore

Angular momentum L = r × P

r.L = r.(r × p)  = 0     ......(2)

Also, to know angle b/w velocity and angular momentum

v.L = v.(r × p) = 0    .....(3)

Hence, from equation (2) and (3), we can see that both the position vector r  and the velocity vector v  thus lie in the plane perpendicular to  L.

Therefore, we can say that, if a particle moving under a central force, its motion will be in phase.

r^r^

Related Questions

A particle in uniform circular motion is projected on its diameter. The motion of projection will be simple harmonic. Select the correct option regarding speed and acceleration of the particle in circular motion.
The velocity of a particle (v) moving with simple harmonic motion, at any instant is given by (where, r = Amplitude of motion and y = Displacement of the particle from mean position.)