Question

A particle starting from rest is subjected to a constant force. The plot of distance traveled along the direction of the force as a function of time is a/an ..............

• A. straight line
• B. circle
• C. parabola
• D. ellipse

Hint:

The displacement-time graph for an object under constant acceleration is always a parabola.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the motion of the particle.
When a particle starts from rest and is subjected to a constant force, it experiences uniform acceleration according to Newton's second law of motion. The displacement of the particle as a function of time under constant acceleration follows a parabolic trajectory.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) straight line: Incorrect — A straight line would represent constant velocity, not acceleration.
(B) circle: Incorrect — Circular motion is not described here, as the force is constant in one direction.
(C) parabola: Correct — The distance-time graph for uniform acceleration is a parabola.
(D) ellipse: Incorrect — An ellipse is not the correct shape for this scenario.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) parabola, as the displacement under constant acceleration follows a parabolic curve.