If the acceleration of a body remains constant, is it necessary that the path is rectilinear?

OR: Both the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of a body are constant. Will the path of the body be necessarily a straight line?

It depends upon the direction of the acceleration of the body. If the acceleration and velocity have same direction, then the path will be rectilinear. If their direction is opposite, then the path can again be rectilinear. However, if they make a certain angle with each other, then they form a curved path.

[Read: Motion in a Straight Line]

For example, in projectile motion, when a body is projected by making an angle with horizontal, the path of the projectile is parabolic [acceleration due to gravity acts vertically downward on the projectile].

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Can an object have an eastward velocity while experiencing a westward acceleration?

Can a body have a constant velocity but varying speed?

The velocity of a body will be changed in magnitude and direction while its acceleration is constant. Is it possible?

Is it possible for a body to have a constant speed in an accelerating motion?

If the displacement of a body is proportional to square of time, state whether the body is moving with uniform velocity or uniform acceleration.

Can a body be at rest and motion at the same time?