Which of the following statements about an asteroid moving in a circular orbit around the Sun is NOT true?
A) It is moving at a constant speed.
B) It is moving on a flat plane.
C) It is moving at a constant velocity.
D) It is accelerating.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While an asteroid in a circular orbit around the Sun moves at a constant speed (A) and on a flat plane (B), its velocity is not constant (C) because velocity includes both speed and direction. Since the asteroid is constantly changing direction as it orbits, its velocity changes even though its speed remains constant. This change in velocity means the asteroid is accelerating (D), as acceleration is defined as a change in velocity over time.

Which of the Following Statements About an Asteroid Moving in a Circular