2004 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies
Question 106: Science and Technology
A car is running on a road at a uniform speed of 60 km/hr. The net resultant force on the car is
aDriving force in the direction of car’s motion
bResistance force opposite to the direction of car’s motion
cAn inclined force
dEqual to zero
AnswerThe answer is (d).
A car moving at a uniform speed on a straight road is not accelerating. By Newton's first law, the net force on it is therefore zero: the driving force just balances the resistance from friction and air. Remember: constant velocity means zero net force.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) A net driving force would make the car speed up.
- (b) A net resisting force would make the car slow down.
- (c) An inclined net force would change its direction or speed.
- (d) Correct: the net force is zero at uniform speed.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.