On a 400 m athletics track, why do athletes in OUTER lanes start AHEAD of athletes in inner lanes (the 'stagger' in NCERT's example)?
AOuter lane athletes are slower so need a head start
BThe stagger is just a tradition with no geometric reason
CInner lanes are physically uphill
DOuter lanes have a larger radius — so their full lap is longer; staggering equalises the total distance to the common finish line
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Outer lanes have a larger radius — so their full lap is longer; staggering equalises the total distance to the common finish line
Outer lanes are larger circles (longer circumference). The stagger compensates so every athlete runs 400 m total to the same finish. The other options miss the geometry.
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