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Both linear velocity and angular velocity are vector-like quantities with a direction. Which statement correctly compares their possible directions?

AAngular velocity can point in any of infinitely many directions, but linear velocity is always clockwise
BAngular velocity is only clockwise or counterclockwise, while linear velocity is tangent to the circular path
CBoth quantities are restricted to clockwise or counterclockwise directions only
DLinear velocity always points toward the center, while angular velocity is tangent to the path
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Angular velocity is only clockwise or counterclockwise, while linear velocity is tangent to the circular path
1. Angular velocity is described relative to the axis of rotation, so it has only two possible senses, clockwise or counterclockwise. 2. Linear velocity, in contrast, is tangent to the circular path at each instant, so its direction continuously changes as the object moves around the circle. 3. Linear velocity is not restricted to clockwise or counterclockwise labels, and it never points toward the center, since a velocity toward the center would describe radial motion rather than motion along the circle. 4. Only the option pairing a two-way angular direction with a tangent linear direction matches how each quantity actually behaves. _Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 6 "Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation", section 6.1 Rotation Angle and Angular Velocity_
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