A body accelerating will have a constant speed if it is

Analyze the question: The body is accelerating, yet its speed stays constant. So we need a situation where the velocity changes but the speed does not.

Concept: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, and velocity is a vector (it has both magnitude and direction). Acceleration can therefore happen in two ways:

1. The speed changes (magnitude changes).
2. The direction changes (even if the speed stays the same).

Check each option:

• A. Falling from a height: Gravity increases the speed (v = u + gt), so the speed is not constant.
• B. In equilibrium: The net force is zero, so there is no acceleration. This contradicts the question.
• C. Moving in a circular path: In uniform circular motion the speed is constant, but the direction keeps changing. The velocity changes, so there is a centripetal acceleration, a = v²/r, directed toward the center. This fits.
• D. Moving in a straight line: An accelerating body in a straight line changes its speed. If the speed is constant, there is no acceleration.
• E. Oscillating: In simple harmonic motion the speed varies, being maximum at the mean position and zero at the extremes.

Answer: The body moves in a circular path, which is option C.

Tip: Whenever you see "accelerating but constant speed," think of circular motion. Speed is a scalar and velocity is a vector, so a change in direction alone is enough to produce acceleration.