A’LEVEL PHYSICS NOTES

P510/1
MECHANICS

DIMENSIONS
Fundamental quantities are those physical quantities which cannot be expressed in
terms of any other quantities using any mathematical equation e.g. mass (M), length (L)
and time (T).

Quantity S.I Unit Symbol of S.I Unit

Mass Kilograms kg
Time seconds s
Length metres m
Temperature Kelvin K
Current Ampere A

Derived quantities
These are quantities which can be expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities e.g.

Area – (length) 2
Volume = (length) 3
mass
Density =
 length 
3

length 1
Velocity =  ms
time

length
Acceleration = 2
( time )

Exercise 1:
Express the following derived quantities in terms of the fundamental quantities;
(a) Force (b) Pressure (c) work (d) momentum

Dimensions of a physical quantity

1
Is the way the fundamental quantities of a derived quantity are related or are the powers
to which the fundamental quantities are raised in derived quantity.
Symbol of dimension [ ]
e.g. [Mass] -This means that the dimensions of mass.
[Mass]= M
[Time] = T
[Length] = L
[Area] = L2 -This means that the dimension of area is 2-in length.
[Volume] = L3 [Force] = MLT-2
[Density] = ML-3 [Pressure] = MT-2L-1
[Velocity] =LT-1 [Work] = ML2T-2
[Acceleration] =LT-2 [Power] = ML2T-3
Exercise 2:
Find the dimensions of the following derived quantities in terms of M, L, and T;
(a) Density (b) pressure (c) power (d) momentum

Quantities without units are called dimensionless quantities e.g.

(i) Relative density (iv) Mechanical advantage
(ii) Refractive index (v) Natural numbers
(iii) Geometrical ratios
Exercise 3:
Which of the following quantities are dimensionless quantities?
Weight, velocity ratio, logarithmic numbers, energy, efficiency, coefficient of friction,

Application of dimensions
(i) Checking for the correctness of the equation.
An equation is correct when it is dimensionally consistent i.e. when dimension on the left
hand side (L.H.S) are equal to dimensions on the right hand side (R.H.S.)

Example:
Prove that the following equations are dimensionally consistent
2
mv
(i) F  Where F = force, m =mass, V = velocity, r = radius
r

2
[L.H.S] = [F] = MLT-2

 
2 1 2 2 2
[ M ].[ V ] M LT ML T 2
[R.H.S] =   = MLT
[r ] L L

Since [L.H.S] = [R.H.S], then the equation is dimensionally consistent!

(ii) S=ut+½at 2
[L.H.S] = [S] = L
[R.H.S] = [ut+½at2] = [U] [t] +½ [a] [t2]
L L
xT  ½x
2
2
xT
T T
L L

1 2

 3 L
2

Since [L.H.S] = [R.H.S], then the equation is dimensionally consistent!

In the above example 3/2 is just a number so it is not a dimension. You have to consider
the power on L.
Note. All current equations are dimensionally consistent but not all dimensionally
consistent equations are correct.
e.g.
V=u+2at.
[v] =LT-1
L L
[U+2at] =  2. 2
T
T T

L 2L

T T
1
 3 LT

Dimensionally consistent, but it is a wrong equation.

2. Derive the equation

Example 1: Given that the pressure exerted by the liquid in a container depends on:
(i) Depth (h) of the liquid
(ii) Density of the liquid (ρ)
(iii) Acceleration due to gravity(g).

3
Use the method of dimension to determine the expression fro pressure
Where K is a dimensionless constant.

p  kh
x y z
p g

[ p ]  [h] [ p ] [ g ]
x y z

1 2 3 2
 L
X Y Z
ML T .( ML ) .( LT )
1 2 X  3Y  X 2Z
 L
Y
ML T .M .T
Comparing powers
For M:

 M
1 y
M

y 1

For T:
2 2 Z
T T

 2  2Z
Z 1
For L:
1 X  3Y  Z
L  L

1 x  3 1

x 1

Since x =1, y = 1, z = 1, then

P= khpg

Example 2: Given the period of oscillation (Ψ) of a pendulum bob is according to the
equation
Ψ= x
kl . g . m
y z
. Where l is the length of a pendulum, m is the mass of bob and g is the
acceleration due to gravity. Find the values of x, y and z

Ψ = klx.gy.mz
[Ψ] = k [L]x [g]y [m]z
T = k Lx (LT – 2)y Mz.
T = k Lx+y T –2y Mz

4
Comparing powers
For T:
T = T–2y , y= –½
For M:
M0 = M z ,Z=0
For M:
L0 = Lx+y ,x+y=0
–
But y= ½
Hence x = ½

Ψ = K L½g –½M0
Note: The method of dimensions does not provide the method for finding the constant k
in the above two examples!

Exercise 4:
1. Find the values of x, y and z in the equation below:
F = ρxVyaz. Where F is the force, ρ is density, V is Volume and a is acceleration due to
gravity.

2. Find the values of x, y and z in the equation below:

x y z
F = kη ν a . Where F is the force, η is coefficient of viscosity, ν is velocity and a is
radius. [η] = ML-1T-1

3. Assuming the frequency (F) of a uniform stretched wire depends only on the mass per
unit length (µ), the length of wire vibrating (L), the tension (T) of the stretching wire,
Find the relationship between these quantities.

5
VECTOR & SCALER QUANTITIES
Vector quantities are those with both magnitude and direction, e.g. acceleration, velocity,
displacement, pressure, weight.
Scalar quantities are physical quantities with only magnitude, e.g. speed, distance, time,
mass.
Example
1. Find the resultant force

1N
2N

300
400

3N
4N R
Fx = 2cos300 + 3cos400 - 4cos60
Fr 0.

3 1
2  3 cos 40  4 x
Fx = 2 2 = 2.03N

Fy = 2sin300 – 3sin400 – 4sin600 +1

1 13
2.  3 sin 40  4 . 1
Fy = 2 2 = - 3.39N

 3 . 39
2 2
2 2 2 . 03
Resultant = Fx  Fy =
 3 . 95 N

2. 2.83N

450

600 300

6N
4N

6
Forces of 2.83N, 4N and 6N act on a particle at Q as shown above. Find the resultant
force on the particle

 x   2 . 38 cos 45   6 cos 30    4 cos 60 

0 0

          
       
 y   2 . 83 sin 45    6 sin 30    4 sin 60
0 0


 2  5 .2  2   5 .2 
    
 


 2  3  3 . 46    4 . 46 

resul tan t   ( 4 . 46 )
2 2
( 5 .2 )

 6 . 85 N

Exercise 5
8N
1.

10N 450
300

12N
Find magnitude and direction of the resultant.

2) Three forces as shown below act on a body of man 5.0kg.

find the acceleration of the body
60N

50N 600
300

100N

7
Uniform motion in a straight line / kinematics
Displacement – distance covered in a specified direction
Speed – the rate of change of distance
Velocity – the rate of change of displacement
Acceleration – the acceleration of a moving object at an instant is the rate of change of
velocity at that instant.
Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities where as speed and distance are scalar
quantities

Uniform velocity motion

Consider a body moving in a straight line with uniform speed.
During this motion, the body undergoes equal displacement in equal successive time
intervals.
The graph of speed against time has the form;

Speed

Time

The corresponding graph of distance against time is:

Distance

Time
In drawing the graph, it is assumed that the body was at the origin at time t=0,

8
Uniformly accelerated motion
If the velocity changes by equal amounts in equal times, no matter how small the time
intervals may be, the acceleration is said to be uniform.

(i) Speed time graph (ii) Distance time graph.

1
( ms ) Dis tan ce / m

Time / s Time / s

Suppose a body’s speed varies with time . the speed Vs time are might have the form:-
Speed

v+Dv

v
t ttDt Time

v
The ratio is the average acceleration during the time interval
t

t it is equal to the slope chord PQ

The instantaneous acceleration at time t is

dv v
a   lin  t  0
at t

Slope of the tangent at the speed-time curve at point P.

The motion of the body is said to be uniformly acceleration if a is constant.
Thus the speed against time graph for uniformly accelerated motion has the form shown

9
Thus the speed against time graph for uniformly accelerated motion has the form shown
below

Speed u is the speed of the body at time t=0

V

0 t time

vu
The average acceleration, a = . In this case, the average acceleration is also the
t

instantaneous acceleration.
v  u
 a
t
v  u  at

Equations of uniformly accelerated motion

The graph of speed against time for uniformly accelerated motion has the form shown:-
speed
v  u
v slope of graph, a =
t

u
0

time

Thus v=u +at…………………(i)

The distance travelled, S, in time t is got by finding the area under the speed against time
graph.
S = area of the trapezium

10
v  u 
  t .......... ......( A )
 2 

Replacing v by equation (i) we get

 u  at  u 
S   2  t
 

 S  ut  1
2
at .......... .......... .( 2 )
2

Note that this result can be got easily from the relation distance travelled
= average speed x time
v  u 
=  t
 2 

v  u
Suppose we put t= in equation (A)
a

 v  u  v  u  v u
2 2

   
 2  a  2a

u  2 as
2 2
S= v

V  u  2 as .......... .......... ........( 3 )

2 2

Note that this result can be got easily from the relation distance travelled ,
S = average speed x time
v  u 
S=  t
 2 

v  u
Suppose we put t = in equation (A)
a

 v  u  v  u  v  u
2 2

S=    
 2  a  2a

u  2 as
2 2
v

v  u  2 as .......... .......... .......... .( 3 )

2 2

Equations 1, 2, & 3 are the equations of uniformly accelerated motion.

11
Vertical motion under gravity: Free fall
Consider a body falling in a vacuum. Such a body is acted on by the gravitational force
alone. The fall is referred to as free fall. In practice, when bodies fall in air, they are acted
on by air resistance which will have significant effects on the body’s motion if the body’s
mass is small while the surface area is large, as is the case when a piece of paper is
allowed to fall in air.

The acceleration of a freely falling body is constant, and is called the acceleration due to
2 2
gravity, and is denoted by g. It has a value of 9 . 81 ms near the poles 9 . 78 ms at the
equator.
Exercise 6
1. Write down the equations of motion for a freely falling body.
2. Suppose a body is projected upwards with initial velocity u. Find the expressions for
the time taken to reach the maximum height and also the maximum height attained.

Example:-
1. A ball is thrown vertically upwards with initial speed 20ms-1. After reaching the
maximum height and on the way down it strikes a bird 10m above the ground.
a) How high does the ball rise:-
U  2 as . U  20ms a  -9.8ms V  0
2 2 -1 -2
V

0  (20)  2 (  9 .8 ) s
2

400
s   20 . 4 m
19 . 6

b) How fast is the ball moving when it strikes the bird

S  ( 20 . 4  10 )  10 . 4 m

U  2 as
2 2
V

 (0 )  2 (  9 . 8 )(  10 . 4 )
2 2
V

V   14.28ms
-1

2. A stone is thrown vertically upwards with a speed of 10ms-1 from a building. If it

takes 2.5 seconds to reach the ground, find the height of the building.

12
 B
Between AB, u = 10ms-1, a = -9.81ms-2 v = 0
H

v  u  at

v  10  9 . 81 t
A 0  10  9 . 81 t

t  10
9 . 81
 1 . 02 s

Distance AB, H = ut + ½at2

= 10x1.02 - ½x9.81x (1.02)2 = 5.1m

Time taken to travel distance BC = 2.5 – 1.03 = 1.48s

Distance BC = ubxt + ½at2
But ub = 0, a = 9.81, t = 1.48s
BC = 0x1.48 + ½x9.81x (1.48)2 = 10.7m
There the height of the building is 10.7 – 5.1 = 5.6m

Exercise 7
1. A ball is thrown straight upwards with a speed ams-1 from a point hm above the
ground. Show that time taken to reach the ground is

u  
1
 2 gh  2

t  1   1   
2
9   u  
 

2. A motorist travelling at a constant speed of 50 kmh1 passes a motorcyclist just starting

off in the same direction. If the motorcyclists maintains a constant acceleration of 2.8ms-2
calculate; (i) Time taken by motorcyclist to catch up with the motorist. (9.9s)
(ii) The speed at which the motorcyclist overtakes the motorist.( 27.72ms-1)
(iii) The distance travelled by the motorcyclists before overtaking.(137.2m)

13
PROJECTILE

Consider the motion of an object which is projected with a velocity u at an angle Q to the
horizontal
u

Ө
A B

Ө - angle of projection.
ACB followed by the object is called its trajectory.

Horizontal motion
Horizontal component of velocity is got by
Vx = Ux + axt . Where Vx, Ux and ax are the velocity of a body at any time t, initial
component of velocity and horizontal acceleration respectively.
But Ux = UcosӨ, ax =0
Hence Vx = UcosӨ -------------(1)
From the above equation the horizontal velocity is constant throughout motion.
The horizontal distance travelled after time t is

X  u xt  1
2
a xt
2
Where X is the horizontal distance covered by the object
But ax =0
 x  Ut cos  .......... ....( 2 )

14
Vertical motion

V y
U y
 a y t where V y, U y
and a y
are the vertical velocity of a body at any time, t,

initial velocity component of velocity and vertical acceleration respectively.

U y
 U sin  , a y
 g

V y  U sin   gt .......... ........( 3 )

The vertical displacement, y, is obtained below

y= Uyt + ½ayt2

But Uy = UsinӨ, ay = -g
Hence
y = (UsinӨ) xt - ½gt2………………………………………(4)

Speed, V, at any time t is given by

……………………………………….(5)
2
Vy )
2
V= (V x

The angle, α, the body makes with the horizontal after t is given by
Vy U sin   gt
Tan α=  ……………………………………….(6)
Vx U cos 

Maximum height, H
At maximum height, Vy =0
U  2 aH
2 2
Vy y

0  (U sin  )  2 ghH
2


2 2
U sin
H  .......... .......... .......... .......... ........( 7 )
2g

15
Time to reach the maximum heights
Using V = u + at
0  Uy  a y t

0  U sin   gt

sin 
t  U .......... .......... .......... .......... .....( 8 )
g

Time of flight, T
The time taken by the projectile to move from the point of projection to a point on the
plane through the point of projection where the projection lies i.e. time taken to move
from A to B.

atB , y  0
2
gt
y  utsin  -
2
0  2 at sin   gt
2

0  t ( 2 u sin   gt )

2u sin 
either t  0 or t 
g

2u sin 
Hence T  ………………………………………(9)
g

Note: Time of flight is twice the time taken to reach height.

Ranges , R:
It is the distance between the point of projection and a point on the plane through the
point of projection where the projectile lands i.e horizontal distance AB.
X= Ut cosӨ
When X=R, t = T= 2usin 
g
2usin 
 R  u. . cos 
g

sin  cos 
2
2u
R 
g …………(10)
sin 2 
2
u
R 
g

16
Equation of trajectory

x
t  .......... .......... ..( 1 )
u cos 
2
gt
y  ut sin   .......... ........( 2 )
2

Substitute equation (1) into equation 2.

2
x g x
y  U. . sin  
U cos  
2 2
2 U cos
sin  x
2
gx
y  
cos  
2 2
2U cos
 g  2
y  (tan  ) x   x
 
2 2
 2 u Cos

2
sec
y  xtan  - 1
2
gx
2 u2

The above equation is in the form y= Ax – Bx2, where A and B are constants which is an
equation of a parabola. Therefore the trajectory is a parabola.

Note: For any given initial speed, the range is maximum when sinӨ =1 or Ө = 450
2
U
Rmax = (Prove it !!!!)
g

Example
1. Prove that the time of flight T and the horizontal range R, of a projectile are connected
 2 R tan 
2
by the equation. gT

Where  is the angle of projection

From equations (9) and (10)
T g = 2Usin  ….(a) ,
R g = 2 U2 sin  cos  …….(b)
Eqn (a)2 ٪ eqn (b)
(Tg)2 = 4U2sin2 
Rg 2U2sin  cos 

17
T2 g = 2sin 
R cos 
Hence T2 g = 2Rtan 

2. Two footballers, 120m apart, stand facing each other. One of them kicks a ball from
the ground such that the ball takes off at a velocity of 30ms-1 at 380 to the horizontal.
Find the speed at which the second footballer must run towards the first footballer in
order to trap the ball as it touches the ground, if he starts running at the instant the ball is
kicked.

For the first footballer, the time he ball takes to touch the ground is
c) T= 2 u sin 
g
2 x 30  sin 38

9 .8
 3 . 78 s

sin 2 
2
u
R 
g

 sin 76
2
30
R 
9 .8
R  89 . 1

The time taken by the second footballer to reach the ball is 3.78s.
The distance travelled by the second footballer is s = 120 – 89.1 = 30.9m
Therefore the speed of the second footballer distance / time = 30.9/3.78 = 8.2ms-1
3. A projectile is fired from ground level with a velocity of 500ms -1, 300 to the
horizontal. Find the horizontal range, the greatest height to which it rises and time taken
to reach the greatest height. What is the least speed with which it could be projected in
order to achieve the same horizontal range?
1
u  500 ms   30
0

sin 2 
2
u
(i) Range 
g

18
 5
500
 sin  2 x 30 
9 . 81

 22069 . 96 m


2 2
u sin
(ii) H 
2g

 sin 
2 2
500 30
=
2  9 . 81

= 3185.5m

(iii) Time taken to reach the greatest height.

u sin 
T 
g

T = (500sin30)/9.81 = 25.5s

  Rg 
1
(b) U min
2

1
( 22069 . 96  9 . 81 ) 2

1
465 . 3 ms

Exercise 8:
(1) A body is thrown from the top of a tower 30.4m high with a velocity of 24ms -1 at
an elevation of 3 00 above the horizontal. Find the horizontal distance from the roof of the
tower of the point where it hits the ground.

(2) A body is projected at such an angle that the horizontal range is three times the
greatest height. Given that the range of projection is 400m, find the necessary velocity of
projection and angle of projection.

(3) A projectile fired at an angle of 600 above the horizontal strikes a building 30m
away at a point 15m above the point of projection.(i) Find the speed of projection.
(ii) Find the velocity of the projectile when it strikes the building.

19
 4. An object P is projected upwards from a height of 60m above the ground with a
1 0
velocity of 20 ms at 30 to the horizontal. At the same time, an object Q is projected
from the ground upwards towards P at 300 to the horizontal. P and Q collide at a height
60m above the ground while they are both moving downwards. Find,
(i) The speed of projection of Q.
(ii) The horizontal distance between the points of projection.
(iii) The kinetic energy of P just before the collision with Q if the as of P is 0.5 kg.

20
NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION
Law 1. A body stays at rest or if moving, it continues to move with a uniform velocity
unless it is acted on by an external force.
The 1st law is sometimes called the law of inertia
Inertia is the reluctance of a body to start moving if it is at rest, or to stop if it is already
moving.
Inertia of the body increaser with mass. The effect of inertia can be observed by
passengers in a bus. There is a forward jerk when the vehicle stops and a backward jerk
when the car starts.
Linear momentum of the body is the product of its mass and its velocity

 P  mv units of P  kgms
-1

[ p ]  [ m ].[ v ]
1
 MLT

The rate of change of momentum is directly proportional to the resultant force and it is in
the direction of the force
dp
 F.
dt

F= dp
k , where K is a constant. But P  mv
dt
kd
F  ( mv )
dt
If m is constant :-

dv
F  km
dt
dv
But  a
dt
 F  kma

A force of 1N acting as a mass of 1kg gives the mass an acceleration of 1ms-2

If F= IN , m= 1kg, a=1ms-2

21
 1  k 11

butk  1

dv
 F  ma  m
dt

Law 3
Action and reaction are equal and opposite e.g. when two objects interact with each other
the force exerted by the 1st body on the second body is equal and opposite to the force
exerted by the 2nnd body on the 1t body.
Example
1. A block of mass 2kg is pushed along a table with constant velocity by force of 5N.
when the push is increased to 9N, what is the resultant force and acceleration?
Resultant force F  9 - 5  4N

But F  ma

4  2a

a  2 ms
-2

2. A body of 3kg slides down a plane which is inclined at 300 to the horizontal. Find the
acceleration of the body if
(a) The plane is smooth
(b) There is a frictional resistance of 9N.

3gsin30° 3gcos30°
30° 3g

R is the normal reaction

22
 a)
F  ma

 3a.
0
3 g sin 30
1
a  4 . 9 sm

F  ma

F  3 g sin 30  9  3a
0
b)
1
a  1 . 9 ms

Note friction force acts in the opposite direction of motion.

3. Two blocks, A of mass 1kg and B of mass 3kg, are side by side and with contact with
each other. They are pushed along the smooth flow under the action of a constant force
50N applied to A. Find
i) The acceleration of the blocks
ii) The force exerted on B by A.

R2

50N
R1

B
50N A
P P

g
3g
F  ma

50  (1  3 ) a
1
a  12 . 5 ms

Using A
50  p  (1  12 . 5 )
p  50  12 . 5

p  37 . 5 N

23
4. A light cord connects 2 objects of masses 10kg and 6kg respectively over a light
frictionless pulley. Find the acceleration and tension in the cord

ams-2 ams-2
T T

A B

10g 6g
Body A Body B
10g- T = 10a ………… (i) T - 6g = 6a………….(ii)
Eqn(i) – eqn (ii)
4g = 16a
a = (1/4)g = 2.45ms-2
Acceleration, a = 2.45ms-2
From eqn (ii) T=6x2.45 +6x9.81 = 73.6N

Exercise 8
1. The car of mass 1000kg tows a caravan of mass 600kg up a road which uses
1 metre vertically for every 20 metres of its length. There constant frictional resistance of
200N and 100N to the motion of the car and caravan respectively. The combination has
an acceleration of 1.2ms-2 with the engine on constant driving force.
Find
(i) The driving force.
(b) The tension in the tow bar.

2. A rectangular block of mass 10 kg is pulled from rest along a smooth inclined

plane by a light inelastic string which passes over a light frictionless pulley and carries a
mass of 20kg. The inclined plane makes an angle of 300 with the horizontal.

24
Determine
(i) The acceleration of the block
(ii) The tension in the string
(iii) The K.E of the block when it has moved 2m along the inclined plane.

Impulse
The product of the net force and the time interval during which the force acts is called the
impulse
If a steady force F acting on a body of mass in increases the velocity of the body from u
to v in the time  t , the average acceleration
 

v u
a 
t
From Newton’s second law:
 

F  ma
 
 


F  m
  u 

 t 
 

  

F  t  m(v  u)
t2

In general, impulse =  F dt
t1

 

Where v 1 and v 2 the velocities at are times t1 and t2

Impulse is the area under the force time curve.

t2

Impulse =  F dt
t1

Force

25
 t1 t2 Time

Impulse is a vector quantity.

Units of impulse: NS
[Impulse] = MLT-2xT
= MLT-1
Example:
A tennis ball has a mass of 0.07kg. It approaches a racket with a speed of 5ms-1 and
bounces off and returns the way it came from with a speed of 4ms-1. The ball is in contact
with the racket for 0.2 seconds. Calculate:
i) The impulse given to the ball.
ii) The average force exerted on the ball by the racket

i) Impulse = Ft
Ft  m ( v  u )
 0 . 07 (  4  5 )
 0 . 07 x  9
  0 . 63 Nm

v  u 
F  m 
 t 
0 . 63

0 .2
 3 . 15 N

26
COLLISIONS
Principle of conservation of linear momentum.
When two or more bodies collide, the total momentum of the system is conserved
provided there is no external force acting on the system.
Proof
Consider a body of mass m1 moving with a velocity u1 to the right. Suppose the body
makes a head on collision with another body of mass m2 moving with velocity u2 in the
same direction.
Let v1 and v2 be the velocities of the 2 bodies respectively after collision

Before collision After collision

m1 m2 m1 v1 m1 v2
u1 u2

Let F1 be the force exerted on m2 by m1 and F2 the force exerted on m1 by m2. using
Newton’s 2nd law.
 v1  u 1   v2u 2 
F1  M 1  , F 2  m 2   t is the time of collision
 t   t 

Using Newton’s third law

F1   F 2

 v  u1   v2  u 2 
m1 1   m2 
 t   t 
m 1 v1  m 1u 1   m 2 v 2  m 2 u 2

m 1 v1  m 2 v 2  m 1u 1  m 2 u 2

Hence: total momentum before collision = total momentum after collision.

Types of collision
There are three types of collision
- Elastic collision

27
 - Inelastic collision
- Perfectly inelastic collision
Elastic Inelastic Perfectly inelastic
Momentum conserved Momentum conserved Momentum conserved
Kinetic energy is conserved Kinetic energy not Kinetic energy not
conserved conserved
After collision the particles
move together

Elastic collision
Momentum is conserved
m1u1+m2u2 = m1v1+m2v2
m1 (u1-v1) = m2 (v2-u2)…………………(i)

Kinetic energy is conserved

1 1 1 1
m 1u 1  m 2u 2  m 1v1 
2 2 2
m 2v2
2 2 2 2
m 1 u 1  v 1  v  u 2 ..........
2 2 2 2
m 2 2
.......... ..( ii )

Equation (i) :- (ii)

m 1 u 1  v 1  m v 2  u 

2 2


m 1 u 1  v1
2 2
 m 2
v 2
2
 u
2
2

u 1  v1 v2  u

2

u 1  v1  u 1  v1  v 2  u 2
 v 2  u 2

1 1

u 1  v1 v2  u 2

u 1  v1  v 2  u 2

u 1  u 2
  v 2  v2 
OR u 2
 u1   v 2  v1 

28
Example
1. A 200g block moves to the right at a speed of 100cms-1 and meets a 400g block
moving to the left with a speed of 80cms-1. Find the final velocity of each block if the
collision is elastic.

0.2kg 1ms-1 o.4kg

0.8ms-1 0.2kg o.4kg
v1 v2

v 2  v 1     0 .8  1

v 2  v 1  1 . 8 .......... .....( i )

using conservation of momentum.

m 1v1  m 2 u 2
 m 1v1  m 2 v 2

0 .2  1   0 .4  0 .0    0 . 2 v 1   0 . 4 v 2
 0 . 12  0 . 2 v 1  0 . 4 v 2

 0 . 6  v 1  2 v 2 .......... .......... ( 2 )

v 2  1 .8  v 1

- 0.6  v 1  1 . 8  v 1
1
v 1
  1 . 2 ms
1
v 2
 0 . 6 ms

2. A neutron of mass m makes a head on elastic collision with a stationary atomic

nucleus of mass 12m with a velocity u.
Calculate:
i. the fractional decrease in the kinetic energy of the neutron
ii. The velocity of the nucleus after the collision
m1u1+m2u2 = m1v1+m2v2
u2 = 0
m1u1 = m1v1+12m2v2
m1 = m, m2 = 12m
u1 = v1+12v2…………….(i)

29
From conservation of kinetic energy
v2-v1 = u1-u2
v2 –v1 = u1…………………(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
v2-v1 = v1+12v2
v2-12v2 = v1+v1
-11v2 = 2 v1
2
v2 = v 1 .......... ........( iii )
 11

put (iii) in (ii)

 2 v1
v1  u1
11 1
 2 v 1  11 v 1
 u1
11
 13 v 1
 u1
11
 13 v 1  11 u .

11 u
v1 
 13
v 1   0 . 85 u .

2
mu
 Kineticene rgy after collision
2
fractional decrease = 2
mu
2

Kinetic energy after collision

1

2
mv
2
2
1  11 v 
 . m . 
2  13 
2
m 121 v
 .
2 169
2
mv 121
338

30
 2 2
mu mv 121

2 338
 2
mu
2
169  121

169
 0 . 28

 7
25

3. A bullet of mass 300g travelling horizontally at a speed of 8ms-1 hits a body of

mass 450g moving in the same direction as the bullet at 1.5ms-1. The bullet and the body
move together after collision. Find the loss in kinetic energy.

8ms-1
0.3kg 0.45kg 1.5ms-1 0.45k
0.3kg
g v

m 1v1  m 2 u 2  m 1v1  m 2 v 2

 0 . 3  8   1 . 5  0 . 45    0 . 3  0 . 45 v

v  3 . 075
0 . 75
1
v  4 . 1 ms

1 1  1
 m 1u1 
2
m 2u
2
2
  m 1  m 2
v 2
loss in kinetic energy : 2 2  2

1 1  1
  0 . 3  64   0 . 45  2 . 25    0 . 75 16 . 81
2 2  2
10 . 12  6 . 30

3 . 82 joules

Exercise
1. An object A of mass m moving with a velocity of 10ms-1 collides with a stationery
object B at equal mass m. After collision A moves with a velocity U at an angle of 300 to
its initial direction and B moves with a velocity V at an angle of 900 to the direction U.
i)
Calculate the velocities U and V (U = 5 3 ms-1, V = 5ms-1)
ii) Determine whether the collision was elastic or not.(Kinetic energy before
collision = kinetic energy after collision = 50m, hence collision is elastic)

31
2. A body of mass 5.0kg is moving with a velocity 2.0ms-1 to the right. It collides
with a body of mass 3.0 kg moving with a velocity of 2.0ms-1 to the left. If the collision is
head-on and elastic, determine the velocities of the two bodies after collision.(-1.0 ms-1,
3.0ms-1)
3. A car of mass 1000kg travelling at uniform velocity of 20ms-1, collides perfectly
inelastically with a stationary car mass 1500kg. Calculate the loss in kinetic energy of the
cars as a result of the collision.(1.2x105J)

SOLID FRICTION
There are 2 types of friction i.e.
(i) Static friction
(ii) Kinetic friction / sliding friction
Static friction opposes the tendency of one body sliding over the other. Kinetic opposes
the sliding of one body over the other.
Limiting friction is the maximum friction between on two surfaces.

Laws of solid friction

(i) Frictional force between 2 surfaces always oppose their relative motion or
attempted motion.
(ii) For given pair of surface in contact, the limiting frictional force is
proportional to the normal reaction.
(iii) For two surfaces in contact, the sliding frictional force is proportional to the
normal reaction and independent of the relative velocity of these surfaces.
(iv) The frictional force is independent of the area of contact of the given surface
provided the normal reaction is constant.

Molecular Theory and the laws of solid friction.

On a microscopic level, even a highly polished surface has bumps and hollow. It follows
that when 2 surfaces are put together, the actual area of contact is less than the apparent
area of contact

ac
T

32
At points of contact like a,b,c, small cold-welded joints are formed by the strong
adhesive forces between the molecules in the two surfaces.
These joints have to be broken before one surface can move over the other.
This accounts for law 1.
The actual area of contact is proportional with the normal force (reaction). The frictional
force which is determined by the actual area of contact at the joints is expected to be
proportional to the normal force.
This accounts for law 1 and 3
If the apparent area of contact of the body is decreased by turning the body so that it rests
on one of the smaller side, the number of contact points is reduced. Since the weight of
the body has not altered, there is increased pressure at the contact points and this flattens
the bumps so that total contact area and the pressure return to their original values.
Therefore, although the apparent area of contact has been changed, the actual area of
contact has not.
This accounts for law 4

Coefficient of static friction

Consider a block resting on a horizontal surface
R

W
The block is in equilibrium under the action of its weight W and normal reaction R.
Suppose a string is fixed to the block and the tension (T) in the string increased gradually,
the static frictional force Fs; which posses the tendency of the block to ride over the
surface comes in play. In equilibrium Fs=T.

33
Fs
w
The value Fl of Fs at which the block starts moving is called the limiting frictional force
(0<Fs  Fl)
The ration of the limiting frictional force to the normal reaction is called the co-efficient
of static friction µs

Fl
s 
R
Fs  Fl   s R

Fs   s R

0  s 1

Measurement of coefficient of static friction, µs

Method 1: Using a tilting plane.
A block is placed on a plane and the plane is tilted until when the block begins to slide.
The angle of θ of inclination of the plane surface to the horizontal is measured.
The co-efficient of friction is given by µs = tan θ

Wsinθ Wcosθ
W
θ

When the block is at the point of sliding

Fs = Wsinθ ………….(i)
R = Wcosθ…………..(ii)
(i)  (ii)

34
 Fr W sin 

R W cos 
Fr
but   s
R
 s  tan 

Method 2: To determine the co-effienct of static friction.

R

T
Fs

Mg

Masses are added to the scale pan until the block just slides. The total mass m of the scale
pan and masses added is noted. The prodecures is repeated for different values of R
obtained by adding known weights to the block.
A graph of mg against R(Mg) is plotted.

Fl = mg

slope

Mg (R)
The slope of the graph is µs

Co-efficient of kinetic (dynamic friction.

T
F

Mg
S

35
Weights are added to a scale pan S and each time, body is given a slighht push.
At one stage, body continues to move with a constant velocity and kinetic frictional force
F is then equal to the weight of the scale pam together with the pan’s weight.

On dividing F by the weight of body, the co-efficient of dynamic friction canbe

calculated.
Example 1
A car of mass 200kg moving along a straight road at a speed of 96kmh-1 is brough to rest
by steady application of the brakes in a distance of 80m. find the co-efiecient of kinetic
friction between the tires and the road.
a
R
µR

Mg

ma    R

ma    mg

a   g
 a
 
g

1 5 1 1
u  96 kmh  96  ms  26 . 7 ms
18
v  0
s  80 m

a  ?

36
  u  2 as
2 2
v

0   26 . 7    2  a  80 
2

2
26 . 7
a  
160
2
a   4 . 5 ms
4 . 45
  
9 .8
 0 . 45

A car of mass 1.5 x 103kg and tractive pull 3.5x103N climbs a truck which is inclined at
an angle of 300 to the horizontaa. The speed of the car at the bottom of the incline is
20ms-1 and the coffient of sliding friction is 0.25, calculate
(i) The distance travelled along the incline before the car comes to a halt.
(ii) The time taken ttravelling along the incline before the car comes to a halt.

R
FD= 3.5x103

1.5x103gsin30 1.5x103gcos300
cos300
µR
1.5x103g

F  ma

3 . 5  10   1 . 5  10 g sin 30  0 . 25  1 . 5  10
3 3 3
g cos 30
0
  1 . 5  10 3
a

3 . 5  10    750  324 . 8   1 . 5  10 a
3 3

2
a   4 . 69 ms

1
u  20 ms  u  2 as
2 2
V

a   4 . 69 ms
2
0  20  2
   2   4 . 69  s .

v  0 400  9 . 38 s .
s  ? s  42 . 6 m

37
 S  42 . 6
v  u  at
a   4 . 96
0  20  4 . 96 t
ii) u  20
20  4 . 96 t .
v  0
t  4s
t  ?

An old car of mass 1500kg and tractive pull 4000N climbs a tract which is incllined at an
angle of 300 to the horizontal. The velocity of the car at the bottom of the incline is
108kmh-1 and the co-efiecient of sliding friction is 0.35.
(i) Clculate the distance travelled along the incline before the car comes to a
halt.(86.53m)
(ii) The time taken to travel along the incline before the car comes to a
halt.(5.77s)

WORK, POWER AND ENERGY

work done by a constant force
Work is defined as the product of the distance moved by the point of aplication of the
force and the component of the force in the direction of motion.
Consider a body by mass in resting on a smooth surface.

 x
If a force F moves the object through a distance X, then work done w = F.  x If the force
puls the block at angle Ө to the horizontal through a horizontal distance  x
F

 x

Work done, w = (FcosӨ) x

38
Work is a scalar quantity.
S.I unit J.
Work done by a variable force
Consider a force F = f(x) which val=ries in magnitude

A graph of F Vs x
F

x1 x2 x

If it is required to find the work done by the force when its point of application moves
from x = x1 and x = x2 then the interval x1 x2 is subdivided into small displacements,
 x 1,  x 2 .......... . x n

The work done by the force during the displacement

 x 1 isF 1  x 2 (since  x 1 is too small, the F1 can be considered constant)

For another short interval

 x 2 work done  F 2  x 2 . therefore , work done during the displaceme nt n

x 1  x 2  W  F 1  x 1  F 2  x 2  F 3  x 3  .......... ........ F n  x n 
 i 1
F1  x i

For n  

n
lim
W R

 xi  0
 Fi  xi
i 1

x2

=  F . dx = area under the force -distance grgaph

x1

in vector form, work done by a variable force is given by

r2
 

w=  f . dr
r1

39
where r is the displacement.

Work – energy theorem

Variable force
Consider an external force F= F(x) which acts as a mass m giving it an acceleration a, by

Newton’s second law F = ma = mdv . The work ,  x ,done in displacing mass m,

at

throguh a small distance  x , under action of a force F.

w  F x
x 2

total work done =

 Fdx .
x1

x2
dv
m dt
dx
x1

dx
but  v
dt
v2

w   mv dv
v1

where v1 and v2 are the velocities of the body when at dispacement x1 and x2 respectively.
v2
 mv 
2

W   
 2  v1

1 1
 
2
mv 2 2
2 2 mv 1

The above is the expression for the work –energy theorem

It states that, the work done by the resultant external force is equal to the change in the
kinetic energy of the body.

Constant force
Consider a mass in initially moving of a speed u which is subjected to a constant
retarding force F. suppose the speed is reduced to v in a distance S

40
  u  2 as
2 2
v
Using v
2
u
2

as 
2

Work done by the retarding force

= -FS
= -mas

 u
2 2
v
but as 
2
v  v 
2 2

W  m 
 
 2 
2 2
mu mv
W  
2 2

Again work done = change in kinetic energy.

Gravitational potential energy

Suppose a body of mass m is raised from a height y1 to a height y2 above the surface of
the earth, the work done by the gravitational force when the body is raised through a
small height y; w  F y

Where F= gravitational force = -mg

 w   mg  y

Work done to raise the body from height y1 to height y2 is

y2

 mg dy
y1

y2

  mg  dy
y1

 mg  y  y
y2

 W   ( mgy 2
 mgy 1
).

from work -energy theorem

41
 1 1

2 2
mv 2
mv 1
2 2
1 1
   mgy  mgy
2 2
w= mv 2
mv 1 2 1
2 2
1 1
 mgy  mgy 
2 2
mv 2 2 1
mv 1
2 2

The term mgy = gravitational potential energy.

1
 mgy  cons tan t ......... 
2
mv
2
Hence Potentiale nergy  Kineticene rgy  mechanical energy

Equation  implies that merchanica l energy is conserved.

Principal of conservation of mechanical energy

In a given system where the only force acting are conservative forces, the sum of Kinetic
energy and Potential energy is constant.
Question
Show that the following obey the law of mechanic energy.
(i) A swinging pendulum
(ii) A falling stone.

Conservative forces.
B

(1)

(2)

A
 W
(1 ) (2)
W AB AB
, then the force being used is a conservative force.
For a conservative force, the work done is independent on the path taken.
W  0
(1 ) (2)
Work done when a body moves round a closed path is zero i.e. W AB AB

(1 ) (2)
Let W AB
be the work done to move the mass from A to B via path 1 and W AB
be the
work done to move the mass from A to B via path (2).
 W
(1 ) (2)
If W AB AB
then the work done is independent of the path taken in the field of force.

42
Examples of conservative forces; Gravitational force, Elastic force, Electrostatic force.
For a conservation force, the work done in moving the body round a close path in the
field of force is zero.
In a conservative force field, mechanical energy is conserved
Non- conservative forces: In a conservative force, the work done by a non conservative
force round a closed path is not zero and is dependent on the path taken.Example of non-
conservative forces: Friction, Air resistance, Viscosity drag.
Elastic potential energy
Consider a mass m resting on a smooth horizontal surface and attached to a spring whose
other end is fixed.

Felastic
Fext
m

Suppose an external force Fext is applied to the mass, so that the spring becomes stretched
by a distance x. An equal and opposite force, Felastic i.e elastic force appears in the spring.
Felastic = kx (Hooke’s law)
Force is directly proportional to extension provide the elastic limit is not exceeded.
k= force constant , F ext = kx
When a spring is stretched from x = x1 to x = x2 ,
x 2

W  F elastic
. dx
x1

x2

  kx dx
x1

 kx 2 kx 1 
2 2

w    
 2 2 

from work – energy theorem

 kx 2 
2 2
1 1 kx 1
    
2 2
mv mv
2
2
2
1  2 2 
 
2 2
1 kx 2 1 kx 1
  
2 2
mv 2
mv 1
2 2 2 2

43
 1 2
then term V(x) = kx is the elastic potential energy.
2

A 3.0kg block is held in contact with a compressed spring of a force constant 120Nm-
1
.The block rests on the smooth portion of a horizontal surface which is partly smooth
and partly rough as shown.

Smooth Rough

120Nm

3kg

When the block is released, it slides without friction until it leaves the spring and then
continues to move along the rough portion for 8.0m before it comes to rest. The
coefficient of sliding friction between the block and the rough surface is 0.20. Calculate
the: (i) maximum kinetic energy the block.
(iii) Compression of the spring before the block was released.
Solution
Kinetic energy = work done against frictional force
1
  mg  distance
2
mv
2
1
 g  8
2
v
2
  2  0 . 20  9 . 8  8 
2
v
1
v  5 . 6 ms

Kinetic energy = ½mv2 = ½x3x (5.6)2 = 47.04J

(ii) elastic energy = ½kx2
But Kinetic energy = elastic energy
1
47 . 07   120  x
2

2
47 . 07  2

2
x
120
x  0 . 89 m

2. A bullet of mass 10g is fired at short range into a block of wood of mass 990g resting
on a smooth horizontal surface and attached to a spring of force constant 100Nm-1. The
bullet remains embedded in the block while the spring is compressed by a distance of

44
5.0cm. Find the elastic energy of the compressed spring, and the speed of the bullet just
before collision with the block.
Elastic energy = ½kx2 = ½ x 100 x (0.05)2 = 0.125J

Kinetic energy = elastic energy

1
 0 . 125
2
mv
2
 0 . 01  0 . 99 v
2
 0 . 25
1
v  0 . 5 ms

Using conservation of momentum

m 1u 1  m 2 u 2  m 1v1  m 2 v 2

 0 . 01  u    0 . 99  0   0 . 5  0 . 01  0 . 99 
1
u  50 ms

Exercise
1. A mass of 500g is released from rest so that if falls vertically through a
distance of 20cm onto a scale pan, of negligible mass, hung from a spring of
force constant 100Nm-1. Find the position of the scale pan when it first comes
to rest. (0.14m)

45
POWER

It is the rate of doing work.

dw d
power   ( F .S ) where w is work done, F is force , S is distance travelled.
dt dt

For constant force

ds ds
p  F. But  v
dt dt
 p  FV

Unit of power is watts

Example
1. A particle of mass 1000kg moves with uniform velocity of 10ms-1 up a straight
truck inclined at an angle of 20° to the horizontal. The total frictional resistance to motion
of the car is 248N. Calculate the power developed in the engine.

R
F

1000gsin20 1000gcos200
cos300
248
20° 1000g

F  1000 g sin 20  248

3599 . 8 N

P  Fv
 3599 . 8  10 
 35997 . 9 W

 36 kw

46
2. Sand is deposited at a uniform rate of 20kgs-1 and of negligible kinetic energy
onto an empty conveyor belt moving horizontally at a constant speed of 10m / minute.
Find
(i) A force required to maintain a constant velocity.
(ii) The power required to maintain a constant velocity
(iii) The rate of change of K.E of the moving sand
(iv) Why are the latter 2 quantities unequal?

10 1
v  
-1
ms
60 6
dp
F  , p  mv
dt
d(mu) dm
F  v 
dt dt
dm 1
 20 kgs
dt
1
F   20
6
 3 . 33 N

(ii)
P  FV
20 1
 
6 6
20
 W
36
W  0.56w

Rate of Kinetic Energy

1  dm  2
  v
2  dt 
2
1 1
  20   
2 6
 0 . 28 J

47
The two quantities are not equal because there is a frictional force that has to be
overcome.

MOMENTS AND COUPLES

Moment of a force
The moment of a force about an axis is the product of the force and the perpendicular
distance from the axis to the line of action of the force.

R
a
Ө
P

F1
Moment of F1 about P
= F1a
Moment of R about P = 0
Moment of T about P = T. a sin Ө
Principal of moments
If a body is in equilibrium, under the action of a number of force, the algebraic sum of the
moment of the forces about any axis is zero i.e. total clockwise moments = total
anticlockwise moments about the same axis.
Conditions for equilibrium
(i) Translational equilibrium.
The resultant force must be zero i.e. sum of forces in one direction should be equal to
sum of forces in the opposite direction.
(ii) Rotational equilibrium

48
The algebraic sum of moments about any axis must be zero.
Example
A uniform rod of mass 10kg is smoothly hinged at A and rests in a vertical plane on the
end B against a smooth vertical wall. If the rod makes an angle of 400 with the wall, find
the thrust of the wall and the direction of the reaction at A

B
R
40°

10g
A X

Let X and Y represent the components of the reaction in the horizontal and vertical
directions respectively.
Resolving forces in the horizontal direction
R=X
Resolving forces in the vertical direction
Y = 10g = 98N
Taking moments about A:
10gx(ABsin40)/2 = R xABcos40
Therefore R = 41.1N
Hence X = 41.1N

Reaction at A = 41 . 1 2
 98
2
 = 106.3N
Direction Ө = tan-1(98/41.1) = 67.24°

Direction  tcm
-1
98 41 . 1 
 67 . 24
0

49
CURCULAR MOTION
Consider a body moving in a circle of radius r with uniform speed v
v

B
0 Ө s
r
v
A
Ssuppose the body moves from point A to point B in time‘t’ through an angle Ө.
The angle Ө is called the angular displacement.
Arc length, s = r Ө
Angular velocity, , is the rate of change of angular displacement.
 = Ө/t
Speed,
s r 
v   , but  
t t t
v  r

period (T), time taken to go through one circle.

When Ө =2, t = T
 = Ө/t = 2/T
v = r
2
Therefore v = r
T

Acceleration of a body moving in a circle

Consider a body moving with constant speed v in a circle of radium r

vB
B
r
Ө
r
Ө
A vA

If it travels from A to B in a short time,t,

50
 t , then arc AB  v  t

AB
v 
t

also arc AB = rӨ

hence
r  vt.

vt ……………………(1)
 
r

Change of velocity between A and B

VB  VA

VB ( VA )
=
xZ  V B   
VA 
But VA  VB  V

z -VA y
Ө

VB

X
Arc XZ = vӨ
t
From equation (1) Ө= v
r

t 2 t
Hence arc XZ = v. v = v
r r

The magnitude of the acceleration, a, between A and B is

change in velocit y xz
a  
time interval t
v t
2 2
v
a  
rt r

But v = r
a = 2r

51
The acceleration of the body moving in a circle is towards the centre of the circle.
The force on a body moving in a circle towards the centre of the circular path is called the
centripetal force
2
v
Centripetal force = ma = m
r

m r
2
Or Centripetal force =
Example of circular motion
Conical pendulum
Consider a body of mass m attached to a string of weight l, describing horizontal circle of
radius r at a uniform speed v

h T

mg

 T cos   mg ........( i )
2
mv
  T sin   .......... .........( 2 )
r
( 2 )  1 
2
v
tan  
rg
r  l sin 

 rg tan 
2
V
2 r
but v  , T  period
T

4 r
2 2

2
 rg tan 
T
4 r
2


2
T
g tan 

4  l sin  4  l cos 
2 2

 
2
T
g tan  g

52
but lcosӨ = h

4
2
h
2=
T g

Example
A steel ball of 0.5kg is suspended from a light inelastic string of length 1m. The ball
describes a horizontal circle of radius 0.5m
Find
(i) The centripetal speed of the ball
(ii) The angular speed of the ball
(iii) The angle between the string and the radius of the circle if the angular speed is
increased to such a values that the tension in the string is 10N

Ө
1m

0.5m

0.5g

0 .5
sin    30 
1
2
mv
   T sin 30 .......... ........( i )
r

 T cos 30
0
 0 .5 g

T  5 . 67 N

From (i)
2
0 .5 v
  5 . 67 sin 30
0

0 .5
0 . 5  1 . 68
2 2
mv
 certripeta l force  
r 0 .5
 2 . 83 N

53
 (iii) Angular speed 

v  wr

1 . 68
w 
0 .5
1
 3 . 36 rads

(iii)

 T cos   0 . 5 g

0 .5 g
cos  
10
  60 . 66
0

Exercise
1. An object of mass 0.5kg on the end of the string is whirled around in a
horizontal circle of radius 2m, with a constant speed of 10ms-1. Find its angular velocity
and the tension in the string.(  = 5rads-1, T = 25.5N)
2. A small ball of mass 0.1 kg is suspended by an inextensible string of length
0.5m and is caused to rotate in a horizontal circle of radius 0.4m. Find
(i) The resultant of these forces. ( 1.3N)
(ii) The period of rotation. (1.1s)
3. A pendulum bob of mass 0.2kg is attached to one end of an inelastic string of
length 1.2m. The bob moves in a horizontal circle with the string inclined at 30° to the
vertical. Calculate: (i) the tension in the string
(ii) the period of the motion
4. The period of oscillation of a conical pendulum is 2.0s. If the string makes an angle
of 60° to the vertical at the point of suspension, calculate the:
(i) Vertical height of the point of suspension above the circle.(h = 0.994m)
(ii) Length of the string, (l = 1.99m)
(iii) Velocity of the mass attached to the string.(v = 5.41ms-1)
Vehicle on a curved track
(i) Overturning / upsetting / toppling

R1 R2

centre G
54 h
F1 a a
F2
consider a vehicle with mass m moving with a speed v in a circle of radius r; let h be the
height of the centre of gravity above the truck and 2a the distance between the tyres.

Resolving vertically :
R 1  R 2  mg .......... .........( 1)

horizontally
2
mv
 F1  F2  .......... .......... ..( 2 )
r

Taking moments about G:

R 1 a  F 1  h  F 2  h  R 2 .a

h
 F1  F2   R 2  R 1 .......... .......... .......... ..( 3 )
a

Substitute equation (2) in equation (3)

2
mv h
.  R 2  R 1 .......... .......... .......... ..( 4 )
r a

Add equation (1)+ equation( 4)

R 1  R 2  mg
2
mv h
R 2  R1 
ra
m  v h 
2
2R

2
 g  
 
 ra 

m  v h 
2

R2  g  
 
2  ra 

R2>0 implying that the outer tire never lose contact.

55
Equation (1 )– equation( 4)
2
mv h
2 R 1  mg 
ra
m  v h 
2

R1  g  
 
2  ra 

When R1 = 0, inner tire loses contact with the track.

m  
2
v h
 g    0
 
2  ra 
2
v h
g   0
ra
rag

2
v
h
rag
v 
h

vag
For speeds higher than , the car overturns.
h

The vehicle is likely to overturn if

 The bend is sharp (r is small)
 The centre of gravity is high (h is large)
 The distance between the tires is small (a is small)

Skidding
A vehicle will skid when the available centripetal force is not enough to balance the
centrifugal force (force away from the centre of the circle), the vehicle fails to negotiate
the curve and goes off truck outwards.

R1 R2

centre G

F1
F2
mg

For no skidding, the centripetal force must be greater or equal to the centrifugal force i.e.
2
mv
F1  F 2 
r

56
But F1 = μR1 and F2 = μ R2
2
  R 1  R 2   mv
r
2
mv
 mg 
r
2
v
g 
r
  gr
2
v

Maximum safe speed, vm =  rg

Skidding will occur if

 The vehicle is moving too fast
 The bend is too sharp (r is small)
 The road is slippery (μ is small )

BANKING OF A TRACK
 This is the building of the track round a corner with the outer edge raised above
the inner one. This is done in order to increase the maximum safe speed for no
skidding.
 When a road is banked, some extra centripetal force is provided by the horizontal
component of the normal reaction
 When determining the angle of banking during the construction of the road,
friction is ignored.

R2

R1

centre

Resolving vertically

2
mv
R1sin (90- Ө) + R2sin (90-Ө) =
r

57
But sin (90- Ө) = cos Ө

(R1+R2) Cos Ө = mg …………..(i)

Horizontally

2
mv
R 1 cos( 90   )  R 2 cos( 90   ) 
r
2
mv
R1  R 2  sin   .......... .......... ..( 2 )
r
eqn 2  eqn 1
2
v
tan  
rg

Hence Ө is the angle of banking

When there is friction

Suppose there is friction between the track and the vehicle moving round the bend.

R2

R1

centre
F2

F1
Ө

Resolving vertically:

(R1+R2) cosӨ = (F1+F2)sin Ө +mg

(R1+R2) cos Ө – (F1+F2) sinӨ = mg

but F1 = μR1, F2 = μR2.

58
(R1+R2)cosӨ – μ(R1+R2)sinӨ = mg

(R1+R2) (sin Ө – μ sinӨ) = mg ……………………..(1)

Horizontally

2
mv
(R1 + R2)sin  + (F1 + F2)cos  =
r
2
mv
(R1 + R2)sin  +  (R1 + R2)cos  =
r
2
mv
R 1  R2  sin    cos   .......... .....  2 
r

egn 2  eqn 1

sin    cos 
2
v

cos  -  sin  rg

tan   
2
v

1 -  tan  rg

   tan  
 rg  
2
v
 1   tan  

   t an  
 maximum safe speed  rg  
 1 -  tan  

Question

(a) Why a rider has to bend at a certain angle when moving round a bend.

(b) Derive the angle of inclination the rider makes with the horizontal when moving
round a bend.

2. A bend of 200m radius on a level road is banked at the correct angle for a speed of
15ms-1. If a vehicle rounds the bend at 30ms-1, what is the minimum co-efficient of
kinetic friction between the tyres and the road so that the vehicle will not skid.

59
Angle of banking

2 2
v 15
tan   
= rg  200  9 .8 

  6 . 55
0

   tan  
 rg  
2
v
 1   tan  

   tan 6 . 55 
 200  9 . 8  
2
30
 1 -  tan 6.55 

   0.1148 
900  1960  
 1 - 0.1148  
900  103 . 32   1960   225 . 008

2063 . 32   674 . 992

  0 . 327

2. A car travels round a bend in road which is a circular arc of radius 62.5m.

 5 
The road is banked at angle tan-1  12 

to the horizontal the coefficient of friction between

the tyres of the car and the road surface is 0.4. Find

(i) the greatest speed at which the car can be driven round the bend without
slipping.

(ii) The least speed at which this can happen.

(i) Maximum speed

60
    tan  
 rg  
2
v
 1 -  tan  
 0.4  5 
 12 
 62 . 5  9 . 8
2
v
 x5 
1 - 0.4
 12 

 49 
 
60 
 612 . 5 
2
v
 5 
 6 
 
 600 . 25
2
v
1
 24 . 5 ms
2
v

(ii) Least speed

 rg tan 
2
v

 62 . 5  9 . 8  5
2
v
12
 255 . 208
2
v
1
v  15 . 98 ms

Motion in a vertical circle

This is an example of motion in a circle with non- uniform speed. The body will have a
radial component of acceleration as well as a tangential component. Consider a particle of
mass is attached to an inextensible string at point O, and projected from the lowest point
P with a speed U so that it describes a vertical circle.

Consider a particle at point Q at subsequent time.

The tension T in the string is everywhere normal to the path of the particle and hence to
its velocity V. the tension therefore does no work on the particle.

Energy at P, EP is Ep = ½mu2 ……………………..(1)

61
P is the reference for zero potential . Energy at Q in Eq is:-

Eq = ½mv2 + mgh.

But h = r-rcosӨ

Eq = ½ mv2 + mgr (1-cosӨ) ………………….(2)

Centripetal force of the particle

2
mv
T- mgcosӨ =
r

Mv2 = r (T-mgcosӨ) ………………………(3)

Substitute equation (3) into (2)

Eq = ½ r (T- mgcosӨ) + mgr (1-cosӨ)

Using conservation of mechanical energy

Eq = Ep.

½r (T-mgcosӨ) + mgr (1-cosӨ) = ½mu2

½r(T-mgcosӨ) = ½mu2- mgr (1-cosӨ)

r(T-mgcosӨ) = mu2 – 2mgr(1-cosӨ)

2
mu
T-mgcosӨ) =  2 mg 1  cos  
r

2
mu
T   2 mg (1  cos  )  mg cos 
r

62
 2
mu
T   mg ( 2 cos   cos   2 ).
r
2
mu
T   mg ( 3 cos   2 ).
r
2
mu
OR T   mg ( 2  3 cos  )
r

2
mu
T is greater than zero when  mg  cos   2   0
r

2
mu
 mg ( 2  3 cos  )
r
 rg ( 2  3 cos  )
2
u

When   90

 rg ( 2  3 cos 90 )
2
u

 2 rg
2
u

Hence particle overshoots point 0’ when u> 2rg

When Ө = 1800

u2 > rg (2-3cos 180)

u2 > 5rg

Hence particle reaches p’ when U> 5 rg

Therefore particle describes a circle when the initial speed with which you project from P
is u  5 rg

Example

1. A cyclist rounds a curve of 30m radius on a road which is banked at an angle

of 200 to the horizontal. If the co-efficient of sliding friction between the tires and the
road is 0.5; find the greatest speed at which the cyclist can ride without skidding and find
into inclination to the horizontal at this speed.

63
    tan  
 rg  
2
v
 1   tan  
 0 . 5  tan 20 
  30  9 . 8 
2
v 
 1  0 . 5 tan 20 
 0 . 1819 
 294 
2
v 
 0 . 818 
1
v  17 . 6 ms

2 2
v 17 . 6
tan   
rg 30 x 9 . 8
  46 . 5 

4(b) A car goes round unbanked curve at 15ms-1the radius of the curve is 60m. Find the
least co-efficient of kinetic friction that will allow the car to negotiate the curve without
skidding.

2
v
 
r
2
v
 
rg
2
15
   0.38
 60  9.8 

Exercise

1. A stone of mass 0.5kg is attached to a string of length 0.5m which will break if the
tension in it exceeds 20N. The stone is whirled in a vertical circle, the axis of rotation
being at a vertical height of 1.0m above the ground. The angular speed is gradually
increased until the string breaks.

(i) in what position is the string most likely to break?(vertically below point of
suspension)

(ii) At what angular speed will the string break? (7.7rads-1)

64
(iii) Find the position where the stone hits the ground when the string breaks.1.22m from
point below point of suspension)

2. A car travels round a curved road bend banked at an angle of 22.6°. If the radius of
curvature of the bend is 62.5m and the coefficient of friction between the tyres of the car
and the road surface is 0.3. Calculate the maximum speed at which the car negotiates the
bend without skidding. (22.4ms-1)

65
GRAVITATION
Kepler’s Law of Planetary Motion
1. Planets revolve in elliptical orbits having the sun at one focus
2. Each planet revolve in such a way that the imaginary line joining it to the sun sweeps
out equal areas in equal times
3. The squares of the periods of revolution of the planets are proportional to the cubes of
their mean distances from the sun
Newton’s Law of Gravitation
Every particle of matter attracts every other particle with a force which is proportional to
the product of the masses of the particles and inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between them.

M1 M2
R

F  M1M2
R2
Hence F = G M1M2
R2
Where G is a universal constant known as the Gravitational constant.
Units of G: Nm2kg -2 or m3kg-1s-2
Numerical value of G= 6.67x10-11 Nm2kg -2
Question: Show that the dimensions of G are M-1 L3T-2
Proof of Kepler’s 3rd law
Consider a planet of mass m moves with speed v in a circle of radius r round the sun of
mass M.

sun v

r
m
M

Gravitational attraction of the sun for the planet, F = GMm

r2
If this is centripetal force keeping the planet in orbit then

66
 GMm = mv2
r2 r
If T is the time for the planet to make one orbit
v = 2r
T
2
GMm = mx 2r
r2 r T

GM = 42r3
T2

T2 = 42 r3
GM

Since 42 is constant, then T2 r3 which verifies Kepler’s 3rd law.
GM
Parking Orbit
A satellite launched with a speed such that its period equals that of the earth’s rotation
about its axis and is in the same sense as that of rotation of the earth is called the
Synchronous or Geostationary satellite. To an observer on the earth’s surface, such a
satellite appears to be stationary. The orbit of the synchronous satellite is called a Parking
orbit. Geostationary satellite can be used to relay TV signals and telephone. Messages
from one point on the earth surface to other points. In this case a set of 3 synchronous
satellites in a triangular array is used.
from
42
T2 = GM r3

When the satellite is in a parking orbit, T = 24 hours = 24 x 3600s

G = 6.67x10-11 Nm2kg -2
M = 6x1024kg
Hence r = 4.23x107m
Height above the earth for a parking orbit, h = 4.23x107- Radius of earth
But radius of earth = 6.4x106m
Therefore, h = 4.23x107 – 6.4x106 = 3.59x107m
Variation of acceleration due to gravity
The acceleration due to gravity varies with both altitude and latitude
Variation of acceleration due to gravity with latitude

67
The acceleration due to gravity increases from 9.78ms-2 at the equator to 9.83ms-2 at the
poles. The observed variation of g over the earth’s surface is due to
(i) the effect of the earth’s rotation
(ii) the non- spheroid of their earth
The effect of the earth’s rotation: Because the earth rotates about it axis, its gravitational
pull on the body on the equator has to provide a centripetal acceleration.
Effect of non- spheroid of the earth: The earth is not a sphere but an oblate spheroid
whose equatorial radius exceeds polar radius by about 21.5km i.e. the body at the equator
is slightly further away than at the poles. Hence acceleration at the poles is slightly
exceeds the acceleration at the equator.
Variation of acceleration due to gravity with altitude
(i) At the earth’s surface
Mg = GMem
Re
g = GMe ………………………………………(i)
Re

(ii) Above the earth’s surface

earth

Me
r m
h

If a body is at a point a distance r from the centre of the earth where r > Re
Then mg’ = GMem
r2
g’ is the acceleration due to gravity at the point a distance r from the centre of earth
g’ = GMe
r2
Hence g’  1
r2
but from eqn (i) above, GMe = Re2g

68
g’ = Re2g
r2
Also r = h + Re

g’ = Re2g = g ( 1 + h/Re)-2 = g ( 1 – 2h/Re + 3h2/Re2 +………………..)

(h + Re)2
If h is smaller than Re, then ( h/Re)2 and higher powers can be ignored as they tend to 0.
Therefore g’ = g (1 – 2h/Re)
A graph of g’ against h appears as below:

g’

h
Re/2

(iii) Inside the earth’s surface

Consider an object with mass m at a point which is a distance b from the earth’s surface,
where b<Re. Let g’’ be the acceleration due to gravity at this point and Me’ the effective
mass of the earth at this point.

b Re

Assuming the earth to be a sphere of uniform density, e

Me = 4/3(Re3)e
Me’=4/3(b3)e
Me’/ Me = b3/Re3
Me’= (b3/Re3)Me
But mg’’ = G Me’m
b2

69
g’’ = G Me’ = G x (b3/Re3)Me
b2 b2
g’’ = GMeb
Re2
Hence g’’  b
Graph showing variation of acceleration due to gravity with distance from centre of the
earth.

Acceleration due gravity

g
Inside earth
Outside earth

Re Distance from centre of earth

Mechanical energy of a satellite

(i) Kinetic energy, Ek
Consider a satellite of mass m moving in a circular orbit of radius r. the centripetal force
on the satellite is
G Me m = mv2
r2 r
G Me m = mv2
r
The kinetic energy of the satellite, Ek = ½mv2 = G Me m
2r
(ii) Gravitational Potential energy, Ep
The force of attraction between the earth and satellite of mass m at a distance x from the
centre of the earth is
F = G Me m
x2
If the satellite is to move through x towards the earth, the work done by the gravitational
force is
w = Fx = = G Me mx
x2

70
If the satellite is moved from infinity to a point distance r from the centre of the earth, the
work done by the gravitational force is
r r
GM m   1  GM

e m
W= dx = GMem  = e
2 

x  x  r

Hence gravitational potential energy is the work done to move a body from infinity to a
point in the gravitational field.
 GM e
m
Therefore Ep =
r

 GM e
m GM e
m
Total mechanical energy ET = Ep + Ek = +
r 2r

GM m

e
=
2r

Note: The satellite has negative total energy hence it is a bound satellite.
Velocity of escape
Velocity of escape is the minimum vertical velocity with which the body must be
projected from the earth so that it will never return to the earth.
GM m

e
The work done required for a body to escape =
Re

If the body leaves the earth with speed ve ad just escapes from its gravitational field
GM m
½mve2= e

Re

2 GM
Hence ve2 = e

Re

2 GM e
ve =
Re

Exercise: Show that velocity of escape can be expressed as

ve = 2 gR e

Effect of friction between a satellite and the atmosphere

Radius of orbit reduces, potential energy reduces, kinetic energy increases, velocity
increases and mechanical energy decreases.

71
Examples:
1. A satellite of mass 100kg is inn a circular orbit at a height of 3.59x107m above the
earth’s surface. Find the mechanical energy of the satellite.(Mass of earth = 6x1024kg,
radius of earth = 6.4x106m)
GM m

e
Mechanical energy =
2r

r = 3.59x107 + Re = 3.59x107 + 6.4x106m = 4.23x107m

Where Re = 6.4x106m, the radius of the earth.
Me = 6x1024kg
Mechanical energy = - 6.67x10-11x6x1024x100 = - 4.71x108 joules
2x4.23x107
2. A satellite of mass 250kg makes a circular equatorial orbit at a distance 500km above
the earth’s surface. Find
(i) the radius of the orbit
(ii) the period
(iii) the total energy of the satellite
(i) radius r = 500x103 + 6.4x106 = 6.9x106m

42
2
(ii) T = GM r3

Where G = 6.67x10-11 Nm2kg -2

M = 6x1024kg
T2 = 42x(6.9x106)3
6.67x10-11x6x1024

Hence T = 5.69x103s

GM m
(iii) Total energy = 
e
= - 6.67x10-11x6x1024x250 = -7.25x109J
2r

2x6.9x106
Exercise

72
1. A mass is released from a point at a distance of 10R from the centre of the earth,
where R is the radius of the earth. Find the speed of the mass at a point a distance of 7R
from the centre of the earth. (Assume R = 6.4x106m)
2. Calculate the ratio of mass of the sun to that of the earth, given that the moon moves
round the earth in a circular orbit of radius 4.0x105km with a period of 27.3days, and the
orbital radius of the earth round the sun is 1.5x108km and its period is 365days.
(2.95x105 )
3. Calculate the ratio of acceleration due to gravity on the surface of mercury to that on
the surface of the earth given that the radius of mercury is 0.38 times that of the earth
and the mean density of mercury is 0.68 times that of the earth (0.2584)

73
Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M)
It a special type of periodic motion in which the acceleration of the body along the path
of the body is directed towards a fixed point in the line of motion and is proportional to
the displacement of the body from the fixed point.

Characteristic of a body describing Simple harmonic motion

 Motion is periodic
 Acceleration of the body is towards a fixed point
 Acceleration of the body is directly proportional to the distance from the fixed
point
 Mechanical energy is conserved.
Equation of simple harmonic motion
Acceleration, a = - 2x
Where  is angular velocity, x is displacement from fixed point.
2
d x
 
2
Or a= 2
x
dt

The solution of the above differential equation is

X = Acost or X = Asint
Where A is the maximum displacement of the body called Amplitude.
For X = Asint the curve is as below:

74
In general X = Asin (t +) Where  is the phase angle.

Examples of Simple Harmonic Motion

(i)Vertical Spiral Spring or Elastic thread

Consider a body of mass m suspended from a spiral spring of force constant, k, as shown
in the diagram. In that case the body will be at equilibrium.
At equilibrium, T = mg
But T = ke (Form Hook’s Law)
Where e is the extension in the spring at equilibrium and k is the force constant of the
spring.

Hence ke = mg ………………………………….(i)
When the mass is pulled through a distance x then released, the resultant upward force on
the mass is
F = T’ – mg
But T’ = k (e + x)
F = k (e + x) – mg
But from (i) ke = mg
F = k (e + x) – ke
F=kx
From Newton’s 2nd law, ma = F
ma = - kx

75
  k 
a=-  x
 m 

The above equation is in the form a = -  x

2

 k 
Where 2 =  
 m 

m
Question: Prove that the period T is given by: T = 2
k

(ii) Horizontal Spiral Spring

Consider a horizontal spring of force constant k. One end of the spring is fixed and the
other end attached to a body of mass m resting on a smooth surface.
If the body is displaced through a distance x

(iii) Simple Pendulum

Suppose a body of mass m attached to a string is displaced through a small angle Ө and
then released. The resultant force on the body towards O is mgsinӨ.

x
mgsinӨ
O mg

76
By Newton’s 2nd law
ma = -mgsinӨ
a = - gsinӨ
x
If Ө is small and measured in radians Ө  sinӨ =
l

x
a - gӨ = g
l

Which is in the form a = -  x

2

l
Where  
g

l
Hence T = 2
g

Example: A simple pendulum has a period of 4.2s. When the length is shortened by 1m,
the period is 3.7s. Use these measurements to determine the acceleration due to gravity
and the original length of the pendulum.

l
T = 2
g

4.22 g = 42xl……..(1)
3.72g = 42(l – 1)……….(2)
Solving the above two equations, you get
L= ,g=

(iv) A Floating cylinder

Consider a cylinder of mass m, floating vertically in a liquid of density  to a depth l.

U
U’

77
mg l
In equilibrium, mg = U where U is upthrust
But U = Al g
mg = Alg ………………………………(i)
m = Al
A is the cross sectional area of the cylinder
Suppose the cylinder is given a small vertical displacement x and released, the net force
on the cylinder is U’ – mg.
But U’ = A ( l +x)g
Net force = A ( l +x)g – mg
From Newton’s 2nd law; ma = - A ( l +x)g – mg

From equation (i) mg = Alg

Therefore ma = - Axg
a = - (Ag)x
m
But a = -  x
2

Ag
Where  =
2
m

Ag l
And period T = 2 = 2
m g

(v) Oscillation of a liquid in a U – tube

Consider a liquid column of length l at rest in a U – tube of cross section area A. Suppose
the liquid is displaced by a small distance and then released.

78
 x

Consider the instant when the meniscus a distance x from their equilibrium position. The
restoring force of the liquid = 2xAg, where  is the density of the liquid.
Using Newton’s 2nd law,
ma = - 2xAg
a = - (2xAg) = - (2Ag)x
m m
Hence  = - (2Ag)
2

l
Period T = 2
2g

Velocity of a body executing Simple harmonic Motion

Consider the displacement of a body executing Simple harmonic motion to be given by
X = Asin(t +)
Velocity, v = dx/dt = Acos(t +)

sin(t +) = X /A

79
  x
2 2
A
Cos(t +) =
A

 x
2 2
A
Hence v = A = A
2
 x
2

When x = 0, V is maximum
vmax = A
when X= A, v = 0

Kinetic energy and potential energy of vibrating object

Kinetic enrgy, Ek

Velocity v =  A
2
 x
2

Kinetic energy Ek = ½mv2 = ½m2(A2-x2)

Ek = ½m2(A2-x2)
k
For a spring of force constant, k ; 2 =
m

k = 2m
Ek = ½k(A2-x2)

Potential energy, Ep
Work done against the restoring force is the potential energy
F = m2r
x x

 Fdr  m
2
Therefore, Ep = = rdr = ½m2x2
0 0

For a vibrating spring, Ep = ½kx2

Total mechanical energy ET = Ek + Ep = ½m2(A2-x2) + ½m2x2 = ½m2A2

ET = ½m2A2

80
Note total energy of a vibrating object (a particle undergoing S.H.M) is constant and is
directly proportional to the square of the amplitude. Hence mechanical energy is
conserved in S.H.M.

Kinetic energy
energy Mechanical energy

Potential energy

-A A Displacement, x

Examples:
1. A light spiral spring is loaded with a mass of 50g and it extends by 10cm. Calculate the
period of small vertical oscillations
m
Using T = 2 , but mg = ke
k

K = mg/e = 0.05x9.81/0.1 = 4.905Nm-1

0 . 05
Hence T = 2 = 0.63s
4 . 905

2. A body of mass 0.1kg hangs from a long spiral spring. When pulled down 10cm
below its equilibrium point A, and released, it vibrates with S.H.M with a period of 2s.
(i) What is the velocity as it passes through A?
(ii) What is its acceleration when it is 5cm above A.
Solution

81
 (i) v = A, where A = 0.1m,  = 2/T, but T = 2s
 = 2/2 =  rads-1
V =  x 0.1 = 0.314ms-1
(ii) a = -2x = 2 x 0.05 = 0.5ms-2

Types of oscillations
(i) Free oscillations:
Free oscillations occur in the absence of any dissipative forces like air resistance, friction
and viscous drag. The amplitude and total mechanical energy remains constant and the
system oscillates indefinitely with a period T (the natural period of vibration of the
system)

Displacement

time
-A

A is amplitude
e.g A simple pendulum will undergo free oscillation in a vacuum.
(ii) Damped oscillations
These are oscillations where the system loses energy to the surrounding due to the
dissipative forces. The amplitude reduces with time and oscillations eventually die out.
Damped oscillations can be grouped into under damped, critically damped and over
damped oscillations.
- Under – damped oscillations

Displacement

82

time
The system actually oscillates but gradually dies out due to the dissipative forces. The
amplitude of oscillation decreases with time. Examples are a simple pendulum in air,
horizontal spring moving over a surface of little roughness.

- Critically damped oscillations

The system does not oscillate when displaced, but returns to the equilibrium position in
the minimum possible time

Displacement

time

Examples shock absorbers in cars stops the car to oscillate after passing over the hump,
toilet doors are critically damped so that they close very quickly.
- Over damped oscillations
The system does not oscillate but takes a long time to return to the equilibrium
position.

Displacement

time

83
Examples: a horizontal spring moving over a very rough surface, a metal cylinder
attached to a vertical spring and made to move in a very viscous liquid.

Forced oscillations
These are vibrations where the system is subjected to an external periodic force thus
setting the system to oscillate indefinitely. When the periodic force has the same
frequency of oscillation as the system, resonance occurs. Examples of forced
oscillations are; the oscillation of a diving board, the oscillations of the earth quake and
the oscillations of the air column in musical pipe instruments e.t.c

Resonance occurs

Displacement

fo

frequency

fo is the fundamental frequency

84
Exercise:
1. The pendulum of length 130cm has a periodic time T1. A bob now pulled a side and
made to move as a conical pendulum in a horizontal circle of radius 50cm. the period
of rotation is T2. Find the ratio
of T1: T2 (1.04)

2. A spring gives a displacement of 5cm for a load of 500g. Find the maximum
displacement produced when a mass of 80g is dropped from a height of 10cm onto a
light pan attached to the spring.
(5x10-2m)
3. A small mass rests on a horizontal platform which vibrates vertically in a simple
harmonic motion with a period of 0.50s. Find the maximum amplitude of the
motion which will allow the mass to remain in contact with the platform
throughout the motion.( 6.3x10-2m)
4. A mass of 0.1kg suspended from a spring of force constant 24.5Nm-1 is pulled
vertically downwards through a distance of 5.0cm and released. Find the
(i) period of oscillation (0.4s)
(ii) position of the mass 0.3s after release( 0m)

5. A uniform cylindrical rod of length 8cm, cross sectional area 0.02m2 and density
900kgm-3 floats vertically in a liquid of density 1000kgm-3. The rod is depressed
through a distance of 0.5cm and the released.
i) Show that the rod performs simple harmonic motion
ii) Find the frequency of the resultant oscillations (1.86Hz)
iii) Find the velocity of the rod when it is a distance of 0.4cm
above the equilibrium position. (0.035ms-1)

85
 HYDROSTATICS

Pressure

The pressure at a point in a fluid is the force per unit area acting normal to an
infinitesimal area taken about the point. The units of pressure Nm-2 or Pascal (Pa). The
pressure in a column of fluid increase with depth. At a given point in a liquid, pressure
acts in any direction hence it is a scalar quantity.

Formula for pressure in liquids

Sippose that a horizontal plate X of area A is placed at a depth h below the liquid
surface. By drawing vertica lines from the points on the perimeter of X, we can see that
the force on X due to the liquid is equal to the weight of the liquid of height h and
uniformm cross section A.

Liquid weight

Area, A

Since the volume of this liquid is Ah, the mass of the liquid = Ah.

The weight = Ahg , where g is acceleration due to gravity.

force Ah  g
Therefore the pressure, P =   hg
area A

Archimedes principles

86
When an object is immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward force called up thrust
which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

Proof of Archimedes principle

Consider a uniform solid cylinder of length L, cross sectional area A. Suppose the
cylinder is submerged in a liquid of density P, so that its face is a depth h, below the
surface of the liquid.

h1

h2 B

D E

Consider a solid immersed in a liquid, the pressure on the lower surface C is greater than
on the upper surface B, since the pressure at the greater depth h2 is more than at h1. The
net horizontal force is zero.
The upward force on C = h2gA, where  is the liquid density.
The down wad force on side B = h1gA.
Thus resultant force on solid = upward force (upthrust) = (h2– h1)gA.
But (h2– h1)A = volume, V, of solid,
Therefore upthrust = Vg = mg, where m = V.

Therefore upthrust = weight of liquid displaced.

Measurement of density or relative density using Archimedes’ principle.

For a solid, weigh the mass of solid in air say, mo. Then weigh its mass when totally
immersed in water say, m1.
Then upthrust = (mo - m1) g = weight of water displaced.

87
 m0
Therefore relative density =
m 0  m1

m0
Density of solid = x density of water
m 0  m1

For a liquid.
Weigh the mass of solid in air say, m0, then weigh it when totally immersed in the liquid
whose density is required say m1 and finally weigh it when totally immersed in water say
m2 .
Relative density = upthrust in liquid
upthrust in water

m 0  m1
=
m0  m2

m 0  m1
And density = x density of water.
m0  m2

Law of flotation

A floating body displaces its own weight of the fluid in which it floats.

THE HYDROMETER

This is a device for comparing densities of liquids. It consists of a uniform stem having a
loaded bulb at the bottom. The stem isB graduated in which it is placed.

88
Practical hydrometers have a weighted end M for stability, a wide bulb tp produce
sufficient upthrust to counterbalance the weight, and a narrow stem BL for sensitivity. If
V is the whole volume of the hydrometer, a is the area of the stem and y is the length not
immersed in a liquid of density,, then upthrust = weight of liquid displaced
= ( V – ay) = w, where w is the weight of the hydrometer.

Examples.
1. A cube of rubber, volume 10-3m3, floats with half of its volume submerged in a
liquid of density 1200kgm-3. Find the depth to which the cube would be submerged in a
liquid of density 1000kgm-3.

L = 10-1m
Volume = L3 =10-3m3
When immersed in liquid of density 1200kgm-3 volume of liquid displaced = ½x10-3 =
5x10-4m3.

mass of liquid displaced = 5x10-4 x 1200 = 6x10-1kg
hence using law of flotation, mass of body = 6x10-1kg
when immersed in liquid of density 1000 kgm-3
mass of liquid displaced = 6x10-1kg.
m 4
 6  10
3
volume of liquid displaced = m . If h is the depth
d

4
l h  6  10
2

2 4
10 h  6  10
2
h  6  10 m.

2. A solid weight 237.5g in air and 12.5g when totally immersed in a liquid of density
0.9gcm-3. Calculate (a) Density of solid (b)
1
The density of the liquid in which the solid would float with of its volume exposed
5

above the liquid surface.

When immersed in liquid of density 0.9gcm-3, Loss in mass = 237.5 – 12-5= 225g.
Therefore mass of liquid displaced = 225g

89
 225
Volume of liquid displaced = 0 .9
 250 cm
3

Hence volume of the body = 250cm3

m 237 . 5 3
 Density of solid =   0 . 95 gcm
v 250

4
 250  200 cm
3
b) Volume of liquid displaced =
5

Mass of the liquid displaced = 200

Using law of flotation, Mass of liquid displaced = mass of body =

200 = 237.5
 = 1.187gcm-3

3. A string supports a solid iron object of mass 180g, totally immersed in a liquid of
density 800kgm-3. Calculate the tension in the string if the density of iron is 8000kgm-3.

Weight of body, W = mg = 0.18x9.81 = 1.764N

0 . 18
Volume of object = m =  volume of liquid displaced
d 8000
 2.25  10
-5

Upthrust, U = Alpg = 2.25x10-5x800x9.8 = 0.176N

Hence tension, T = W –U = 1.764 – 0.176 = 1.5836N

Exercise:
1. A piece of metal of mass 2.60x 10-3kg and density 8.4 x 103 kgm-3 is attached to a

90
block of wax of mass 1.0 x 10-2kg and density 9.2 x 102 kgm-3. When the system is
placed in a liquid it floats with wax just submerged. Find the density of the liquid.(
1.13x103 kgm-3 )

2. A block of mass 0.10kg is suspended from a spring balance. When the block is
immersed in water of density 1.0x103kgm-3, the spring balance reads 0.63N. When the
block is immersed in a liquid of unknown density, the spring balance reads 0.70N. Find
(i) the density of the solid ( 2795kgm-3 )
(ii) the density of the liquid (800 kgm-3)

3. A string supports a metal block of 2kg which is completely immersed in a liquid of

density 8.8x102kgm-3. If the density of the metal is 9x103kgm-3, calculate the tension in
the string. (17.7N)

4. A hydrometer floats with 6.0cm of its graduated stem unimmersed, and in oil of
relative density 0.8 with 4.0cm of the stem unimmersed. What is the length of the stem
unimmersed when the hydrometer is placed in a liquid of relative density 0.9?(5.1cm)

5. A block of volume 1000cm3mfloats half – immersed in a liquid of relative density 1.2.

Calculate the volume of brass, relative density 8.7 which must be attached to the wood in
order that the combination just floats in a liquid of relative density 2.2. (246cm3)

6. A hydrometer consists of a spherical bulb and a cylindrical stem of cross-sectional

area 0.4cm2. The total volume of the bulb and stem is 13.2cm3. When immersed in water,
the hydrometer floats with 8.0cm of the stem above the water surface in alcohol it floats
with 1.0 cm of the stem above the surface. Calculate the density of the alcohol.(0.78gcm-
3
)

91
 SURFACE TENSION

Some observation due to surface tension

1. A drop of water, on closing a tap remained dinging on the tap, as if the water was
held in a bag.

2. A thin needle can be made to float on the surface though it is denser than water.

3. Mercury gathers in small spherical drops when poured on a smooth surface

4. When a capillary tube is dipped in water, water is seen rising up in a tube.

5. Insects can walk on the water surface

All the above observations show that a liquid surface behaves as if it was or it is in a state
of tension. The phenomenon is called surface tension.

Surface Tension or Co-efficient of surface tension (γ)

This is the force per unit length acting in a liquid surface at right angle to an imagining
drawn tangentially to the liquid surface.
F

Liquid surface
   F
L
The units of  are Nm
-1

2 1
[  ]  MLT L
2
 MT

Molecular Theory of Surface Tension

The force F(r) between two molecules of a liquid varies with their separation r as shown
below

92
 F(r)

Repulsive

ro r

attractive

At the average equilibrium separation, r0, F(r) = 0

For r > ro = the force is attractive.
For r <ro = the force is repulsive.
The corresponding potential energy variation with molecular separation is shown below

F(r)

0 ro r

 The molecule within the body of the liquid (built molecule) is attracted equally by
neighbors in all directions, hence the force on the bulk molecule is zero, so the
intermolecular separation for bulk molecules is ro.

 For a surface molecule, there is a net inward force because there are no molecules
above the surface. Hence to bring a molecule from inside the liquid.

 To the surface, work must be done against the inward attractive force, hence a
molecule in the surface of the liquid has a greater potential energy than a
molecule in bulk. The potential energy stored in the surface is called free surface
energy.

93
  Molecules at the surface have their separation r > ro The attractive forces
experienced by surface molecules due to their neighbours put them in a state of
tension and the liquid surface behaves as a stretched skin.
Surface molecule, net force inwards

Bulk molecule, net force zero

Surface energy and shape of a drop of a liquid

All systems arrange themselves in such a way that they have the minimum possible
potential energy. The number of molecules that resides in the surface has to be minimum,
and to minimize the number of molecules on the surface, the surface area must be
reduced, hence liquid surface contract to the smallest possible area. So free liquid drops
are spherical for any given volume because it is the shape which gives the minimum
surface area. A large drop flattens out in order to minimize the gravitational potential
energy which tends to exceed the surface energy. Due to its large weight, gravitational
force distorts the spherical shape of large droplets however a small drop takes on a
spherical shape to minimize the surface energy, which to be greater than gravitational
potential energy. Therefore the gravitational force can not distort the spherical shape due
to very small mass of tiny droplets.

Angle of contact

The angle between the solid surface and the tangent to the liquid surface at the point of
intersection with the solid surface as measured through the liquid.

Ө<900 Ө>900

A
Ө Ө

94
Ө = angle of contact

A= point of intersection with solid surface

A liquid makes an acute angle of contact with the solid surface if the adhesive forces
between the liquid and solid molecules are greater the cohesive forces between the liquid
molecules themselves. The angle of contact is zero on a clean glass for pure water. If a
liquid makes an acute angle of contact, it is said to wet the solid surface.
A liquid makes an obtuse angle of contact with the solid surface if the cohesive forces
between the liquid molecules themselves are greater than the adhesive forces between the
solid and liquid molecules. Such a liquid is said not to wet the solid surface. The angle
of contact of mercury on a glassurface is 1400. Addition of detergent to a liquid reduces
the angle of contact and therefore helps in washing.

Excess pressure inside an air bubble

Consider the equilibrium of one half of an air bubble of radius r, in a liquid of surface
tension γ

P2
P1

2 r  2 r 

This half of the bubble is in equilibrium under the action of force F1 which is due to
pressure P1, F2 which is due to the pressure p2 and force F

P1= pressure outside the bubble

P2 = pressure inside the bubble

For equilibrium, F1+F = F2

95
 F 1  P1 . r , F 2  p 2 . r , F  2 r
2

P1 r  2 r  p 2 r
2 2
Hence
But  p  p 2 r  2 
2

2
p 2  p1  (Excess press for air bubble)
r

Excess pressure inside a soap bubble

For a soap bubble, it has two surfaces

F  2 .2  r 

For equilibriu im

F1  F  F 2

But F1  P1  r F  4 r F2  p 2 r
2

p 1 r  4 r  p 2 r
2 2

( p 2  p1 )r  4

4
( p 2  p1 ) 
r

Note. The pressure on the concave side of a liquid surface is always greater than that on a
convex side e.g.
Flat surface P A = PB

PA

PB

Hence excess is equal o zero on a flat surface.

Concave meniscus

PA

PB
2
P A  PB  where I is the radius of the meniscus
r

Convex meniscus

PA

PB
96
 2
PB  P A 
r

Capillary Rise

Consider the care of a liquid wets glass.

B h
A A
Y X
A A

Pressure at X = pressure at Y = Po (atmospheric pressure)

2
But PA – PB = r is radius of meniscus
r

2
PB = PA -
r

P y  PB  h  g

2
py  pA   hg
r
2
But p 0  p 0   hg
r
2
hpg  .
r
2
 h  height whi ch liqiud rises
r g

97
The radius of curvature of the meniscus is related to the radius of the capillary and angle
of contact as shown

r
A
ӨR
A A
Ө
A

R 2  cos 
r= Hence h 
cos  Rpg

Effects of temperature on surface tension

When the temperature of a liquid is raised, the mean kinetic energy of the molecules of
the liquid raises on the average of the force of attraction between the molecules decreases
since the molecules spend less time in the neighbourhood of the given molecules as a
result the intermolecular separation rises hence surface tension of the liquid decreases
with rising temperature.

Relationship between surface energy and surface tension

Consider a liquid stretched on a rectangular metal frame

B B’

l 2γl

C’
C
x

Suppose a film is stretched isothermally (at constant temperature) so that the edge BC
moves through a distance x to B’C’. The work done to stretch the film = F0x

98
But F  2  l (the film has 2 surfaces)

work done  2  lx
increase in area  2lx

2  lx
Work done to increase a unit area   
2 lx

Hence surface tension can also be defined as the work done to increase surface area of a
liquid by 1m2 under isothermal condition.

Measurement of surface Tension

By capillary rise method

Traveling Microscope

M
Capillary
tube
h pin

Beaker

A pin is attached to the capillary tube with its tip just touching the liquid in the beaker. A
traveling microscope is focused on the meniscus M. The reading S1, on the scale is
recorded. The beaker is carefully removed and the traveling microscope is focused on the
tip of the pin P. The reading S2 on the scale is recorded.

The capillary rise h = S2-S1.

99
The radius, r of the capillary tube is determined measuring its diameter by using a
traveling microscope. The angle θ of contact is measured and since the density, ρ of the
hr  g
liquid is known, surface tension can be calculated from;  
2 cos 

Jaeger’s method

Water in a dropping funnel

T

h2
Capillary tube
Manometer liquid,
flask densityρ2
h1
Specimen liquid, densityρ1

water

The pressure in the flask is increased gradually by allowing drops to fall down the funnel.
Bubbles formed at the tip of the capillary tube dipping in the specimen liquid are
observed. When the bubble has grown to a hemispherical shape, the tap T is closed and
the reading h2 on the manometer is recorded. The depth, h1 of the end of the capillary
2  cos 
tube below the specimen is recorded. Using  h1  1 g  h 2  2 g
a

h 2  2  h 1  1  ga
 
2 cos 

100
The radius, a of the capillary tube is determined measuring its diameter by using a
traveling microscope. The angle θ of contact is measured and since the density, ρ1, ρ2 of
the liquids are known, then γ can be calculated.

Examples
1) Mercury is poured into a glass U- tube with vertical limbs of diameters 20mm and
12.00mm respectively. If the angle of contact between mercury and glass is 1400and the
surface tension of mercury is 0.152 Nm-2. Calculate the difference in the levels of
mercury. (Density of mercury = 1.35 x 104 kgm-3).
20mm 12mm

Po
Pc

h
Po 2  cos 
P A  PO 
Pc R1
PB 2  cos 
P A  P0 
R1

p B  P A  hpg

2  cos 
P B  P0   hpg .........( i )
R1

2  cos 
PC  P0 
R2

2  cos 
PC  P 0  .......... .......... .( ii )
R2

butP B
 Pc

2  cos  2  cos 
henceP   Po   hg
0
R2 R1

 1 1 
h  g  2  cos    
 
 R2 R1 
R 1  0 . 006 m

R 2  0 . 01 m

2  cos   1 1  2  0 . 52 cos 140  1 1 

h        
 
g  
4
 R2 R1  1 . 36 10 9 . 8  0 . 01 0 . 006 
3
 4 . 9812  10 m

101
2. A droplet of mercury of radius 2.0mm falls vertically and on hitting the ground it
splits into two droplets each of radius 0.50mm. Calculate the change in surface energy.
Account for the change in (i) above.
1c) Energy of a large droplet
 4  r1 
2

 
3 2
 4  2  10  0 . 52
5
 2 . 61  10 J

Energy of the split drops


 2 4  r2 
2

 
3 2
 2 . 4    0 . 5  10  0 . 52 )
6
 3 . 27  10 J

Change in energy
5 6
 2 . 61  10  3 . 27  10
5
 2 . 283  10 J

The energy reduces because some of it is lost in overcoming air resistance.

3. Two soap bubbles of radii 2.0cm and 4.0cm respectively coalesce under isothermal
conditions. If the surface tension of the soap solution is 2.5 x 10-2 Nm-1, calculate the
excess pressure inside the resulting soap bubble.

r3
r1 r2
+ =

2  4  r1   2  4  r 2   2  4  r 3 
2 2 2

r1  r 2  r 3
2 2 2

r1  0 . 02 m , r 2  0 . 04 m

r3   0 . 0004  0 . 0016 
r 3  0 . 045 m
2
4 4  2 . 5  10
excess pressure  
r3 0 . 045

 2.22Nm
-2
.

4. In Jaeger method for measuring the surface of a liquid, the lower end of a capillary
tube of radius 0.20mm is 25mm below the surface of the liquid whose surface tension is
required and whose density is 8.0 x 102 kgm-3. the pressure in the hemispherical bubble

102
formed at the end of the tube is measured as 40mm on a water manometer. Calculate the
surface tension of the liquid.
r = radius of capillary
h = reading on manometer
ρ = density of water
h1 = height on tube in liquid
ρ1 = density of specimen liquid.
rg
   hp  h1 p 1 
2
0 . 002  9 . 8
 0 . 04  100  0 . 0025  8  10
2

2
2
 9 . 8  10  20
2 1
 1 . 96  10 Nm

Exercise
1. Calculate the total pressure inside an air bubble of radius 10-5m at a depth of 0.3 m
below the surface of the water.
ii) If the bubble is attached to mercury manometer. Calculate the height to which the
mercury rises.
2. A clean glass capillary tube of internal diameter 0.04cm is held with its lower end
dipping in water and with 12cm of its tube above the surface.
(i) To what height will water rise in the tube?
(ii) What will happen if the tube is now depressed until only 4cm of its length is above
the surface? ( surface tension of water is 7.2x10-2Nm-1, angle of contact =0)
3. An oil drop of radius 5cm falls on the ground and breaks into small drops each of
radius 2.5cm. Calculate the work done and the speed of the oil drop when it hits the
ground. (density of oil is 800 kgm-3; coefficient of surface tension of oil = 1 . 2  10  1 Nm 1

103
HYDRODYNAMICS / FLUIDS IN MOTION
Streamline / laminar and Turbulent flow
Laminar flow is the orderly flow of the liquid where;
 Lines of liquid flow are parallel to the axis of the tube.
 The particles at the same distance from the axis have the same velocity.
 Laminar flow occurs low liquid velocities.

Turbulent flow
When the flow velocity is increased beyond a critical value (high velocity), wavy currents
and sideways movements of the molecules occur and turbulence sets in. the lines of
liquid are in random direction.

Experiment to demonstrate laminar and turbulent flow

Laminar and turbulent flow cab be demonstrated by introducing a small amount of
coloured liquid (Potassium permanganate ) at the centre of the tube.
Coloured liquid

Water
clip

Thin coloured
stream
The clip is opened a little to gradually increase the rate of flow. for slow liquid flow
rates, a thin coloured stream flow along the axis of the tube showing laminar or orderly
flow. For fast rate of liquid flow, the flow of the coloured liquid becomes wavy and
spreads out eventually over the whole section of the tube showing turbulent flow.

Continuity Equation
Consider an incompressible liquid (liquid whose density is constant) flowing through a
pipe

104
 Q2
V2
Area, A2
V1
Q1
Area, A1

If a liquid enters a pipe at a rate of Qm3s -1 and leaves at a rate of Q2m3s-1, then
Q1 = Q2. this is the continuity equation.
But
Q 1  A1 V

Q 2  A 2V 2

Hence A 1V 1  A 2 V 2 continuity equation

Bernouli’s principal
i. An incompressible and non – viscous liquid.
ii. Streamline
iii. Steady state conditions where velocity is independent of time

Consider a section of flow tube, the ends of which have cross sectional areas A1 and A2
respectively and are at elevations y1 and y2above the reference level.
∆s2
d
∆s1 c
P2
a b
a A2
P1 A1
y2
y1

Let p1 and p2 be the pressure on the two ends of the flow tube respectively. If v1 and v2
are the velocities of the liquid at the inflow and outflow, then in time t, an amount of

105
liquid A1v1  t , enters the liquid and an amount A1v1  t , flows out. By the continuity
equation;
A 1V 1  t  A 2 V 2  t

v1  t   s1

V2 2
 s2

 A 1  s 1  A 2  s 2 where  s 1 and  s 2 are the displaceme nt of

the liquid element between a nad c in time t

The force at end a = Fa =P1A1

And at end d = Fb = P2A2
The net work done on the element when the liquid element is displaced is
 w  P1 A 1  s 1  P 2 A 2  s 2

But
A1  s 1  A 2  s 2   v

where  v  change in volume

 w  p 1 v  p 2  v

 ( p 1  p 2 )  v .......... .......... .......... ....( 1 )

The mass of the liquid having volume v is ρ  v

1 1
 ( p  V )v1
2 2
The kinetic energy of the mass of the liquid entering at a is mv and that
2 2

1
( p V )v 2
2
of the liquid leaving at d is
2

 P  V v 22 
1 1 1
The net change in K.E = ( P  V )v 2 
2
 P  V v 12   v1
2

2 2 2

The net gain in gravitational potential energy = p   v  gy 2  p   v  gy 1  p  vg ( y 2  y 1 )

 p  v v 22 
1
K .E  P .E   v1 p  vg ( y 2  y 1 )
2
The change in mechanical energy =
2

The work done on the liquid element = the change in mechanical energy i.e

 
1
 p1  p 2  v  p  V v 2  v1
2 2
  Vg ( y 2  y 1 )
2

 v 2  v 1    g ( y 2  y 1 )
1
p1  p 2 
2 2

2
1 1
p1  pv 1   gy 1  p 2   v 2   gy
2 2
2.
This is Bemouli' s equation
2 2

106
Hence
1
p   pgy  constant.
2
pv
2

For an incompressible non viscous liquid, the sum of pressure kinetic energy per unit
volume, potential energy per unit volume is constant for laminar flow.

Applications of Bernouli’s principle

V1

V2

The orientation of aerofoil relative to the flow direction cause the flow lines to crowd
together above the aerofoil corresponding to increased flow velocity. And according to
Bernoulli’s equation the pressure above reduces. Below the aerofoil, the flow velocity is
lower and hence the pressure is higher, hence there is a resultant thrust upwards leading
to the lift.

Jets and nozzles

Bemouli’s equation suggests that for fluid flow where potential energy change is very
small or zero as in a horizontal pipe, the pressure falls when the velocity rises. The
velocity increases at constriction.
The greater the change in cross-sectional area, the greater is the increase of velocity and
so the greater is the pressure drop.

A 1V  A 2 V 2 A 1  A2 V 2  V1

Several devices with jets and nozzles use this effect e.g Bunsen burner, filter pump and
paint spray.

107
iii) Flow meters
These measure the rate of flow of a fluid through a pipe.
a) Venturi flow meter
This consists of a horizontal tube with a constriction and replaces part of a piping of a
system.

P1
P2
V1 V2

The two vertical tubes record the pressures in the fluids flowing in the normal part of the
tube and in the constriction.

From Bernoulli’s equation (ρgy is not considered because pipe and constriction are at
the same level)
1 2 1
p1   v1  p2  v2
2

2 2
1 1
p1  p 2  
2 2
pv 2
pv 1
2 2

Using the equation of continuity

A1V 1  A 2 V 2

A1V 1
V2 
A2

 v 2  v 1 
1
P1  P 2 
2 2

2
 A1 v 1 
2 2
1
P1  P 2    v1 
2

2  2 
 A2 

 A1  2
2
1
 P1  P2  
 2
 1 v1

2  A2 

108
 b) Pitot tube
The pressure exerted by a moving fluid called total pressure can be regarded as having
two components namely;
i. The static pressure which it would have if it were to rest .
1 2 
ii. Dynamic pressure which is the pressure equivalent of its velocity  v 
 2 

A pitot tube measures total pressure.

Total pressure

Static pressure
Pitot tube

Total pressure = static pressure + dynamic pressure

Dynamic pressure = total pressure – static pressure
1
v  (Total
2
pressure - static pressure)
2
2

2
v (total pressure - static pressure)


Questions
1. At a certain section of the horizontal water pipe, the static pressure is 1.96 x 105Pa, the
total pressure is 2.04 x 105Pa and area of cross section is 20cm2, if the density of water is
103kgm-3, find the volume flow rate in the pipe.
Solution :
2

2
v (total pressure - static pressure).


109
 2 . 04  10 
2
  1 . 96  10
2 3 5
v 3
10
 0 . 002  ( 8000 
1
v  4 ms

 flow rate  AV

20
  4
10,000
4 1
 8  10
3
m s

P2

P1 h1= 30cm h2= 20cm

2. The above diagram represents a venture-meter, if the cross sectional area of the main
pine is 5.81 x 10-3m2 and that of the constriction is 2.58 x 10-3m2, find the velocity v
Solution
1 1
p1   v1  p 2  v2
2 2

2 2

 v 2  v 1 
1
p1  p 2 
2 2

2
but A 1V 1  A 2 V 2

A 1V 1
V2 
A2

 A1 V 
2 2
1
P1  P 2    V1 
2

2  2 
 A2 
 A1  2
2
1
P1  P 2    1 V 1
2  2 
 A2 

110
P1  P 0  h 1  g P 2  P0  h 2  g

 A1 
2
1
h1  h 2  g  
 2
 1 V

2

2  A2 
h1  h2 
V1 
2

 A1 
2
1
  1 
2  2 
A
 2 

98 98
V1  
2

1 2.04
 4 . 07
2
V 1  48 . 14
2

1
V 1  6 . 9 ms

Flow velocity of a liquid from a tank open to the atmosphere.

P0

P0
y2

y1

By Bemouli’s principal,
1
p o   gy  P 0   gy 1  v
2
2
2
Where v is the velocity from the orifice near the bottom of the tank

111
 1
 g  y 2  y1   v
2

2
but y 2
 y1  h

1
 gy  v
2

2
 2 gh
2
v

v  2 gh

112
VISCOSITY
This is the resistance between fluid layers in contact moving relative to each other.
If adjacent layers of a material are displaced laterally over each other, the deformation of
the material is called shear.
All liquids and gasses stick to a solid surface so that when they flow, the velocity must
gradually decrease to zero as the wall of the pipe is approached, a fluid is therefore
sheared when it flows past the solid surface. The opposition set up by the fluid to shear is
called the viscosity. So viscosity is a kind of internal friction exhibited to some degree by
all fluids.
It arises in liquids because the forced movement of a molecule relative to its neighbours
is opposed by the intermolecular forces between them. But viscosity of a liquid is the
measure of its resistance to flow. The greater the viscosity, the less easier it is for a liquid
to flow and the more sticky it is hence oil is said to be more viscous than water.
Coefficient viscosity, η
Consider two parallel layers of liquid separated by distance δy and having velocities v +
δv
v+δv

δy
v

F
The frictional force F between the layers F shear stress = Where A is the area of the
A

layers.

The rate of change of shear strain is dv , this is also called strain rate or velocity
dy

gradient.
For lamina flow

113
F v

A y
F v

A y
F
   coeffient of viscosity
 A v 
 
 
 y 
shear stress
 
shear strain

Coefficient of viscosity is the stress which results the motion of one layer of a fluid over
another when the velocity gradient is unit or it is the frictional force per unit area when its
in a region of unit velocity gradient.
Unit of η is Nm-2s or Pas
Question: Prove that [η] = ML-1T-1

Poiseulle’s equation (For lamina flow only)

The volume rate of flow of a liquid through a pipe depends on;
i. The radius r of the pipe
ii. The coefficient of viscosity

 P 
iii. The pressure gradient   where P is the pressure head and l is the length of the
 l 

tube.

114
 v 
z
 
 kr
x
 y

p

t  l 
V  L
3

L .H .S     L
3
T
1

t  t
z
 
R  r    p
x y
.H .S  K

 l 

z
1  2
 
ML 
1 1 y ML T
  
X
KL T
 
 L 
 Y  2 Z

X y z 2 Z
KL M L M L T

yz x2 z y Y 2 Z
 KM L T

resolving Left hand side and Right hand side

M;y  z  0 .......... .......... ....( 1 )

L; x- 2 z-y  3 .......... .......... ( 2 )


T; y  2 z  1 .......... ........ ..( 3 )

From equation(3) ; y + 2z = 1
y = 1 – 2z
Put in equation (1);1-2z + z = 0
1-z = 0
Z=1
 y  1

Using equation (2)

x  2 1 3

x  4

 poiseulle' s equation is

v 1 4  p 
  k r  
t  t 
4
v kr p

t l

butk 
8
 pr
4
v
  Poiseulle' s equation (only for laminar flow)
t 8 l

115
Determining coefficient of viscosity using Poiseulle’s equation (Apply only to less
viscous liquids e.g. water

The pressure head h is varied by raising or lowering tube T

Liquid flowing through the capillary tube is collected for a measured time. The volume of
water, V, flowing per second is calculated.

A graph of V against h is plotted;

V
A

O
h

The scope, S of the graph an region OA is determined from

 pr
4
V

t 8 l

But p = hρg

 h  gr   gr 
4 4
V
   h
 
t 8 l  8 l 

  gr 
4

The slope, S   
 
 8 l 
 gr
4

 
8 Sl

116
In determining the radius of the tube, mercury of known mass is filled in the tube

 r lpgh  m
2

Stoke’s law
A body moving in a fluid experiences a retarding force due to the viscosity of the fluid.
This retarding force is called viscous drag.
Note. The difference between viscosity and viscous drag is that viscosity is a frictional
force which opposes relative motion between liquid layers whereas viscous drag is a
frictional force experienced by a body in a fluid.
The viscous drag F, experienced by a sphere moving in a fluid depend on
i. The radius r of the sphere
ii. The velocity v of the sphere.
iii. The coefficient of viscosity  of the liquid.

For a constant body of similar dimensions moving in a uniform fluid, the force of
viscosity depends on the velocity of the body.

117
 F  kr 
x y z
Hence v

 L   ML   LT 
2 x 1 1 y 1 z
MLT T
 y  y Z
 L .M
x y Z
.L .T . L .t
2 x y z  yz
 L
y
MLT .M T
y

 M y 1
1
M , hence
x y z
L  L , hence x - y  z  1
1

but y  1, x  z  2
 yz
 T  y  z  2
-2
T , hence

buty  1 , z  1

hencex  1

 F  kr  v

Detailed analysis indicate that

k  6

 F  6  r  v  Stoke' s law

Motion of a metal sphere in a viscous liquid

Consider the forces acting on the sphere as it falls through a liquid
F
U

W
W = weight
U = upthrust
F = viscous drag
The resu ltant force on the sphere is W- (F+U)
mdv
From Newton’s second law;  w  F  U  where m = mass of the sphere
dt

If a is th radius of the sphere, ρ the density of the material of the sphere and σ the density
of the liquid then

118
W  vpg  4  a pg
3

U  4 a g
3

3
F  6 a  v

The sphere will accelerate until the net force on it is zero, hence W – (F+U) = 0

When the net force on the sphere is zero, it moves with a constant velocity Vo called
terminal velocity.
W  F U
4  a pg  4  a  g  6 a  v 0
3 3

3 3
4 a g
3

v0  p  
3 6 a 
2
2 a g
 p  
9 
2
2a
 v0  p   g
9

A sketch of velocity against time for a sphere moving in a viscous liquid.

v0

t
A graph of acceleration against velocity.
dv
at

v
v0

119
Measurement of coefficient of viscosity using Stoke’s Law
From the equation
2
2a
v0  p   g
9
2
2a
  p   g
9v0

The method is suitable for very viscous liquids such as oil.

The densities ρ and  of the material of the sphere and the specimen liquid respectively
are determined.

P
A

A tall glass tube T supported vertically in a constant temperature enclosure. Three

reference marks ABC are made along the tube T using rubber bands at equal spaces.
A ball bearing is moistened with a specimen liquid and then allowed to fall vertically
down a liquid by releasing it. The times t1 taken by the ball to fall from A to B or t2 from
B to C are measured. The equality of these two times implies that the sphere had attained
terminal velocity by the time it reached point A. if t1 is not equal to t2 the reference marks
are drifted further down the tube and the repeated.
If t1 = t2 = t, then terminal velocity
AB
v0 
t
2
2a
Fromv 0
 p   g
9

The  can be calculated.

120
When the experiment is repeated with a liquid of coefficient of viscosity η1 and density
σ1, using the same ball-bearing, then.
2
2a
1  p   1

9 v1

Where v1 is the new terminal velocity .

 v1    
  Thus knowing v1,v,ρ,σ1,σ,the coefficients of viscosity can be
1 v 0    1 

compared.

Effect of temperature on viscosity of fluids

Liquids
The viscosity of a liquid decreases as the temperature rises. When the temperature
increases, the molecules of the liquid on the average are further apart and the
intermolecular attractive forces decrease.
The resistance to flow decreases hence coefficient of viscosity decreases.
Gases
Viscosity in gases is due to molecules in gases moving from the slower moving layers to
the fast moving layers and from the fast moving layers to the slow moving layers. The net
result of this is more momentum is carried one way than the other. This is turn means that
forces exist on the layers which retard the fast moving layers and accelerate the slower
moving layers. The retardation depends on the mass of the molecules and their speeds i.e.
the momentum, mv.
When the temperature of the gas is raised, the molecular speeds and hence the
momentum increase, leading to an increase in the viscosity of the gas.
Examples
1. A flat plate of area 0.1m2 is placed on a flat surface and is separated from the
surface by a film of oil 10-5m thick, where  is 1.5Nsm2. Calculate the force
required to cause the plate to slide on the surface at a constant speed of 1mms-1.
F 5
shear stress A F 10 1.5  0.1
   ,1 . 5   3
, F  -2
 15N
strain rate dv 0 .1 10 10
dy

121
 2. The terminal velocity of a spherical oil drop falling in air at 200c is 2 x 10-7ms-1.
What is the radius of the drop if its density is 930kgm-3?
Assume  of air at 200c = 1.8 x 10-5Pas
Density of air = 1.2kgm-3
2
2a
V0  p   g
9
2
2a
2  10
7
 5
 930  1 . 2 9 . 8
9  1 . 81  10
 11
3 . 258  10  18204 . 48 a
2

8
a  4 . 2  10 m

3. A steel ball bearing of diameter 8.0mm is timed as it falls through oil at a steady
speed. Over a vertical distance of 0.20m, it takes 0.56s. Assuming the density of
steel is 7.8 x 10-3 kgm-3 and that of oil 9.0 x 102 kgm-3. Calculate;
a) Weight of the ball
b) Upthrust on the ball
c) Viscosity of the oil

Using stokes law

2
2a
V  p   g
9
0.2
a  4  10 V   0.36
-3
given
0.56
P  7.8  10
3

3
  9  10 kgm
2

Weight

 4  a pg
3

 4  10 
3 2
 4  7 . 8  10  9 .8  0 .2 N
3

Upthrust

122
 4  r pg
3

 4  10 
3 3
 4  9  10  9 .8
2

3
 0 . 0024 N

Viscosity of oil
2
2a
  p   g
9v0

 
3 2
2  4  10
 
 9 . 8 7 . 8  10
3
 9  10
2

9  0 . 36
 0 . 6679 Pas

4. A spherical raindrop of radius 2 x 10-4 m falls vertically in air at 200c. If the densities
of air and water are 1.2kgm-3 and 1000kgm-3 and the viscosity of air 200c is 1.8 x 10-5
Pas. Calculate the terminal velocity of the drop.

2
2a
V0  p   g
9

 
4 2
2  2  10
 5
1000  1 . 2 9 . 8
9  1 . 8  10
1
 4 . 81 ms

Exercise
1. Air flows past the upper surface of a horizontal aero plane wing at 250ms-1 and past the
lower surface of the wing at 200ms-1. The density of air is 1.0kgm-3 at the flight altitudes
and the area of the wing is 20m2. Calculate the net lift on the wing. (2.25x105N)
2. A pitot – static force fitted on a pressure gauge is used to measure the speed of a boast
at sea. Given that the speed of the boat does not exceed 10ms-1 and the density of sea
water is 1050 kgm-3, calculate the maximum pressure on the gauge. (5.25x104Pa)

123
ELASTICITY
Mechanical properties of materials.
The following are used to describe different mechanical characteristics of materials:
Strength: It is the ability of the material to withstand an applied force before the material
breaks.
Stiffness: This is the resistance which a material offers to having its shape or size
changed.
Ductility: This is the ability of a material to be hammered, bent, rolled, or pressed into
different shapes. Ductile materials undergo both elastic and plastic deformation.
A material is said to undergo elastic deformation when it can regain its original length
after the stretching forces are removed. A material undergoes plastic deformation when it
does not regain its original length when the stretching forces are removed.
Brittle material cannot be permanently stretched. It undergoes elastic deformation not
plastic deformation.
Tensile Stress, Tensile Strain and Young’s Modulus.
Suppose a material of length l, cross section, A, stretched by an extension x when a force
F is applied to the material. A

l x

Tensile stress is the ratio of the force to the cross section area.i.e.
force F
Tensile stress = 
area A

Unit of stress is Nm-2 or Pascals (Pa).

Dimensions of stress = [stress] = ML-1T-2.
Tensile strain is the ratio of the extension to the original length of the material. i.e.
extension x
tensile strain = 
originalle ngth l

Strain has no units.

124
Young’s Modulus, E.
This is the ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain.
F
Stress A Fl
Young’s Modulus, E =   .
Strain x Ax
l

EAx
Therefore, stretching force, F  .
l

A graph of Stress against strain for a ductile material

Stress

C D
L B
A

O P Strain

OA is a straight line. Up to point A stress is proportional to strain. The portion OA is the

Hooke’s law region. Region OA is where young’s modulus is defined. A is called the
proportional limit. Along OA and up to L just beyond A, the wire returns to its original
length when stress is decreased to zero. L is called elastic limit. Beyond L up to B the
material becomes plastic. The molecules of the wire begin to slide across each other and
some of the energy of the material is dissipated as heat. Point B is the yield point. With
further increase in stress, work hardening occurs; this is due to the dislocations. When the
dislocation density is high slippage of atomic plates became difficult. The dislocations
become tangled up with each other. Point C is the breaking stress or maximum stress. At
this point the material develops kinks. Point D is the where the wire breaks.
Question: Sketch graphs on the same axes of stress against strain for glass, metal wire
and rubber, and explain the nature of the graphs.
Force in a metal bar due to contraction or expansion
When a bar is heated, and then prevented from contracting as it cools, a considerable
force is exerted at the ends of the bar. Consider a bar of young’s modulus, E, a cross

125
sectional A, linear expansivity α, and a decrease in temperature ΔӨ°C. If l is the original
length of the bar, the decrease in length x if the bar were free to contract = αl (ΔӨ). Now

EAx
F  , but x = αl (ΔӨ)
l

EA  l   
F  = EA     
l

Relationship between Young’s modulus, E and the force constant, k

Fl  EA 
From the definition of young’s modulus, E  ,F   x ………(i)
Ax  l 

Using Hooke’s law, F = kx …………………………………………….(ii)

EA
From equations (i) and (ii) k 
l

Energy stored in a stretching wire

Suppose a wire is stretched by an amount x by applying a force F without exceeding
elastic limit. The average force = (0+F)/2 = ½F.
Now the work done = force x distance.
Work done = average force x extension= ½F. x
.This is the amount of energy stored in the wire.

EAx
Further, since F  ,
l
2
EAx
energy stored = .
2l

Energy stored per unit volume

2
EAx
energy stored = but volume = Al.
2l
2
Young ' s mod ulus 
2
EAx E  x
 strain 
2
energy stored per unit volume = =   =
2 l . Al 2  l  2

Stress
  strain  = ½ x stress x strain
2
=
2 strain

126
 Experiment to determine Young’s Modulus for a metal wire
Rigid support
P Q
Reference wire l Test wire

Vernier Calliper
M

Mass for keeping the

reference wire taught

Two thin, long wires of the same material and length P and Q are suspended from a rigid
support. P carries a scale M in mm and its straightened by attaching a weight at its end. Q
carries a vernier scale which is along side scale M. Various loads are added to the test
wire and the corresponding extensions caused are read off from the vernier scale. After
each reading, the load should be removed to check that the wire returns to its original
position, showing that elastic limit has not been exceeded. The original length of the wire
l is measured from the rigid support up to the vernier scale. Using a micrometer screw
gauge, the diameter of the test wire and hence the cross sectional wire A = πr2 can be
obtained. A graph of mass(m) of the load against extension(e) is plotted.

m/kg

Slope, s

e/m
mgl EA
From E  , m  e
eA gl

127
 EA
Slope, s 
gl

gsl
Hence E 
A

Examples:

1. A metal wire of diameter 2.0x10-4m and length 2m is fixed horizontally between two
points 2m apart. Young’s modulus for the wire is 2x1011Nm-2.
(i) What force should be applied at the mid point of the wire to depress it by 0.1m.
(ii) Find the work done in (i) above.
1m C
1m
A

0.1m
T
T
θθ
B 1.
F

1   1 . 005 m
0 .1
cos   AB   0 .1
2 2
but
AB

0 .1
hence cos  
1 . 005

ABC = 2xAB = 2x1.005 = 2.01m, Extension, e = 2.01 - 2 =0.01m

EAe
T  and A = πr2 = πd2/4
l

Resolving vertically, 2Tcosθ = F,

2 EAe cos  2 E  d e cos 
2

Therefore, F  
l 4l

 
4 2
2  2  10    2  10  0 . 01  0 . 1
11

F   12 . 5 N
1  4  1 . 005

ii) Work done = ½Fe = ½x12.5x0.01 = 0.0625J

128
2. A uniform metal bar of length 1.0m and of diameter 2.0cm is fixed between two rigid
supports at 25°C. If the temperature of the rod of raised to 75°C. Find (i) the force
exerted on the supports. (ii) The energy stored in the rod at 75°C (Young’s modulus for
the metal = 2.0x1011Pa, coefficient of linear expansion = 1.0x10-5K-1)
F  EA     
(i)
F  2 . 0  10
11

   0 . 01
2
  1 . 0  10 5
( 75  25 )  31400 N

(ii) Energy stored = ½Fe, but e =αl(∆θ)

Hence energy stored = ½Fαl(∆θ) = ½x31400x1.0x10-5x1x(75-25) =7.85J

Exercise
1. A thin steel wire initially 1.5m long and of diameter 0.5mm is suspended from a rigid
support. Calculate (i) the final extension, (3.53x10-3m)
(ii) the energy stored in the wire, when a mass of 3kg is attached to the lower end.
(Young’s modulus of steel = 2.0x1011Nm-2) (5.19x10-2J)

2. Two thin wires, one of steel and the other of bronze each 1.5m long and of diameter
0.2cm are joined end to end to form a composite wire of length 3m. What tension in this
wire will produce a total extension of 0.064cm? (Young’s modulus for steel = 2x1011Pa,
Young’s modulus for bronze = 1.2x1011Pa) (1009N)

3. A copper wire and steel wire each of length 1.0m and diameter 1.0mm are joined end
to end to form a composite wire 2.0m long. Find the strain in each wire when the
composite stretches by 1.0x10-3m. (Young’s moduli for copper and steel are 1.2x1011Pa
and 2.0x1011Pa respectively).

4. The ends of a uniform wire of length 2.00m are fixed to points A and B are 2.00m
apart in the same horizontal line. When a 5kg mass is attached to the mid-point C of the
wire, the equilibrium position of C is 7.5cm below the line AB. Given that young’s
modulus for the material of the wire is 2.0x1011Pa, find:
(i) the strain in the wire,
(ii) the stress in the wire,
(iii) the energy stored in the wire.

129
Answers
Exercise 1:
Massxlengt h
a) Force =
 time 
2

Mass
(b) Pressure=
 time 
2
lengthx

 length 
2
forcex
(c) work =
time 
2

massxlengt h
(d) momentum =
time

Exercise 2:
(a) [Density] = ML-3
(b)[Pressure] = ML-1T-2
(c) [Power] = ML2T-3
(d)[Momentum] = MLT-1
Exercise 3:
Velocity ratio, logarithmic numbers, efficiency, coefficient of friction,
Exercise 4:
1. x = 1, y = 1 and z = 1
2. x = 1, y = 1 and z = 1

Exercise 5:
1. 6.06N
2. 13.3ms-2
Exercise 6:
1. V = gt, S = ½gt2, V2 = 2gs
2. t = U/g, s = U2/2g
Exercise 7
2. (i) 9.9s, (ii) 27.7ms-1 (iii) 137.2m
Exercise 8:
1. 83.1m, 2. angle of projection 53.1°, initial speed = 63.9ms-1

130
Exercise 9:
1. (i) 3004N (ii) 1114.3N
-2
2. (i) 4.905ms (ii) 98.1N (iii) 58.87J

131