UNIT 11: FORCE AND MOTION

THEME: ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF LIFE

Learning area:
11.1 Linear motion
11.2 Graph of Linear motion
11.3 Gravitational Acceleration and Free Fall
11.4 Mass and inertia

11.1 Linear motion

1. Linear motion is motion in a straight line.

2. Examples of linear motion are: -
a) A bowling ball hits the pins
b) An apple fruit that falls to the Earth
c) An athlete running in 100 meters

Distance and displacement

1. Distance is the length of route covered by an object.

2. Displacement is the shortest distance between the initial position and the final position in a
specific direction.
3. S.I. unit for distance and displacement is meter (m).
4. Distance and displacement are quantities that can be measured.

• Distance = 3 m + 4 m = 7m
• Displacement = 5 m
 Example 1

• Distance between house

and factory = 200m
• Displacement between
house and factory =
120m

5. Device for measuring distance and displacement such as;

i. Meter ruler
ii. Measuring tape
iii. Road meter
iv. Laser range meter

Measuring device for distance and displacement

Speed, average speed, velocity and acceleration

Speed and average speed

1. Speed is defined as the rate of change of distance

2. Average speed is the rate of change of total distance travelled.
3. S.I unit for speed and average speed are metre per second (ms-1)

Formula: Formula:
Distance Total distance
Speed = Average speed =
Time Total time

Example 2
a) Speed of sprinters from O b) Speed of sprinters from A c) Laju purata pelari pecut dari O
to A. to B. ke B.
Distance Distance Tota distance
Speed = Speed = Average speed =
Time Time Total time
60 𝑚 40 𝑚 60 𝑚 + 40 𝑚
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 = 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 = Average speed =
6𝑠 5𝑠 6𝑠+5𝑠
= 10 ms-1 = 8 ms-1 = 9.09 ms-1
Velocity

1. Velocity is defined as the rate of changed on displacement.

2. S.I unit for velocity is metre per second (m s-1).

Formula :
Displacement
Velocity =
Time

3. The positive sign (+) and the negative sign (-) on the velocity value represent the direction of the
object's movement.
4. The velocity of an object is written with a positive sign (+) when the object is moving east, while
the velocity of an object is written with a negative sign (-) when the object is moving in the
opposite direction (west).
 Example 3
a) A stationary car moves from O to A for 4 m in 2 seconds.
b) Then he moves from A to B for 6 m in 4 seconds.
c) Afterwards, he directly returned to O from C just in 8 seconds.
Solutions:-
a) Velocity of car from O to b) Velocity of car from A to B. c) Velocity of car from C to O.
A.
Displacement Displacement Displacement
Velocity = Velocity = Velocity =
Time Time Time
4𝑚 6𝑚 10 𝑚
Velocity = Velocity = Velocity =
2𝑠 4𝑠 8𝑠
= + 2 ms-1 = + 1.5 ms-1 = –1.25 ms-1
to the east to the east to the wesr

Acceleration

1. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity

Rumus
Change of velocity
Acceleration, 𝑎 =
Time taken
Final velocity (𝑣) − Initial velocity (𝑢)
Acceleration, 𝑎 =
Time taken (𝑡)
Or a=v–u
t
where;
a = Acceleration
v = Final velocity
u = Initial velocity
t = Time

2. S.I. unit is metre per second per second m s-2

3. The bike starts at a stationary position at point A and moves at a speed of 10 m s-1 to point B. The
bike is undergoing acceleration.
4. The acceleration of the bike is: -
Final velocity (𝑣) − Initial velocity (𝑢)
Acceleration, 𝑎 =
Time taken (𝑡)

= 10 ms-1 – 0 ms-1
5s
= 2 ms-2

5. When the bike moves from point B to point C it starts to brake and slows down to 6 m s-1. This
condition indicates that the bike is undergoing deceleration.
6. Deceleration occurs when velocity decreases.

Solving problems involving Speed, Average Speed, Velocity and Acceleration in Daily Life
Example 1: Solution:
1. Distance = OB + BA
= 100 m + 200 m
= 300 m
A particle at O travelled to B and finally stopped at A. 2. Displacement = OB + BA
Determine; = (+100m) + (-200m)
a) Total distance travelled by the particle = -100 m
b) Displacement of the particle
Example 2: Solution:
A lorry moves from stationary and accelerate constantly u = 0 ms-1 , v = 40 ms-1, t = 10 seconds
to reach 40 ms-1 in 10 second. Determine the acceleration
and deceleration of the lorry. Acceleration, a = v – u
t
40 − 0
Acceleration, a =
10
= 4 m s-2
Contoh 3: Solution:
A bus moves from station A to station B which is 60 a) Speed of the bus from A to B (south)
meters south. The bus travelled from station A to B takes 60 𝑚
Speed =
about 80 seconds. Then the bus headed east to station C 80 𝑠
= 0.75 m s-1
for 80 meters for 100 seconds and stopped.
Calculate;
b) Speed of the bus from B to C (east)
a) Speed of the bus from A to B (south)
80 m
b) Speed of the bus from B to C (east) Speed =
100 s
 c) The average speed of the bus = 0.8 ms-1
d) Velocity of the bus.
c) The average speed of the bus
60 𝑚 + 80 𝑚
Average speed =
80 𝑠 + 100 𝑠
= 0.78 ms-1

d) Velocity of the bus.

100 𝑚
Velocity =
180 𝑠
= 0.55 ms-1

Differentiate linear motion types

Ticker timer

1. A ticker time is used to study the motion of an object for a short period of time.
2. The ticker time was connected to alternating current with 50 Hz of frequency.
3. 50 Hz means 50 times for every second.
4. Hence, for 1 tick is equal to 0.02 s.
1
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑, 𝑇 = = 0.02 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑
50

Ticker timer
Ticker tape
Example:
Determine the time interval for ticker tape below.

• Displacement = Length of ticker tape Therefore velocity;

= 10 cm Displacement
Velocity =
Time
= 10 cm
• Time taken = 10 ticks x 0.02 s 0.2 s
= 0.2 s = 50 cm s-1

Types of Linear Motion

1. Table below shows the different pattern made on the ticker time for a few types of motion.

Pattern on Ticker Time Types of Motion

• The distances between the dots are the same.
• Object travelled with constant velocity.

• The distances between dots are long but

constant.
• Object travelled fast with constant higher
velocity.

• The distance between the dots is increasing.

• Object travelled with increasing velocity or
constant acceleration.

• The distance between the dots is decreasing.

• Object travelled with decreasing velocity or
constant deceleration.
 • The distance between the dots is increasing
then decreasing.
• Object travelled with acceleration and then
deceleration.

Activity 1
Aim : To determine the velocity and acceleration of an object using a ticker timer
Material : Ticker tape
Apparatus : Ticker timer, track, wooden block, trolley, metre ruler, A.C. power supply 12 V.
Procedure :
1. Apparatus is set up as shown in Diagram 1.

Diagram 1
2. The ticker timer is switched on and the trolley is allowed to move down the track.
3. The ticker tape that obtained is collected.
4. On the ticker tape, each of the ten dots is marked as in Diagram 2.

Diagram 2

5. The marked ticker tape is then cut into five strips, each of which has 10 dots.
6. Each cut of the ticker tape is then pasted on a graph paper to form a chart as
shown in Diagram 3.
 Diagram 3

7. The length of each ticker tape is recorded.

8. The velocity of each ticker tape is calculated using the following formula: -
Displacement
Velocity =
Time
= Length of ticker tape with 10 ticks
Number of ticks × 0.02s

9. Acceleration is calculated using the following formula: -

Acceleration, a=v–u
t
whereas;
Initial velocity, u = Velocity of ticker tape 1
Final velocity, v = Velocity of ticker tape 5
Time interval, t from ticker tape 1 to ticker tape 5 = (5 – 1 ) × 0.2 s
*Time for 10 ticks on one trip = 10 ticks × 0.02 s = 0.2s
10. All calculations are recorded in Table 1 and Table 2.

Observation : Velocity (Based on Diagram 3)

Ticker tape Time to make 10 Length of 10 Velocity (cm s-1)
strip ticks (s) ticks (cm)
1 0.2 2 10
2 0.2 4 20
3 0.2 6 30
4 0.2 8 40
5 0.2 10 50
Table 1
 : Acceleration (Based on Diagram 3)
Ticker tape 1 5
Velocity (cm s-1) 10 50
Time interval (s) (5 – 1 ) × 0.2 s
= 0.8 s
Acceleration (cm s-2) a=v–u
t
= 50 – 10
0.8
= 50
Table 2

Conclusion : The velocity and acceleration of an object can be determined by the ticker timer

Based on activity 1, the different types of ticker tape can determine the movement of an object.

• Constant velocity / zero • Increasing velocity / • Decreasing velocity /

acceleration constant acceleration constant deceleration
Problems solving involve ticker tape

1. Determine the time interval for ticker tape below. Solution:

Time interval = number of ticks × 0.02 s

= 10 ticks × 0.02 s

= 0.2 s

15
=
10  0.02
2. Determine the average speed for ticker tape above. = 50 cms-1

0.5
Initial velocity, u = = 25 cms-1
1 0.02
3
Final velocity, v = = 150 cms-1
1 0.02
v −u 150 − 25
Acceleration, a = =
(n − 1)t (6 − 1)  0.02
3. Determine initial velocity, final velocity and
= 1250 cms-2
acceleration of the ticker tape above.

Where , n = number of ticks, t = time interval

5
Initial velocity, u = = 50 cms-1
5  0.02
1
Final velocity, v = = 10 cms-1
5  0.02
v −u 10 − 50
Acceleration, a = =
(n − 1)t (5 − 1)(5  0.02)
= -1000 cms-2

Where ,
n = number of ticks,
4. Determine initial velocity, final velocity and
t = time interval for ticker tape
acceleration of the ticker tape above.
11.2 Linear motion graphs

1. A linear motion graph is used to convey information and data related to a motion
2. There are two types of linear motion graphs ;
• Displacement-time graph
• Velocity-time graph

Displacement-time graph

1. The displacement against time graph is used to show the displacement of an object changing with
time.
2. The gradient of the displacement-time graph represents the velocity.
3. The time-displacement graphs for the various types of linear motion are shown in the following
table: -
Displacement-time graph Graph analysis
Gradient of graph = velocity
• Constant gradient = constant velocity

• Object moves with constant velocity

• Gradient of the graph zero = zero velocity

• Object is stationary.

• Gradient of the graph is increasing = increasing

velocity

• Object moves with increasing velocity/ constant

acceleration
 • Gradient of the graph is decreasing =
decreasing velocity

• Object moves with decreasing velocity/

constant deceleration

• Section I,
Constant gradient (+ve) = Constant velocity /
moving forward

• Section II,
Zero gradient = in stationary

• Section III,
Constant gradient (-ve) = Constant velocity/ moving
backward

Velocity-time graph

1. The velocity against time graph is used to determine the displacement, velocity and acceleration
of a moving object.
2. Gradient of graph represents acceleration.
3. The area under the graph represents the distance / displacement
4. The velocity-time graph for the various types of linear motion is shown in the following table: -
Velocity-time graph Graph Analysis
• Zero gradient = zero acceleration
• Object in static
• Gradient of the graph is zero = zero
acceleration
• Object moves with constant velocity or
zero acceleration
• Distance @ displacement
= Area of rectangular
=v×t

• Gradient of the graph is constant =

constant acceleration
• Object moves forward with increasing
velocity or constant acceleration
• Distance @ displacement
= Area of triangle
1
=2×𝑣 ×𝑡

• Section I,
Constant gradient (+ve) = Constant
acceleration

• Section II,
Zero gradient = Zero acceleration

• Section III,
Constant gradient (-ve) = Constant
deceleration
Solving numerical problems involving linear motion graphs

Example 1:
1. According to displacement-time graph below, determine:
a) Distance and,
b) Displacement travelled by the object for 90 second.

Solution:
a) Distance = 100 m + 50 m
= 150 m
b) Displacement = 100 m + (-50 m)
= 50 m

Example 2:
What is the total distance travelled by a body for the first 25 second according to the linear graph
below?

Solution:
Distance = Area under the graph
1
Distance =  25s  20cms −1
2
Distance = 250 cm
11.3 Gravitational acceleration and Free Fall

Gravitational acceleration

1. Earth’s gravitational force attracts all the objects to the center of the earth.
2. Free falling objects in gravitational field experiences acceleration which is known as gravitational
acceleration.
3. The value of gravitational acceleration, g changes from one place to another. This is because
Earth is actually not a perfect sphere (not like a ball but look like an ostrich’s egg).
4. For example, the value of gravitational acceleration, g at the equator is 9.78 ms-2, while the value
at the Earth’s poles is 9.83 ms-2.
5. Generally, the value of gravitational acceleration, g used in calculations is 9.81 ms-2. [Sometimes
we use the value of gravitational acceleration, g as 10 ms-2]
Carry out an experiment to determine the acceleration of the earth’s gravity, g.

Experiment 1
Aim : To determine the value of acceleration due to gravity, g, using a ticker timer
Problem : What is the value of the gravitational acceleration, g?
statement
Hypothesis : The value of the gravitational acceleration, g is 10 ms-2
Variables a) Constant: Height of object released
b) Manipulated: Mass of weight
c) Responding: Value of gravitational acceleration
Materials : Ticker tape, cellophane tape
Apparatus : Ticker timer, weight, G-clamp, A.C. power supply 12 V, soft board, retort stand
and clamp
Procedure :
1. Apparatus is set up as shown in Diagram 1.

Diagram 1

2. The ticker timer is clamped vertically on the retort stand which is placed on the
bench.
3. A ticker tape strip is put of 1 m through the ticker timer.
4. A weight of mass 50 g is hanged to the end of the ticker tape.
5. The ticker timer is switch on and the weight is released.
6. The ticker tape is analysed to obtain the initial velocity, u, final velocity, v and
gravitational acceleration, g.
7. Calculation of the initial velocity value, u, final velocity, v, and gravitational
acceleration, g are calculated using the following methods:-
 Initial velocity, u = x1 cm
0.02 s
Final velocity, v = x2 cm
0.02 s
Time interval, t = 5 ticks x 0.02 s
𝑣 –𝑢
Gravitational acceleration, 𝑔 =
𝑡

8. Steps 3-6 are repeated using the weights of mass 100g, 150g, 200g and 250g.
Result :
Mass of weight Initial velocity, u Final velocity, v Gravitational
(g) (cm s-1) (cm s-1) acceleration, g
(m s-2)
100
150
200
250

Discussion :
1. All objects on Earth experience the gravity of the earth. Objects that fall due to
the earth's gravitational force will experience acceleration of gravity, g.
2. The gravitational acceleration value obtained is approximately equal to the
four weights. This shows that the acceleration of gravity experienced by all
objects free fall is same.
Concusion :
1. Hypothesis is accepted.
2. The gravity acceleration value, g is approximately 10 ms-2.
Free Fall

1. Free fall is referring to any object which falls only under the influence of the attraction due to
gravity.
2. It was not depends on mass, shape and does not experiences the action of other forces such as
air resistance or friction.

3. In diagram above, the coin and feather were fall with the same rate in vacuum even though
mass of the coin bigger than feather.
4. This shown that both of the objects experienced free fall.
5. While outside the vacuum, the coin was fall with higher rate compare to feather.
6. This is because, gravitational force acting on the coin is greater and enough to overcome the
air resistance better than feather.

The motion graph for a free fall object

• Object released from a certain height

Velocity-time graph
• Before being release, the velocity of the object is zero.
• The object is stationary.

• After the object is released, the velocity of the object

increases uniformly.
• Gradient of velocity-time graph = acceleration.
• This acceleration is known as gravitational
acceleration
Displacement-time graph • Before being release, the displacement of the object is
zero.
• The object is stationary.

• When the object is released, the object moves at a low

velocity.
• Small gradient values can be observed.

• During free fall, the object falls at a higher velocity

than the initial velocity.
• The higher values of gradient can be observed.

Motion graph of objects moving against gravitational force (antigravity)

• Object thrown vertically upwards

Velocity-time graph
• When the object is thrown upwards, the object starts
moving at a velocity of V ms-1.

• The velocity of the object decreases as the object

moves upwards.
• The gradient of the velocity-time graph is negative.

• At maximum height, the velocity of the object is zero.

Displacement-time graph
• When the object is thrown upwards, the object starts
moving at a velocity of V ms-1.
• At the same time, the displacement of objects changes
quickly.

• The object move upwards with decreasing velocity.

• Maximum displacement, zero velocity.

• The object will momently stop before they falling back
downwards.
Carry out an experiment to study free fall and non-free fall

Experiment 2
Aim : To study the time taken for an object to free fall and non-free fall motions
Problem : Is the time taken for a free fall object to reach the ground is same as the non-free
statement falling object?
Hypothesis : The time taken by two different mass of objects to experience free fall is similar,
while the time taken by two different mass of objects to experience non-free fall is
different.
Variables a) Constant: Height of the object
b) Manipulated: Presence of air
c) Responding: Time taken for the object to fall to the rubber stopper
Materials : Leaf, coin
Apparatus : Transparent cylinder tube, rubber stopper, vacuum pump
Procedure :
1. Apparatus is set up as shown in Diagram 1.

Diagram 1

2. A piece of leaf and a coin are put into a transparent cylinder tube.
3. The end of the open cylinder tube is covered with a rubber cover tightly.
4. The transparent cylinder tube is connected to a vacuum pump.
5. The cylinder tube is turned upside down quickly, and both objects are left to fall.
6. The time taken for both objects to fall on the rubber stopper is recorded.
7. The air inside the cylinder tube is pumped out using a vacuum pump.
8. Step 5-7 is repeated for the cylinder tube with no air in it (vacuum) and the
observations are recorded.
Result :
Presence of air Time taken for the object to fall to the rubber
stopper (s)
Leaf Coin
Yes Fast Slo2
No (vacuum) Same

Discussion 1. Leaf fall slower than coins with the presence of air.
2. When air is sucked out of the cylinder tube, vacuum space is produced. The leaf
and coin take the same time to reach the bottom of the cylinder tube.
3. Objects that experience free fall are affected by gravity.
Conclusion :
1) Hypothesis is accepted
2) Two different mass objects are free falling to the Earth at the same time while
two different mass objects that are not free fall to Earth at different times.
11.4 Mass and Inertia

Inertia

1. Inertia is the tendency of an object to maintain its original state, either in a stationary state or
moving at a uniform speed in a straight line.
2. A stationary object will remain stationary position and a moving object will move in the same
direction unless an external force acts on it.
3. The concept of inertia is related to Newton's First Law of Motion.
4. Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object will remain in its original state, that is, being
at rest or moving at a constant speed (in a straight line), if no external force is acting on it.

Situation Involving the Concept of Inertia

• A coin is placed on top of a cardboard.

Coin • The cardboard is placed on a glass as
shown in figure.
• When the card is pulled very quickly,
the coin falls into the glass.
• The coin possesses inertia which is
causes it to be stationary.
• When a car moves with constant
velocity, the passenger moves together.
• If the car comes to an abrupt stop, the
passengers are thrown forward.
• This is because the inertia of the
passengers keeps them moving.
• When in a lift, we feel to be lifting up
when the lift moves downward.
• This because the inertia keeps us to be
in stationary.
The relationship between mass and inertia

1. Mass is defined as the amount of matter.

2. The inertia of an object is affected by the mass of the object.
3. The bigger mass of an object, have a bigger inertia.

• Two pails are set up as shown in figure.

• They are swung together.
• The pail filled with sand is more difficult to swing
and make it stop.
• Its required more effort to do the both work.
• This is because the pail filled with sand has a
bigger mas and therefore bigger inertia.

• Trolley with a loaded mass, more difficult to push

compare to empty trolley.
• When the mass increase will increase the inertia.
• Hence, bigger force is needed to push the filled
trolley compare to the empty trolley.
• An airport has a bigger and longer area.
• This is because an aeroplane has high inertia due to
bigger mass.
• So it takes a long time to accelerate before fly and
stop.

4. The relationship between mass and inertia can be studied using an inertial balance.
5. The inertial balance was created by NASA to determine the mass of an object in outer space.

Inertial balance
Carry out an experiment to study the relationship between mass and inertia.

Experiment 3
Aim : To study the relationship between mass and inertia.
Problem : Does the mass of an object affect the inertia of the object?
statement
Hypothesis : The larger the mass of an object, the larger the inertia of the object
Variables a) Constant: Length of oscillating hackswa blade, shape of plasticine
b) Manipulated: Mass of plasticine
c) Responding: Period of oscillation
Materials : Plasticine
Apparatus : G-clamp, hacksaw blade, stopwatch, electronic scale
Procedure :
1. Apparatus is set up as shown in Diagram 1.

Diagram 1

2. The hacksaw blade is clamped horizontally with a G-clamp to the leg of table
tightly.
3. A bit of plasticine with a mass of 30 g is sticked at the end of the hacksaw blade.
4. The end of the hacksaw blade is slightly pulled with the plasticine and is
released so that it oscillates horizontally.
5. The time taken for the 10 complete oscillation is recorded using the stopwatch
and is recorded in Table 1.
6. Period, T, for one complete oscillated is determined.
7. Steps 3 to 6 are repeated using plasticine with the mass of40 g, 50 g, 60g and 70
g
Result :
Mass of plasticine (g) Time for 10 oscillation, t 𝒕
Period, 𝑻 = (s)
𝟏𝟎
(s)
30
40
50
60
70
Data analysis : Graph of period, T versus mass is plotted on graph paper.

Discussion 1. The hacksaw blade oscillation period is not affected by the gravitational force
but is affected by the mass of the plasticine.
2. The larger the mass of the object, the greater the oscillation time.
3. The larger the mass of an object, the greater the inertia of the object.
Conclusion 1) Hypothesis is accepted
2) The larger the mass of objects, the greater the inertia of the object.

Communicate the effects of inertia in daily life.

1. Inertia can have beneficial and harmful effects on humans.

2. Situation that shows the positive and negative effect of inertia as follows:-

Positive effect of inertia Negative effect of inertia

An umbrella is rotated and stopped abruptly to A heavy vehicle difficult to stop abruptly.
shake off the droplets of water. It will either hit other vehicles or broke out.
The chilli sauce flows out more easily if the bottle We will stumble when we are hit by stumps
is shaken vigorously. because we have to stop suddenly.
The loose head of a hammer can be tightened by A motorcyclist will throw forward if the
hitting the wooden handle of the hammer on the motorcycle was stopped immediately.
floor.
Ways to reduce the effects of inertia

Airbag • It will inflate when an accident occurs and

this prevents the driver from hitting the
steering.

Oil tank ⚫ A tanker which carries liquid should be

divided into smaller tanks.
⚫ A big tank cannot stop easily due to big
inertia.

⚫ The parts between driver’s seat and load in a

lorry should have a strong steel structure.
The steel structures will prevent the load
from being thrown to the front and hitting the
driver.
Head rests ⚫ A head rests in a car was put on the
passenger seat to prevent the passengers form
injury on their neck during the collision.

Safety belt ⚫ A safety belt holds the passengers to their

seats during the collision and prevents them
from being thrown to the front due to inertia.