1 LAWS OF MOTION

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson students will be able to:
� Understand the concepts of force and motion.
� Explain inertia and its types.
� State the three laws of Newton.
� Apply Newtonian concept of force and motion.
� Define force, momentum and impulse.
� Distinguish between mass and weight
� Analyze weightlessness and the principle of conservation of momentum.
� Explain the law of gravitation and its applications.
� Understand the variations in 'g' due to height and depth.
� Solve numerical problems related to force and motion

up or slows down or changes its direction.

INTRODUCTION
what speeds up or slows down the body? What
Human beings are so curious about things changes the direction of motion?
around them. Things around us are related to One answer for all the above questions
one another. Some bodies are at rest and some is ‘Force’. In a common man’s understanding
are in motion. Rest and motion are interrelated of motion, a body needs a ‘push’ or ‘pull’ to
terms. move, or bring to rest or change its velocity.
In the previous classes you have learnt Hence, this ‘push’ or ‘pull’ is called as ‘force’.
about various types of motion such as linear Let us define force in a more scientific
motion, circular motion, oscillatory motion, manner using the three laws proposed by
and so on. So far, you have discussed the motion Sir Isaac Newton. These laws help you to
of bodies in terms of their displacement, understand the motion of a body and also to
velocity, and acceleration. In this unit, let us predict the future course of its motion, if you
investigate the cause of motion. know the forces acting on it. Before Newton
When a body is at rest, starts moving, a formulated his three laws of motion, a different
question that arises in our mind is ‘what causes perception about the force and motion of
the body to move?’ Similarly, when a moving bodies prevailed. Let us first look at these ideas
object comes to rest, you would like to know and then eventually learn about Newton’s laws
what brings it to rest? If a moving object speeds in this unit.
1

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 Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with
1.2 INERTIA
the effect of force on bodies. It is divided into two
branches, namely, statics and dynamics. While you are travelling in a bus or in a car,
Statics: It deals with the bodies, which are at when a sudden brake is applied, the upper part of
rest under the action of forces. your body leans in the forward direction. Similarly,
when the vehicle suddenly is move forward from
Dynamics: It is the study of moving bodies
rest, you lean backward. This is due to, any body
under the action of forces. Dynamics is further
would like to continue to be in its state of rest or
divided as follows.
the state of motion. This is known as ‘inertia’.
Kinematics: It deals with the motion of bodies
The inherent property of a body to resist
without considering the cause of motion.
any change in its state of rest or the state of
Kinetics: It deals with the motion of bodies uniform motion, unless it is influenced upon
considering the cause of motion. by an external unbalanced force, is known as
‘inertia’.
1.1 FORCE AND MOTION

According to Aristotle a Greek Philosopher Activity 1

and Scientist, the natural state of earthly Take a glass tumbler and place a small
bodies is ‘rest’. He stated that a moving cardboard on it as shown in the figure. Now,
body naturally comes to rest without any keep a coin at the centre of the cardboard.
external influence of the force. Such motions Then, flick the cardboard quickly. What do
are termed as ‘natural motion’ (Force you observe?
independent). He also proposed that a force The cardboard falls off the ground and
(a push or a pull) is needed to make the bodies to the coin falls into the glass tumbler.
move from their natural state (rest) and behave
Inertia of rest
contrary to their own natural state called as
‘violent motion’ (Force dependent). Further, he
said, when two differnt mass bodies are dropped
from a height, the heavier body falls faster than
the lighter one.
Galileo proposed the following concepts
about force, motion and inertia of bodies:
(i) The natural state of all earthly bodies In activity described above, the inertia of
is either the state of rest or the state of the coin keeps it in the state of rest when the
uniform motion. cardboard moves. Then, when the cardboard
(ii) A body in motion will continue to be in has moved, the coin falls into the tumbler due
the same state of motion as long as no to gravity. This happen due to ‘inertia of rest’.
external force is applied.
(iii) When a force is applied on bodies, they 1.2.1 Types of Inertia
resist any change in their state. This a) Inertia of rest: The
property of bodies is called ‘inertia’. resistance of a body to
(iv) When dropped from a height in vacuum, change its state of rest
is called inertia of rest.
bodies of different size, shape and mass
fall at the same rate and reach the ground b) Inertia of motion: The
at the same time. resistance of a body to

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 change its state of motion is called inertia
1.4  NEWTON’S LAWS OF
of motion.
MOTION
c) Inertia of direction: The resistance of a
body to change its direction of motion is 1.4.1 Newton’s First Law
called inertia of direction.
This law states that every body continues
1.2.2 Examples of Inertia to be in its state of rest or the state of uniform
motion along a straight line unless it is acted
� An athlete runs some distance before upon by some external force. It gives the
jumping. Because, this will help him jump definition of force as well as inertia.
longer and higher. (Inertia of motion)
� When you make a sharp turn while driving 1.4.2 Force
a car, you tend to lean sideways, (Inertia of Force is an external effort in the form of
direction). push or pull, which:
� When you vigorously shake the branches 1. produces or tries to produce the motion of
of a tree, some of the leaves and fruits are a static body.
detached and they fall down, (Inertia of rest).
2. stops or tries to stop a moving body.
3. changes or tries to change the direction of
motion of a moving body.
Force has both magnitude and direction.
So, it is a vector quantity.

1.4.3 Types of forces

Based on the direction in which the forces
Figure 1.1 Inertia of motion act, they can be classified into two types as:
(a) Like parallel forces and (b) Unlike parallel
1.3 LINEAR MOMENTUM forces.
(a) Like parallel forces: Two or more forces of
The impact of a force is more if the equal or unequal magnitude acting along
velocity and the mass of the body is more. To the same direction, parallel to each other
quantify the impact of a force exactly, a new are called like parallel forces.
physical quantity known as linear momentum (b) Unlike parallel forces: If two or more equal
is defined. The linear momentum measures the forces or unequal forces act along opposite
impact of a force on a body. directions parallel to each other, then they
The product of mass and velocity of a are called unlike parallel forces. Action of
moving body gives the magnitude of linear forces are given in Table 1.1.
momentum. It acts in the direction of the
velocity of the object. Linear momentum is a 1.4.4 Resultant Force
vector quantity.
When several forces act simultaneously on
Linear Momentum = mass × velocity the same body, then the combined effect of the
p = m v. . . . . . . . . . (1.1) multiple forces can be represented by a single
It helps to measure the magnitude of force, which is termed as ‘resultant force’. It is
a force. Unit of momentum in SI system is equal to the vector sum (adding the magnitude
kg m s–1 and in C.G.S system its unit is g cm s-1. of the forces with their direction) of all the forces.
3 Laws of motion

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 Table 1.1 Action of forces

Action of forces Diagram Resultant force (Fnet)

Parallel forces are acting in the same F1 Fnet = F1 + F2
direction F2
Fnet = F1 – F2 (if F1 > F2)
Parallel unequal forces are acting in F1 F2 Fnet = F2 – F1 (if F2 > F1)
opposite directions Fnet is directed along
the greater force.
Parallel equal forces are acting in opposite F1 F2 Fnet = F1 – F2 (F1 = F2)
directions in the same line of action (F1 = F2) Fnet = 0

(a) Unlike parallel forces – (b) Unbalanced forces - (c) Like parallel forces
Tug of war Action of a lever
Figure 1.2 Combined effect of forces

If the resultant force of all the forces The door can be easily opened or closed
acting on a body is equal to zero, then the body when you apply the force at a point far away
will be in equilibrium. Such forces are called from the fixed edge. In this case, the effect
balanced forces. If the resultant force is not of the force you apply is to turn the door
equal to zero, then it causes the motion of the about the fixed edge. This turning effect of
body due to unbalanced forces the applied force is more when the distance
Examples: Drawing water from a well, force between the fixed edge and the point of
applied with a crow bar, forces on a weight application of force is more.
balance, etc. Axis of rotation z
+z
A system can be brought to equilibrium Hinges

by applying another force, which is equal to the

O d
resultant force in magnitude, but opposite in
direction. Such force is called as ‘Equilibrant’.
F
1.4.5 Rotating Effect of Force
Have you observed the position of the Figure 1.3 Rotating effect of a force
handle in a door? It is always placed at the
edge of door and not at some other place. The axis of the fixed edge about which
Why? Have you tried to push a door by the door is rotated is called as the ‘axis of
placing your hand closer to the hinges or the rotation’. Fix one end of a rod to the floor/wall,
fixed edge? What do you observe? and apply a force at the other end tangentially.

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 The rod will be turned about the fixed point negative if it is rotate in the clockwise direction.
is called as ‘point of rotation’. They are shown in Figures 1.4 (a and b)

F F
1.4.6 Moment of the Force
The rotating or turning effect of a force s s
about a fixed point or fixed axis is called
moment of the force about that point or
torque (τ). It is measured by the product F F
of the force (F) and the perpendicular Figure 1.4 (a) Figure 1.4 (b)
distance (d) between the fixed point or Clockwise moment Anticlockwise moment
the fixed axis and the line of action of the
force. τ = F × d. . . . . . . . . . (1.2)
1.4.7 Application of Torque
Torque is a vector quantity. It is acting
along the direction, perpendicular to the 1. Gears:
plane containing the line of action of force A gear is a circular
and the distance. Its SI unit is N m. wheel with teeth around its
rim. It helps to change the
Couple: Two equal and unlike parallel forces
speed of rotation of a wheel
applied simultaneously at two distinct points
by changing the torque and
constitute a couple. The line of action of the
helps to transmit power.
two forces does not coincide. It does not
produce any translatory motion since the 2. Seasaw
resultant is zero. But, a couple results in causes Most of you have played on the seasaw.
the rotation of the body. Rotating effect of a Since there is a difference in the weight of the
couple is known as moment of a couple. persons sitting on it, the heavier person lifts
Examples: Turning a tap, winding or the lighter person. When the heavier person
unwinding a screw, spinning of a top, etc. comes closer to the pivot point (fulcrum)
Moment of a couple is measured by the distance of the line of action of the force
the product of any one of the forces and the decreases. It causes less amount of torque to
perpendicular distance between the line of act on it. This enables the lighter person to lift
action of two forces. The turning effect of a the heavier person.
couple is measured by the magnitude of its
3. Steering Wheel
moment.
A small steering wheel enables you to
Moment of a couple = Force × perpendicular manoeuore a car easily by transferring a
distance between the torque to the wheels with less effort.
line of action of forces
M = F × S . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1.3) 1.4.8 Principle of Moments
The unit of moment of a couple is newton When a number of like or unlike parallel
metre (N m) in SI system and dyne cm in forces act on a rigid body and the body is in
CGS system. equilibrium, then the algebraic sum of the
By convention, the direction of moment of moments in the clockwise direction is equal
a force or couple is taken as positive if the body to the algebraic sum of the moments in the
is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction and anticlockwise direction. In other words, at
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 equilibrium, the algebraic sum of the moments Force, F ∝ rate of change of momentum
of all the individual forces about any point is F ∝ change in momentum / time
equal to zero.
mv – mu
F∝
t
d1 d2
km(v – u)
F=
t
P
Here, k is the proportionality constant.
anticlockwise clockwise F2
F1 moment moment k = 1 in all systems of units. Hence,

m(v – u) (1.5)
Figure 1.5 Principle of moments F=
t
In the illustration given in figure 1.5, the Since, acceleration = change in velocity/
force F1 produces an anticlockwise rotation at time, a=(v-u)/t. Hence, we have
a distance d1 from the point of pivot P (called
fulcrum) and the force F2 produces a clockwise F = m×a (1.6)
rotation at a distance d2 from the point of pivot Force = mass × acceleration
P. The principle of moments can be written as
follows: No external force is required to maintain
the motion of a body moving with uniform
Moment in Moment in
= velocity. When the net force acting on a
clockwise direction anticlockwise direction
body is not equal to zero, then definitely the
velocity of the body will change. Thus, change
F1 × d1 = F2 × d2 . . . . . . . . . (1.4)
in momentum takes place in the direction of
the force. The change may take place either in
1.5  
N EWTON’S SECOND LAW magnitude or in direction or in both.
OF MOTION Force is required to produce the
acceleration of a body. In a uniform circular
According to this law, “the force acting motion, even though the speed (magnitude of
on a body is directly proportional to the rate velocity) remains constant, the direction of the
of change of linear momentum of the body velocity changes at every point on the circular
and the change in momentum takes place in path. So, the acceleration is produced along
the direction of the force”. the radius called as centripetal acceleration.
This law helps us to measure the amount The force, which produces this acceleration
of force. So, it is also called as ‘law of force’. is called as centripetal force, about which you
Let, ‘m’ be the mass of a moving body, moving have learnt in class IX.
along a straight line with an initial speed ‘u’ Units of force: SI unit of force is newton (N)
After a time interval of ‘t’, the velocity of the and in C.G.S system its unit is dyne.
body changes to ‘v’ due to the impact of an
Definition of 1 newton (N): The amount of
unbalanced external force F.
force required for a body of mass 1 kg produces
Initial momentum of the body Pi = mu –2
an acceleration of 1 m s , 1 N = 1 kg m s
–2

Final momentum of the body Pf = mv Definition of 1 dyne: The amount of force

Change in momentum Δp = Pf –Pi required for a body of mass 1 gram produces
= mv – mu –2 –2
an acceleration of 1 cm s , 1 dyne = 1 g cm s ;
5
By Newton’s second law of motion, also 1 N = 10 dyne.

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 Unit force:
The amount of force required to produce
–2
an acceleration of 1 m s in a body of mass
1 kg is called ‘unit force’.
Gravitational unit of force:
In the SI system of units, gravitational
unit of force is kilogram force, represented by
kg f. In the CGS system its unit is gram force, Figure 1.6 Example of impulsive force
represented by g f.
-2
1 kg f = 1 kg × 9.8 m s = 9.8 N; 1.7 N
 EWTON’S THIRD LAW
-2
1 g f = 1 g × 980 cm s = 980 dyne OF MOTION

Newton’s third law states that ‘for every

1.6 Impulse
action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
A large force acting for a very short They always act on two different bodies’.
interval of time is called as ‘Impulsive force’. If a body A applies a force FA on a body
When a force F acts on a body for a period of B, then the body B reacts with force FB on the
time t, then the product of force and time is body A, which is equal to FA in magnitude, but
known as ‘impulse’ represented by ‘J’ opposite in direction. FB = –FA
Impulse, J = F × t (1.7)
Examples:
By Newton’s second law
F = Δp / t (Δ refers to change) � When birds fly they push the air
Δp = F × t (1.8) downwards with their wings (Action)
From 1.7 and 1.8 and the air pushes the bird upwards
(Reaction).
J = Δp
Impulse is also equal to the magnitude of � When a person swims he pushes the water
change in momentum. Its unit is kg m s–1 or N s. using the hands backwards (Action), and
the water pushes the swimmer in the
Change in momentum can be achieved in
forward direction (Reaction).
two ways. They are:
� When you fire a bullet, the gun recoils
i. a large force acting for a short period of
backward and the bullet is moving
time and forward (Action) and the gun equalises
ii. a smaller force acting for a longer period this forward action by moving backward
of time. (Reaction).
Examples:
� Automobiles are fitted with springs and 1.8  PRINCIPLE OF
shock absorbers to reduce jerks while CONSERVATION OF LINEAR
moving on uneven roads. MOMENTUM
� In cricket, a fielder pulls back his hands
There is no change in
while catching the ball. He experiences
a smaller force for a longer interval of the linear momentum of a
time to catch the ball, resulting in a lesser system of bodies as long as
impulse on his hands. no net external force acts on
them.

7 Laws of motion

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 Let us prove the law of conservation filled with a fuel (either liquid or solid) in the
of linear momentum with the following propellant tank. When the rocket is fired, this
illustration: fuel is burnt and a hot gas is ejected with a high
speed from the nozzle of the rocket, producing
u1 u2 FA FB v1 v2 a huge momentum. To balance this momentum,
an equal and opposite reaction force is produced
m1 m2 m1 m2 m1 m2
A B A B A B
in the combustion chamber, which makes the
rocket project forward.
Figure 1.7 Conservation of
While in motion, the mass of the rocket
linear momentum gradually decreases, until the fuel is completely
Proof: burnt out. Since, there is no net external force
Let two bodies A and B having masses acting on it, the linear momentum of the
m1 and m2 move with initial velocity u1 and u2 system is conserved. The mass of the rocket
in a straight line. Let the velocity of the first decreases with altitude, which results in the
body be higher than that of the second body. gradual increase in velocity of the rocket.
i.e., u1>u2. During an interval of time t second, At one stage, it reaches a velocity, which is
they tend to have a collision. After the impact, sufficient to just escape from the gravitational
both of them move along the same straight line pull of the Earth. This velocity is called escape
with a velocity v1 and v2 respectively. velocity. (This topic will be discussed in detail
Force on body B due to A, in higher classes).

FB= m2 (v2–u2)/t
1.10 GRAVITATION
Force on body A due to B,
FA = m1 (v1–u1)/t 1.10.1 N
 ewton’s universal law of
By Newton’s III law of motion, gravitation
Action force = Reaction force This law states that every particle of
FA = –FB matter in this universe attracts every other
m1 (v1-u1)/t = –m2 (v2-u2)/t particle with a force. This force is directly
proportional to the product of their masses
m 1v 1 + m 2v 2 = m1u1 + m2u2 ������ (1.9) and inversely proportional to the square of
the distance between the centers of these
The above equation confirms in the masses. The direction of the force acts along
absence of an external force, the algebraic the line joining the masses.
sum of the momentum after collision is Force between the masses is always
numerically equal to the algebraic sum of the attractive and it does not depend on the
momentum before collision. medium where they are placed.
Hence the law of conservation linear
momentum is proved.
m1 F1 F2 m2
1.9 ROCKET PROPULSION
r
Propulsion of rockets is based on the law
of conservation of linear momentum as well Figure 1.8 Gravitational force between
as Newton’s III law of motion. Rockets are two masses
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 Let, m1 and m2 be the masses of two bodies assumed to be concentrated at its centre. The
A and B placed r metre apart in space radius of the Earth is R = 6378 km (= 6400 km
Force F ∝ m1 × m2 approximately). By Newton’s law of gravitation,
F ∝ 1/ r2 the force acting on the body is given by

On combining the above two expressions GMm

F= (1.11)
m1 × m2 R
2
F∝ 2
r

G m1 m2
F= 2
����������������������������������� (1.10) F m
r
R
Object
Where G is the universal gravitational
–11 M
constant. Its value in SI unit is 6.674 × 10
2 –2
N m kg .
Earth
1.10.2 A
 cceleration due to Figure 1.9 Relation between g and G
gravity (g) Here, the radius of the body considered
When you throw any object upwards, its is negligible when compared with the Earth’s
velocity ceases at a particular height and then radius. Now, the same force can be obtained
it falls down due to the gravitational force of from Newton’s second law of motion.
the Earth. According to this law, the force acting on
The velocity of the object keeps changing the body is given by the product of its mass
as it falls down. This change in velocity must and acceleration (called as weight). Here,
be due to the force acting on the object. The acceleration of the body is under the action
acceleration of the body is due to the Earth’s of gravity hence a = g
gravitational force. So, it is called as ‘acceleration
F=ma=mg
due to the gravitational force of the Earth’ or
‘acceleration due to gravity of the Earth’. It is F = weight = mg ������������������� (1.12)
–2
represented as ‘g’. Its unit is m s Comparing equations (1.7) and (1.8), we get
Mean value of the acceleration due to GMm
mg = 2
������������������������ (1.13)
–2
gravity is taken as 9.8 m s on the surface of the R
Earth. This means that the velocity of a body
Acceleration due to gravity
during the downward free fall motion varies GM
–1
by 9.8 m s for every 1 second. However, the g= 2
������������������������������� (1.14)
R
value of ‘g’ is not the same at all points on the
surface of the earth.
1.10.4 Mass of the Earth (M)
1.10.3 Relation between g and G
Rearranging the equation (1.14), the mass
When a body is at rests on the surface of of the Earth is obtained as follows:
the Earth, it is acted upon by the gravitational 2
Mass of the Earth M = g R /G
force of the Earth. Let us compute the
magnitude of this force in two ways. Let, M Substituting the known values of g, R and G,
be the mass of the Earth and m be the mass you can calculate the mass of the Earth as
24
of the body. The entire mass of the Earth is M = 5.972 × 10 kg
9 Laws of motion

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 1.10.5 V
 ariation of acceleration is about 0.1654 times the acceleration due to
due to gravity (g): gravity of the Earth. If a person whose mass
Since, g depends on the geometric radius is 60 kg stands on the surface of Earth, his
2
of the Earth, (g ∝ 1/R ), its value changes weight would be 588 N (W = mg = 60 × 9.8).
from one place to another on the surface of If the same person goes to the surface of the
the Earth. Since, the geometric radius of the Moon, he would weigh only 97.5 N (W = 60
Earth is maximum in the equatorial region and × 1.625). But, his mass remains the same (60
minimum in the polar region, the value of g is kg) on both the Earth and the Moon.
maximum in the polar region and minimum at
the equatorial region.
1.12 APPARENT WEIGHT
When you move to a higher altitude from
the surface of the Earth, the value of g reduces. The weight that you
In the same way, when you move deep below feel to possess during up
the surface of the Earth, the value of g reduces. and down motion, is not mg
(This topic will be discussed in detail in the same as your actual weight.
higher classes). Value of g is zero at the centre Apparent weight is the
of the Earth.
weight of the body acquired R
due to the action of gravity
1.11 MASS AND WEIGHT and other external forces W
acting on the body. Figure 1.10
A person in a
Mass: Mass is the basic property of a body. Let us see this from the
moving lift
Mass of a body is defined as the quantity of following illustration:
matter contained in the body. Its SI unit is Let us consider a person of mass m, who
kilogram (kg). is travelling in lift. The actual weight of the
person is W = mg, which is acting vertically
Weight: Weight of a body is defined as the
gravitational force exerted on it due to the downwards. The reaction force exerted by the
Earth’s gravity alone. lift’s surface ‘R’, taken as apparent weight is
acting vertically upwards.
Weight = Gravitational Force
Let us see different possibilities of the
=
mass (m)× acceleration due to
apparent weight 'R' of the person that arise,
gravity(g).
depending on the motion of the lift; upwards
g = acceleration due to gravity for Earth or downwards which are given in Table 1.2
–2
(at sea level) = 9.8 m s .
Weight is a vector quantity. Direction 1.12.1 Weightlessness
of weight is always towards the centre of
the Earth. SI unit of weight is newton (N). Have you gone to an
Weight of a body varies from one place to amusement park and taken
another place on the Earth since it depends a ride in a roller coaster? or
on the acceleration due to gravity of the in a giant wheel? During
Earth (g) weight of a body is more at the poles the fast downward and
than at the equatorial region. upward movement, how
did you feel?
The value of acceleration due to gravity
on the surface of the moon is 1.625 ms–2. This

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 Table 1.2 Apparent weight of a person in a moving lift

Case 1: Lift Case 2: Lift Case 3: Lift is at rest. Case 4: Lift is falling down
is moving is moving freely
upward with an downward with
acceleration 'a' an acceleration 'a'

R – W = Fnet = ma W – R = Fnet = ma Here, the acceleration is zero Here, the acceleration is

R = W + ma R = W - ma a=0 equal to g
R = mg + ma R = mg - ma R=W a=g
R = m(g+a) R = m(g-a) R= mg R = m(g – g)
R>W R<W R=W R=0
Apparent weight Apparent weight Apparent weight is equal Apparent weight is equal
is greater than the is lesser than the to the actual weight. to zero.
actual weight. actual weight.

loss and weight gain when you are moving up

and down in such rides.

1.12.2 W
 eightlessness of
the astronauts
Some of us believe that the astronauts in
the orbiting spacestation do not experience
any gravitational force of the Earth. So they
float. But this is absolutely wrong.
Astronauts are not floating but falling
Figure 1.11 Weightlessness in a roller coaster
freely around the earth due to their huge
Its amazing!!. You actually feel as if you are oribital velocity. Since spacestation and
falling freely without having any weight. This is astronauts have equal acceleration, they are
due to the phenomenon of ‘weightlessness’. You under free fall condition. (R = 0 refer case
seem to have lost your weight when you move 4 in Table 1.2). Hence, both the astronauts
down with a certain acceleration. Sometimes, and the spacestation are in the state of
you experience the same feeling while travelling weightlessness.
in a lift.
When the person in a lift moves down with
an acceleration (a) equal to the acceleration due
to gravity (g), i.e., when a = g, this motion is
called as ‘free fall’. Here, the apparent weight
(R = m (g – g) = 0) of the person is zero.
This condition or state refers to the state of
weightlessness. (Refer case 4 from Table 1.2).
The same effect takes place while falling
freely in a roller coaster or on a swing or in a
vertical giant wheel. You feel an apparent weight Figure 1.12 Weightlessness of astronauts

11 Laws of motion

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 1.12.3 A
 pplication of Newton’s ™ W
 henever a body or a person falls freely
law of gravitation under the action of Earth’s gravitational
force alone, it appears to have zero
1) Dimensions of the heavenly bodies can be
weight. This state is referred to as
measured using the gravitation law. Mass of
‘weightlessness’.
the Earth, radius of the Earth, acceleration
due to gravity, etc. can be calculated with a
higher accuracy. SOLVED PROBLEMS
2) Helps in discovering new stars and planets. Problem-1: Calculate the velocity of a moving
3) 
One of the irregularities in the motion body of mass 5 kg whose linear momentum is
of stars is called ‘Wobble’ lead to the 2.5 kg m s–1.
disturbance in the motion of a planet nearby.
Solution: Linear momentum = mass × velocity
In this condition the mass of the star can be
calculated using the law of gravitation. Velocity = linear momentum / mass.
V = 2.5 / 5 = 0.5 m s–1
4) Helps to explain germination of roots is due
to the property of geotropism which is the Problem 2: A door is pushed, at a point whose
property of a root responding to the gravity. distance from the hinges is 90 cm, with a force
5) Helps to predict the path of the astronomical of 40 N. Calculate the moment of the force
bodies. about the hinges.

Points to Remember Solution:

Formula: The moment of a force M = F × d
™ M echanics is divided into statics and
dynamics. Given: F = 40 N and d = 90 cm = 0.9 m.
™ Ability of a body to maintain its state of Hence, moment of the force = 40 × 0.9 = 36 N m.
rest or motion is called Inertia.
™ Moment of the couple is measured by Problem 3 : At what height from the centre of
the product of any one of the forces and the Earth the acceleration due to gravity will be
th
the perpendicular distance between two 1/4 of its value as at the Earth.
forces.
Solution:
™ SI unit of force is newton (N). C.G.S unit
Data: Height from the centre of the Earth,
is dyne.
Rʹ = R + h
™ When a force F acts on a body for a period The acceleration due to gravity at that height,
of time t, then the product of force and gʹ = g/4
time is known as ‘impulse’.
™ The unit of weight is newton or kg f Formula: g = GM /R2
g Rʹ 2 R+h 2 h 2
™ The weight of a body is more at the poles = = = 1+
gʹ R R R
than at the equatorial region.
™ Mass of a body is defined as the quantity of h2
4= 1+ ,
matter contained in the object. Its SI unit R
is kilogram (kg). h
2=1+ or h = R.   Rʹ = 2R
™ Apparent weight is the weight of the body R
acquired due to the action of gravity and From the centre of the Earth, the object is placed
other external forces on the body. at twice the radius of the earth.

10th Standard Science 12

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 TEXTBOOK EVALUATION

I. Choose the correct answer 9)  If the Earth shrinks to 50% of its real radius
its mass remaining the same, the weight of a
1) Inertia of a body depends on
body on the Earth will
a) weight of the object
a) decrease by 50% b) increase by 50%
b) acceleration due to gravity of the planet
c) decrease by 25% d) increase by 300%
c) mass of the object
10)  To project the rockets which of the follow-
d) Both a & b ing principle(s) is /(are) required?
2) Impulse is equals to a) Newton’s third law of motion
a) rate of change of momentum b) Newton’s law of gravitation
b) rate of force and time c) law of conservation of linear momentum
c) change of momentum d) both a and c
d) rate of change of mass II. Fill in the blanks
3) Newton’s III law is applicable 1. To produce a displacement ___________
a) for a body is at rest is required
b) for a body in motion 2. Passengers lean forward when sudden
brake is applied in a moving vehicle. This
c) both a & b
can be explained by ___________
d) only for bodies with equal masses 3. By convention, the clockwise moments
4)  
Plotting a graph for momentum on the are taken as ___________ and the
X-axis and time on Y-axis. slope of momen- anticlockwise moments are taken
tum-time graph gives as__________
a) Impulsive force b) Acceleration 4. ___________ is used to change the speed
of car.
c) Force d) Rate of force
5. A man of mass 100 kg has a weight of
5)  In which of the following sport the turning ___________ at the surface of the Earth
of effect of force used
a) swimming b) tennis III. State whether the following statements
are true or false. Correct the statement
c) cycling d) hockey
if it is false:
6)  The unit of ‘g’ is m s-2. It can be also expressed as
1. The linear momentum of a system of
a) cm s-1 b) N kg-1 particles is always conserved.
c) N m2 kg-1 d) cm2 s-2 2. Apparent weight of a person is always equal
7) One kilogram force equals to to his actual weight
a) 9.8 dyne b) 9.8 × 104 N 3. Weight of a body is greater at the equator
c) 98 × 104 dyne d) 980 dyne and less at the polar region.
4. Turning a nut with a spanner having a
8)  The mass of a body is measured on planet
short handle is so easy than one with a long
Earth as M kg. When it is taken to a planet
handle.
of radius half that of the Earth then its value
5. There is no gravity in the orbiting space
will be____kg
station around the Earth. So the astronauts
a) 4 M b) 2M c) M/4 d) M
feel weightlessness.
13 Laws of motion

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 IV. Match the following 6. State the principle of moments.
7. State Newton’s second law.
Column I Column II
8. Why a spanner with a long handle is
a. Newton’s I law - propulsion of a
preferred to tighten screws in heavy
rocket
vehicles?
b. Newton’s II law - Stable equilibrium of
a body 9. While catching a cricket ball the fielder
c. Newton’s III law - Law of force lowers his hands backwards. Why?

d.  Law of conservation - Flying nature of bird 10. How does an astronaut float in a space
of Linear momentum shuttle?

V. Assertion & Reasoning VII. Solve the given problems

Mark the correct choice as 1. Two bodies have a mass ratio of 3:4 The
(a) If both the assertion and the reason force applied on the bigger mass produces
are true and the reason is the correct an acceleration of 12 ms-2.What could be
explanation of assertion. the acceleration of the other body, if the
(b) If both the assertion and the reason are same force acts on it.
true, but the reason is not the correct ex- 2. A ball of mass 1 kg moving with a speed
planation of the assertion. of 10 ms-1 rebounds after a perfect elastic
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false. collision with the floor. Calculate the
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true. change in linear momentum of the ball.

1. Assertion: The sum of the clockwise 3. A mechanic unscrew a nut by applying a

moments is equal to the sum of the force of 140 N with a spanner of length
anticlockwise moments. 40 cm. What should be the length of the
spanner if a force of 40 N is applied to
Reason: The principle of conservation of
unscrew the same nut?
momentum is valid if the external force on
the system is zero. 4. The ratio of masses of two planets is 2:3
2. Assertion: The value of ‘g’ decreases as and the ratio of their radii is 4:7 Find the
height and depth increases from the surface ratio of their accelerations due to gravity.
of the Earth.
VIII. Answer
  in detail.
Reason: ‘g’ depends on the mass of the
object and the Earth. 1. What are the types of inertia? Give an
example for each type.
VI. Answer briefly. 2. State Newton’s laws of motion?
1. Define inertia. Give its classification. 3. Deduce the equation of a force using
2. Classify the types of force based on their Newton’s second law of motion.
application. 4. State and prove the law of conservation of
3. If a 5 N and a 15 N forces are acting opposite linear momentum.
to one another. Find the resultant force and 5. Describe rocket propulsion.
the direction of action of the resultant force 6. State the universal law of gravitation and
4. Differentiate mass and weight. derive its mathematical expression
5. Define moment of a couple. 7. Give the applications of universal law
gravitation.

10th Standard Science 14

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 IX. HOT Questions REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Two blocks of masses 8 kg and 2 kg � Concept of physics-HC verma
respectively lie on a smooth horizontal surface
in contact with one other. They are pushed by � Interactive physics(Newton’s law)MTG
a horizontally applied force of 15 N. Calculate learning.
the force exerted on the 2 kg mass.
2. A heavy truck and bike are moving with I NT ER NET R ES O URCES
the same kinetic energy. If the mass of
the truck is four times that of the bike, https://www.grc.nasa.gov
then calculate the ratio of their momenta. https://www.physicsclassroom.com
(Ratio of momenta = 1:2
h t t p s : / / w w w. b r i t a n n i c a . c o m / s c i e n c e /
3. “Wearing helmet and fastening the seat belt
Newtons-law-of-gravitation
is highly recommended for safe journey”
Justify your answer using Newton’s laws of
motion.

Kinematics
Concept Map

Statics Dynamics First law of motion Inertia and its types

Second law of motion Momentum and force Mass and weight

Aristotle Issac newton

Third law of motion Apparent weight Weightlessness

Gallieo

Gravitation Universal law Variation of g

of gravitation

ICT CORNER Newton’s second law

Steps
• Open the browser and type “olabs.edu.in” in the address bar. Click physics tab and then click “Newton’s
second ” under class 9 section. Go to “simulator” tab to do the experiment.
• Select the desired Cart mass (M1) and vertical mass (M2) using respective slider. Also select the desired
distance (s) by moving the slider. Click on the “Start” button to start the experiment.
• Observe the time and note it down. Calculate acceleration (a) of the cart using the formula a = 2s/t2.
Find the fore due to rate of change of momentum using (M1+M2) a.
• Calculate force F = M2 g.
• You will observe (M1+M2)a = M2 g . Hence Newton’s Second Law is verified. Repeat
the experiment with different masses. Also do this in different environment like
Earth, Moon, Uranus and Jupiter. Click reset to restart the experiment.

Link
http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=1&sim=44&cnt=4

15 Laws of motion

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