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CHAPTER 6

Motion in Two Dimensions

and Projectile
‘‘As a jumper, I try to defy gravity as long as I can. But no matter how far I jump,
I’ll always hit the earth eventually”.
— Greg Rutherford

1. INTRODUCTION
When a particle moves in a plane, we need two coordinates
(x, y) to specify its position. Such a motion is known as
two-dimensional (2D) motion. A ball thrown at an angle to
horizontal is the most practical example of such a motion.
We will take up this projectile motion later in this chapter.
Before that, we will again define position, distance, displace-
ment, speed, velocity and acceleration in the most general
form so as to help us understand 2D or 3D motion.

2. POSITION VECTOR, DISPLACEMENT However, the actual length of the path travelled is known
AND DISTANCE as the distance, and it may have different values for differ-
ent paths taken from P1 to P2. Distance is a scalar with no
A vector joining the origin of the coordinate system to reference to direction.
the position of a particle (P) If a particle completes one revolution on a circle, its
is known
_› as the position vec- displacement is zero, though distance travelled is equal to
tor ( r ) of the the particle. If the circumference.
coordinates of P are (x, y, z), its ___› ___› ___›
position vector is written as If Dr1, Dr2, Dr3, ... are successive displacements of a body
__› ___› ___› ___›
_› ___›
then, its resultant displacement is Dr = Dr1 + Dr2 + Dr3 + ....
r = OP = xî + yĵ + zk̂
When position vector of a
particle changes, we say that it is in motion.
3. SPEED AND VELOCITY
If the particle moves from position P1 to position P2 (see Average speed is defined as
the figure), then its displacement will be defined as the vec- Ds Distance travelled
tor joining its initial position (P1) to its final position (P2). v = ___ = _______________
Dt Time taken
Displacement vector is ds
____› ____› ____› Instantaneous speed is v = __.
dt
P1P2 = OP2 – OP1
__› __› __› Speed has no reference to direction, and while quoting
fi Dr = r2 – r1 speed, we just tell how fast a body is moving.
= ( x2î + y2 ĵ + z2k̂) – ( x1î + y1ĵ + z1k̂) Velocity is a vector and is defined as the rate of change
of the position vector of a particle.
= (x2 – x1) î + (y2 – y1)ĵ + (z2 – z1)k̂
Average velocity is defined as
Note that displacement does not depend on the path. __› __› __›
_› D r r2 – r1 Displacement
Had the particle moved from P1 to P2 along any other path, v = ___ = ______ = ____________
Dt Dt Time
the displacement vector would have remained unchanged.
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6.2 Mechanics I

Direction of average velocity is along (ii) Instantaneous speed is the magnitude of instantaneous
the displacement vector. velocity but average speed ≥ | average velocity |.
Instantaneous velocity is dx dy dz
(iii) Components of velocity are vx = ___, vy = ___, vz = __.
› _ dt dt dt
_› dr dx dy dz
v = ___ = ___ + ___ + __ If z coordinate of a particle is not changing, then
dt dt dt dt vz = 0 and it is moving in the xy plane.
Components of the velocity vector are (iv) If we wish to plot the variation of velocity with time,
dx dy dz then we need to separately plot vx versus t, vy versus
vx = ___, vy = ___, vz = __
dt dt dt t and vz versus t.
When a particle is moving along a curved path, its veloc- (v) Change in the x-coordinate of a particle can be
ity is along the tangent to its path. Magnitude of instanta- calculated if we know variation of vx with time
x2 t
neous velocity is instantaneous speed.
_› Ú dx = Ú V
vxx ddt.
t
If velocity of a particle is v = vx + vy + vz , its speed x1 0
__________
Similar, equations can be written for y and z
is given by v = ÷v2x + v2y + v2z .
coordinates.
(vi) Acceleration can also result in change in the direction
4. ACCELERATION of velocity apart from change in speed.
Any change in the magnitude or direction (or both) of veloc- (vii) Components of acceleration are
ity of a particle implies that it is accelerated. If a body
dvx dvy dvz
moves at a constant speed but keeps changing its direction ax = ____, ay = ____, az = ___
of motion, we say that it is accelerated. dt dt dt
Average acceleration is defined as Magnitude of acceleration is
___________
__› __› __›
_› Dv v2 – v1 Change in velocity a = ÷a2x + a2y + a2z
a = ___ = ______ = ________________
Dt Dt Time taken (viii) If ax = 0, then vx will remain constant. vx will change
Direction of average acceleration is in the direction of only if ax π 0. Components in y and z directions are
_› related similarly.
change in velocity (D v ).
Instantaneous acceleration is
_› dvy Example 1 A particle moved from a point (1, 2) to a point
_› ___
d v ___dvx dvz
a= = + ___ + ___ (4, 6) in the xy plane. It moved along a circular path having
dt dt dt dt a radius of 5 m.
Components of acceleration vector are (i) Find the magnitude of displacement.
dvx dvy dvz
ax = ____, ay = ____, az = ___. (ii) Find the distance travelled.
dt dt dt
_›
Acceleration is directed along d v which may or may not Solution
be in the direction of velocity. Concepts
_________________
In Short (i) Displacement is = ÷(x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2
(i) When a particle moves from point P1 (x1, y1, z1) to (ii) Distance is the length of the circular arc.
another point P2 (x2, y2, z2), its displacement is a Displacement is the length of the chord.
vector given by
__› In the figure shown, the par-
Dr = (x2 – x1) + (y2 – y1) + (z2 – z1) ticle moved from A to B and C
is the centre of the circle.
Magnitude of displacement is
____________________________ Displacement
________________
Dr = ÷(x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2 + (z2 – z1)2
AB = ÷(4 – 1)2 + (6 – 2)2
If the particle has moved along a straight line from _______
P1 to P2 (without reversing its motion anywhere in = ÷32 + 42 = 5 m.
between), distance travelled is same as displacement. AM 2.5 1
If the particle has moved along any other path, then From the figure, sinq = ____ = ___ = __
R 5 2
distance > displacement.
fi q = 30°
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.3

If the particle moved clockwise from A to B, then the Direction of___ average velocity is along the
›
distance is displacement AB.
2pR 2p × 5 5p
s = length of the arc (ADB) = ____ = ______ = ___ m (iii) Change in velocity
6 6 3 __› __› __› __› __›
If the particle moved anticlockwise along AEB, the Dv = vf – vi = vf + (– vi)
distance travelled is
5 25p
s = Length of the arc (AEB) = __ × 2pR = ____ m.
6 3
Example 2 A particle travels along a circle of radius R = 2 m
and covers quarter of a circle moving with a constant speed
of v = 4 ms–1. __›
The adjoining figure shows the construction of Dv.
(i) Find its displacement. ______ __
(ii) Find its average velocity. Dv = ÷v2 + v2 = ÷2 v
__
(iii) Find its average acceleration. = 4÷2 ms–1
__ __
Dv 4÷2 16 ÷2
Solution a = ___ = ____ _____
p = p ms .
–2
Dt __
Concepts 4 __›
_›
(i) Displacement is the chord connecting the initial Direction of a is in the direction of Dv, i.e. making
and the final position of the particle. an angle of 45° with OA (or OB).
(ii) Time of travel can be obtained by knowing that Example 3 A boy starts from his house and moves 2 km due
the particle has travelled through a distance of north-west, then 1 km due east and finally 4 km south-east
2pR
s = ____ with a constant speed of v = 4 ms–1. to reach his friend’s house.
4
(i) Find the boy’s displacement.
(iii) Displacement divided by time is the average
velocity. (ii) Find the distance travelled by the boy.
(iv) Velocity of the particle changes because its direction (iii) While returning, the boy took a different route.
__
_› __› __› He walked ÷2 km due North. Now, in which direction
changes. Change in velocity is D v = vf – vi.
_› and what distance shall he move to reach his house in the
_› Dv
(v) a = ___ quickest possible time?
Dt Assume that he is walking in an open field and there are
(vi) Instantaneous velocity is tangential to the path.
no barriers like buildings, etc.
___›
(i) Displacement = AB Solution
Magnitude of displacement is Concepts
_______ __ __
Dr = ÷R2 + R2 = ÷2 R = 2÷2 m (i) The resultant displacement is the vector sum of all
individual displacements.
__› ___› ___› ___›
Dr = Dr1 + Dr2 + Dr3 ...
(ii) The last displacement shall be such that sum of all
displacements becomes zero.
(iii) We will express all individual displacements
in , notation and add them to get resultant
displacement.

(ii) Time taken to travel from A to B is (i) Let east and north directions be positive x- and
Distance Arc length AB y-directions, respectively. The three displacement
D t = ________ = ____________ vectors have been drawn with___their tails at the origin.
Speed Speed › ___›
It is easy to see that sum of Dr1 and Dr3___ is a vector
2pR/4 p
= ______ = __ s. of magnitude
›
2 km in the direction of Dr3. Let us
v 4 __ __ ___›
Dr 2÷2 ____ 8÷2 call this as Dr4.
\ Average velocity is v = ___ = ____
p = p ms
–1
Dt __
4
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6.4 Mechanics I

_›
(i) r = (– 4t2 – 3t + 1) + (t2 – 12t)
At t = 0
_›
ri = +0
At t = 1s
_›
rf = – 6 – 11
_› _›
rf – ri –7 – 11
\ v = ______ = ________ = – (7 + 11 ) ms–1.
1 1 ________
___› Magnitude of average velocity is v = ÷72 + 112
____
Dr2 = 1 = ÷170 ms–1
___› _›
Dr4 = 2 cos 45° – 2 sin 45° _› dr
(ii) Velocity, v = ___ = (– 8t – 3) + (2t – 12)
__ __ dt _
= ÷2 – ÷2 _› ___
dv
›
Acceleration, a =
\ Resultant displacement is dt
__› __› __› __ __ = – 8 + 2 [constant acceleration]
Dr = Dr2 + Dr4 = (÷2 + 1) – ÷2 _› _› _› _›
______________
When v is perpendicular to a , v ◊ a = 0
__ __
Magnitude of displacement Dr = ÷(÷2 + 1)2 + (÷2 )2 fi 8(8t + 3) + 2 (2t – 12) = 0.
__ __
= ÷5 + 2÷2 km. fi 68 t = 0
Displacement is directed at an angle q south of east fi t = 0.
where __
÷2 Example 5 A particle is initially at the origin and its
_______
tan q = __ velocity depends on time as
÷2 + 1
(ii) Distance = Actual path length = 2 + 1 + 4 = 7 km. _›
v = (2 + 3t + 3t2 ) ms–1.
(iii) While returning back, his first displacement is
___› __ Find the position of the particle at t = 2 s.
Dr5 = ÷2 km.
Now his total displacement is Solution
___› __ __ __ __ Concepts
Dr¢ = (÷2 + 1) – ÷2 + ÷2 = (÷2 + 1)
x t
dx
___
Therefore, his last displacement shall be = vx fi Ú dx = Ú v x dt
__
dt 0 0
– (÷2 + 1) km so as to make his total displacement
__ Similarly, for other components.
zero. It means that he will have to walk (÷2 + 1) km
due west. vx = 2 ms–1, vy = 3t ms–1, vz = 3t2 ms–1.
Since vx is a constant, change in x coordinate of the
Example 4 The position of a particle is given as the particle is given as
function of time x = vx ◊ Dt = 2 × 2 = 4 m.
_›
r = [(– 4t2 – 3t + 1) + (t2 – 12t) ] m vy = 3t ms–1
y t
Find (i) Average velocity in the interval 0 £ t £ 1 s.
fi Ú dy = Ú v y dt
(ii) Find the time when acceleration is perpendicular 0 0
to velocity. 2
fi y = 3 Ú t dt = 6 m
Solution 0
2
Concepts _› _› vz = 3t
rf – ri
(i) v = _____ z
2
2
Dt \ Ú dz = 3 Ú t dt
_› _› 0 0
_› ___
d r _› ___dv
(ii) v = ; a = fi z = 8 m.
dt dt
_› _› _› _›
(iii) When v is r to a ; a ◊ v = 0 \ The position vector of the particle at t = 2 s is
_›
r = (4 + 6 + 8 ) m.
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.5

Your Turn
_› _›

| |
_
Q.1 Velocity of a particle is v› = (2 + ) ms–1. Find its Q.4 dv d| v |
Is it right to say ___ = ____?
speed. dt dt

Q.2 A particle moves from (1, 1) to (4, 5). Find the Q.5 Find the magnitude of acceleration of a particle at
magnitude of its displacement. t = 0 if its position changes with time as
_›
Q.3 A particle moves along a circle of radius 1m from one r = 3t + (4t3 – t2) . Everything is in SI unit.
point to diametrically opposite point in 1 s. Find its average
speed and magnitude of average velocity.

5. DEALING WITH MOTION IN TWO (i) x = 4t, y = 2t

DIMENSIONS (ii) x = 2 cos3t, y = 3 sin3t

The general approach for solving a problem in 2D is quite Solution

simple. Motion in two perpendicular directions are indepen- Concepts
dent of each other. For a particle moving in the xy plane, the
motion is divided into two independent straight line motions The given equations are trajectory equations in parametric
along the x and y-axis. The kinematical parameters along the form. We need to eliminate t between them.
x-direction (x-coordinate, vx, ax) are related by equations of
a straight line motion. Similarly, the parameters along the (i) x = 4t ...(a) and y = 2t ...(b)
x
y-direction are related to each other through an independent From (a) t = __
set of equations. 4
x x
If x component of velocity of a particle is constant, then putting in (b) y = 2 __ fi y = __
change in its x coordinate in time Dt is given by 4 2
D x = vx ◊ Dt This is the trajectory equation. The particle is moving
along a straight line.
This relation does not depend on vy and ay.
x
__
If a particle is moving in the xy plane with a constant (ii) = cos 3t ...(a)
2
acceleration, then the following set of equations suffice for y
And __ = sin 3t ...(b)
our analysis:
3
vx = ux + ax t vy = uy + ay t Squaring both the equations and adding, we get
1 1
x = ux t + __ ax t2 y = uy t + __ ay t2
() ()
x 2
__ y 2
2 2 + __ = cos2 3t + sin2 3t
2 3
v2x = u2x + 2 ax ◊ x v2y = u2y + 2 ay ◊ y 2
x2 __
__ y
fi + = 1.
5.1 Trajectory Equation 4 9
This is an equation of ellipse.
An equation relating the x and y coordinates of a particle
moving in the xy plane is known as its trajectory equation Example 7 A particle is moving in the xy plane with a
or path equation. Many a times trajectory equation is written _›
velocity given by v = u0 + [aw cos (wt)] . The particle is
in parametric form as
at the origin at time t = 0.
x = f (t) (i) Draw the path of the particle.
y = h(t) 3p
(ii) Find its distance from the origin at t = ___.
Here, x and y coordinates of the particle are function of 2w
a common parameter t. By eliminating t between these two Solution
equations, we get the trajectory equation in general form. Concepts
Example 6 Find the trajectory equation of a particle mov- (i) We can draw the path if we know the trajectory
ing in the xy plane if its coordinates are given as function equation.
of time.
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6.6 Mechanics I

dx dy
(ii) ___ = u0 and ___ = aw cos (wt) can be used to write
dt dt
( )
wx
y = a sin ___
u0
This is the required path equation. The path is a sine
x in terms of t and y in terms of t. Then, we can
curve as shown
eliminate t between the two equations.

dx
(i) vx = u0 fi ___ = u0
dt
x t
fi Ú dx = u0 Ú dt fi x = u0 t ...(i)
0 0

And vy = aw cos (wt) wx puo

___
uo = p or, x = ___
w
dy
___
fi = aw cos (wt)
dt 3p
(ii) At t = ___
y t 2w
fi Ú dy = aw Ú cos (wt ) dt

fi
0
aw
y = ___
0
t
3p
2w( )
x = u0 ___ and y = – a
w [sin (wt)]0
\ Distance from the origin is
fi y = a sin (wt) ...(ii) ____________

÷( )
x _______ 3p u0 2
From (i) t = __
u0 . Put this in (ii) r = ÷x + y =
2 2 _____ + a2
2w

Your Turn

Q.6 Write the trajectory equation and draw the path of Q.8 A particle starts from the origin and moves along a
the particle if its x and y coordinates are changing with parabolic path given by y = 0.5x2. Its velocity component
time as along the x-direction changes with time as vx = (5t) ms–1.
(i) y = 2t2; x = t2 Find the particle’s distance from the origin and its accelera-
(ii) y = cos t; x = sin t tion at t = 1 s.
Q.7 Velocity of a particle changes with its position as
_›
v = (y + 1) + (x2)
Find the path equation, assuming that the particle passes
from the origin.

[ dy/dt dy
Hint: One can write _____ = ___
dx/dt dx ]
6. PROJECTILE MOTION We consider the horizontal line through O as the x-axis
and vertical line through O as the y-axis.
A particle moving under gravity near the surface of the Earth
is known as a projectile. We will study the motion neglecting
air resistance and assuming acceleration due to gravity to
be constant. The trick of analysis is the same that we learnt
in the last section – divide the motion in two perpendicular
directions and treat them to be independent of each other.

6.1 A Ball Projected from the Ground

Consider a ball projected from a point O on a level ground.
It is projected with an initial velocity u making an angle q
with the horizontal.
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.7

Components of Initial Velocity 1

y = uy t + __ ay t2 [ ay = –g = a constant]
ux = u cos q ; uy = u sin q 2
1
Components of Acceleration or y = (u sin q )t – __ gt2 ...(iii)
ax = 0 ; ay = – g 2
ay is negative, since it is directed in the negative y In fact, (ii) and (iii) are trajectory equations with t as a
direction. parameter. We can eliminate t between the two equations to
The x component of the velocity of the projectile does write the trajectory equation as
not change as ax = 0, and in the y-direction, it is identical
to motion of a ball projected vertically up with an initial ( x 1 x
(
y = (u sin q ) ______ – __ g ______
u cos q 2 u cos q
2

velocity uy = u sin q.
Velocity at Time t
x component of velocity at any time t is vx = ux = u cos q
fi
(
g
y = (tan q)x – _________
2u cos2 q
2
x2 ) ...(iv)

y-component of velocity at time t is This equation is the trajectory equation of the projectile.
vy = uy + ay t Since y is a quadratic function of x, it represents a
parabola.
fi vy = (u sin q) – gt ...(i)
A vertical line passing through the top point of the
Speed of projectile at time t is given by parabolic path divides the path into two symmetrical parts.
______
v = ÷v2x + v2y and it makes an angle a with the horizontal Time of Flight (T )
given by Time of flight is the time when y coordinate of the projectile
vy becomes zero. It can be calculated by putting y = 0 in (iii)
tan a = __
vx
1
y component of the velocity decreases as the projectile (u sinq) t – __ gt2 = 0
2
rises, becomes zero at the top and then it begins to increase 2u sinq
in the downward direction. The following diagram shows the fi t = 0 or, t = ______g
variation of velocity in a typical projectile motion. 2uy
2u sinq ___
\ Time of flight T is = ______
g = g ...(v)

You must note that it is the same as the time of flight of

a ball projected vertically up with speed uy .
T
Time of ascent = Time of descent = __.
2
Horizontal Range (R)
Distance OQ that the particle travels in the horizontal
direction before hitting the ground is known as the horizontal
range (R). R is the x coordinate at t = T.
From Eq. (ii)
x = uxt = (u cosq)t
ux(2uy) (u cosq )(u sinq)
fi R = ______
g = 2 _____________
g
When the projectile is about to hit the ground, its velocity u2 sin2q
is u making an angle q with the horizontal in the downward fi R = _______
g ...(vi)
direction. Notes:
Position at Time t 1. For a given projection speed u, range is maximum
x coordinate at time t is given by for q = 45° [Since sin 2q = sin 90° = 1]. Maximum
u2 u2
x = ux t = (u cos q)t ...(ii) [ ax = 0] range is Rmax = __ __
g sin 90° = g .
y coordinate (i.e. height) at time t is
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6.8 Mechanics I

1
h = (u sinq )t – __ gt2
2
(v) Time of flight and the maximum height attained
depends on uy only.
2uy u2
T = ___ ; H = ___y .
g 2g

2. sin 2q = sin 2 (90 – q)

= sin (180 – 2q).
It means, we get the same range for angles of projec-
tions q and (90 – q ), provided the projection speed
is the same. If we project two projectiles at q and If two projectiles attain the same height, they have
(90 – q) with the same speed, the time of flight is the same time of flight too.
different; the trajectory is different. However, the (vi) Range of a projectile is
horizontal range is the same. 2ux uy u2 sin 2q
R = ux . T = _____
g =
________
g
For a given speed of projection (u), R is maximum
for q = 45° and we get the same range for two angles
of projection q and (90 – q).
(vii) Path equation of a projectile is the equation of a
parabola.

( g
y = (tan q)x – ________
2u cos2 q
2 )
x2

[
= (tan q)x 1 – __
x
R ]
Maximum Height (H). where R is the range.
Maximum height is the maximum y-coordinate of the
Example 8 A ball is projected at a speed of 20 ms–1 making
projectile. At top vy = 0.
an angle of 53° with the horizontal.
v2y = u2y + 2ay ◊ y (i) Find its speed when its velocity makes an angle of
37° the with horizontal.
0 = u2y – 2gH
(ii) Find the time when velocity makes an angle of 37°
u2y u2 sin2 q
fi H= ___ = _______ with the horizontal.
2g 2g (iii) What is smallest speed of the ball during its course
In Short of flight?
(i) The horizontal component of velocity does not (iv) With what speed the ball hits the ground?
change in a projectile motion.
Solution
vx = ux = u cos q
Concepts
(ii) As the projectile ascends, vy decreases and becomes
zero at the top. During downward motion, vy increases (i) Horizontal component of velocity does not change
in the downward direction. in a projectile motion.
(iii) A projectile is at the same height at two points in its (ii) vy = uy – gt.
trajectory. At both the points, it has the same speed. vy is positive when the ball is going up. It is nega-
Direction of vy is opposite at the two points. tive when the ball is going down.
(iv) The two values of time when a projectile is at a (iii) Minimum speed is at the top.
height h is given by roots of the equation.
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.9

3
ux = 20 cos 53° = 20 × __ = 12 ms–1
5
4
uy = 20 sin 53° = 20 × __ = 16 ms–1
5
(i) Let the speed be v when velocity makes an angle of
37° with the horizontal.
vx = v cos 37° = 4/5 v.
vx = ux
4
__ v = 12
\
5
fi v = 15 ms–1.
u2 sin 2 (45°) u2
Rmax = ____________
g fi 50 = __ g ...(i)
When the ball is projected up with speed u,
u2 50
hmax = ___ = ___ = 25 m [using (i)]
2g 2
Example 10 A projectile is projected from point O on a
level ground. Point O is considered as the origin and hori-
zontal and vertical are regarded as the x- and y-directions,
respectively. The trajectory equation of the projectile is
4 x2
y = __ x – ___ where x and y are in metre. Find the
3 7.2
(i) Range of the projectile.
(ii) Velocity makes an angle of 37° with the horizontal (ii) Maximum height attained.
at two locations A and B (see the figure).
(iii) Time of flight.
vy v 3
A : __ ___y __ –1
At vx = tan 37° fi 12 = 4 fi vy = 9 ms . Solution
–1
At B : vy = – 9 ms (i.e. 9 ms –1
in the downward Concepts
direction). (i) By comparing the given trajectory equation with
Using vy = uy – gt the standard equation, we can find u and q.
Time at A is given by 9 = 16 – 10 t (ii) Or, one can find range from the given equation by
putting y = 0 and solving it for x. Maximum height
fi t = 0.7 s.
Range
Time at B is given by – 9 = 16 – 10 t is value of y when x = ______.
2
fi t = 2.5 s.
(iii) Minimum speed is at the top point of the trajectory Standard trajectory equation is
given by ux = 12 ms–1. g
y = (tan q)x – __________2 ◊ x2
(iv) The ball hits the ground with the projection speed 2(u cos q)
of 20 ms–1 making an angle of 53° with the Comparing with the given equation gives
horizontal.

Example 9 A boy can project a ball with a fixed speed

4
tan q = __
3 [ 3
fi cos q = __
5 ]
g 1 10 × 7.2
in any direction. The maximum distance to which he can And ________ = ___ fi _______2 = u2
throw the ball is 50 m. Find the maximum height to which
he can throw the ball.
2u cos2q 7.2
2
2 × __
3
5 ()
Solution fi u2 = 100 fi u = 10 ms–1
4 3
Concepts 2 102 × 2 × __ × __
2 ◊ sinq ◊ cosq _______________
u_____________ 5 5
For throwing the ball to a maximum distance, the boy (i) R = g = = 9.6 m
10
must project it at an angle of 45° to the horizontal. For
getting the maximum height, the ball must be thrown
vertically upward.
2
u sin q 2 () 4 2
102 × __
5
(ii) H = _______ = __________ = 3.2 m
2g 2 × 10
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6.10 Mechanics I

4
2 × 10 × __ he throws a ball at a velocity
2u sinq ___________
_______ 5 u = 20 ms–1 making an angle
(iii) T = g = = 1.6 s
10 q = 37° with the horizontal.
4 x2 The ball hits the car. Find x0.
Alternate y = __ x – ___
3 7.2 Neglect the height of the boy
Range is the value of x coordinate when y = 0. and the car.
4 x2 Solution
\ 0 = __ x – ___
3 7.2 Concepts
4
__
fi x = × 7.2 = 9.6 m. Distance travelled by the car in the duration for which the
3
ball is in flight, plus x0, must be equal to the horizontal
Maximum height is the value of y coordinate when x
9.6 range of the projectile.
coordinate of the projectile is ___ = 4.8 m.
2 Time of flight of the ball is
4 4.82 3
2 × 20 × __
\ H = × 4.8 – ____ = 3.2 m
__
3 7.2 2_______
u sinq __________5
T= g = = 2.4 s.
10
Example 11 Trajectories of three balls projected from a
common point O on the ground is
as shown in the figure. It is known
that ball 2 is projected at an angle
of 45° to the horizontal.
Which ball was projected with
the highest speed and which one
was projected with the lowest
speed?
Solution
Concepts Range of the ball
u2 sin2 q _____________
u2 2 sin q ◊ cos q
(i) Maximum height depends on uy only. R = _______
g = g
(ii) Range depends on the product ux uy.
3 4
(iii) For a given speed of projection, range is maximum 202 × 2 × __ × __
5 5
_______________
for q = 45°. = = 38.4 m.
10
Balls 1 and 2 attain the same height. Displacement of the car in time T = 2.4 s is
\ uy1 = uy2 x = v0.T = 6 × 2.4 = 14.4 m.
But R2 > R1 For the ball to hit the car we must have
fi ux2 · uy2 > ux1 uy1
x0 + x = R
fi ux2 > ux1
x0 = R – x = 38.4 – 14.4 = 24.0 m.
\ u2 > u1.
Ball 2 is projected at an angle of 45°. It means that ball Example 13 A hill is inclined at b = 45° to the horizontal.
3 must be projected at a speed greater than u2 then only it From the foot (O) of the hill, a stone is projected making an
can have range equal to that of ball 2. Mathematically, angle a = 53° with the horizontal at a speed u = 20 ms–1.
(i) Write the path equation of the projectile taking hori-
R3 = R2
zontal as x and vertical as y-direction.
u23 sin2q u22 (ii) Find the coordinates
_______ __
= g
g of the point where
fi u3 > u2 [ sin 2 q < 1] the stone hits the hill
slope.
\ u3 > u2 > u1
(iii) Find the time of flight
of the stone.
Example 12 A car is running away from a boy standing
on a straight road. The car is moving at a constant speed of
v0 = 6 ms–1. When the car is at a distance x0 from the boy,
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.11

Solution (i) Prove that t1 + t2 = time of flight

Concepts (ii) Find t1 and t2 for h = 5 m, u = 20 ms–1, q = 53°.
(i) We will write the equation of straight line
Solution
representing the hill slope. We will write the
trajectory equation of the projectile. Solving the Concepts
two equations simultaneously gives the coordinates The two values of time when a projectile is at height h is
of the point where the stone hits the hill. given by the roots of the equation
(ii) Using x = uxt we can find the time of flight. 1
h = uyt – __ gt2.
2

Equation of line representing the hill slope is

y=x ...(i) [ slope = tan 45° = 1] (i) uy = u sin q
(i) Equation of parabolic path of the projectile is If projectile is at a height h at time t then
1
y = uyt + __ ay t2
2
g
y = (tan q)x – ________
2(
2 u cos q
x2 ) 2
1
h = (u sin q)t – __ gt2
4 3 2
Put tan q = tan 53° = __; cos q = __; g = 10 ms–2;
3 5 fi gt2 – (2u sin q)t + 2h = 0 ...(i)
u = 20 ms–1
4 10 The two roots (t1 and t2) of this equation give us the
y = __ x – ___________2 ◊ x2 time when the projectile is at A and at B.
3 3
2 × 202 __
5 () (
– 2u sin q
Sum of roots t1 + t2 = – ________
2u sin q
= _______ )
= T.
4 5 g g
fi y = __x – ____x2 ...(ii)
3 144 Alternatively, one can argue that the path of the pro-
(ii) using (i) in (ii) gives jectile from O to A is identical to its path from B to
Q.
4 5
x = __ x – ____ x2 \ tB Æ Q = tO Æ A (= t1)
3 144
1 144 \ t O Æ B + tB Æ Q = T
fi x = __ × ____ = 9.6 m.
3 5 fi t2 + t1 = T.
And y = x = 9.6 m. 4
(ii) Substituting u = 20 ms–1; sin 53° = __; g = 10 ms–2
Coordinates of point A, where the stone hits the hill 5
and h = 5 m in Eq. (i) we get
are (9.6, 9.6) m.

(iii)
3
ux = 20 cos 53° = 20 × __ = 12 ms–1.
( 4
5 )
10 t2 – 2 × 20 × __ t + 2 × 5 = 0
5 fi 5 t2 – 16 t + 5 = 0
The projectile has a constant horizontal velocity. Hence, _____________
time to travel x = 9.6 m in the horizontal direction is given 16 ± ÷162 – 4 × 5 × 5
by fi t = ____________________
2×5
x 9.6
T = __ _______
ux = 12 ms–1 = 0.8 s.
___
8 ± ÷44
= ________
5
Example 14 A projectile is fired from the ground at a speed ___ ___
u making an angle q with the horizontal. It is at a height h
above the ground at two times t1 and t2.
\ (
8 – ÷44
t1 = ________ s ;
5 ) t2 = ( + ÷44
8_______
5
s. )
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6.12 Mechanics I

Example 15 Hunting a monkey Example 16 A ball is projected from a point on the ground
A hunter aims his gun and fires a bullet directly towards a at a distance 10 m from the foot of a pole. The angle of
monkey sitting on a distant tree. At the instant the bullet is projection is 45°. The ball just misses the top of the pole
fired, the monkey freely drops from the tree. Prove that the and lands on the other side of it at a distance of 24 m from
bullet still hits the monkey. the pole. Find the height of the pole.

Solution Solution
Concepts Concepts
(i) The bullet will hit the monkey if both are at the Range of the projectile is given. x coordinate of a point
same location at the same instant. It means that in its path is given and its y coordinate is being asked. It
when the bullet is crossing the vertical line of fall is a direct question based on trajectory equation in terms
of the monkey, the height of the bullet and the of range (R).
monkey must be the same.
(ii) The bullet is fired along the line of sight to the Trajectory of the
monkey. ball is shown. Its range
is R = 10 + 24 = 34 m.
If height of the pole
is h, then coordinates
of its top point P are
(10, h) and they must
satisfy the trajectory
equation.

[ ( )]
x
y = x tan q 1 – __
R

In the figure, G is the location of the gun and M is the

[ ( )]
10
h = 10 tan 45° 1 – ___
34
24
monkey. The gun is aimed along GM and the bullet is fired = 10 × ___ = 7.06 m
with speed u. 34

Let H = height of the monkey Example 17 The ceiling of a long hall is 7.2 m high. What
x = Horizontal distance of the tree from the gun. is the maximum horizontal distance that a ball thrown at a
Projection angle is given by speed of 20 ms–1 can cover without hitting the ceiling of the
hall? At what angle the ball must be thrown?
H
tan q = __
x ...(i)
Solution
Time needed for the bullet to travel a horizontal distance
Concepts
x is
x x
t0 = __ ______
ux = u cos q ...(ii) Range of a projectile is maximum for 45°. But if the height
attained is larger than 7.2 m for a ball projected at 45°,
Height of the bullet at t0 is then it cannot be projected at 45°. We will have to select
1 1 a projection angle (< 45°) for which the maximum height
y = uyt0 – __ gt 20 = (u sin q) t0 – __ gt20
2 2 attained is just less than 7.2 m.
The monkey falls through a distance y0 in time t0
1 For q = 45°
y0 = __ gt20
2
If y + y0 = H, then the bullet definitely meets the falling
2
u sin q 2
202 × ___
÷2 ( )
1__ 2
H = _______ = ___________ = 10 m
monkey. 2g 2 × 10
1 1 This is greater than 7.2 m. Hence, we will project the ball
y + y0 = (u sin q)t0 – __ gt20 + __ gt20 = (u sin q) t0
2 2 at an angle less than 45° so that it just misses the ceiling.
= (u sin q) ( x
______
u cos q ) [using (ii)] Let the projection angle be q

= x tan q = H [using (i)] u2 sin2 q

_______ =H
2g
Hence, the bullet hits the monkey.
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.13

202 × sin2 q 202 × 2 × sin 37° × cos 37°

fi __________ = 7.2 = _______________________
2 × 10 10
fi sin2q = 0.36 3 4
= 80 × __ × __ = 38.4 m
fi sinq = 0.6 5 5
fi q = 37°. Note that the range decreases if q is decreased from 45°
Range in this case will be to 0° for a given projection speed. A more flatter trajectory
will result in a lesser range.
u2 sin2q
R = _______
g \ Required answer is 38.4 m.

Your Turn
[Take g = 10 ms–2]
Q.16 A ball is projected from a point (O) on the ground.
Q.9 A ball is projected at a speed of 25 ms–1 from a point Horizontal and vertical are x- and y-directions, respec-
on a level ground. Its time of flight is 4 s. Find the range tively. When the ball is at a height of 9.1 m, its velocity is
of the ball. _›
v = ( 7.6 + 6.1 ) ms–1. [g = 9.8 ms–2]
Q.10 The maximum distance to which a boy can throw a (i) Find the maximum height attained by the ball.
ball is 50 m. However, he throws it in such a way that the (ii) Find the horizontal range of the ball.
range of the ball is only 25 m. At what angle to the hori-
zontal he must have thrown the ball? Assume that he throws (iii) Find the speed with which the ball hits the ground.
the ball at the same speed in all the cases. Q.17 A cricket coach throws a ball with an initial veloc-
Q.11 Find the angle of projection, if the range of a pro- ity of 20 ms–1 at an angle of 45° to the horizontal towards a
jectile is 4 times the maximum height attained by it. player standing at a distance of 50 m. At what speed and in
what direction must the player run to catch the ball. Assume
Q.12 A water hose is located at a distance of 9.0 m from that the player starts running at the instant the ball is thrown
a tall wall. It ejects water at a speed of 15 ms–1 at an angle at him and that the ball is caught at the same height at
of 60° to the horizontal. At what height will the water jet which it was released. [g = 9.8 ms–2]
hit the wall?
Q.18 A ball is projected with a velocity of 10 ms–1 at an
angle of 45° to the horizontal. It is just able to clear two
walls each of height 2 m. Find the separation between the
walls. Also find the distance of point of projection from the
first wall.
Q.19 A stone is projected from the ground with a veloc-
ity of 25 ms–1. Two seconds later it just clears a wall 5 m
high.
Q.13 A gun fires a large number of bullets at speed u at (i) Find the angle of projection.
every possible angle with the horizontal in every possible
direction. Find the maximum area of the ground on which (ii) How far beyond the wall will the stone hit the
these bullets will spread. ground?

Q.14 With point of projection as the origin, horizontal Q.20 Two seconds after its projection a projectile is travel-
direction as the x-axis and vertical as the y-axis, trajectory ling in a direction inclined at 30° to the horizontal. After one
equation of a projectile is y = 10x – 0.1 x2. Find the range more second, it is travelling horizontally. Find the projection
and the maximum height attained by the projectile. speed and the projection angle.

Q.15 A grasshopper can jump to a maximum distance of Q.21 A particle is moving in the xy plane with a constant
1.6 m. It spends negligible time on the ground after hitting acceleration a0 directed along the negative y-direction. The
it and immediately goes for the next jump. If it takes each path equation of the particle is y = bx – cx2 where b and
jump 1.6 m long, how much horizontal ground will it cover c are the positive constants. Find the speed of the particle
in 8 s? at the origin.
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6.14 Mechanics I

Q.22 A ball is thrown from a ground level so as to just (ii) A projectile is at a height h at two times t1 and t2
clear a wall 4 m high at a distance of 4 m from the point (> t1). Its maximum height is H. Find t2 – t1 in terms
of projection. The ball falls at a distance of 14 m from the of H and h.
wall. Find the speed of projection. [g = 9.8 ms–2]
Q.25 Two particles are projected from points A and B on
Q.23 A shell bursts on the ground and the fragments fly the ground as shown in the figure, separation AB = 10 m.
in every possible direction with speeds up to 39.2 ms–1. A It is given that u1 = 15 ms–1 and u2 = 20 ms–1 and the two
man is standing at a distance of 78.4 m. Let t1 be the quick- particles are projected simultaneously. Find the time when
est time (after the blast) when the man could get hurt and the two particles will lie on a vertical line.
t2 be the maximum delay after which he can get hurt. Find
t2 – t1. [g = 9.8 ms–2]
Q.24 (i) Prove that the time of flight (T) and maximum
8H
height attained (H) by a projectile are related as T 2 = ___
g .

6.2 A Ball Projected Horizontally from a Height Coordinates at time t are

Consider a ball projected horizontally from a point O at a 1
x = ut and y = __ gt2
height h above the ground. We will consider horizontal as 2
x-direction and vertically downward as positive y-direction.
Eliminating t between the two equations gives the trajec-
Components of initial velocity are ux = u, uy = 0. tory equation
Components of acceleration are ax = 0; ay = g
1 x 2
( )
y = __ g __
2 u
g
( )
fi y = ___2 x2
2u
This is an equation of a parabola.

6.3 A Ball Projected at an Angle from a Height

The two possible situations have been described below.
(i) Consider a ball projected upward at an angle q to
A ball projected horizontally and another ball dropped from the horizontal from the top of a tower of height h.
the same height have an identical vertical motion. Both are The motion of ball in vertical direction is identical to
at the same height at time t. that of another ball that is projected vertically upward
with velocity uy = u sin q, from the same height h.
If we release another ball from the same height h, the
two balls will have an identical motion in the vertical direc- Time of flight is obtained by solving the quadratic
tion. Both have zero initial velocity (in y-direction) and their equation
accelerations are the same (= g). At a time t after release, 1
y = uy t + __ ay t2
we will find both of them at the same height. Both of them 2
will reach the ground at the same time. The only difference 1
in their motion is that the first ball has a horizontal velocity. fi – h = (u sin q)t – __ gt2
2
It keeps moving continuously in the x-direction with a speed
u till the ball hits the ground. Horizontal displacement in any time t is given by
A ball dropped from a height h has a time of flight x = uxt = (u cos q)t.
___

÷
2h
T = ___ g . Our projectile, projected horizontally, also has the
same time of flight. ___

÷
2h
\ T = ___
g. ___

÷
2h
Range of the projectile is R = ux T = u ___ g.
Components of velocity at time t after projection is
vx = u; vy = gt
________
Speed v = ÷u2 + g2t2
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.15

(ii) When a ball is projected downward at an angle q to

the horizontal, its vertical motion is identical to the
motion of a ball projected vertically down at a speed
uy = u sin q.
Time of flight is obtained by solving
1
h = (u sin q)t + __ gt2
2

(i) ux = u = 100 ms–1; uy = 0.

The bomb hits the ground when its vertical displace-
ment becomes h = 200 m.
1
y = uyt + __ ay t2
2
1
In both the above cases range is obtained by multi- h = 0 + __ gt2
2
plying ux and the time of flight (T). ___ ________
___
÷ ÷
2h 2 × 200
fi T = g = _______ = 2 ÷10 s.
___
10
In Short
Horizontal displacement in time T is
(i) Time of flight can be obtained in any kind of ___ ___
projectile motion described in sections 6.1 and 6.2 R = ux. T = 100 × 2÷10 = 200÷10 m.
by considering the vertical component of the motion (ii) When the bomb hits the ground;
and using the equation. vx = ux = 100 ms–1
1 vy = uy + gt
y = uy t + __ ay t2 ___ ___
2 = 0 + 10 × 2÷10 = 20÷10 ms–1.
You are free to choose upward or downward as ______ ___
positive y-direction but substitute y, uy and ay with a \ v = ÷v2x + v2y = 20÷35 ms–1.
proper sign. (iii) The plane is exactly above the target. In fact, the
(ii) Time of flight (T) multiplied by ux gives the range plane and the bomb are always on a vertical line
in all cases. as they travel equal horizontal distance in equal
(iii) To write a trajectory equation, express x and intervals.
y coordinates in terms of time (t) and then
eliminate t. Example 19 Three balls are projected at the same speed
in three different directions from a point at a height h above
the ground. One ball is projected horizontally, second is
Example 18 Bomber plane projected upward making an
A bomber plane is flying horizontally at a constant velocity angle q1 with the horizontal
of 100 ms–1. At a height of 200 m from the ground it and the third is projected
releases a bomb. down making an angle q2
(i) At what horizontal distance from the release point with the horizontal. Prove
will the bomb hit the ground? that all three hit the ground
(ii) With what speed will the bomb hit the ground? with the same speed.
(iii) Where is the plane located when the bomb hits the Solution
ground?
Concepts
______
Solution
v = ÷v2x + v2y
Concepts
(i) Due to inertia, the released bomb has a horizontal For the first ball (projected horizontally):
velocity of 100 ms–1. It is just like a projectile vx = ux = u
thrown horizontally from a height.
(ii) The bomb and the plane both have the same vy when it is about to hit the ground is given by
horizontal velocity. They will travel equal hori- v2y = u2y + 2ay ◊ y fi v2y = 0 + 2gh
______ ________
zontal distances in equal intervals of time.
÷ \ Speed v1 = v2x + v2y = ÷u2 + 2gh
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6.16 Mechanics I

For the second ball (projected up): Solution

ux = u cos q1; uy = u sin q1 Concepts
v2y 2
= (– uy) + 2gh The bearings leave the table when their centres cross the
______ ____________ edge of the platform. They successfully enter the hole
\ v2 = ÷v2x + v2y = ÷u2x + u2y + 2gh (without hitting the edges) if horizontal range of projectile
________ motion of their centres lies in the range
= ÷u2 + 2gh
R1 = 9 + 1 = 10 cm to R2 = 9 + 6 – 1 = 14 cm.
Similarly, one can show that for the third ball also
________
v3 = ÷u2 + 2gh
Note: After studying conservation of energy this problem
will become trivial. The height through which the centre falls is 81 cm, since at
the time of leaving the platform the centre is 1 cm above
Example 20 In a factory, ball bearings are moving on a it. Figure shows the situation when bearings are just in.
horizontal platform P. They fall off the edge with a hori-
zontal velocity u. The table at a depth of h = 80 cm has a ___ ______

÷ ÷
2h 2 × 81
hole of diameter Time of fall T = ___
g =
______ 0.4 s
10
AB = 6 cm as
shown in the fig- Minimum range is R1 = 10 cm
ure. Diameter of \ umin T = 10 cm
each bearing is d
10 cm
= 1 cm. Find the fi umin = ___ ___ = 25 cms–1
range of values 0.4 s
of u for which Maximum range is R2 = 14 cm.
the bearings will
14 cm
definitely fall into the hole without touching the edges of \ umax = ______ = 35 cms–1.
the hole. 0.4 s
\ 25 cms–1 £ u £ 35 cms–1.

Your Turn

Q.26 A ball is thrown from the roof of a tower 45 m high. Q.29 A bomber is moving at a speed of 50÷__2 ms–1 in
–1
The ball is thrown up with a speed of 20 ms making an upward direction making an anlge of 45° with the horizontal.
angle of 30° with the horizontal. Find the time taken by the It releases a bomb when it was at a height of 1 km above
ball to reach the ground and speed of the ball just before the ground.
it hits the ground.
(i) Find the time of flight of the bomb.
Q.27 A body is thrown horizontally from the top of a (ii) Find the maximum height of the bomb above the
tower and strikes the ground after 3 s making an angle of ground during its flight.
45° with the horizontal. Find the height of the tower and the
Q.30 A stone is projected horizontally at a speed of
projection speed. [g = 9.8 ms–2]
10 ms–1 from the top of a high tower. Simultaneously another
Q.28 Two tall buildings are stone is released from the same point. Find the distance
d = 180 m apart. A ball is thrown between the two stones after 2.5 s.
horizontally at a velocity u from a Q.31 A tennis ball is hit horizontally with velocity u when
window w1 at a height h1 = 55 m it is at a height h = 2.25 m from the ground. It just man-
in one of the buildings. The ball ages to clear a net at a horizontal distance of 6.4 m having
hits window w2 in the other build- a height of 1 m.
ing which is at a height h2 = 10 m
(i) Find u (ii) Find the horizontal distance from the net
above the ground. Find u.
to the point where the ball hits the ground.
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.17

Q.32 Roof of a house is slanting making an angle of 30°

with the horizontal. Rain drops slide down the roof and leave
it at a speed of u = 4 ms–1. Find the horizontal distance
travelled by the drops after they leave the roof.

6.4 A Ball Projected on a Hill Slope Range along the incline is x coordinate of the projectile
at time t = T.
Consider a hill inclined at an angle a to the horizontal. A
ball is projected from point O making an angle q with the 1
Using x = ux t + __ ax t2
horizontal. The projection speed is u. The projectile hits the 2
hill slope at Q and range along the hill slope is OQ. [We are having acceleration in x-direction also.]
1
\ R = u cos (q – a) ◊ T – __ g sin a ◊ T 2
2
2u sin (q – a)
= u cos (q – a) ◊ ___________
g cos a
1
[ 2 u sin (q – a)
– __ g sin a ◊ ____________
2 g cos a
2

2u2 sin (q – a)
= ____________ [cos (q – a) cos a – sin a sin (q – a)]
g cos2 a
2u2 sin (q – a) ◊ cos q
To analyse the motion, we choose x-direction up along R = __________________ ...(iii)
g cos2 a
the slope and y-direction perpendicular to it.
R can also be written as
[Note: One may stick to considering x as the horizontal and
y as the vertical. Just to illustrate a different approach, we 2 sin A.cos B = sin(A + B) + sin(A – B)]
are considering the hill slope and its normal as x and y]. u 2
Components of initial velocity are R = _______ [sin (2q – a) – sin a] ...(iv)
g cos2 a
ux= u cos (q – a) and uy = u sin (q – a) For a given projection speed R will be maximum when
Acceleration of the ball is vertically down and we can 2q – a = 90°
resolve it as a
fi q = 45° + __
ax = – g sin a [Since it is in the negative x-direction] 2
ay = – g cos a [Since it is in the negative y-direction] Rmax is obtained by putting this value of q into (ii)
Time of flight (T) is the time when y coordinate of the u2 (1 – sin a) u2 (1 – sin a)
projectile becomes zero. Rmax = ____________ = ___________________
1 g cos2 a g (1 + sin a)(1 – sin a)
Using y = uy t + __ ay t2
2 u2
1 fi Rmax = ___________ ...(v)
0 = u sin (q – a) T – __ g cos a ◊ T2 g(1 + sin a)
2
A similar analysis can be done for a projectile which is
2 u sin (q – a)
fi T = ___________ ...(i) projected down the hill slope. The results obtained are as
g cos a
follows:
Maximum distance of the projectile from the incline can 2u sin (a + q)
be obtained as Time of flight, T = ____________ ...(vi)
g cos a
v2y = u2y + 2 ay ◊ y Range along the incline is
0 = [u sin (q – a)]2 – 2 g cos a ◊ ymax 2u2 sin (q + a) ◊ cos q
R = __________________ ...(vii)
g cos2 a
u2 sin2 (q – a)
fi ymax = ____________ ...(ii)
2 g cos a
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6.18 Mechanics I

y
From the figure: __x = tan37°

– 4T + 5T2 __
_________ 3
\ =
3T 4
5
fi –16 + 20T = 9 fi T = __ s.
4
15
Now BC = 3T = ___ m.
4
u2 [sin (2q + a) + sin a] BC
Once again from the figure: ___ = cos 37°
= ____________________ AB
g cos2 a
15/4 4
____ = __
For a given u, R is maximum when 2q + a = 90° fi
AB 5
a
fi q = 45° – __ fi
75
AB = ___ m.
2 16
Maximum range is given by Example 22 A particle is projected up an incline of
u 2 inclination a. It is projected making an angle q with the
Rmax = ___________ ...(viii) horizontal. Find the relation between q and a if the particle
g(1 – sin a)
strikes the incline while travelling horizontally.
Example 21 An incline plane is inclined at an angle of 37° Solution
to the horizontal. A body
Concepts
is projected from A in a
direction perpendicular to We can write the time of flight of the projectile in two
the incline at a speed of ways and equate them. One way is that time taken by a
u = 5 ms–1. Find its time projectile to reach its topmost point (i.e. when it is travel-
of flight and range along T u sin q
ling horizontally) is __ = ______
g . The other way of writing
the incline. 2
time of flight is by using the formula in the last article.
Solution
Concepts Time of flight (considering hori-
zontal as x and vertical as y) is
One can use the formulae derived in the last section with
q = 53° and a = 37°. u sin q
t = ______
g
Just to re-stress the point that we can also solve the prob-
lem by taking x and y as horizontal and vertical we will Considering x and y along the
do it that way. incline and perpendicular to it

2u sin (q – a)
Consider horizontal as t = ___________
g cos a
x and vertically down as
positive y-direction 2 u sin (q – a) u sin q
____________ = ______
\
g cos a g
–1
uy = – u cos 37° = – 4 ms fi sin q cos a = 2[sin q cos a – cos q sin a]
–1
ux = u sin 37° = 3 ms . fi 2 cos q sin a = sin q cos a
Let time of flight be T. fi 2 tan a = tan q
Horizontal displacement of Alternate
the projectile
Concepts
x = BC = uxT = 3 T
The projectile is at the top of its trajectory when it hits
Vertical displacement of the projectile the incline. We know its vertical height H and horizontal
1
y = AC = – uyT + __ gT 2 = – 4T + 5T 2
2 (
Range
displacement = ______ .
2 )
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.19

u2 sin2 q R u2 sin q ◊ cos q

H = _______ and __ = ___________
g
2g 2
From the figure
H
___ = tan a
R/2
sin q
_______
fi = tan a
2 cos q

fi tan q = 2 tan a

Your Turn
Q.33 Particle 1 is projected from point A, on an incline Q.34 An incline plane makes a 30° angle with the hori-
plane, with a velocity u making an angle b with the hori- zontal. A particle is projected from this plane making an
zontal. Simultaneously another particle 2 is released from angle of 30° with the horizontal, at a speed = 5 ms–1. Find
A and it slides along the smooth incline. Both the particles its time of flight and range along the incline.
meet again on the incline. Find b in terms of a.

Miscellaneous Examples
Example 23 After reaching an altitude of 40 m, a rocket (y – 40)2 = 160x
begins to travel along a parabolic path (y – 40)2 = 160 x, dy dx
Differentiate wrt t: 2(y – 40) ___ = 160 ___
where y is the vertical direction and all coordinates are in dt dt
meter. The component of rocket’s velocity in y-direction dx ___
___ 1
fi vx = = (y – 40) vy ...(i)
remains constant at vy = 180 ms–1. Find the magnitude of dt 80
its velocity and acceleration when it reaches an altitude of 1
when y = 80 m, vx = ___ (80 – 40) × 180 = 90 ms–1.
80 m. The origin of coordinates is on the ground. 80
______

Solution \ v = ÷v2x + v2y

__________
Concepts = ÷902 + 1802 = 201.25 ms–1. [Ans.]
(i) Differentiate the trajectory equation with respect Differentiating Eq. (1) again wrt t
dy
to time. ___ = vy which is known. Hence, we can
dx
dt
find ___ = vx
dvx 1
[( )
dy dvy
ax = ___ = ___ vy ___ – 0 + (y – 40) ____
dt 80 dt dt ]
dt dy dv y
Put ___ = vy = 180 ms–1 and ____ = ay = 0
(ii) Since vy = a constant, ay = 0 dt dt
dvx 1
ax = ___. ax = ___ [180 × 180] = 405 ms–2
dt 80
\ a = 405 ms–2.
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6.20 Mechanics I

Example 24 Deviation of a bullet (i) the time interval (D t)

between the two throws
A bullet is fired horizontally
and
at a speed of 400 ms–1. It
was aimed at the bull’s eye (ii) the coordinates of point
of a target that is 100 m away P. Take the coordinate
[g = 10 ms–2]. system as shown in the
(i) Find the distance by which the bullet will miss the figure.
bull’s eye. Solution
(ii) Find the angle that the velocity of the bullet makes Concepts
with the horizontal when it hits the target. (i) The ball thrown at 60° to the horizontal must be
Solution the first ball to be thrown as it will need more time
Concepts to reach P.
For small angles sin q tan q = q. (ii) The two balls collide–means that both are at the
same location at the same time. This gives us two
While using this relation, one must always write q in
equations: (a) Equating the displacement of the
radian.
two balls in the horizontal direction. (b) Equating
(i) ux = 400 ms–1. the displacement of the two balls in the vertical
Bullet will hit the target in time direction.

100 m 1
t = ________ = __ s. (i) Let the time taken by the ball fired at 60° to reach P
400 ms–1 4 be t. Then the time taken by the other ball to reach
P is (t – D t).
Both the balls have the same displacement in the
x-direction.
__ __
\ x = (5÷3 cos 60°)t = 5÷3 (t – D t)

fi __t = t – D t fi t = 2D t ...(i)
2
Similarly, both the balls must have the same displace-
Bullet will miss the target by distance
ment in the y-direction as well.
1
AB = Vertical displacement in time __ s __ 1 1
4 \ (– 5÷3 sin 60°)t + __ gt2 = __ g (t – D t)2
2 2
2 4 ()
1 1 2 1
2
1
= __ g __ = __ × 10 × ___ = 0.31 m = 31 cm
16 fi
15
– ___ t + 5t2 = 5(t – D t)2
2
(ii) Vertical velocity component when the bullet hits the
target is
1
fi
3
2 (2
t 2
– __ t + t2 = t – __ )
vy = uy + gt = 0 + 10 × __ = 2.5 ms–1
4 3 t2
fi – __ t + t2 = __
If q is the angle that velocity makes with the hori- 2 4
zontal, then
vy 2.5 fi 3t2 – 6t = 0
tan q = ___ = ____ = 0.00625
vx 400
fi 3t(t – 2) = 0
fi q = 0.00625 radian
fi t = 2 s.
180
= 0.00625 × ____
p degree
t
Time interval between the firings Dt = __ = 1 s.
2
= 0.36° (ii) Coordinates of P are
__ __
Example 25 Collision of balls x = (5÷3 cos 60°)t = 5÷3 m
A boy is standing on top of a tower of height__h = 10 m.
He throws two balls at the same speed u = 5÷3 ms–1. One
ball is thrown horizontally and the other is thrown making
1
[
y = 10 – __ g(t – D t)2
2 ]
an angle of 60° to the horizontal. The two balls collide at = 10 – 5 (2 – 1)2 = 5 m.
a point P. Find
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.21

Example 26 An object A is held at a point (3, 1.25) m in \ |vy| = gt – uy

a coordinate system having y as the vertical and x as the
horizontal direction. At time t = 0, the object A starts mov- |vy|
___
ing along positive x-direction with a constant acceleration vx = tan 45°
a = 1.5 ms–2. Its height above the ground remains constant at fi gt – uy = ux [ vx = ux]
1.25_m. At the same instant (i.e. t = 0), a stone with veloc-
›
ity u is projected from the \ ux + uy = 10t ...(iii)
origin. A stationary person on Now we have three equations and three unknowns. We
the ground observes the stone can solve the equations as follows:
hitting the object during its Add (i) and (ii)
downward motion at an angle
of 45° to the horizontal. All (ux + uy)t = 4.25 + 5.75 t2
motions _› are in the xy plane. fi 10 t2 = 4.25 + 5.75 t2 [using (iii)]
Find u and the time t when fi 2
4.25 t = 4.25
the stone hits the object.
fi t = 1 s.
Solution
Now Eq. (i) gives:
Concepts
uy = 6.25 ms–1
(i) At time t, the coordinates of A and the stone will
Eq. (ii) gives
be the same. This will give us two equations.
(iii) Another equation can be obtained by the fact that ux = 3.75 ms–1
_›
velocity of the stone makes an angle of 45° with the \ u = (3.75 + 6.25 ) ms–1.
horizontal at time t. One must be careful that vy is
negative at this point as the stone is descending. Example 27 Two inclined planes OA and OB having incli-
nation 30° and 60°, respectively, intersect each other at O as
Let the projection velocity of the stone be shown. A particle is pro-
_› jected from point __P with
u = ux + uy velocity u = 10 ÷ 3 ms–1
When the stone hits A, its y coordinate is 1.25 m. along a direction perpen-
dicular to OA. The particle
strikes plane OB perpen-
dicularly at Q. Find
(i) the speed with which the particle hits the plane OB
and the time of flight.
(ii) height h of point P.
(iii) distance between P and Q.

Solution
1
\ y = uyt – __ gt2 Concepts
2
(i) As far as the calculation of time of flight and
fi 1.25 = uy t – 5t2 speed at Q is concerned, the question can be simply
fi uyt = 1.25 + 5t2 ...(i) rephrased as:
‘A projectile is projected at 60° __to the horizontal
Displacement of A in time t is
(from P) with a speed u = 10÷3 ms–1. Find the
1 1
xA = __ at2 = __ × 1.5 t2 = 0.75 t2 speed of the projectile and the time when its veloc-
2 2 ity makes 30° with horizontal while moving down
\ x Coordinate of the stone at time t is x = 3 + xA (at Q)’.
\ ux · t = 3 + 0.75 t2 ...(ii) (ii) Once we know the time of flight, we can find the
y Component of velocity of the stone at time t is horizontal displacement and vertical displacement
vy = uy – gt of the projectile from P to Q. This will give us the
distance PQ.
But this is certainly negative as the stone is moving
down. (iii) Simple geometrical relations can help us to get h.
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6.22 Mechanics I

(i) Let us take x- and y-directions as horizontal and

vertical, respectively.
__ __
ux = 10÷3 cos 60° = 5÷3 ms–1
__
uy = 10÷3 sin 60° = 15 ms–1
__
At Q, vx = ux = 5÷3

Speed of the ball just before

____
the impact = speed of the
ball just after the impact = ÷2gh .
The velocity after the impact makes a = (90 – q) with
x-direction along the incline.
v 1__ __ \ ux = u cos (90 – q)
\ __y = tan 30° fi v = ___ × 5÷3 = 5 ms–1 ( ).
vx y
÷3 = u sin q
Time of flight = Time interval in which the vertical and uy = u sin (90 – q)
velocity component changes from 15 ms–1 ( ) to
5 ms–1 ( ). Using vy = uy + ay t = u cos q
Components of acceleration are
– 5 = 15 – 10t fi t = 2 s.
______ __________
__ ax = g sin q ; ay = – g cos q.
Speed at Q is v = ÷v2x + v2y = ÷(5÷3 )2 + 52 = 10 ms–1.
Time of flight = time when y coordinate becomes zero
(ii) Horizontal displacement of the projectile 1
__ __ y = uyt + __ ay t2
x = PR = MN = ux ◊ t = 5÷3 × 2 = 10÷3 m. 2
1 2u
Vertical displacement of the projectile fi 0 = (u cos q)t – __ g cos q ◊ t2 fi T = ___
g
2
1
y = QR = uy t – __ gt2 The ball hits the incline at a distance AB given by
2
1
1 AB = ux T + __ ax T 2
= 15 × 2 – __ × 10 × 22 = 10 m. 2
2
Now x = OM + ON
2u __
= (u sin q) ___
1
( )
g + 2 (g sin q) g
____
2u 2
___
fi x = h cot 30° + (h + y)cot 60° 2
__ __ 1__ 4u2 sin q 4(
= ________ =
÷2gh ) sinq = 8h sin q
____________
fi 10÷3 = ÷3 h + (h + 10) ___ g g
÷3
fi 20 = 4h fi h = 5 m Example 29 Benches of a spectator gallery in a cricket
_______ ____________
__
(iii) PQ = ÷x2 + y2 = ÷(10÷3 )2 + 102 = 20 m. stadium are 1 m wide and 1 m high. A batsman strikes
the ball at a level 1 m
Example 28 A ball is allowed to fall vertically from rest. above the ground and
After falling a distance h, it hits an incline plane making goes for a six. The ball
an angle q with the horizontal. The ball bounces off the leaves the bat at 35 ms–1
plane with its speed remaining at an angle of 53° with
unchanged. Angle of incidence the horizontal. The first
for the ball is equal to the angle bench is 110 m away from the batsman. On which bench
of reflection. At what distance will the ball land?
from the impact point will the
ball rebound for the second Solution
time? Concepts
Solution
We will construct an incline plane connecting the edges of
Concepts the benches. This plane is inclined at 45° to the horizontal.
____
Speed of ball before the impact is u = ÷2gh . The ball After this, we will calculate the coordinates of the point
rebounds with the same speed. Before the impact and where the ball hits the incline. This can be done by simul-
after the impact, its velocity makes an angle q with the taneously solving the equation of path of the projectile and
normal to the incline. the equation of straight line representing the incline.
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.23

The path of the projectile after hitting the plate is the

mirror image of its remaining path had there been no
collision.

We take the point where the ball is hit as the origin,

Reflection of bullet
horizontal as x-direction and vertical as y-direction. No change in vy
Equation of the straight line AC is vx gets flipped.
y = x – 110 ...(i)
Time of flight from O Æ C Æ B is equal to time of flight
[Coordinates of point A are (110, 0) m] for O Æ C Æ B¢ had there been no collision.
Equation of the trajectory of the ball is x 200 m __
g \ t = __ = __________ = 2 ÷2 s.
y = x tan 53° – ______________2 x2 ux 100 cos 45°
2 × (35 cos 53°) \ __Height of balloon = y co-ordinate of the bullet at
4 4.9 t = 2÷2 s.
fi y = __ x – ____ x2 [g = 9.8 ms–2]
3 441 1
fi h = uyt – __ gt2
4x 1 2
fi y = ___ – ___ x2 ...(ii) 100
____
__ 1 __
3 90 = __ × 2÷2 – __ × 10 (2÷2 )2
From (i) and (ii) ÷2 2
4x x2 = 200 – 40 = 160 m.
x – 110 = ___ – ___ fi x2 – 30x – 90 × 110 = 0.
3 90
_________________ Example 31 Projectile in wind
fi
÷30 + 4 × 90 × 110
2
x = 15 ± __________________
A ball is projected horizontally from the top of a tower
2 of height h. There is a strong wind in the direction of the
= 15 ± 100.62 throw. Find the horizontal range for the ball in the follow-
= 115.62 m. ing two cases:
115 < x < 116 m. (i) The wind imparts a constant horizontal acceleration
The ball will land on a spectator sitting on the 6th a0 to the ball.
bench. (ii) The wind imparts a horizontal acceleration to the
ball that changes with depth (y) from the point of
Example 30 Reflection of a projectile
A bullet is fired from the ground with a muzzle velocity of
y
projection as a0 1 – __ .
h ( )
100 ms–1 at an angle of 45° with the horizontal. It strikes a Solution
vertical steel wall at a distance of 100 m from the gun. The Concepts
bullet rebounds in accordance to law of reflection without
change in its speed. It hits a balloon kept vertically above (i) The vertical motion of the projectile is not altered
the gun. What is the height of the balloon? by the wind
(ii) In the horizontal direction, the equation x = ux t is
Solution no longer valid as there is acceleration. We need
1
Concepts to use x = ux t + __ ax t 2 when ax is constant.
2
Due to collision, there is no change in the vertical com- When ax is variable, we will have to find vx
ponent of the velocity of the bullet. Only its horizontal using
velocity gets reversed. Therefore, there is no change in vx t
the vertical motion of the projectile. Its time of flight and Ú dv x = Ú a x dt .
0 0
maximum height attained do not change. The trajectory
Once vx is known, x can be calculated using
of the projectile to the right of the plate (see the figure t
below) gets flipped to the left of the plate. x = Ú v x dt
0
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6.24 Mechanics I

In y-direction we have uy = 0 calculate the ratio of velocity of the bird and horizontal
and ay = g. component of velocity of the stone, given that the stone still
\ Time of flight is obtained hits the bird while descending.
as Solution
___

÷
1 2h
h = gT fi T = ___
__ 2
g Concepts
2 1
(i) Use of y = uyt + __ ay t2 can give us two values of
(i) We need to find displacement of the ball in the hori- 2
zontal direction in time T. time when the stone is at height h. Let the values
1 be t1 and t2 (>t1).
x = ux t + __ ax t2
2 (ii) Horizontal distance between the initial and the final
___
a0 ___ position of the bird = horizontal displacement of
÷
1 2h __ 2h
\ R = uT + __ a0 T 2 = u ___
g + the stone in interval (t2 – t1) = ux(t2 – t1).
2 2 g
___ (iii) Bird has travelled a distance of ux(t2 – t1) in time t2
a0h
÷
2h ___
= u ___
g + g .
as it started flying when the stone was projected.
dvx
___ Let ux and uy be the
(ii) = ax
dt components of initial
velocity of the stone.
fi
dvx
___
dt (
y
= a0 1 – __
h ) v0 = Velocity of bird.
Initially, the bird is
1 at P and it is hit at
At time t, y = __ gt2
2 Q. Maximum height
\
dvx
___
dt
gt2
= a0 1 – ___
2h ( ) attained by the projec-
tile = 2h.
[This is a way of telling you the value of uy.]
\
Vx
Ú dv x = a0 Ú
u 0
t
( gt2
1 – ___ dt
2h ) \
uy2
___
2g
= 2h fi uy = 2÷gh .
___

a0 gt3 Let the stone be at a height h at time t.

fi vx – u = a0 t – _____ 1
6h y = uy t + __ ay t2
a0 gt3 2
___
fi vx = u + a0 t – _____ 1
h = 2÷gh t – __ gt2
6h __ 2

( ) ÷
h 2h
a0 gt3 fi t2 – 4 __ ___
g ◊t + g = 0
fi dx = u + a0 t – _____ dt
6h __ ________

÷ ÷
h 16h ___ 8h
( ) 4 __ ____
g ± g – g
R T 3 __
a0gt __
u + a0 t – _____ dt
÷__g
fi Ú dx = Ú ________________ h
\ t= = (2 ± ÷2 )
0 0 6h 2
__ __
a0 T 2 a0 gT 4 __ h __
÷ ÷__g
h
fi R= u0 T + _____ – ______ \ t1 = (2 – ÷2 ) __
g and t2 = (2 + ÷2)
___ 2 24 h
Time taken by the stone to fly from P to Q is
÷
2h
___
Put T= g __ h
__
___
a0h ___a0h
D t = t2 – t1 = 2÷2 __
÷
g.
÷
2h ___
R= u0 ___g + g – 6◊g __
__

÷
h
___ \ PQ = ux D t = ux 2 ÷2 __
g ...(i)
a0h
÷
2h
fi R= u0 ___g + 5 6g
___
The bird covers the same distance in time t2.
__
__ h
Example 32 A stone is projected from a point on the
ground in such a direction so as to hit a bird on top of a
\ PQ = v0 t2 = v0 (2 + ÷2 ) __
g ÷ ...(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
pole of height h and then attain a maximum height of 2h __ __
__ __ h
÷ ÷
h
above the ground (assuming no change in velocity of the v0 (2 + ÷2 ) __
g = u x 2 ÷2 __
g
stone due to hit). If at the instant of projection the bird __
were to fly away horizontally with a uniform velocity, then v0 _______
__ 2÷2 2
_______
fi ux = 2 + ÷2 = ÷2 + 1
__ __
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Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.25

Example 33 Minimum speed to cross a point If a projectile passes through the given point, its range
______
A ball is projected from must be R = ÷a2 + b2 .
point O. Find the mini- For a speed of projection u, the maximum range is given
mum speed of projection by
for which it is able to just
u2
clear a wall at a distance Rmax = __________
g(1 + sin a)
a from O and having a ______
height b. u is minimum when Rmax = ÷a2 + b2
______
Solution u2
______________
fi = ÷a2 + b2
Concepts
(i) The problem can be re-phrased as finding the mini-
( b
g 1 + _______
______
÷a2 + b2 ) ______
mum speed of projection from the origin so that a fi u2 = g(÷a2 + b2 + b)
projectile passes through a point (a, b). ______________
______
(ii) Coordinates (a, b) must satisfy the trajectory equa- fi u = ÷g(÷a2 + b2 ) + bg
tion of the projectile. We can adjust the values of u
and q so that the ball passes through (a, b). We have Example 34 A fountain has a small hemispherical sprayer.
to choose value of q for which u is smallest. The sprayer has many evenly dis-
(iii) We will use the fact that for real roots of a qua- tributed small holes in it, through
dratic equation its discriminant ≥ 0. which water comes out with the
same speed in all possible direc-
gx2 gx2 tions. A co-ordinate system is
y = x tan q – _________
2 2
= x tan q – ___
2
(1 + tan2 q) shown in the figure.
2u cos q 2u
Put y = b and x = a (i) Find the maximum y co-ordinate (height) of a water
drop for a given value of x.
ga2
b = a tan q – ___2 (1 + tan2q) (ii) What is the shape of the water bell formed by the jets?
2u
fi (ga2) tan2 q – (2 au2) tan q + (ga2 + 2 bu2) = 0 Solution
Concepts
This is a quadratic equation in tan q, and value of tan q
must be real. The mathematical trick of writing a quadratic equation in
tan q; as learnt in the last example, will help us in solving
\ Discriminant ≥ 0 this problem also.
4a2 u4 – 4ga2 (ga2 + 2bu2) ≥ 0.
(i) The water jets follow parabolic paths and the water
4 2 2 2
fi u – 2gbu – g a ≥ 0 appears to form a
‘bell’ which is the
fi u4 – 2gbu2 + g2b2 ≥ g2a2 + g2b2 envelope of all
fi (u2 – gb)2 ≥ (a2 + b2)g2 these parabolas.
______ For a particular jet
fi u2 ≥ gb + g ÷a2 + b2 which ejects out
_____________
______ at an angle a, the
fi u ≥ ÷gb + g÷a2 + b2 trajectory equation
_____________
______ is:
\ umin = ÷gb + g÷a2 + b2 g
y = x tan a – _________ ◊ x2
Alternate 2 2
2u cos a
Think of an incline plane 1
_____ 2
Writing = 1 + tan a and simplifying it gives
OA passing through (a, b). cos2a
Inclination angle of the incline
is given by (gx2) tan2 a – (2xu2) tan a + (gx2 + 2yu2) = 0
b
sin a = _______
______ This is a quadratic equation in tan a and for a given
÷a + b2
2
coordinates (x, y) its roots must be real.
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6.26 Mechanics I

\ D≥0 Example 36 Fenced mango tree

fi 2 4 2 2
4x u ≥ 4gx (gx + 2yu ) 2 A mango tree is fenced by its owner. The tree is at the
g centre and the circular fencing has a radius of 24 ft. A boy
u2
fi y £ ___ – ___2 x2 ...(i) standing beside the fence throws a stone with a velocity of
2g 2u
48 ft s–1 to hit a mango at the top of the tree. Height of the
For real values of tan a, water can attain height given mango above the point of release of the stone is 32 ft. Prove
by (i) for a given x. that he must throw the stone at an angle of tan–1 (3) with the
\ Maximum y for a given x is horizontal. Also show that he cannot hit the mango with any
u2 g less velocity.[g = 32 ft s–2]
ymax = ___ – ___2 x2 ...(ii)
2g 2u Solution
(ii) Eq. (i) divides the xy plane in two parts. Water can
Concepts
only reach regions under the parabola given by (ii).
This parabola defines the ‘water bell’ curve denoted Trajectory equation can be used to find the projection
in the above figure. The actual ‘bell’ is a three angle.
dimensional geometry obtained by rotating the above
parabola about the y-axis.

Example 35 A particle is projected up an incline of incli-

nation b, at an angle a to the horizontal. Find the relation-
ship between a and b if the particle strikes the incline
normally.

Solution
Concepts
If we consider x and y along the incline and normal to it, u = 48 ft s–1, g = 32 ft s–2
then vx = 0 at the instant the particle hits the incline. Let the projection angle be q.
g sec2 q 2
Time of flight is Trajectory equation is y = x tan q – ______ ◊x ...(i)
2 u sin (a – b) 2u2
T = ____________ ...(i) 16
g cos b fi y = x tan q – ___2 (1 + tan2 q)x2
48
At A velocity of the particle is in negative y-direction and (1 + tan2 q)x2
vx = 0. fi y = x tan q – ____________
144
This is satisfied by point (24 ft, 32 ft).
(1 + tan2 q) ◊ 242
\ 32 = 24 tan q – ______________
144
fi tan2 q – 6 tan q + 9 = 0
fi (tan q – 3)2 = 0
fi tan q = 3 fi q = tan–1 (3).
(ii) Putting x = 24, y = 32 in Eq. (i) and taking u as
Since acceleration has x component ax = – g sin b unknown
\ Using vx = ux + ax t 16
32 = 24 tan q – ___2 (1 + tan2q)242
0 = u cos (a – b) – g sin b ◊ T u

fi 2 tan (a – b) = cot b.
2u sin (a – b)
fi u cos (a – b) = g sin b ◊ ____________
g cos b
[Using (i)] fi (
1,152 + 1,152 m2
4 = 3m – _______________
u2 )
where m = tan q

(
tan a – tan b
fi 2 _____________ = cot b
1 + tan a ◊ tan b
fi 1,152 m2 – 3u2 ◊ m + (4u2 + 1,152) = 0
Discriminant of this quadratic equation is
fi 2 tan a – 2 tan b = cot b + tan a
D = 9u4 – 4 × 1,152 × (4u2 + 1,152)
fi tan a = cot b + 2 tan b.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Motion in Two Dimensions and Projectile 6.27

One can check that D = 0 for u = 48 ft s–1 and

D < 0 if u < 48 ft s–1.
Therefore no real value of m (= tan q) exists if
u < 48 ft s–1.
Alternate:
Consider an inclined line
OM making an angle a with
the horizontal.
32 4
tan a = ___ = __
24 3
\
2
l
2 OG = R – l + 2 __ ( )
R – 2l
The maximum range along this incline for u = 48 ft/s fi OG = ______
is 2
__
u2 482
Rmax = __________ = ____________ = 40 ft \
R – 2l ÷3 l
Coordinates of A are ______, ____ ( )
g(1 + sin a)
________
(4
1 + __ × 32
5 ) 2 2
Similarly one can show that coordinates of B are
OM = ÷32 + 24 = 40 ft.
2 2
( – l __
R____
2 )
, ÷3 l .
Hence for a speed u < 48 ft s–1, it is not possible to reach
M for any projection angle q.
x
Trajectory equation is y = x tan q 1 – __
R [ ]
__

[ ]
Example 37 Crossing a hexagon
A projectile is fired from point
÷3 l R – 2l
( R – 2l
For point A: ____ = ______ tan q 1 – _____
2 2 2R )
O on the ground, so that during __
÷____
3 l R2 – 4l2
its flight it just grazes the four fi = _______ tan q
vertices A, B, C and D of a ver- 2 4R
tical hexagon with side length __
fi 2÷3 Rl = (R2 – 4l2) tan q ...(a)
l. Find

[ ]
(i) the range R __ (R – l) R–l
For point B: ÷3 l = ______ 1 – _____ tan q
(ii) the maximum height attained by the projectile 2 2R
__
(iii) the angle of projection and fi 4÷3 lR = (R2 – l2) tan q ...(b)
(iv) the initial speed of projection. Dividing (a) by (b) gives

Solution __ R2 – 4l2
2 _______
= 2 fi R2 – l2 = 2R2 – 8l2
Concepts 4 R –l 2

__
[ x
(i) Trajectory equation is y = x tan q 1 – __ .
R] fi R2 = 7l2 fi R = ÷7 l.
__ __
[Ans. to (i)]
(ii) Coordinates of A and B will satisfy this equation. 2 2 2
Put this in (a): 2÷3 ÷7 l = (7l – 4l ) tan q
(since path is symmetrical, it automatically implies __
that coordinates of C and D will also satisfy the 2÷7
fi tan q = ____
__ [Ans. to (iii)]
path equation). This will give us two equations. ÷3
(iii) Coordinates of A and B can be expressed in terms __ ___ __
÷28
2÷7 ____ ÷3
of R and l. \ sin q = ____
___ = ___ and cos q = ___
÷31 ÷31 31
In the figure, OI = range = R
u2 2sin q cos q
y coordinate of A (or D) is R = _____________
g
__
__

÷
3
AG = l sin 60° = __ l R.g ÷7 lg
2 fi u = ___________ = _________
2
___ ___
2 sin q ◊ cosq
÷ ÷
28 3
x coordinate of A is 2 ___ ___
31 31
OG = OI – (EF + GF + EH + HI) _____

÷
31 lg 31 lg
But
l
HI = OG and GF = EH = l cos 60° = __ fi u2 = _____
__ fi u = ____
__ [Ans. to (iv)]
2 4÷3 4÷3
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Worksheet 1
1. A particle is projected with a velocity v so that its (a) The one with the farthest range.
range on a horizontal plane is twice the greatest (b) The one which reaches the maximum height.
height attained. If g is acceleration due to gravity, (c) The one with the greatest initial velocity.
then its range is
4g (d) The one leaving the bat at 45° with respect to
4v2
(a) ___ (b) ___2 the ground.
5g 5v
2
8. Two particles A and B are thrown simultaneously
4v 4v
(c) ___2 (d) ___2 from two different floors of a tower having distance
5g 5g d between them. Velocity
2. A shot is fired from a point at a distance of of particle A is vA at an
200 m from the foot of a 100 m high tower so that angle a from the horizon-
it just passes over it while moving horizontally. The tal while velocity of par-
direction of the shot with horizontal is ticle B is vB at an angle b
(a) 30° (b) 45° from the horizontal. If two
particles collide in mid-air,
(c) 60° (d) 70°
then vA/vB.
3. A gun fires two bullets at 60° and 30° with the
cos b sin a
horizontal. The bullets strike the ground at the same (a) _____ (b) _____
horizontal distance. The ratio of maximum height for cos a sin b
the two bullets is in the ratio tan a cot a
(c) _____ (d) _____
(a) 2:1 (b) 3:1 tan b cot b
(c) 4:1 (d) 1:1 9. A hose lying on the
4. A ball rolls off from the top of a staircase with a ground at position O
horizontal velocity u ms–1. If the steps are h metre shoots a stream of
high and b metre wide, the ball will hit the edge on water at an angle 30°
the nth step, if to the horizontal. The
speed of water is 20
2hu 2hu2 ms–1 as it leaves the
(a) n = ____2 (b) n = ____
gb gb hose. How high __will
2hu2 hu2 it strike a wall 8÷3 m
(c) n = ____ (d) n = ___2 away from the hose
gb2 gb
( g = 10 ms–2)?
5. A stone is projected from ground level. At a height (a) 4 m (b) 4.8 m
of
_› 0.4 m above the ground, its velocity is found to be
(c) 9.6 m (d) 2.4 m
v = (2 + 2 ) ms–1. (x-axis is along the horizontal and
y-axis is vertically upwards.) The angle of projection 10. A car starts with a constant acceleration a = 2 ms–2
with the vertical is at t = 0. Two coins are released from the car at
t = 3 s and t = 4 s. Each coin takes 1 s to fall on
(a) 45° (b) 30° the ground. Then the distance between the two coins
1 will be (assume the coins stick to the ground).
(c) 60° (d) tan–1 __
4 (a) 9 m (b) 7 m
6. Two projectiles A and B are thrown with the same (c) 15 m (d) 2 m
speed such that A makes an angle q with the horizon- 11. A ball is thrown from a point on the ground at some
tal and B makes an angle q with the vertical, then angle of projection. At the same time a bird starts
(a) Both must have the same time of flight from a point directly above this point of projection
(b) Both must achieve the same maximum height at a height h horizontally with speed u. Given that in
(c) A must have more horizontal range than B its flight the ball just touches the bird at one point,
find the horizontal range of the ball.
(d) Both may have the same time of flight __ ___

÷ ÷
h 2h
7. Suppose a player hits several baseballs. Which (a) 2u __
g (b) u ___
g
baseball will be in the air for the longest time? ___ __

÷g ÷g
2h h
(c) 2u ___ (d) u __
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12. A projectile is fired with a speed u at an angle q with vA > vB but have the same horizontal component of
the horizontal. Its speed when its direction of motion velocity. Which of the follow-
makes an angle a with the horizontal is ing cannot be correct?
(a) u sec q cos a (b) u sec q sin a (a) TA > TB
(c) u cos q sec a (d) u sin q sec a (b) HA > HB
13. A projectile is fired with a velocity u making an angle (c) RA > RB
q with the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the (d) RB > RA
change in velocity when it is at the highest point?
18. A stone projected at an angle of 60° from the ground
(a) u cos q (b) u level strikes the roof of a building h meter high, mak-
(c) u sin q (d) u cos q – u ing an angle of 30° with the roof. Then the speed of
14. Two similar guns simultaneously fire two projection of the stone is
identical bullets at target 1 and 2 as shown in the
figure. If the bullets
have identical initial
speeds, which of the
following statements
is true?
(a) Target 2 is hit
____ ____
before target 1 (a) ÷2gh (b) ÷6gh
(b) Target 1 is hit before target 2 ____ ___
(c) ÷3gh (d) ÷gh
(c) Both are hit at the same time
19. A particle is projected from
(d) Information is insufficient
the top of a tower of height
15. A ball is projected from a point at two different 1,500 m and at a velocity v
angles with the same speed u and lands at the same making an angle of 37° with
point. In both the cases the horizontal and its verti-
(a) the difference between the two angles of projec- cally downward component
tion is 90°. is 100 ms–1 as shown in the
(b) the maximum height attained by the ball in both figure. The distance from
the cases is equal. the foot of the tower where it strikes the ground
(c) the sum of maximum heights for the two cases will be ( g = 10 ms–2)
is u2/(2g). (a) 986.4 m (b) 1,700 m
(d) the maximum height attained by the ball in (c) 2,000 m (d) 3,000 m
one case must be twice of the maximum height 20. Two particles A and B are placed as shown in the
attained by the ball in the second case. figure. Particle A, on the top of a tower, is pro-
16. A tennis ball is hit from a height h = 1 m above the jected horizontally
ground level at an angle A = 45° towards a wall that with a velocity u
is at a horizontal and particle B is
distance D = 15 m. projected along the
The ball hits the surface towards the
wall after 1.50 s. tower, simultaneously. B moves with a constant
At what height speed. If both the particles meet each other, then
above the ground the speed of projection of particle B is
___ ___
does the ball hit g g
the wall (in m)? ÷
(a) d ___ – u
2H
___
÷
(b) d ___
2H
(a) 4.75 m (b) 3 m g
(c) 2.25 m (d) 0 ÷
(c) d ___ + u
2H
(d) u

17. Two projectiles are projected with velocity vA, vB 21. A body is thrown horizontally from the top of a tower
at angles qA (from the horizontal) and qB (from the and strikes the ground after three seconds at an angle
vertical) as shown in the figure below, such that 45° with the horizontal. The height of the tower and
the speed with which the body was projected will be,
respectively ( g = 9.8 ms–2).

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(a) 30.2 m, 29.4 ms–1 (b) 44.1 m, 29.4 ms–1 28. A particle is at the origin of coordinates at time t = 0
(c) 44.1 m, 10.2 ms–1 (d) 30.2 m, 15 ms–1 and moves in the xy plane with a constant accelera-
22. A bullet fired at an angle of 30° with the horizontal tion a in the y-direction. Its equation of motion is
hits the ground 3 km away. By adjusting its angle of y = bx2 where b is constant. Its velocity component
projection, what is the maximum horizontal range in the x-direction is
one can achieve. Assume the muzzle speed to be (a) Variable
_____
(b) a /2b
fixed and neglect air resistance. (c) ÷a /2b (d) None of these
(a) 3.10 km (b) 4.2 km 29. A boy throws a ball
(c) 4.354 km (d) 3.464 km upwards with velocity
23. A ball is projected with a velocity 20 ms–1 at an v0 = 20 ms–1. The wind imparts
angle to the horizontal. In order to have the maxi- a horizontal acceleration of
mum range its velocity at the highest position must 4 ms–2 towards left to the
be close to ball. Angle q with verti-
cal at which the ball must
(a) 10 ms–1 (b) 14 ms–1
–1
be thrown so that the ball
(c) 18 ms (d) 16 ms–1 returns to the boy’s hand is
24. Three particles, A, B and C are projected from the ( g = 10 ms–2)
same point with the same initial speeds making angles (a) tan–1(1.2) (b) tan–1(0.2)
30°, 45° and 60°, respectively, with the horizontal. (c) tan–1(2) (d) tan–1(0.4)
Which of the following statement is correct?
30. A point moves in the xy-plane according to the equa-
(a) A, B and C have equal ranges tion x = at, y = at (1 – bt), where a and b are positive
(b) ranges of A and C are equal and less than that constants and t is time. The time at which velocity
of B vector is at an angle p /4 with the acceleration vector
(c) ranges of A and C are equal and greater than is given by
that of B (a) 1/a (b) 1/b
(d) A, B and C have equal ranges (c) 1/a + 1/b (d) (a + b)/(a2 + b2)
25. A boy throws a ball with a velocity v0 at an angle 31. A small marble is
a to the horizontal. At the same instant, he starts projected with a
running with a uniform velocity to catch the ball velocity of 10 ms–1
before it hits the ground. To achieve this, he should in a direction 45°
run with a velocity of from the y-direc-
(a) v0 cos a (b) v0 sin a tion on the smooth
_______
inclined plane.
÷v0 tan a
2
(c) v0 tan a (d)
The magnitude of
26. It was calculated that a shell when fired from a gun its velocity after
5p 2 s will be (take
with a certain velocity and at an angle of elevation ___
36 g = 10 ms–2)
rad should strike a given target. In actual practice, it (a) 5 ms–1 (b) 6.5 ms–1
was found that a hill just prevented the trajectory. At –1
(c) 10 ms (d) 12.5 ms–1
what angle of elevation should the gun be fired to hit
the target? 32. The instantaneous _› velocity of a particle moving in
the xy-plane is v = (ay) + (v0) , where y is the
5p 11p
(a) ___ rad (b) ____ rad instantaneous y coordinate of the particle and v0 is
36 36 a positive constant and a is a negative constant. If
7p
___ 13p
____ the particle starts from the origin then its trajectory is
(c) rad (d) rad
36 36
27. A particle is projected from a point (0, 1) on y-axis
(assume + y-direction vertically upwards) aiming (a) (b)
towards a point (4, 9). It fell on the ground on x-axis
in 1 s. Taking g = 10 ms–2 and all coordinate in
metres, find the x-coordinate of the point where it
fell.
(a) (3, 0) (b) (4, __
0) (c) (d)
(c) (2, 0) (d) (2 ÷5 , 0)

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33. Find the time of flight of a projectile thrown 38. A projectile is projected with a velocity of 20 ms–1
horizontally with a speed of 10 ms–1 from a long making an angle 60° with the horizontal. Its aver-
inclined plane which makes an angle of q = 45° with age velocity between the instant it crosses half the
the horizontal. maximum height is
__ __
(a) ÷2 s (b) 2 ÷2 s (a) 10 ms–1 (b) 12 ms–1
–1
(c) 2 s (d) None (c) 9 ms (d) 4.5 ms–1
34. A projectile is fired with a 39. A particle is pro-
velocity v at right angle to the jected from__ a point
slope which is inclined at an A with u ÷2 veloc-
angle q with the horizontal. The ity at an angle of
expression for the range R along 45° with the hori-
the incline is zontal as shown
in the figure. It
2v2 2v2
(a) ___
g sec q (b) ___
g tan q strikes the plane BC at right angles. The speed of
the particle at the time of collision is
2v2 v2 2 __
(c) ___
g tan q sec q (d) __
g tan q ÷3 u u
(a) ____ (b) __
2 2
35. A ball thrown down 2u
the incline strikes (c) ___
__ (d) u
÷3
at a point on the
incline 25 m below 40. A cricket player while standing still, throws a ball
the horizontal as upward at an angle of 60° above the horizontal. As
shown in the figure. soon as the ball is released, he starts running along
If the ball rises to a the ground level under the ball and 2 s later when he
maximum height of 20 m above the point of projec- comes to rest he catches the ball at the same height at
tion, the angle of projection a (with horizontal x-axis) which he released it. Neglect the effects of air resis-
is tance or wind on the ball. From the following graphs,
represent-
4 3
(a) tan–1 __ (b) tan–1 __ ing hori-
3 4
zontal posi-
3 2
(c) tan–1 __ (d) tan–1 __ tion versus
2 3
time, choose the one that best represents the motion
36. A hunter tries to hunt a monkey with a small, very
of the player and of the ball.
poisonous arrow, blown from a pipe with an initial
speed v0. The monkey is hanging on a branch of a
tree at height H above the ground. The hunter is at a
distance X from the bottom of the tree. The monkey (a) (b)
sees the arrow leaving the blow pipe and immediately
loses the grip on the tree, falling freely down with
zero initial velocity. The minimum initial speed v0 of
the arrow for the hunter to succeed while the monkey
is in air is (c) (d)
_________ ________

÷ ÷
2
g(H + X2)
_________ gH2
________
(a) (b) _______
2H ÷H2 + X2 41. Salman is standing on a bridge above a road and
_________ _______ his fans are getting too close for comfort. He spots

÷ ÷
2
g(H + X2)
_________ 2gH2
_______ a flatbed truck loaded with mattresses approaching
(c) (d) at 30 ms–1 which he measures by knowing that the
H H2 + X2
telephones poles the truck is passing are 20 m apart
37. An object is moving in the xy plane_ with the posi-
› in this country. The bed of truck is 20 m below
tion as a function_ of time given by r = x(t) + y(t)
› the bridge and Salman quickly calculates how many
. Point O is at r = 0. The distance of object from
poles away the truck should be when he jumps down
O is definitely decreasing when
the bridge onto the truck making his escape. How
(a) vx > 0, vy > 0 (b) vx < 0, vy < 0 many poles is it?
(c) xvx + yvy < 0 (d) xvx + yvy > 0

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 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
(a) 3 (b) 5 45. A particle moves
(c) 2 (d) 6 in the x–y plane,
42. A projectile is pro- starting from A,
jected as shown in the along the straight
figure. A proper light line paths AB and
arrangement makes a then BC, as shown
shadow of the ball on in the figure.
the wall as well as on When it is at point
the floor? Which of P, angle between
the following graphs the directions of
is incorrect: its average velocity and instantaneous velocity is
[tan 37° = 3/4]
(a) 90° (b) 82°
(a) (c) 98° (d) 74°
46. A ball of mass m is projected from
a point P on the ground as shown
in the figure. It hits a fixed vertical
(b) wall at a distance l from P such
that its speed remains unchanged
and angle of incidence is equal
to angle of reflection. Choose the most appropriate
option:
(c) (a) The ball will return to the point P directly if
l = half of the horizontal range.
(b) The ball will return to the point P directly if
l < half of the horizontal range.
(d) (c) The ball will return to the initial point directly
if l > half of the horizontal range.
(d) If l < half of the range, ball hits the ground
43. A ball is projected from the ground with a velocity between the foot of the wall and point P.
v at an angle q to the vertical. On its path, it makes 47. Three stones A, B and C are projected from the
an elastic collision (i.e., speed remains unchanged surface of a very long inclined plane with equal
and angle of incidence = angle of reflection) with speeds and different angles of projection as shown
a vertical wall and returns to the ground. The total in the figure. The incline makes an angle q with the
time of flight of the ball is horizontal. If HA, HB and HC are maximum distance
of A, B and C, respectively, from the inclined plane,
2v sin q 2v cos q
(a) ______
g (b) _______
g then

v sin 2q v cos q
(c) ______
g (d) ______
g
44. A fighter plane is directly over an antiaircraft gun at
t = 0. The plane is moving horizontally at 500 km/h–1
at a height of 2 km above the gun. A shell is fired
at t = 0 to hit the plane. Speed of the fired shell
is 1,000 ms–1. At what angle to the horizontal the
muzzle of the gun shall be inclined so as to hit the
plane?
(a) HA + HC = HB
5
(a) sin–1___ 5
(b) cos–1___
36 36 (b) H2A + H2C = H2B

25 3 (c) HA + HC = 2HB
(c) sin–1 ___ (d) cos–1 __
36 8 (d) H2A + H2C = 2H2B

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 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts

Worksheet 2
1. Pick the correct statements: (d) The path of the projectile may be a straight
(a) Average speed of a particle in a given time is line.
never less than the magnitude of the average 5. In the given figure, points A and C are on the
horizontal ground and points A and B are in the same

||
velocity. __›
du
___ vertical plane. Bullets are fired simultaneously from
(b) It is possible to have a situation in which π0
_ dt A, B and C. The bullet at B is fired horizontally with
d
but __ | u | = 0.
›
72
dt a speed of ___ kmh–1 and the bullet at C is projected
(c) The average velocity of a particle is zero in a 5
54
time interval. It is possible that the instantaneous vertically upward at a velocity of ___ kmh–1.
5
velocity is never zero in the interval.
(d) The average velocity of a particle moving on
a straight line is zero in a time interval. It is
possible that the instantaneous velocity is never
zero in the interval (infinite acceleration is not
allowed)
2. Which of the following statements are true for a
moving body?
(a) If its speed changes, its velocity must change
and it must have some acceleration. (a) Collision of all the three bullets at the same time
(b) If its velocity changes, its speed must change is not possible.
and it must have some acceleration. (b) The three bullets can collide at D if velocity of
(c) If its velocity changes, its speed may or may not the bullet projected from A is 5 ms–1.
change and it must have some acceleration. (c) If velocity of the bullet projected from A is 5
(d) If its speed changes but direction of motion does ms–1 then all three will collide irrespective of
not change, its velocity may remain constant. the height from which B is projected.
3. Three point particles A, (d) If bullets are fired only from A and C, then there
B and C are projected is a unique value of projection speed at A for
simultaneously from the which it collides with the bullet fired from C.
same point at the same speed 6. A particle is projected from the ground with velocity
at t = 0 as shown in the fig- u at angle q with the horizontal. The horizontal range,
ure. For this situation, select maximum height and time of flight are R, H and T
correct statement(s). respectively. Now keeping u as fixed, q is varied from
(a) All of them reach the 30° to 60°. Then,
ground at the same time. (a) R will first increase then decrease, H will
(b) All of them reach the ground at different time. increase and T will decrease.
(c) All of them reach the ground with the same (b) R will first increase then decrease while H and
speed. T both will increase.
(d) All of them have same horizontal displacement (c) R will decrease while H and T will increase.
when they reach the ground. (d) R will increase while H and T will increase.
4. A projectile is thrown with speed u into air from a 7. A particle moves in the xy plane with a constant
point on the horizontal ground at an angle q with acceleration ‘g’ in the negative y-direction. Its
the horizontal. If the air exerts a constant horizontal equation of motion is y = ax – bx2, where a and b are
resistive force on the projectile then select the correct constants. Which of the followings are correct?
alternative (s). (a) The x-component of the particle's velocity is
(a) At the farthest point, the velocity is horizontal. constant.
(b) The time for ascent equals the time for (b) At ___
the origin, the y-component of its velocity is
g
÷
descent.
a ___ .
(c) The path of the projectile may be parabolic. 2b

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 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
(c) At the origin, its velocity makes an angle and at the moment of collision,
tan–1 (a) with the x-axis. velocity of ball I is horizontal.
(d) The particle moves exactly like a projectile. (a) Speed u is 40/÷3 ms–1.
8. A stone is thrown at an angle of 45° above the (b) Distance of point of pro-
horizontal x-axis in the + x-direction. If air resistance jection of ball I from the
is ignored, which of the velocity versus time graphs base of the tower (x) is
shown below best represents vx versus t and vy versus 40/÷3 m.
t, respectively? (c) Height of the tower (h) is 40 m.
(d) The two balls cannot collide while the first one
is moving horizontally.
12. Two balloons are simultaneously released from two
buildings A and B. Balloon from building A rises
with constant velocity 10 ms–1, While the other one
vx versus t vx versus t vy versus t vy versus t rises with a constant velocity of 20 ms–1. Due to wind
the balloons gather horizontal velocity vx = 0.5y,
(a) I, IV (b) II, I
where y is the height from the point of release. The
(c) II, IV (d) II, III buildings are at a distance of 250 m and after some
9. Two particles A and B are projected along different time t the balloons collide.
directions from the same point P on the ground with
the same speed of 70 ms–1 in the same vertical plane.
They hit the ground at the same point Q such that
PQ = 480 m. Then (use g = 9.8 ms–2, sin–1 0.96 = 74°,
sin–1 0.6 = 37°)
(a) ratio of their time of flights is 4:5.
(b) ratio of their maximum heights is 9:16.
(c) ratio of their minimum speeds during flight is
4:3.
(d) the bisector of the angle between their directions
of projection makes an angle of 45° with the
horizontal. (a) t = 5 s
10. Two particles were projected one by one with the (b) Difference in height of buildings is 100 m
same initial velocity from the same point on the (c) Difference in height of buildings is 500 m
ground. They follow the same parabolic trajectory (d) t = 10 s
and are found to be on the same horizontal level,
13. Two particles are projected from the same point on
separated by a distance of 1 m, 2 s after the second
the ground in two mutually perpendicular planes with
particle was projected. Assume that the horizontal
same initial speed u at same angle of 60° above the
component of their velocities is 0.5 ms–1. Which
horizontal. If acceleration due to gravity be g, the
of the following statements will be true about their
time instant at which their velocities are inclined at
motion?
60° with each other is/are
(a) The horizontal range of the parabolic path is __
÷3 u __ u
3 m. (a) ____ (b) (÷3 – 1) ___
(b) The maximum height for the parabolic path is 2g 2g
45 m. __
(÷3 + 1) u
(c) The total time of flight in the parabolic path for (c) _________ (d) Never attained.
2g
each particle = 4 s.
14. A particle is projected at an angle q from the ground
(d) The horizontal range of the parabolic path is
with speed u (g = 10 ms–2):
6 m.
(a) if u = 10 ms–1 and q = 30°, then after 2 s velocity
11. Ball I is thrown towards a tower at an angle of
becomes perpendicular to initial velocity.
60° with the horizontal with unknown speed (u). __
At the same moment ball II is released from the (b) if u = 10 ÷3 ms–1 and q = 60°, then after 3 s
top of the tower as shown. Balls collide after 2 s, velocity makes an angle larger than 90° with
the direction of initial velocity.

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__
(c) if u = 10 ÷ 3 ms–1 and q = 60°, then after 17. Two particles move in a uniform gravitational field
0.5 s velocity becomes perpendicular to initial with an acceleration g. At the initial moment the
velocity. particles were located at one point and moved with
(d) if u = 10 ms–1 and q = 30°, then velocity never velocities 3 ms–1 and 4 ms–1 horizontally in the oppo-
becomes perpendicular to initial velocity during site directions.
its flight. (a) Their velocity vectors will become perpendicu-
15. The direction of velocity of a par- lar at a moment when the two particles are not
ticle at time t = 0 is as shown on the same horizontal line.
in the figure and has magnitude (b) Their velocity vectors will become perpendicular
u = 20 ms–1. The acceleration of at a moment when speed of the first particle is
particle is always constant and larger than that of the second particle.
has magnitude 10 ms–2. The angle (c) After their velocity vectors become perpen-
between its initial velocity and dicular the separation between the particles
acceleration is 127° (take sin 37° = 3/5). begins to decrease.
(a) The instant of time at which acceleration and (d) Separation between the particles when their
velocity are perpendicular is 0.6 s. velocities are perpendicular is nearly 2.4 m.
(b) The instant of time at which speed of particle 18. A rifle fires bullets with an initial speed of 550 ms–1.
is least is 1.2 s. The rifle is aimed directly at the centre of a target
(c) The instant of time t at which acceleration of (‘bull’s eye’) that is 50 m away and at the same height
particle is perpendicular to its displacement as the rifle.
(displacement from t = 0 till that instant t) is 5
2.4 s. (a) The bullet misses the bull’s-eye by ____ m.
121
(d) None of these. (b) The bullet hits the bull’s eye.
16. A person standing on the ground (x–y plane) proj- (c) The angle q above the horizontal at which the
ects two bodies A and B with velocities (30 + 40 rifle should be aimed to hit the bull’s-eye exactly
+ 100 ) ms–1 and (60 + 80 + 50 ) ms–1. z-axis is is 0.046°.
vertical. Select the correct statement. (d) The angle q above the horizontal at which the
rifle should be aimed to hit the bull’s-eye exactly
(a) A has a greater range on ground than B.
is 0.44°.
(b) B has a greater range on ground than A.
(c) A spends more time in air than B.
(d) B spends more time in air than A.

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Worksheet 3
1. A ball is projected from the ground. 4s after its
projection, it passes through a point P and it falls
back on the ground 5s after crossing the point P.
Assuming acceleration due to gravity to be 10 ms–2,
find the height of the point P above the ground.
2. A stone is thrown from the top of a vertical column
at a certain angle above the horizontal. It strikes the
ground twice as far as it would have struck if it had Find
been thrown from the bottom of the column with (i) Y component of the initial velocity and
the same initial velocity. In this latter case the stone
(ii) X component of the initial velocity.
would fly for a time T = 2 s. Find the height of the
column. 7. AB is an inclined roof and a body is projected from
the origin towards the
3. A ball is fired from point P, with an initial speed roof as shown in the fig-
of 50 ms–1 at an angle of 53° with the horizontal. At ure. Find the value of h
the same time, a tall wall AB at 200 m from point for which body will just
P, starts moving towards P with a constant speed of touch the roof. (q = a
10 ms–1. = 45° and u = 10 ms–1,
g = 10 ms–2)
8. A particle is projected upwards with a velocity of
100 ms–1 at an angle of 60° with the vertical. Find
the time when the particle will move perpendicular
to its initial direction, taking g = 10 ms–2.
9. Two projectiles are fired simultaneously as shown
(a) Find the time when the ball collides with in the figure. The one thrown at 45° has an initial
wall AB. speed of 20 ms–1.
Another projec-
(b) Find the coordinate of point C, where the ball
tile is thrown at
collides taking point P as the origin.
60° to the hori-
4. A ball is thrown horizontally from a cliff such that it zontal and the
strikes the ground after 5 s. The line of sight from the two projectiles
point of projection to the point of hitting makes an collide in mid-air. Find the time when they collide.
angle of 37° with the horizontal. What is the initial
velocity of projection? 10. A projectile is thrown at a velocity of 50 ms–1 towards
an inclined plane from the ground such that it strikes
5. A rocket is launched at an angle of 53° to the the inclined plane
horizontal with an initial speed of 100 ms–1. It moves perpendicularly. The
along its initial line of motion with an acceleration angle of projection
of 30 m s–2 for 3 s. At this time, its engine fails and of the projectile is
the rocket proceeds like a free body under gravity. 53° with the hori-
Find zontal and the inclined plane is inclined at an angle
(i) the maximum altitude reached by the rocket. of 45° to the horizontal.
(ii) total time of the flight. (a) Find the time of flight.
6. Two graphs of the same projectile motion (in the xy (b) Find the distance between the point of projec-
plane) projected from the origin are shown. x-axis is tion and the foot of the inclined plane.
along the horizontal direction and y-axis is vertically 11. A hemispherical sprayer with many small holes is
upwards. Take g = 10 ms–2. placed in a lawn at a distance d from a wall. The
sprayer ejects water in every possible direction with

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the same speed. Prove that the portion of the wall that m is thrown from the top of AB horizontally with
is hit by water jets is bounded by a parabola whose a velocity of 10 ms–1 towards CD. Simultaneously
R2 – d2 another object of mass 2 m is thrown from the top of
height above the ground is ______ and breadth is CD at an angle of 60° to the horizontal towards AB
______ 2R
2 ÷ R2 – d2 . R is the maximum range of water jet with the same mag-
nitude of initial
ejected by the sprayer. velocity as that of
12. A particle is projected from the ground level. It just the first object. The
passes through upper ends of vertical poles A, B two objects move
and C of height 20 m, 30 m and 20 m, respectively. in the same vertical
The time taken by the particle to travel from B to plane and collide in
C is double of the time taken from A to B. Find the midair calculate the
maximum height attained by the particle from the distance d between
ground level. the towers.
___
13. A particle is projected with a velocity 2 ÷gh so that 17. A body starts falling from height H. When it is at a
it just clears two walls of equal height h which are at height h above the ground, it hits an inclined plane.
a distance of 2h from each other. Calculate the time As a result of this impact the direction of velocity
of passing between the walls. of the body becomes horizontal. For what value of
14. A small squirrel jumps from pole 1 to pole 2 in the h/H the body will take maximum time to reach the
horizontal direction. Squirrel is being observed by an ground?
observer at the origin. What is the average velocity 18. Two particles are projected simultaneously with the
vector of the squirrel? Express the average velocity same speed v in the same vertical plane with angles
vector as vx + vy + vz . of elevation q and 2q, where q < 45°. At what time
will their velocities be parallel.
19. Two particles are projected from the same point
with velocities v and 2v in making an equal angle
q = 30° with the hori-
zontal in directions as
shown in the figure. Find
the separation between
them when their velocity
vectors become mutually perpendicular. The accel-
15. A particle is projected horizontally with speed u eration due to gravity is g.
from point A, which is 10 m above the ground. The 20. Two small balls A and B are launched in the same
particle hits the inclined vertical plane simultaneously, with the same speed
plane perpendicularly at of 20 ms–1. Ball A is projected horizontally and ball
point B [ g = 10 ms–2]. B has an initial velocity at an angle q above the line
(a) Find the horizontal joining A and B as shown. The projectiles collide in
speed with which mid-air at time t. Find t.
the particle was
projected.
(b) Find the length OB along the inclined plane.
16. Two towers AB and CD are situated a distance d
apart as shown in the figure. AB is 20 m high and
CD is 30 m high from the ground. An object of mass

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn
__
1. ÷5 ms–1 2. 5 m 3. Average speed = 3.14 ms–1, Average velocity = 2ms–1

4. No 5. 2 ms–2 6. (i) y = 2x ; (ii) y2 + x2 = 1, circle

y2 x3
7. __ + y – __ = 0 8. s 4m ; a = 37.8 ms–2 9. 60 m
2 3
u4
10. 15° or 75° 11. q = 45° 12. 8.36 m 13. p __2
__
g
14. 100 m, 250 m 15. 16 ÷2 m 16. (i) 11.8 m (ii) 18.9 m (iii) 16.4 ms–1
17. 3.16 ms–1 towards the coach 18. 4.5 m, 2.75 m 19. (i) 30° (ii) 10.8 m
_________
__ a0 ____ __
20. 20÷3 ms–1; 60°
________
21.
÷ (1 + b2) ___
2c
22. u = ÷182 ms–1 23. 4÷2 s

÷
8(H – h) ___ __
24. (ii) _______ 25. 0.4 s 26. t = ( ÷10 + 1)s, v = 10÷3 ms–1
g
27. h = 44.1 m, v = 29.4 ms–1 28. 60 ms–1 29. (i) 20 s (ii) 1125 m
–1
30. 25 m 31. (i) 12.8 ms (ii) 2.18 m 32. 4.26 m
33. b = 90° – a 34. T = 1s, R = 5 m

Worksheet 1
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (b)
10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (c)
19. (a) 20. (a) 21. (b) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (a) 26. (d) 27. (c)
28. (c) 29. (d) 30. (b) 31. (c) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (a) 36. (a)
37. (c) 38. (a) 39. (c) 40. (c) 41. (a) 42. (c) 43. (a) 44. (b) 45. (b)
46. (a) 47. (a)

Worksheet 2
1. (a,b,c) 2. (a,c) 3. (b,c) 4. (b,c,d) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (a,b,c,d) 8. (d) 9. (b,c,d)
10. (a,b) 11. (a,b,c) 12. (b.d) 13. (b,c) 14. (b,d) 15. (b,c) 16. (c) 17. (d) 18. (a,c)

Worksheet 3
1. 100 m 2. 40 m 3. (a) t = 5 s, (b) P(150, 75)
4. 100/3 ms–1 5. (i) 367.2 m (ii) 18.8 s 6. 5 ms–1, 4 ms–1 7. 10 m
__
÷3
8. 20 s 9. _______
__ __ s 10. (a) t = 7 s, (b) 175 m
÷6 – ÷2
__

÷
125 h
12. ____ m 13. 2 __
g 14. – 50 + 50 – 5 ms–1
4 __ __

÷
2 20 ÷2
15. (a) u = 10 __ s, (b) _____ m 16. 17.32 m 17. H/2
3 3
__
v sin q (2 ÷7 )v2 10
18. ______________ 19. d = _______
g 20. t = ___
__ s
g(cos q – cos2 q) ÷3

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CHAPTER 7

Kinematics of Circular Motion

“I shall now recall to mind that the motion of the heavenly bodies is circular, since the motion appropriate to a sphere
is rotation in a circle”.
—Nicolaus Copernicus

1. INTRODUCTION Dq = q2 – q1
Unit of angular displacement is radian (rad).
Circular motion is a special kind of plane motion which has
immense practical importance. Motion of the moon around
the Earth, motion of the Earth around the Sun and motion
of the Sun around the centre of our galaxy, all are nearly
circular. A car on a circular track, a kid on a ferry wheel,
motion of a pendulum bob — all can be explained if we
know the physics of circular motion.
Circular motion is a special case of plane motion and its
description is easier in plane polar co-ordinate system. In this
system of co-ordinates, we have a fixed reference line (OX) If co-ordinate r of the particle is not changing, it is
with a fixed point (O) on it, known as the pole. Co-ordinates moving in a circle. In this case, the distance travelled (D s)
of a point P are (r, q) where r is the distance of the point by the particle is equal to the length P1P2.
from the pole (O) and q is the angle made by line OP with Ds = r Dq
the reference line OX. We
When a particle makes
can take q to be positive if
one full rotation while
measured in anticlockwise
moving on a circle, we say
sense with respect to OX
its angular displacement is
and negative when it is mea-
2p radian (and NOT zero,
sured in clockwise sense.
as you may think). If a par-
When a particle moves in such a way that its co-ordinate ticle completes n rotations,
r changes but q does not change, it is moving in a straight its angular displacement is
line. When the particle moves such that only q changes and Dq = n ◊ 2p radian.
r remains fixed, we say that it is moving in a circle of radius
r with its centre at O. In general, addition of two successive angular displacements
is not commutative. Due to this reason, a finite angular
displacement is not regarded as a vector though it has a sense
2. ANGULAR TERMS IN KINEMATICS of direction. However, infinitesimally small angular displace-
ment is a vector. For a particle moving in a fixed plane
2.1 Angular Displacement there is no harm in considering angular displacement (finite
Consider a particle moving along an arbitrary path in a plane. or infinitesimally small) to be a vector quantity. Angular
O is the pole and OX is the reference line of our plane polar displacement is an axial vector. Its direction is along the
co-ordinate system. As the particle moves from a point P1 to rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of rotation. Consider
P2, its angular displacement (Dq) with respect to point O is a particle moving in a circle in the xy plane. If the par-
defined as the change in its angular co-ordinate (q). ticle moves from P1 to P2 traversing a small angle dq, the
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7.2 Mechanics I

__›
direction of angular displacement vector (dq) is along the Average angular acceleration over an interval (D t) of time
z-direction. When right hand fingers are curled in the sense is defined as
__›
of rotation, the thumb points in the direction of dq. change in
D
a = ___ = ___________
Dt time interval

Unit of angular acceleration is rad s–2

In Short
(i) For a particle moving in a plane, the angle through
which its position vector rotates is known as its
angular displacement (Dq).
dq
(ii) Angular velocity ( ) = ___ and
dt
d d2q
2.2 Angular Velocity angular acceleration (a) = ___ = ___
dt dt2
Consider a particle moving in a plane with its co-ordinate (iii) and a are axial vectors. They are directed
q changing with time. Angular velocity ( ) of the particle perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
with respect to point O is defined as
dq
= ___
dt
...(i) 3. UNIT VECTORS IN PLANE POLAR
where dq is an infinitesimally small angular displacement CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM
in the time interval dt. It will be helpful to understand velocity and acceleration in
circular motion if we express unit
vectors used in the polar system
in terms of cartesian unit vectors
( and ). Unit vectors used in the
polar co-ordinates are:

= a unit vector
_› along
increasing r
_›
q = a unit vector perpendicular to r in the direction
of increasing q.
Angular velocity ( ) is__also a vector and its direction is
› By resolving along the x- and y-directions we get
same as the direction of dq.
Unit of is (radian per second) rad/s or rad s–1. Some = (1 . cos q) + (1 . sin q) = (cos q) + (sin q) ...(A)
common units are rpm (revolutions per minute) or rps (revo-
lutions per second). Expression (i) gives the instantaneous
angular velocity. Average angular velocity ( ) over an
interval of time D t is given by
Angular displacement Dq
= __________________ = ___
Time interval Dt
2.3 Angular Acceleration
Rate of change of angular velocity is defined as angular By resolving q along the x- and y-directions we can
acceleration (a). write
d q = (– 1.sin q) + (1.cos q)
a = ___
dt ___›
_› fi q = (– sin q) + (cos q) …(B)
Direction of a is in the direction of d . If is increasing
then a and both will have the same direction. a will Notice that both and q change as q changes. These two
be opposite to if angular velocity is decreasing in unit vectors are not constant, in general.
magnitude.
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.3

4. RELATION BETWEEN VELOCITY AND If a particle moves in a circle with changing speed, its
motion is said to be non-uniform circular motion.
ANGULAR VELOCITY IN CIRCULAR
MOTION In Short:
Consider a particle moving in a (i) Speed of a particle in uniform circular motion is
circle of radius r. It undergoes an given by v = r, where is its angular speed with
angular displacement q in time t. respect to centre of the circle and r is the radius.
Distance travelled by the particle (ii) Direction of velocity is tangential to the path.
is 2p
(iii) = 2p f = ___, where T is the time period and f is
T
s = rq the frequency of circular motion.
Speed of the particle is
ds dq Example 1 Find the angular speeds of the second hand
v = __ = r ___ = r . and the minute hand of a watch.
dt dt
Velocity of the particle is tangential to the path along the Solution
unit vector q. Therefore, in vector notation we can write Concepts
_›
v = (r ) q Hands of a watch move uniformly. For uniform motion
If we take as a vector directed perpendicular dq Dq
_› to
__› the_›plane = ___ = ___
of rotation then, velocity can be written as v = × r dt Dt
For the seconds hand:
Dq 2p rad p
= ___ = ______ = ___ rad s–1
Dt 60 s 30
For the minute hand:
Dq 2p rad
= ___ = ______
Dt 60 min
2p p
It is important to note that the velocity of a particle in = _______ rad s–1 = _____ rad –1
circular motion is a variable quantity because the direction 60 × 60 1800
of the velocity vector keeps changing. Note that angular speed does not depend on the length
of the hands of the watch.
5. UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
Example 2 Find the speed of the tip of the hour hand of
A particle moving in a circle is said to perform uniform a watch. The tip of the hour hand is 1cm long.
circular motion if its speed remains constant. Since v = r,
the angular speed ( ) is also constant in a uniform circular Solution
motion. Concepts
For a particle moving uniformly in a circle, the time v= r
required to complete one rotation is called time period (T).
For the hour hand, angular speed is
2p rad 2p
T = ________ = ___ s Dq 2p rad 2p
rad s–1
= ___ = ______ = ___________ rad s–1
Dt 12 h 12 × 60 × 60
2p
___
fi = The tip of the hand rotates in a circle of radius 1 cm.
T
Frequency (f) of rotation is defined as the number of 2p
\ v = r = ___________ × 1 cm s–1
completed rotations per unit time. 12 × 60 × 60
1 = 1.45 × 10–4 cm s–1
f = __ = ___
T 2p
fi = 2p f. Example 3 A particle rotating in a circle of radius 5 cm
completes 1.5 turns in 3 s. Find its angular displacement and
Unit of frequency is s–1 also known as hertz (Hz). average angular velocity.
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7.4 Mechanics I

Solution Angular displacement Dq = 1.5 × 2p = 3p rad. Solution

Average angular velocity is Concepts
dq
Dq 3p rad
= ___ = ______ = p rad s–1 Angular speed ( ) is given by ___ (see figure) and we
Dt 3s dt
dy
___
know = v.
Example 4 Angular displacement of a particle moving in dt
a circle of radius 0.5 m depends on time as q = (0.75 t2 + Therefore, we need to find a relation between y and q
2t) rad. Find the speed of the particle at t = 1 s and average and then differentiate it with respect to time.
angular velocity in the interval 0 £ t £ 1 s.
y
tan q = __
Solution 8
dq __
2 ___ 1 dy
Concepts fi sec q = ___
dq dt 8 dt
= ___ and v= r
dt dq ______
___ v
fi =
dt 8.sec2q
q = 0.75 t2 + 2t
At t = 2 s, y = 4 × 2 = 8 m
dq 8
= ___ = 1.5 t + 2 \ tan q = __ = 1
dt 8
Instantaneous angular speed at time t = 1 s is obtained fi q = 45°
by putting t = 1 s in above expression. dq v 4 1
fi = ___ = ______ = __________ = __ rad s–1.
dt 8.sec2q 8 × sec245° 4
\ = 1.5 × 1 + 2 = 3.5 rad s–1
Example 6 A particle moves
Speed at t = 1 s is uniformly in a circle with a time
period of 0.314 s. At time t = 0
v= r = 3.5 × 1 = 3.5 ms–1 the particle is on the x-axis at A
(see figure) and is moving anti-
Average angular velocity is
clockwise. Radius of the circle
Dq is 1.0 m. Write velocity of the
= ___
Dt particle at time t = 3.17925 s
q is angular displacement in the interval 0 £ t £ 1 s. using unit vector and .

At t=0 Solution
q1 = 0 Concepts
_›
At t=1 v = ( r) q
is given by equation (B) in article 3
q2 = 0.75 × 12 + 2 × 1 = 2.75 rad.
Angular displacement in time t is
\ Dq = q2 – q1 = 2.75 rad 2p
Dq = .t = ___ ◊ t
T
Dq 2.75 rad p
\ = ___ = _______ = 2.75 rad s–1
Dt 1s
=
2p
_____
0.314 ( 4 )
× 3.17925 = 20.25 p = 20 p + __ rad

Example 5 A particle moves along The particle has completed 10 full rotations and moved
p
a straight line AB at a constant veloc- further by an angle of __ rad. Position of the particle is as
ity of 4 ms–1. O is a fixed point at a 4
distance of 8 m from the line AB. shown in the figure.
At time t = 0, the particle lies on
the foot of the perpendicular drawn
from O on the line AB. Find the
angular speed of the particle with
respect to point O at t = 2 s.
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.5

1__ 1__
Speed v =
2p 2 × 3.14
r = ___ ◊ r = ________ × 1 = 20 ms–1 = – ___ + ___
T 0.314 ÷2 ÷2

( )
Velocity vector at this instant is _› 1__ 1__
_› \ v = 20 – ___ + ___
v = vq ÷2 ÷2
__ __
p p
and (
q = – sin __
4 ) (
+ cos __
4 ) = (– 10÷2 + 10÷2 ) ms–1.

Your Turn
Q.1 What is the ratio of the angular speeds of the minute Q.7 A disc of radius R = 5 m is rotating uniformly with
hand and the hour hand of a watch? a frequency of 10 Hz. Velocity of a point P on the disc is
Q.2 A flywheel of diameter 2 m has an angular speed of directed towards a point A on the circumference and the
120 rpm. Find the linear speed of a point on its rim. distance PA is 3 m. Find the speed of point P.

Q.3 Angular displacement of a particle moving in a circle

of radius r = 1 m is given by q = t + 0.75 t2
(i) Find its angular velocity at time t = 2 s.
(ii) Find its average angular velocity in the first 2 s of
its motion.
Q.4 The Moon goes around the Earth once in 27.3 days.
Find the ratio of the frequency of revolution of the Moon
around the Earth to the frequency of revolution of the Earth
around the Sun.
Q.8 A particle moves in a circular path and its angular
Q.5 Radius of the Earth is R = 6400 km. Find the speed velocity changes with time t as
of a man standing on the surface of the Earth at a latitude
of 60°.
3 t3
= __ t2 – __
Q.6 A spot light S is rotating in a horizontal plane about 2 3
point O in clockwise sense with Find the angular displacement of the particle in the first
a constant angular velocity of 2 s of motion.
0.2 rad s–1. It throws light on a
vertical wall XX that is at a dis- Q.9 “In a uniform circular motion, angular velocity of a
tance d = 3 m from O. Find the particle remains constant but its velocity keeps changing.”
speed of spot P of the light on Is this statement true?
the wall at the instant q = 60°.

_›
6. ACCELERATION IN CIRCULAR MOTION v = (r ) q
Using the u.v rule for differentiation, we get
Velocity vector of a particle _›
moving in a circle keeps dv
___ dq d
\ = (r ) ___ + r q ___ ...(i)
changing direction. It means dt dt dt
that the particle always expe- From equation (B) in article 3, we have
riences an acceleration. When
the particle is at P, its veloc- q = – (sin q) + (cos q)
ity is
dq
___ dq dq
\ = – (cos q) ___ – (sin q) ___
dt dt dt
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7.6 Mechanics I

[
dq dq This is the magnitude of acceleration.
\ ___ = – (cos q + sin q ) ___ =
dt dt From the diagram it is clear that when
Dq Æ 0, the other angles of the triangle
dq
___
fi =– ◊ ...(ii) will approach 90°. This implies __ that the
dt ›
direction of change in velocity (Dv) in a
Put this in (i) to get very small interval of time is perpendicu-
_› _›
dv
___ d (r ) lar to the instantaneous
__› velocity ( v A) and acceleration is in
= – (r + _____ q
2
)
dt dt the direction of Dv.

\
_› dv
a = – (r 2) + ___ q
dt ( ) ...(iii) 6.2 Acceleration in Non-Uniform Circular Motion
Acceleration of a particle in circular motion, in general, is
6.1 Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion given by the equation (iii) above.
In uniform circular
dv
motion, speed is constant. _› dv
) + ___ q
a = – (r
dt
2
( )
Hence ___ = 0. The two components of acceleration are:
dt
_›
\ a = – (r 2
) (i) Radial component
v2
It means acceleration of the particle is towards the ar = r = __ 2
r (towards the centre)
centre (opposite to ) and its magnitude is 2r. This accel-
This component of acceleration is perpendicular to
eration is known as the centripetal acceleration or radial
the velocity, towards the centre and is responsible
acceleration.
for changing the direction of the velocity.
v2
ar = r 2 = __r ...(iv) (ii) Tangential component
We can derive the expression of centripetal acceleration dv
in an alternate way as given below. at = ___ = rate of change of speed.
_› dt
Velocity of the particle when it is at point A is v A. In a Tangential acceleration is directed along the tangent.
small time interval D t it moves to point B and its velocity It is in the direction of the velocity if the particle
_› _› _›
becomes v B. Note that | v A| = | v B| = v (say) if the motion is is speeding up and is opposite to the velocity if the
uniform. particle is slowing down.
Tangential acceleration is related to angular acceleration
(a) as
dv d (r ) d
at = ___ = ______ = r ___ = r ◊ a
dt dt dt
_› _› _›
In vector form a t = a × r
Magnitude of acceleration in non-uniform circular motion
is given by
______
a = ÷a2r + a2t
_› _›
The second
__› figure shows v A and v B drawn with their tails ____________

÷( __vr ) + ( ___dvdt )
together. Dv is the change in velocity as the particle moves 2 2 2
=
from A to B. As the particle rotates through an angle Dq,
the velocity vector also rotates through Dq.
____________ _______
When
__› Dq is small, the length of the arrow represent- = ÷(r ) + (ra)2 = r ÷
2 2 4
+ a2
_›
ing_Dv will be Dq times the length of arrow representing v A
›
or v B
\ Dv = vDq
Dv
___ Dq
fi = v ___
Dt Dt
Dv Dq
fi limit ___ = v limit ___
Dt Æ 0 D t Dt Æ 0 Dt
fi a= v =r 2 [ v=r ]
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.7

4
The direction of the resultant acceleration makes an angle ar = a cos q = 5 ◊ __ = 4 ms–2
5
with the radius where
at v2
__
tan = __ fi r =4
ar
In Short fi v2 = 4 × 4
(i) In uniform circular motion, acceleration is always fi v = 4 ms–1
directed towards the centre of the circle and is known
3
as the radial or centripetal acceleration. Its magnitude at = a sin q = 5 ◊ __ = 3 ms–2
v2 5
is constant and is equal to __ r =r
2

(ii) In non-uniform circular motion, apart from the radial

acceleration, there is a tangential acceleration. It is
equal to the rate of change of speed (= rate of change
of the magnitude of velocity). Resultant acceleration
is the vector sum of ar and at.

Example 7 Find the acceleration of a man standing at the

equator of the Earth. Consider only rotation of the Earth _›
Since at is opposite to v , hence speed is decreasing at a
about its axis. Radius of the Earth is 64 km. Is it correct
rate of 3 ms–2
to say that this acceleration is in the vertically downward
direction? dv
___
\ = – 3 ms–2
dt
Solution
Concepts Example 9 A car is at rest on a circular racing track of
radius 64/3 m. It begins to move and its speed increases at
Motion is uniform circular with angular speed a constant rate of 4 ms–2.
Find the magnitude of acceleration of the car-
2p
= ___ rad/hr (i) immediately after it begins to move.
24
2p (ii) 2 s after it begins to move.
= ___________ rad s–1
24 × 60 × 60
Solution
Acceleration in uniform circular motion is towards the
centre and has magnitude given by Concepts

( 2p
ar = r 2 = 6400 × 103 × ___________
24 × 60 × 60
2
) Immediately after the start, the speed of the car is zero.
When the speed is zero there is no radial acceleration. At a
= 0.034 rad s–1. later time when the car has some finite speed, there is radial
acceleration, apart from the tangential acceleration.
Example 8 A particle is moving in a circle of radius
r = 4 m. At a given instant it is at point P and the direction (i) Immediately after start, v = 0
of its velocity and acceleration are as shown in the figure. v2
\ ar = __
r =0
The magnitude of acceleration
is 5 ms–2 and it makes an angle dv
at = ___ = 4 ms–2
()3
of q = tan–1 __ with the radius.
4
dt
\ Acceleration of the car
Find the speed of the particle and in the beginning is 4 ms–2
the rate of change of its speed at in the tangential direction.
the given instant. (ii) After 2 s the speed of the car
Solution will be
Concepts v = 2 × 4 = 8 ms–1
Component of acceleration along the radius is centripetal
v2 v2 ___
82
acceleration equal to __ ar = __ = = 3 ms–2
r and its component along the r 64
___
tangent is equal to the rate of change of speed. 3
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7.8 Mechanics I

at = 4 ms–2 10
______ ______
Angular speed = ___
p rotations per second(rps)
\ a = ÷a2r + a2t = ÷32 + 42 = 5 ms–2
10
Example 10 A fan of diameter 1.5 m is rotating with = ___
p × 2p = 20 rad s
–1

10
an angular speed of ___ p rotations per second. When it is 1.5
switched off, it begins to retard at a rate of 10 rad s–2. Find Radial acceleration, ar = r 2
= ___ × 202 = 300 ms–2
2
the acceleration of a particle at the tip of the fan immediately
after the fan is switched off. 1.5
Tangential acceleration, at = ra = ___ ◊ 10 = 7.5 ms–2
2
Solution
______ ___________
Concepts \ a = ÷a2r + a2t = ÷(300)2 + 7.52
______
at = r a and a = ÷a2r + a2t . Immediately after switching
______
10 = ÷90056 300 ms–2
off, the speed of the fan remains ___
p rps.

Your Turn
Q.10 A body is moving in a horizontal circle of radius 3 m Q.14 A vector of magnitude a is rotated by a small angle
making 60 rpm. Find its centripetal acceleration. dq. Find the magnitude of change in the vector.
Q.11 A particle moves in a circle of radius 2 m. At a given Q.15 A particle is moving in the xy plane with its
moment its acceleration is 40 ms–2 making an angle of 37° co-ordinates changing with time as
with the radius. At this instant find
x = a sin t and y = a cos t
(i) the angular acceleration of the particle.
where a and are positive constants. Show that the
(ii) the angular velocity of the particle. acceleration of the particle is directed towards a fixed point.
Q.12 Find the maximum constant speed a car can have Find the co-ordinates of the fixed point.
if its acceleration is not to exceed 7.5 ms–2 while going Q.16 Three particles (A, B, and C) are moving in circles
around a circular track of radius 200 m. of same radii. At an instant the magnitude of acceleration of
Q.13 A particle is moving along a circle of radius r, At an all the particles is the same. Which particle had the highest
instant its speed is 20 ms–1 and it is decreasing at a rate of 3 speed at the instant shown? Which particle is speeding up?
ms–2. Acceleration of the car at this instant makes an angle
of 37° with the radius of the circle on which the particle
lies. Find r.

7. CIRCULAR MOTION WITH CONSTANT fi = 0 + at ...(i)

ANGULAR ACCELERATION This equation is similar to v = u + at in linear
kinematics.
Let 0 = initial angular velocity
dq
___
a = constant angular acceleration Now =
dt
q = angular displacement
dq
___
= angular velocity. fi = 0 + at
dt
d
___ =a q t t
dt t
fi Ú dq = Ú dt + a Ú t dt
d = a dt fi Ú d = a Ú dt
o
\ o o o
o o
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.9

1
fi q= + __ a t2
0t ...(ii) \ q = q1 + q2 = 330 p rad
2
1
The equation is similar to s = ut + __ at2. Eliminating t 330p
Number of rotations = _____ = 165.
2 2p
between (i) and (ii) we get
2
= 2
+ 2aq ...(iii) Example 12 A particle starts moving along a circle of
0
radius 2 m and its angular velocity ( ) changes with time
[Similar to v2 = u2 + 2as] as shown in the graph.
Using (i) and (ii) one can also prove that

q= ( ______
2 )
+
0
t ...(iv)

It is easy to show that angular displacement in the nth

second is
1
qn = 0 + __ (2n – 1) a ...(v)
2
Note: If a is not a constant, then one has to start from one
of the following equations to find the values of the angular (i) Find the maximum radial acceleration of the particle
parameters. during its course of motion.
dq (ii) Find the maximum magnitude of acceleration
= ___ and
dt experienced by the particle during its course of
d d motion.
a = ___ = ___
dt dq (iii) Find the angular displacement of the particle in 8 s
of its motion.
Example 11 A fan starts from rest and acquires a steady
angular speed of 30 rps in 3 s. Assume the acceleration of Solution
the fan to be uniform. Concepts
(i) Find the angular acceleration of the fan after it
starts. (i) Radial acceleration is maximum when is
maximum.
(ii) How many rotations does the fan make in 7 s?
(ii) Total acceleration is maximum when both ar and
Solution at are maximum.
Concepts d
(iii) a = ___ = slope of vs t graph
dt
For the first three seconds the fan is uniformly accelerated.
dq
___
Thereafter, it moves with a constant angular speed. (iv) =
dt 8
(i) 0 =0 fi q= Ú dt = Area under vs t graph
= 30 rps = 30 × 2p = 60 p rad s–1 0

Use = 0 + at (i) = 50 rad s–1

max
fi 60p = 0 + a × 3 2
\ ar max = r ◊ max = 2 × 502 = 5000 rad s–1
–2
fi a = 20p rad s (ii) Tangential acceleration at = r a
(ii) Angular displacement in the first 3 s will be at is maximum when a is maximum. From the
1
q1 = 0t + __ a t2 graph a (= slope) is maximum in the time interval
2 0 < t < 2 s.
1
__ 50
= 0 + × 20p × 32 = 90p rad amax = ___ = 25 rad s–2
2 2
From time t = 3 s to t = 7 s the fan moves with a constant fi at max = 50 rad s–2
angular speed of 60p rad s–1. Hence, displacement in next
4 s is Just before t = 2 s, radial and tangential components
q2 = 4 × 60p = 240 p rad of acceleration are maximum.
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7.10 Mechanics I

___________
\ amax = ÷a2r max + a2t max dq ___
___ 3t2
fi =
_____________ dt 2
= ÷(5000)2 + (50)2 qo
3
2
fi Ú dq = __ Ú t2 dt
= 5000.2 rad s–2 o 2 0
(iii) q = area under vs t graph
1
= __ × 50 × (8 + 3) = 275 rad.
2
fi
3 t3
2 3 []
q0 = __ __
2

0
= 4 rad

For 2 s £ t £ 6 s we have
Example 13 A particle moves in a circular path starting = 6 rad s–1 (constant)
from rest. Its angular acceleration is given as
\ Angular displacement in ths interval 2 s £ t £ 6 s
a = 3t rad s–2 for 0 £ t £ 2 s
q1 = 6 × 4 = 24 rad
= 0 for t > 2 s
\ At the end of 6 s, total angular displacement is q =
(i) Find the angular velocity of the particle at t = 6 s. q0 + q1 = 28 rad.
(ii) Find the angular displacement of the particle in the
first 6 s of its motion. Example 14 A spinning wheel is brought to rest from
a speed of 100 rpm by applying brakes over a period of
Solution 5 s. Assume that the brakes produce a uniform angular
Concepts retardation.
For the first 2 s of motion, the particle is moving with a vari- (i) Find the angular deceleration of the wheel.
able acceleration and thereafter it has no acceleration. (ii) Find the number of revolutions made by the wheel
during the braking.
(i) For 0 £ t £ 2 s we have
Solution
d
___ = 3t Concepts
dt
fi d = 3t dt It is not always necessary to convert rpm in rad s–1.
t
Here we will convert rpm in rps because time is given
in second.
fi Ú d = 3 Ú t dt
o o
2
(i) = 0 – a t where a = angular retardation
3t
fi = ___ ...(i) 0 – 100 rpm – 0
2 2 fi a = ______ = __________
2 t 5s
At t = 2 s, = 3 × __ = 6 rad s–1
2 100 rev 1
= _______ ◊ ___ = 0.33 rev s–2.
There is no angular acceleration after t = 2 s. 60 s 5 s
\ Angular speed at t = 6 s is same as the angular 1
__ a t2
(ii) q = 0t –
speed at t = 2 s. 2
(ii) For 0 £ t £ 2 s
3t2
100 rev
= ____ ___
60 s
1
2 (
rev
◊ 5s – __ 0.33 ___
s2 )
◊ 25 s2

= ___ = 4.21 rev.

2

Your Turn
q
Q.17 A fan is switched on and it moves with a constant an additional angle q2. Find __1 .
q2
angular acceleration to acquire its full speed of 10 rps in
10 s. Find the angular acceleration of the fan.
Q.19 Tangential acceleration of a point moving in a circle
Q.18 A particle starts from rest and moves along a circle is 0.5 ms–2. Find the total acceleration of the point at the
with uniform angular acceleration. In the first 2 s it rotates 1
through an angle q1 and in the next 2 s it rotates through instant it has covered ___ th of the circle after starting from
10
rest.
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.11

Q.20 A particle is rotating in a circle of radius r = 1 m. (iv) Find the number of rotations that the particle makes
It’s angular velocity ( ) changes with time according to the before coming to rest.
graph shown in the figure. Q.21 A particle is moving in a circle of radius 1 m with
an angular speed 0. It begins to slow down and comes to
rest at t = 10 s. During the period 0 £ t £ 10 s it experienced
an angular retardation (a) that changed with time as shown
in the graph. Find 0.

–2
a (rad s )

10

(i) Find the angular acceleration of the particle at t = 2 s.

(ii) Find the centripetal acceleration at t = 2 s
(iii) Find the acceleration of the particle at t = 2 s O t (s)
10

8. RADIUS OF CURVATURE Example 15 A particle is thrown from the ground with

a velocity u making an angle q (> 45°) with the horizontal.
Radius of curvature of a curve at a point is the radius of Find the radius of curvature of the path at a point where the
the circular arc which best approximates the curve at that velocity of the particle makes an angle q with the vertical.
point. Consider an arbitrary curve as shown in the figure. A
small segment of the curve at A fits perfectly on a circle of Solution
radius rA. rA is called the radius of the curvature at point A
Concepts
and centre of the circle (O) is called the centre of curvature
at point A. (i) Horizontal component of the velocity of a pro-
jectile never changes. This helps us in calculating
speed at the instant velocity makes an angle q with
the vertical.
(ii) We assume that the projectile is negotiating a circle
of radius R at the desired point. Component of
acceleration perpendicular to velocity (i.e. tangent)
v2
is normal acceleration. It is equal to __
R
Similarly, rB and rC are the radii of curvature at points B
and C respectively. A sharp bend (like at point C) means a Let the velocity be v at point P making an angle q with
smaller radius of curvature and a broad turn means a larger vertical
radius of curvature.
vx = ux
Inverse of radius of curvature is called the curvature of
the curve. fi v sin q = u cos q fi v = u cot q
Any curve is thought to be made by smoothly joining Acceleration of the projectile is g ( ) component of
small segments of many circles. If a particle is negotiating acceleration perpendicular to velocity (i.e., tangent) is
a curve, we can assume that it is moving on a circle at g sin q.
any point of time. The acceleration of the particle can be
We consider a small segment of the parabolic path at P
resolved into two components — radial and tangential. The
to be a circle of radius R.
tangential acceleration (at) is equal to the rate of change of
speed and the radial component (the component of accelera- v2
__ = g sin q
v2
tion perpendicular to the tangent) is equal to __ where v is R
R
speed of the particle and R is the radius of curvature of v2 u2 cot2 q
fi R = ______ = _______
the path. g sin q g sin q
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7.12 Mechanics I

Tangential acceleration is
_› _›
a◊v 3______
+4 7
at = ____
_› = _______ = __ = 1.4 ms–2
v ÷3 + 4
2 2 5

Example 16 A particle is moving in an xy plane and its

velocity and acceleration at an instant is given by
_› _›
v = (3 +4 ) ms–1 and a = ( + ) ms–2 Normal acceleration is calculated as
Find the radius of curvature of the path of the particle at a2n + a2t = a2
the given instant. __
fi a2n + (1.4)2 = (÷2 )2
Solution
Concepts fi an = 0.2 ms–2
(i) Tangential component of acceleration is given by
_› _› v2
__
a◊v \ = 0.2
at = ____
_› R
v
(ii) Using a2 = a2n + a2t we can get the normal compo- 52
__
fi = 0.2 fi R = 125 m.
R
nent of acceleration.

Your Turn

Q.22 A particle is projected with a speed of 10 ms–1 at an Q.24 A roller coaster moves on a track shown in the
angle of 60° to the horizontal. Find the radius of curvature figure while maintaining a constant speed. At which of the
of the path indicated points will it have the largest acceleration?
(i) at the top point of the trajectory.
(ii) at a point where the velocity vector makes an angle
of 30° with the horizontal.
Q.23 A particle is moving in a plane. At a particular
instant its speed is 10 ms–1 and its acceleration makes an
angle of 37° with its velocity. Radius of curvature of the
path at the instant is 20 m. Find the rate of change of speed
of the particle.

9. RELATIVE ANGULAR VELOCITY

Consider_ a particle P moving in a plane with its velocity
›
vector ( v ) making an angle with the unit vector at some
instant. The two components of velocity can be interpreted
as:
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.13

dr
vr = v cos = __ and However, let’s solve the problem using the relation learnt
dt in the previous article.
dq
vq = v sin = r ___ = r
dt
vq
= __r is the angular speed of the particle about point O.
Now consider two par-
ticles A and B moving in
a plane. At an instant
_› their
_›
velocities are v A and v B
respectively and the sepa-
ration between them is r.
_› _› _›
Velocity of B with respect to A is v BA = v B – v A.
In reference frame of A we can write angular velocity of Velocities of A and B are
B as perpendicular to the line AB.
vBA q
= ____
r vB = (2r)
vA = ◊r

\ Velocity of B relative to A,
perpendicular to A, is

= vB – vA = r.
It is easy to see that r
\ BA = ___
a = .
vBAq = vB sin b – vA sin a
Example 18 In the figure shown, find the angular velocity
In Short
dr
Angular velocity of B relative to A is of B relative to A. Also find __.
dt

BA
|velocity of B with respect to A in a
direction perpendicular to AB
= _________________________________
AB
|
Example 17 Particles A and B are
rotating in concentric circles of radii Sol: Magnitude of relative velocity of B relative to A in
r and 2r respectively. Both rotate direction perpendicular to AB is
anticlockwise with the same angular
speed about the centre O. O, A and = 8 sin 30° – (– 6 sin 30°)
B lie on a straight line (see figure). Find
the angular speed of B relative to A. = 7 ms–1

7
Solution \ BA = ___ = 0.7 rad s–1
10
Concepts
Relative angular speed is not zero. An observer sitting dr
__ = relative velocity along AB
on A sees that B is located below him (as shown in the dt
figure). After some time he will find B to his right, then he
will find B above him, thereafter B will appear to his left. = 6 cos 30° – 8 cos 30°
When the rotation is complete, he again finds B below him. __
This simple observation is enough to answer the problem. = – ÷3 ms–1
Angular speed of B about A is .
Negative sign indicates that separation r is decreasing.
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7.14 Mechanics I

Your Turn
Q.25 A car is running at a speed of 20 ms–1 on a straight (i) When the car is at A (see the figure) the dog begins
highway. A dog is standing at a point D at a distance d = 20 m to run towards it (along DA) at a speed of 5 ms–1.
from the highway. Find the angular speed of the car relative to the dog
immediately after it begins to run.
(ii) When the car is at B, the dog begins to run along
DB. Find the angular speed of the dog relative to the
car at this instant.

Miscellaneous Examples

Example 19 A particle moves in a circle of radius R so Example 20 Particle A moves on a circle of radius r and
_
that its position vector ( r› ) relative to a point O on the another particle B moves along a tangent XX to the circle.
circumference of the circle rotates with a constant angular Both particles were initially at point P and B moves with a
velocity . Find the speed and the magnitude of accelera- uniform velocity u. A moves such that the line joining B to A
tion of the particle. always passes through the centre (O) of the circle. Calculate
acceleration of A as a function of q (see figure).
Solution
Concepts
v = R correctly gives the speed of the particle if is
the angular speed about the centre of a circle. We need to
find the angular speed about the centre using the geometry
of the situation.

Solution
Concepts
(i) Angular speed of both A and B with respect to O
is same
dq
(
= ___
dt )
From the figure it is evident that (ii) Angular velocity of B
= 2q Component of u perpendicular to OB
______________________________
=
OB
d
___ dq ______
fi = 2 ___
dt dt (iii) Acceleration of A is ÷a2r + a2t

fi 0 = 2 where 0 = angular speed about the Angular speed of A = Angular speed of B about O
centre (C). u cos q u cos q u
\ = ______ = ______ = __r cos2q
OB r sec q
\ Speed of the particle is v = 0R =2 R
Radial acceleration for A is
Since speed is a constant, acceleration has a radial u2
component only. r = __
ar = 2 4
r cos q
v2 Tangential acceleration for A is
\ a = __ = 4 2R towards the centre.
R
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.15

d ( r) u dq fi [ln ] = – kt
at = _____ = r ◊ __r ◊ 2 ◊ cos q (– sin q) ___ 0
dt dt
fi [ln – ln 0] = – kt
= – (2 u cos q ◊ sin q)
fi ( )
ln ___ = – kt
0
2u2
= – ___ 3
r sin q cos q fi ___ = e– kt
0
______
– kt
\ aA = ÷a2r + a2t fi = 0e

_____________
u2 This is the required expres-
= __
r cos q ÷4 sin q + cos q
3 2 2
sion. Graph of vs t is as shown.
u2
_________ Note that Æ 0 when t Æ •
= __
r cos q ÷1 + 3 sin q
3 2

Example 23 A wheel is rotating at an angular speed of

5 rad s–1. A bead A is moving outward along a spoke with
Example 21 A car is moving on a circle of radius R with
a velocity of 3 ms–1 relative to the
a constant speed. Another car is moving uniformly along a
wheel. When the spoke makes an
straight line (in the plane of the circle) with speed equal to
angle of q = 37° with the x axis, the
that of the first car. The magnitude of relative acceleration
distance of the bead from the centre
of the two cars is a. Find the speeds of the two cars.
(origin) is r = 1 m. Find the velocity
of the bead relative to the ground at
Solution
this instant in terms of unit vectors
Concepts and .
The car moving along the straight line has no acceleration.
Therefore, relative acceleration is equal to the acceleration Solution
of the car moving along the circle. Concepts
_›
Acceleration of the car moving uniformly along the circle v = (vr) + (vq) q where
is
dr
v2 vr = __ and vq = r .
a = __ towards the centre. dt
R
v2
Magnitude of relative acceleration = __ For the bead, radial component of velocity is
R
v__2 ___ vr = 3 ms–1
\ = a fi v = ÷aR And
R
vq = r = 5 × 1 = 5 ms–1
Example 22 Magnitude of angular deceleration of a par- _›
ticle rotating in a circle is proportional to its angular speed \ v = 3 + 5q
( ). Assume proportionality constant to be k and find an
expression for as a function of time. It is given that angular But = cos q + sin q = cos 37° + sin 37°
speed at time t = 0 is 0. Also draw a graph showing the
4 3
variation of with time. = __ + __
5 5
Solution
and q = – sin q + cos q
Concepts
d
___ 3 4
= –k = – __ + __
dt 5 5
Negative sign indicates that decreases with time.

d
___ = –k
\
_› 12
v = ___
5 ( 9
+ __
5 ) + (– 3 +4 )
dt
= ( – __ + ___ ) ms
d
___ 3 29 –1
fi = – k dt
5 5
t
d
___
fi Ú = – k Ú dt
o o
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7.16 Mechanics I

v2 u2 – __2s
Example 24 A point moves with deceleration along a circle |at| = |ar| = __ = __ e R
of radius R such that at any instant its tangential and radial R R
______ __
accelerations have the same magnitude. At time t = 0, speed ÷2 u2 – __
2s
\ a = ÷a2t + a2r = _____ e R
of the particle is u. R
(i) Find the speed of the point as a function of time (t). Example 25 Three men stand on the vertices of an
(ii) Find the speed as a function of the distance travelled (s). equilateral triangle of side length L. They begin to walk
(iii) Find the acceleration of the point as a function of s. towards each other at a constant speed v. Man A always
follows B (i.e., he is headed along the line AB), B follows
Solution C and C follows A.
Concepts (i) Take the centroid of the original triangle as the origin
(O), distance of man A from O as r and q as the
| |
dv
___
dt
retarding.
dv
dt
dv
= – ___ since ___ itself is negative as the particle is
dt
angular displacement of the man with respect to O.
Write the trajectory equation of the man in terms of
dv dv r and q.
To get relation between v and s, write ___ as v ___ (ii) Calculate the time required for the men to meet.
dt ds
dv Solution
(i) |at| = – ___
dt Concepts
v__2 It is easy to see from symmetry that the three men will
ar =
R meet at the centroid of the triangle. At any point in time
dv v2 three men will be located on the vertices of an equilateral
given – ___ = __ ...(i) triangle. The triangle will go on reducing in size and ulti-
dt R
v t
mately converge into a point at the centroid.
dv
___ 1
fi Ú = – __ Ú dt (i) Figure shows the position of the three men at any
u v 2 R o
instant. We will consider the motion of man A who is
1 1
__ – __ = __t having his instantaneous velocity directed towards B.
fi v u R This velocity always makes an angle 30° with OA.
1 __t
__ 1
__ 1 ut
__ +R
______
fi v= R + u fi v = Ru

Ru u
fi v = ______ = ______ u ...(ii)
R + ut 1 + __ t
R
This is v as a function of t.
dv v2
(ii) From (i) – ___ = __
dt R

dv v2 dv 1
fi – v ___ = __ fi ___ __
v = – R ds
ds R
v s
dv 1
fi Ú ___ __
v = –R Ú ds \ vr = – v cos 30°
u 0
__
s dr
__ ÷3
fi = – __
[ln v]vu fi = – ___ v ...(i)
R dt 2
s
fi ln v – ln u = – __ And vq = v sin 30°
R
s dq v
fi
v
ln __
s
__ v
fi __
– __ fi r ___ = __ ...(ii)
u =–R = e R
u dt 2
s
– __ Dividing (i) by (ii) we get
fi v = ue R

dr __
(iii) At any given point of time ____ = – ÷3
r dq
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.17

dr __
fi Ú __ = – ÷3 Ú dq
r
__
fi ln r = – ÷3 q + C
__
fi ln r – ln r0 = – ÷3 q [C = ln r0 = a constant]
r __
fi ln __
r = – ÷3q
0
__
r
__ – ÷3 q
fi r0 = e Solution
__
fi r = r0 e –÷3 q Concepts
(i) Velocity of water coming out of the nozzle is
when q = 0, r = r0
obtained by vector addition of velocity of the
\ r0 is the initial separation nozzle ( r) to the relative velocity.
between O and A. (ii) Vertical component of velocity of water decides
L__ the time of flight. And range is horizontal velocity
r0 = ___ multiplied with the time of flight.
÷3
__
L__ – ÷3 q Relative velocity of water
\ r = ___ e _›
÷3 v r = v cos 60° + v sin 60°
Path of a man is as shown in the figure. __
v ÷3
= __ + ___ v
2 2

Velocity of the nozzle = r

Three men always lie on an equilateral triangle as shown
in the other figure. = 2 × 0.3
(ii) Velocity component of A towards O is always v cos 30° = 0.6
__
÷3 Velocity of water relative to the ground is
= v ___ _› _›
2 v g = v r + 0.6
__
dr ÷3 __
fi – __ = ___ v (a constant). v ÷3
dt 2 = __ + 0.6 + ___ v
L__ 2 2
\ r will reduce to zero from ___ in a time given
÷3 For v = 3 ms–1
by
__ _›
L /÷3 2L v g = 1.5 + 0.6 + 2.6
t = ______
__ = ___.
÷3 /2 v 3v
Horizontal and vertical components of this velocity are
_________
Example 26 A water sprinkler is rotating uniformly with vH = ÷1.52 + 0.62 = 1.6 ms–1
an angular speed of = 2 rad s–1. Water comes out at an
angle of 60° with the horizontal from nozzles which are vV = 2.6 ms–1
located at a distance of 30 cm from a rotation axis. The
nozzles are at height of 20 cm from the ground. Speed of 2vv 2______
× 2.6
\ Time of flight T = ___
g = 10 = 0.52 s
water coming out from the nozzle is varying between 3 ms–1
to 6 ms–1 relative to the nozzle. What area of the lawn will Water will be sprinkled in a circle of radius
be watered?
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7.18 Mechanics I

r1 = vH ◊ T = 1.6 × 0.52 = 0.83 m. q0 to

For v = 6 ms –1 fi Ú dq = Ú
o o
(÷ ___
0
kt 2
2 )
– __ dt
_›
v g = 3 + 0.6
_______
vH = ÷9 + 0.36 = 3.05 ms–1
+ 5.2
fi
2
q0 = – ___
3k [(÷ ___
0
kt
– __
2 )]
3 t0

vv = 5.2 ms–1
2vv
2
= – ___
3k [(÷ ___
0
kt0
– ___
2 )3
– 0
3/2
]
T = ___
g = 1.04 s 2÷ 0
___
Putting t0 = _____
Water gets sprinkled in a circle of radius r2 = vH ◊ T k
= 3.05 × 1.04 = 3.16 m. 2 2 3/2
q0 = – ___ [0 – = _____
3/2 0
0 ]
Since speed changes from 3 ms–1 to 3k 3k
6 ms–1, the entire area lying between 2 3/2
q0 _____
__ k___ ___0
\ × _____
0
r1 and r2 gets watered = = =
t0 3k 2÷ 0 3
\ A =p r22 –p r21
Example 28 A balloon begins to rise from the ground sur-
= 3.14 [(3.16)2 – (0.83)2] face and its ascension rate is constant equal to u. Due to wind
it gathers a horizontal velocity component vx = ky where k is
= 3.14 [9.98 – 0.69] = 29.17 m2 a positive constant and y is the height of ascent. Find
(i) the trajectory equation of the balloon.
Example 27 A particle is moving in a circle with an angular
(ii) the tangential acceleration, total acceleration and
speed __0. It begins to decelerate with the angular retardation normal acceleration of the balloon.
a = k ÷ where k is a positive constant and is the instan-
taneous angular speed. Find the average angular velocity of Solution
the particle averaged over the whole time of rotation. Concepts
Solution (i) We will express x and y co-ordinates of the balloon
as a function of time and then will eliminate time
Concepts
(t) between them to get the trajectory equation.
We need to find the time (t0) in which the particle will ______
dv
come to rest. Then we will calculate the angular displace- (ii) speed v = ÷v2x + v2y and at = ___
ment (q0) it undergoes in this time. dt
qo dy
= __ (i) ___ = u (= a constant)
t0 dt
__ y t
d
Given: – ___ = k ÷ fi Ú dy = u Ú dt
dt o o
t
d__ fi y = ut ...(i)
fi Ú ___
÷
= – k Ú dt
o o

__
fi [2÷ 0
= –kt

fi (
= ÷
___
0
kt
– __
2 )
2
...(i)

The particle stops when =0

___ kt
fi ÷ 0 – __ = 0
2
___
2÷ 0
fi to = _____ Also,
k vx = ky
From (i)
dx
___
dq
___
dt
___
( kt
= ÷ 0 – __
2 )
2 fi
dt
= k ut
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Kinematics of Circular Motion 7.19

x t
Since ay = 0
fi Ú dx = ku Ú t dt dvx
o o \ Total acceleration is a = ax = ___
dt
ku t2
fi x = ____ ...(ii) dy
2 fi a = k ___ = ku.
dt
Eliminating‘t’ between (i) and (ii) we get

( )
2u
y2 = ___ x
k
Normal acceleration can be calculated as:

a2n + a2t = a2
This is the required trajectory equation.
______ k4 y2
(ii) Speed at any instant is v = ÷v2x + v2y fi a2n = k2 u2 – _________

fi
________
v = ÷u2 + k2 y2
( k2 y2
1 + ____
u2 )
dv k2 y dy k2y u
\ at = ___ = _________
________ ___ = _________
________ k2u4 + k4 y2 u2 – k4 y2 u2
dt = ___________________
÷u2 + k2y2 dt ÷u2 + k2 y2 u2 + k2 y2
k2y
fi at = _________
_______
fi
ku2
an = _________
ku
________ = _________
________

÷
k2 y2
÷u + k y
÷
2 2 2
1 + ____ k2 y2
1 + ____
u2 u2
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Worksheet 1
__›
1. A stone is tied to the end of a string and is whirled 7. A particle is moving _in a circle of radius r. is its
›
in a horizontal circle of radius 80 cm at a constant angular velocity and r is its position vector relative
speed. If the stone makes 14 revolutions in 25 s, the to the centre of the circle. Centripetal acceleration of
magnitude of acceleration is the particle can be expressed as
__› _› __› __› __› _› __› _› __› __› __› _›
(a) 20 ms–2 (b) 12 ms–2 (a) ( ◊ r ) – ( ◊ )r (b) ( ◊ r ) + ( ◊ )r
(c) 9.8 ms–2 (d) 8 ms–2 __› _› _› __› __› _› __› _› __› __› __› _› __›
2. The second’s hand of a watch has length 6 cm. Speed (c) ( ◊ r ) r – ( ◊ ) r (d) ( ◊ r ) – ( ◊ )r ×
_›
of end point and magnitude of difference of velocities 8. A particle is moving in a circle. v is its velocity
_›
at two perpendicular positions will be and a is its acceleration. Rate of change of speed of
(a) 2p and 0 mms–1 the particle can be expressed as
__ _› _› _› _›
(b) 2 ÷2 p and 4.44 mms–1 a◊ v a◊ v
(a) ____
_› (b) ____
_
__
(c) 2 ÷2 p and 2p mms–1
v | v› |
__ _› › _ _› _› _›
(d) 2p and 2 ÷2 p mms–1 a × v (a × v ) ◊ v
(c) _____
_› (d) __________
_
3. A particle is kept fixed on a turntable rotating
|v| | v› |
9. A ring of radius 2 m rotates
uniformly. As seen from the ground, the particle goes
about the z-axis in an xy plane
in a circle, its speed is 20 cms–1 and acceleration
as shown in the figure. At a
is 20 cms–2. The particle is now shifted to a new
certain instant the acceleration
position so as to make the radius half of the original
of a point P on the ring is
value. The new values of speed and acceleration will
be (6 – 8 )ms–2. The angular
acceleration of the ring and
(a) 10 cms–1, 10 cms–2 (b) 10 cms–1, 80 cms–2
the angular velocity at that
(c) 40 cms–1, 10 cms–2 (d) 40 cms–1, 40 cms–2 instant are
4. A wheel having a diameter of 3 m starts from rest (a) – 3 rad s–2, – 2 rad s–1,
and accelerates uniformly to an angular velocity of (b) 3 rad s–2, 2 rad s–1
210 rpm in 5 s. Angular acceleration of the wheel (c) – 4 rad s–2, – 2 rad s–1
is
(d) 3 rad s–2, – 2 rad s–1
(a) 1.4 p rad s–2 (b) 3.3 p rad s–2 10. A particle is performing circular motion of radius
–2
(c) 2.2 p rad s (d) 1.1 p rad s–2 1 m. Its speed is v = (2t2) ms–1. What will be the
5. For a particle performing circular motion, , v, r magnitude of its acceleration at time t = 1 s?
represent the angular velocity vector, velocity vector __ __
and position vector of the particle relative to the (a) 2 ÷2 ms–2 (b) 4 ÷2 ms–2
centre respectively. Centripetal acceleration is given (c) 2 ms–2 (d) 8 ms–2
by 11. A particle starts from rest and moves on a circle
(a) a × r (b) ×v with a constant angular acceleration of 3 rad s–2.
An observer starts his stopwatch at a later time
(c) a × v (d) ×r
and records that the particle covers an angular dis-
6. A car is travelling on a circular road of radius r. It is placement of 120 rad at the end of 4 s. How long
increasing its speed at a rate of ‘a’ ms–2. Its accelera- after the particle had started to move the observer
tion at the instant its speed is v will be started his stopwatch?
________ ________
(a) 8 s (b) 12 s

÷( ) ÷( )
v2
__ v4
__
(a) – a2 (b) + a2 (c) 9.9 s (d) 18 s
r2 r2
12. A particle is moving in a circular path. The
________ ________ acceleration and
_› velocity of the particle
_› at a certain

÷( ) ÷( )
v4
__ v2
__ moment are a = (4 + 3 ) ms–2 and v = (8 – 6 )
(c) – a2 (d) + a2
r2 r2 ms–1. The motion of the particle is

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(a) Uniform circular motion (a) p /(6 ) (b) 5p /(3 )
(b) Accelerated circular motion (c) 5p /(6 ) (d) None
(c) Decelerated circular motion 17. Pick up the only correct statement in the following
(d) None of the above (a) A body having a constant velocity can still have
13. Two particles are going in a uniform helical and a varying speed
spiral path separately (as shown in the figure) with (b) A body having an acceleration of constant
constant speeds. magnitude can move with a constant speed
(a) The velocity of the particle is constant in both (c) Speed of a body will definitely change if it has
the cases. non zero acceleration
(b) The acceleration of the particle is constant in (d) A body starting from rest cannot move in
both the cases. a straight line if it experiences a variable
(c) The magnitude of acceleration is constant in (A) acceleration
and decreasing in (B). 18. A wind power generator uses a two-bladed propeller
(d) The magnitude of acceleration is decreasing mounted on a pole at a height of 20 m. The length
continuously in both the cases. of each propeller blade is
12 m and the period of the
motion of the propeller is
1.2 s. Tip of the upper pro-
peller breaks off when the
propeller is vertical. The
fragment flies off horizon-
tally. It strikes the ground
at point P. The distance
from the base of the pole
14. A particle starts from rest and performs circular to point P is closest to
motion of radius 1m. The tangential acceleration of (a) 120 m (b) 130 m
the particle at any time t is given by at = t ms–2. The (c) 140 m (d) 160 m
radial acceleration of the particle at t = 2 s is 19. A racing car is travelling along a straight track at a
(a) 1 ms–2 (b) 2 ms–2 constant speed of 40 ms–1. A camera man is record-
(c) 0.5 ms–2 (d) 4 ms–2 ing the event from a distance of 30 m directly away
15. Particle A is moving along a straight line with con- from the track as shown in the figure. In order to keep
stant velocity v as shown in the fig- the car under view in the position shown, the angular
ure. Another particle B is moving speed with which the camera should be rotated, is
in a circle with same speed v. The
line and the circle are in the same
plane. At the moment when A is
diametrically opposite to B, the
radius of curvature of path of B
as seen by A will be (Radius of the circle is R)
(a) R (b) R/2
(c) 2R (d) 4R
16. A body moves in a circle of radius R having centre at
the origin, with an angular velocity in the x-y plane
as shown in the figure. Another (a) 4/3 rad
__
s–1 (b) 3/4 rad s–1
body moves parallel to the y-axis (c) 8/3 ÷3 rad s–1 (d) 1 rad s–1
with constant velocity (R /2). 20. A body is thrown with the velocity v0 = 10 ms–1 at
At time t = 0, both objects are at an angle of a = 37° from the horizontal ground. Find
(R, 0). The time t, when the first the angular velocity of the body as observed from the
body has velocity only along the point of projection at the time of landing.
positive x-axis with respect to
the second body is

7.21
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5 5 (a) increasing (b) decreasing
(a) __ rad s–1 (b) __ rad s–1
8 6 (c) constant (d) can’t be say
5
(c) __ rad s–1 (d) None of these 23. A table fan, rotating at a speed of 2400 rev/min,
3 is switched off and the resulting variation of the
21. A particle moves in the xy – plane. The position vector revolutions per minute with time is shown in the
_›
of the particle at any time t is r = [(2t) + (2t2) ] m. figure. The total number of revolutions of the fan
q is the angle which its velocity vector makes with before it comes to rest is
the positive x-axis.The rate of change of q at time
t = 1 s is
3 2
(a) __ rad s–1 (b) __ rad s–1
7 5
2
(c) ___ rad s–1 (d) None of these
17
22. At a particular instant velocity and acceleration of a
particle are (– + + 2 ) ms–1 and (3 – + ) ms–2
respectively. At the given instant particle's speed is (a) 280 (b) 140
(c) 70 (d) 210

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Worksheet 2
1. A block is placed on a horizontal table which is rotat- (c) Speed of the particle at time t = 2 s is
ing about its vertical axis. Table rotates such that the 3.14 ms–1.
particle does not slide. Arrows 1, 2, 3, 4 show the (d) Centripetal acceleration of the particle at time
possible direction of acceleration of the block at the t = 2 s is less than 10 ms–2.
instant shown in the figure. Which of the followings 4. Position vector of a particle moving in an x-y plane
are correct? _›
at time t is r = a (1 – cos t) + a sin t .
(a) Path of the particle is a circle of radius a and
centre at (a, 0).
(b) Acceleration of the particle has magnitude
2
a.
(c) Path of the particle is an ellipse of major axis 2 a
and minor axis a.
(d) Path of the particle is a straight line.
(a) When the table is rotating clockwise with a 5. Which of the following statements are true for a
constant angular speed the acceleration is along moving body?
the direction shown by arrow 3. (a) If its speed changes, its velocity must change
(b) When the table is rotating clockwise with a and it must have some acceleration.
decreasing angular speed the acceleration is (b) If its velocity changes, its speed must change
along the direction shown by arrow 2. and it must have some acceleration.
(c) When the table is rotating clockwise with an (c) If its velocity changes, its speed may or may not
increasing angular speed the acceleration is change, and it must have some acceleration.
along the direction shown by arrow 2. (d) If its speed changes, but direction of motion does
(d) Just after the clockwise rotation begins from not change, its velocity may remain constant.
rest the direction of acceleration is represented 6. A body moves in a circular path of radius R with
by arrow 1. deceleration so that at any moment of time its
tangential and normal accelerations are equal in mag-
2. A particle is moving on a circular path of radius nitude. At time t = 0, the velocity of the body is v0.
1.5 m at a constant angular acceleration of 2 rad s–2. The velocity of the body at some later instant can be
At the instant t = 0, angular speed is 60/ p rpm. expressed as
(a) Angular speed of the particle at time t = 2 s is v0
6 rad s–1. (a) v = ________ at time t
(b) Angular displacement of the particle at time ( v0t
1 + ___
R )
t = 2 s is 8 rad. –s
___
(b) v = v0 eR after it has moved a distance s.
(c) Rate of change of speed of the particle at time
t = 2 s is 3 ms–2. (c) v = v0e–sR after it has moved a distance s.
(d) At time t = 2 s the angular acceleration of the (d) None of these
particle suddenly becomes zero. The accelera-
7. Consider a merry-go-round. Figure (i) shows its
tion of the particle immediately after this event
angular speed ( ) as a function of time t. In this
is 54 ms–2.
graph a positive value of indicates counter-clock
3. A particle moves clockwise in a circle of radius 1m wise rotation. The scalar angular acceleration (a) is
in an xy plane with centre at (1, 0) m. It starts from defined as the rate of change of the angular speed
rest at the origin at time t = 0. Its speed increases at with time.
p
()
the constant rate of __ ms–2.
2
(a) It takes 2 s for the particle to travel halfway
(i)
around the circle.
(b) It takes more than 1s for the particle to travel
first quarter of the circle.

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(b) Rate of__ change of speed is never greater
÷3
than ___ g.
(ii) 2
(c) Radius of curvature of the path first decreases
and then increases.
(d) Curvature of the path first decreases and then
increases.
9. The figure below illustrates a stretch of a horizontal
(iii) road. The markers (++) indicate distance along the
road separated by 10 m. At ‘A’ a car enters the stretch
of the road. It accelerates uniformly upto point C and
Which of the followings are correct? then continues moving at a constant speed. The dots
(a) Between t = 0 and t = 10 s, the merry-go-round show the position of the car at one second intervals.
completes nearly 2 revolutions. Using the coordinate system shown, select the correct
choices.
(b) Between t = 30 s to t = 40 s, the merry-go-round
rotates clockwise and slows down.
(c) Graph given in the figure (iii) best represents
the merry-go-round’s scalar angular acceleration
between t = 0 and t = 20 s.
(d) Graph given in the figure (ii) best represents
the merry-go-round’s scalar angular acceleration
between t = 0 and t = 20 s.
8. A projectile is projected from the ground making (a) The speed of the car at point B is 30 ms–1.
an angle of 60° with the horizontal. Which of the (b) The acceleration of the car at point D is zero.
followings are correct? (c) The speed of the car at point E is 50 ms–1.
(a) Component of acceleration normal to the path (d) The acceleration of the car at point E is 50
is never less than g/2. ms–2

7.24
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Worksheet 3
1. A small object is rotating in a circle of radius 0.5 m 9. A stone is projected from a flat ground. Its initial
making 1200 rpm. It begins to retard at a constant velocity makes an angle of 53° with the ground and
rate of 5p rad s–2. the smallest radius of curvature of its path is 90 m.
Find the number of revolutions completed by it from Find the radius of curvature of its path at time t = 1 s
the moment retardation begins till it stops. after projection.
2. A particle is moving uniformly in a circle of radius 10. A particle is moving in a circle of radius R and its
r = 0.6 m and has an acceleration equal to 5 times speed is u. Its speed begins to increase at a constant
the acceleration due to gravity. Find the time period rate. By the time it rotates through 90°, magnitude
and frequency of rotation [g = 9.8 ms–2]. of change in its velocity vector is 2u. At this instant
3. A particle is moving in a circle of radius R with a find
constant angular speed . Find the magnitude of its (i) Its radial acceleration.
displacement in time t. (ii) Angle between acceleration and velocity.
4. Speed of an object undergoing uniform circular 11. Two particles describe the same circle of radius R, in
motion is 4 ms–1. Magnitude of change in veloc- the same direction with speed v. The particles have
ity during an interval of 0.5 s is 4 ms–1. Find the some separation between them. Find their relative
minimum possible centripetal acceleration of the angular speed.

[ 25
object. Take p = ___ .
8 ]
5. A particle is set to move on a circular track of radius
1 m. It starts moving and its a (ms–2)
tangential acceleration changes
with time as shown in the fig-
ure. Find the time after which
the acceleration of the particle
makes an angle of 30° with its 60°
t (s)
12. A car moves around a road which is part of a circle.
O
radial component. Speed of the car is constant at 72 kmph. Tangent at
two points A and B on the road make an angle of
6. A particle moves in an xy plane and its velocity
45° between them. The arc length AB is 100 m. Find
changes with time as
_› the acceleration of the car.
v = v0 + at
Find the magnitude of its tangential, normal and total
__
÷3 v0
_____
acceleration at time t = a .

7. A particle moves in a circle of radius R with a con-

stant speed v. Find the magnitude of its average
pR
acceleration during a time interval D t = ___.
2v
8. A particle is moving in a circular path of radius 0.2 m
with an angular velocity = 20 t2 rad s–1, where t
13. A body rotates in a circle so that its angular velocity
is time in second.
depends on the rotation angle (q) as = 0 – kq,
(i) Find its acceleration at t = 0.5 s. where 0 and k are positive constants. At time t = 0,
(ii) Find total number of revolutions that it completes q = 0. Find the time dependence of angular displace-
in 5 s. ment q.

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn

1. 12 : 1 2. 12.6 ms–1 3. (i) 4 rad s–1 (ii) 2.5 rad s–1

4. 13.37 5. 837.3 kmh–1 6. 2.4 ms–1 7. 251.2 ms–1
8
8. __ rad. 9. yes 10. 118.3 ms–2 11. 12 rad s–2, 4 rad s–1
3
12. 38.7 ms–1 13. 100 m 14. a dq 15. (0, 0)
16. C, B 17. 6.28 rad s–2 18. 1/3 19. 0.8 ms–2
20. (i) a = – 5 rad s (ii) 1600 ms–2 (iii) a
–2
1600 ms–2 (iv) 39.8 21. 50 rad s–1
20__ 20
22. (i) 5/2 m (ii) ____ m 23. ___ ms–2 24. E
3÷3 3
9
25. (i) ___ rad s–1 (ii) 1 rad s–1
25

Worksheet 1
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (a)
10. (b) 11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (d)
19. (d) 20. (a) 21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (a)

Worksheet 2
1. (a,c,d) 2. (a,b,c,d) 3. (a,b,c,d) 4. (a,b) 5. (a,c) 6. (a,b) 7. (a,b,d) 8. (a,b,c) 9. (a,b,c,d)

Worksheet 3
1. 80 2. 0.69 s, 1.44 Hz ( )
2
t
3. 2a sin ___ 4. 8.33 ms–2
__ __
÷3 a a 2÷2 v2
5. 22/3
s 6. ____, __, a 7. ______ 8. (i) 6.4 ms–2 (ii) 132.7 rev
2 2 pR

( )
__ 3u2 3p v
9. 180 ÷2 m 10. (i) ___ (ii) tan–1 ___ 11. __
R 2 R

13. q = ___ ( 1 – e– kt )
0
12. 3.14 ms–2
k

7.26
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CHAPTER 8

Relative Motion and Constraints

‘‘The velocity with which time flies is infinite, as is most apparent to those who look back”.
— Seneca the Younger

1. INTRODUCTION From the triangle rule of vector addition, we have

_› _› _›
r 1 + r 21 = r 2
While reading this book you find the book to be at rest. _› _› _›
If somebody (an alien, an astronaut or the God himself) fi r 21 = r 2 – r 1 ...(i)
in space watches you, he will say that you and the book What is the significance of the above equation? It tells
are moving at thousands of kilometre per hour as the Earth us that if an observer knows the position of two objects – 1
rotates around its own axis and revolves around the sun. The and 2, he can calculate the position of 2 as observed by 1.
state of the book described by the two observers are very In the above example, the man standing on ground can use
different. Similarly, you will find your co-passenger to be at (i) to find the position of car 2 as observed by the driver of
rest in a train but someone standing on the ground finds that car 1.
all the passengers are moving. Velocity of a scooter observed
If the man in above example
_› _›finds that the two cars are
by someone on the ground will be very different from its
moving, he will see that r 1 and r 2 are changing. In general,
velocity observed by a pilot of an aeroplane. Till now, we
the driver of 1 will also see that the position of 2 is changing.
have described all our motion assuming that the observer
We will differentiate equation (i) to get the relationship in
was attached to the ground.
velocities. _› _› _›
In this chapter, we will describe how observations made d r 21 ____
_____ d r 2 ____
d r1
= –
by different observers in different frames of reference are dt dt dt
_› _› _›
related to each other. Observers in different frames may fi v 21 = v 2 – v 1 ...(ii)
measure different positions, velocities, and accelerations for _› _›
a given particle. Two observers moving relative to each other In this equation, v 1 and v 2 are the velocities of car 1 and
generally do not agree on outcome of a measurement. 2 as observed by the man.
_›
v 21 = velocity of 2 relative to 1.
2. RELATIVE POSITION, VELOCITY, AND An important thing to understand is that the man
ACCELERATION (on ground) need not give a phone call to the driver of car
1 and ask him what velocity does he see the car 2 is mov-
Consider a man standing on
ing at. He himself can calculate the velocity of 2 which is
the ground (This is not nec-
observed by 1, using equation (ii).
essary. This observer can be
in a moving train as well). Differentiating equation (ii) with respect to time, we get
He observes two moving relationship in accelerations.
_› _› _›
cars — 1 and 2. d v 21 ____
____ d v 2 ____
dv1
= –
At time t: dt dt dt
_› _› _› _›
r = position vector of car 1 as observed by the man. fi a 21 = a 2 – a 1 … (iii)
_›1 _› _›
r = position vector of car 2 as observed by the man. a 1 and a 2 are accelerations
_› of the car 1 and car 2 as
_›2
r 21 = position vector of car 2 as observed by the driver recorded by the man. a 21 is the acceleration of car 2 that is
of car 1 (or, position vector of 2 relative to 1). recorded by the driver of car 1.
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8.2 Mechanics I

_› _› _›
In Short v TC = v T – v C
_› _›
(i) Velocity of body 2 as observed by an observer 1 is = v T + (– v C)
_› _›
written as v 21. Similarly, v 12 means velocity of 1 as The necessary constructions using the parallelogram rule
observed by 2. of vector addition has been shown in figure below.
________
(ii) If an observer (in any reference frame) records the vTC = ÷402 + 302 = 50 kmh–1.
_› _›
velocities of two objects 1 and 2 as v 1 and v 2, respec-
tively, then he can calculate the velocity of 2 as seen
_› _›
by 1 ( v 21) or velocity of 1 as seen by 2 ( v 12).
_› _› _› _› _› _› _›
v 21 = v 2 – v 1; v 12 = – v 21 = v 1 – v 2
Similar relation holds for position and accelerations
_› _› _› _› _› _›
r 21 = r 2 – r 1 and a 21 = a 2 – a 1
(iii) Speed of 2 relative to 1 is the magnitude of relative
velocity. _›
_› _› _› _› Direction of v TC makes an angle q with the east towards
v21 = | v 21| = | v 2 – v 1| = | v 12| north where
Speed of 2 relative to 1 is same as the speed of 1 relative 40 4
tan q = ___ = __
to 2. 30 3
q  53°
Example 1 Two cars are moving towards each other on a
straight highway. Their speeds are 60 kmh–1 and 90 kmh–1. Therefore, velocity of the truck for the car driver is
Find their relative speed. 50 kmh–1 in a direction 53° N of E.
Note that velocity of car as seen by the truck driver will
Solution be 50 kmh–1 53° S of W.
Concepts
Example 3 Two balls are projected simultaneously from the
(i) Relative speed is the magnitude of relative velocity. ground. First ball is projected vertically up with a velocity of
(ii) In one D motion ± sign are used to indicate the u1 = 10 ms–1 and the second ball is projected with a velocity
directions. of u2 = 20 ms–1 at an angle of 37° to the horizontal. Answer
(iii) It is implied that the speeds 60 kmh–1 and 90 kmh–1 the following questions for the time interval for which both
are recorded by a man standing on ground. the balls are in flight.
(i) Find the acceleration
of ball 2 relative to the
ball 1.
(ii) Find the velocity of 2 relative to 1.
v21 = v2 – v1 = – 90 – (60) = – 150 kmh–1 (iii) Will an insect in the ball 1 see the ball 2 travelling
It means that the driver in car 1 finds that car 2 is moving on a curved path?
with a velocity of 150 kmh–1 in the negative direction (i.e., Solution
to left). Concepts
Driver in car 2 will find car 1 moving to right at
150 kmh–1. We will express the velocities in , notation for easy
\ relative speed v21 = v12 = 150 kmh–1. calculations _ _› _› _› _› _›
›
a 21 = a 2 – a 1; v 21 = v 2 – v 1
Example 2 A truck is moving towards north with a veloc-
ity of 40 kmh–1 and a car is moving in the west direction (i) During their course of flight, acceleration of both the
at a velocity of 30 kmh–1. Find the velocity of the truck as balls is g in the downward direction.
observed by the driver of the car. \ a21 = a2 – a1 = g ( ) – g ( ) = 0.
Solution This is a very important result. No matter how the
Concepts balls are travelling, as long as both of them are mov-
_› ing under the gravity, their relative acceleration is
(i) Velocity of truck relative of car is written as v TC
_› _› _› zero.
and is calculated as v TC = v T – v C. _›
(ii) u 1 = 10
(ii) It is implied that the two given velocities have been _›
recorded by an observer on the ground. u 2 = 20 cos 37° + 20 sin 37°
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.3

= 16 + 12 _›
u 21 makes an angle q with the horizontal where,
2 1
tan q = ___ = __
16 8
Hence, an observer in ball 1 ____finds that ball 2 was
projected with a velocity of ÷260 ms–1 at an angle

()1
of q = tan–1 __ from the horizontal.
8
(iii) An observer in ball 1 will see that ball 2 moves with a
Hence, the velocity of 2 relative to 1 is constant velocity as he does not see any acceleration.
_› _› _› No acceleration means no change in direction and
u 21 = u 2 – u 1 = 16 + 12 – 10
magnitude of the velocity. Therefore, the observer
= (16 + 2 ) ms–1 will see that ball_2 moves uniformly in a straight line
›
with a velocity u 21.
_______ ____
u21 = ÷162 + 22 = ÷260 ms–1

Your Turn

Q.1 City B is located 500 km away from city A in a direc- west and is diving at a velocity of 300 kmh–1 making an
tion 37° N of E. Another city C is 375 km away from city angle of 37° with the horizontal. Find the speed of the ship
A in a direction 53° N of east. Find the location of city C as seen by the pilot.
relative to B.
Q.2 Two trains A and B are moving on parallel tracks Q.5 Two particles move along the x-axis. Their x−t graphs
in the same direction. Velocities of the two trains are are as shown below. Find the velocity of particle 2 relative
vA = 100 kmh–1 and vB = 60 kmh–1 at a certain instant. to particle 1.
Train A is retarding at a rate of 3 ms–2 and B is accelerating
at a rate of 1 ms–2 at the moment.
(i) Find the velocity of B as observed by the driver in
A.
(ii) Find the acceleration of A as seen by the driver in
B.
Q.3 A helicopter on a flood relief mission is flying
horizontally at a constant velocity of 50 ms–1. It drops a
food packet at time t = 0.
(i) Find the velocity of the food packet relative to the Q.6 A vertical wall is moving to
pilot, immediately after the release of the packet. the left with a constant velocity v. A
(ii) Find the acceleration of the packet relative to the ball, moving to left with velocity v
pilot. hits this wall. Speed of the ball rela-
(iii) Find the velocity of the food packet relative to the tive to the wall is same before and
pilot 5 s after the release. [g = 10 ms–2] after the collision. Find the speed of
the ball (with respect to ground) after
Q.4 A ship is travelling with a velocity of 50 kmh–1 in a the collision.
direction 37° W of N. An aeroplane is headed towards the

3. CHANGE OF THE REFERENCE FRAME or more moving bodies when the observer is on ground. In
such situations, it may help to attach the observer to one
TO SIMPLIFY A PROBLEM of the moving bodies. The body to which the observer is
Many times, a change in reference frame can simplify a attached will always be at rest.
problem. It may be difficult to relate to the motions of two
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8.4 Mechanics I

We all are in a reference frame attached to the Earth. Therefore, an observer attached to ball 1 finds that
We do not see it moving. In fact, every day we see that ball 2 moves with a constant velocity of 20 ms–1 and
the sun moves from east to west. When you are riding your hits it.
motorcycle, the motorcycle is not moving for you, in fact Time needed is
the road moves. The trees and buildings move for you.
20 m
Positions, velocities and accelerations in two different t = _______ =1s
frames are related through equations learnt in the last 20 ms–1
section. The examples below will illustrate the procedure. (ii) Since u21 = 20 ms–1 is constant, the separation (s)
Many problems that follow can be done in routine manner between the two balls decreases linearly from 20 m
also but to familiarise ourselves with the concept of rela- to 0.
tive motion, we will do them using concepts learnt in this
chapter.
Before starting with problems, we must stress that all
the equations of kinematics remain valid in any reference
frame.

Example 4 A ball is dropped from a height of 20 m and

another ball is simultaneously projected up from the ground
at a velocity of 20 ms–1.
(i) Find the time when the two balls collide.
(ii) Draw a graph showing the variation in separation Example 5 Falling of a nut inside a lift.
between the balls with time. Draw the graph till the A lift has a floor to ceiling height of 3.0 m. It is going
time the two balls collide with each other. up. At the instant its velocity is 5 ms–1, a nut gets detached
Solution from the ceiling. Find the time in which the nut will strike
the floor for the following two cases:
Concepts
(i) Lift is moving uniformly.
(i) We will solve the problem in a reference frame (ii) Lift has an upward acceleration of 2 ms–2.
attached to the first ball. You might like to think
that an insect is sitting on the ball and we will Solution
describe the situation from the insect’s point of Concepts
view. In this frame, the first ball is not moving.
In reference frame of the ground, the nut as well as the
(ii) Relative acceleration of the two balls in air is
floor of the lift are moving. Also, the initial velocity of
always zero.
the nut in this reference frame is 5 ms–1 ( ).
In reference frame of the lift, the problem gets
simplified. In this frame, the lift is not moving and the
initial velocity of the nut is zero.

(i)

(i) In the reference frame of ball 1, initial velocity of ball 2 is

u21 = u2 – u1 = 20 ( ) – 0 = 20 ms–1 ( )
Acceleration of ball 2 relative to ball 1 is

a21 = a2 – a1 = g ( ) – g ( ) = 0
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.5

Let us assume our observer to be someone riding Let our observer be someone on ship 1. For him, ship 1 is
the lift. For this observer everything inside the lift at rest. Now the velocity of ship 2 as observed by him is
(including its floor and the nut) is at rest.
Initial velocity of the nut unL = 0
Acceleration of the nut in this reference frame is
anL = an – aL = g ( ) – 0 = g ( ).
Displacement before the nut hits the floor is
xnL = 3.0 m
1 _› _› _› _› _›
Using xnL = unL t + __ anL t2 v 21 = v 2 – v 1 = v 2 + (– v 1)
2
__
1 From the figure, v21 = 20 ÷ 2 kmh–1 in north-east
3 = 0 + __ × 10 × t2
2 direction.
___
fi t = ÷0.6 s. For the observer in ship
__
1, the other ship moves uniformly
in NE direction at 20 ÷2 kmh–1.
(ii) In this case, anL = an – aL = 10 ( ) – 2 ( )
Obviously, the minimum separation is
= 10 ( ) + 2 ( ) 10
do = d sin 45° = ___
__
÷2
= 12 ms–2 ( ) __
= 5÷2 km
1
Using xnL = unL t + __ anL t2
2
1
3 = 0 + __ × 12 × t2
2
1__
fi t = ___ s
÷2

Example 6 Smallest distance between ships.

Two ships are d = 10 km apart on a line running from
Ship 1 is at rest. Ship 2 is moving
south to north. The one farther north is steaming towards in the north-east direction.
west at 20 kmh–1 and the other is steaming north at 20 kmh–1.
At what time are the ships closest to each other and what is __
the distance between the two at that instant? Also, AB = 5÷2 km

Solution = distance travelled by ship 2 by the time it reaches B

__
Concepts
5÷2
AB__ _____ 1
\ time needed t = _____ = __ = __ h = 15 min
(i) It is understood that the two velocities given in the 20 ÷2 20÷2 4
problem are recorded by someone attached to the
ground. Example 7 A stolen car is running on a straight highway
(ii) We will assume that our observer is in one of at a constant velocity of 20 ms–1. A police jeep starts to
the ships. He will find his own ship to be at rest. chase the car when it was 40 m behind. It starts from rest
The velocity of the other ship that he will see is and moves with a constant acceleration of 4 ms–2. The jeep
_› _› _› overtakes the car in time t.
obtained by using v 21 = v 2 – v 1.
(i) Find t working in the reference frame of the car.
(iii) In this new reference frame, only one ship is mov-
(ii) Assume a cameraman sitting inside the car. He
ing with a constant velocity. This greatly simplifies
records the entire event and the film is later played
the problem.
on a TV set. Draw a graph showing how the separa-
tion between the car and the jeep changes with time
Velocities of the two ships are as shown in the figure
in the film.
below.
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8.6 Mechanics I

1
Concepts 40 = – 20 t + __ × 4 × t 2
2
(i) For an observer in the car, the car itself is at rest
fi t2 – 10t – 20 = 0
and only the jeep moves. ________
10 ± ÷100 + 80 __
(ii) Equation of kinematics can be used in any reference fi t = _____________ = 5 ± 3÷5
frame. 2
(iii) Film shot by the cameraman in the car describes Since the time cannot be negative
the motion of the jeep relative to the car. __
t = (5 + 3÷5 ) s

= 11.7 s
(ii) The required separation is
s = Initial separation – displacement of jeep in
reference frame of the car.

fi ( 1
s = 40 – – 20t + __ × 4 × t2
2 )
s = 40 + 20t – 2t 2
The required graph is plot of the above quadratic
In reference frame of the car, initial velocity of the jeep is equation.
uJC = uJ – uC = 0 – 20 (Æ)

= 20 ms–1 ( )
Acceleration of the jeep in frame attached to the car is
aJC = aJ – aC = 4 (Æ) – 0 = 4 ms–2 (Æ)
Observer in the car initially finds that the jeep is moving
away from it and the separation increases. After some time
(due to acceleration), the velocity of jeep (vJC) will become
zero. This is the instant when the separation between the two
will become maximum. After this, the velocity of jeep is in Note that vJC = uJC + aJC t
rightward direction and begins to increase. The separation
begins to decrease. Separation becomes zero when the jeep = –20 + 4t
is about to overtake.
(i) For an observer in the car, we use (for motion of the jeep) fi vJC = 0 at t = 5 s
1
xJC = uJC t + __ aJC t 2 ...(i) fi Separation is maximum at t = 5 s.
2

Your Turn

Q.7 Two cars are running on a straight highway with car (ii) Assume that the driver of car 2 is your observer. He
1 ahead of car 2. Velocities of the two cars are v1 = 10 ms–1 is at the origin and takes positive x-direction along
and v2 = 12 ms–1, respectively. At t = 0, separation between the highway ahead of him. Plot the x co-ordinate of
them is 20 m. car 1 as seen by this driver versus time. Consider
0 £ t £ t0.
Q.8 A boy is standing in front of a car. Separation between
them is 10 m. Both of them start moving in the same direc-
tion at t = 0, with the boy moving away from the car. The
boy moves with a constant velocity of 1 ms–1 while the car
(i) Find the time (t0) in which car 2 will catch car 1. moves with an acceleration of 4 ms–2.
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.7

(i) Find the time when the car overtakes the boy.
(ii) Draw a graph showing how the separation between
the two changes with time.
Q.9 Two trains are moving on parallel tracks in opposite
directions. They are moving with the same speed of 15 ms–1
and both the trains are 210 m long. Find the time they will
take to cross each other.

Q.13 Two cars are moving along a straight line at a sepa-

Q.10 A boy is riding a tall lift. The lift is going up and ration of 5 km. Both are moving in the same direction
–2
is retarding. Its retardation is 2 ms . At the instant velocity
at 30 kmh–1.
of the lift is 4 ms–1, the boy tosses a ball vertically up with
a velocity 10 ms–1 relative to himself. After what time will (i) A third car which is moving in the opposite direction
he catch the ball? meets these cars at an interval of 4 min. What is the
speed of the third car?
Q.11 Two balls, 1 and 2, are moving uniformly in an (ii) A truck overtakes the two cars at an interval of
xy plane.
__ At t = 0, ball 1 is at origin and has a velocity 10 min. What is the speed of the truck?
v1 = 8÷2 ms–1 in the direction shown in the figure. At this
moment, ball 2 is on y-axis at y = 10 m and has a velocity Q.14 Two cars A and B have velocities 20 ms–1 and 5
v2 = 2 ms–1 in positive x-direction. Find the minimum sepa- ms–1. They are running in the same direction with B ahead
ration between the two balls during their course of motion. of A. Distance between the cars is 150 m when A begins
to retard at a uniform rate of 1 ms–2. Will car A overtake
B? Draw a graph showing the separation of two cars as a
function of time.
Q.15 Two stones are thrown simultaneously from the
top of a tower which is 200 m high. The stones are given
vertically upward velocities of 15 ms–1 and 20 ms–1. Plot a
graph showing the separation of stones with time. Consider
the interval till one of the stones hits the ground.
Q.16 A small mass is dropped from the ceiling of a train.
Q.12 A lift is going up with a constant acceleration of At the instant it is released, the train is moving along a
–2
2 m s . A particle is projected from a point A on its floor at straight track with an acceleration of 3 ft s–2. Ceiling of the
a velocity of 4 ms–1 making an angle of 37° with the floor. train is 7 ft above the floor. Calculate the time for the mass
Find the time after which it will land back on the floor. Also to hit the floor. Where will it strike the floor?
find the distance AB on the floor of the lift if B is the point
[g = 32 ft s–2]
on the floor where it falls back. Assume that it does not hit
any wall or ceiling of the lift. [g = 10 m s–2]

_›
4. RAIN AND THE MOVING OBSERVERS v M = Velocity of a walking/running man as recorded by
an observer standing on the ground.
Recall travelling in a train on a rainy day. The direction of
the rainfall appears to change quite frequently. Sometimes, Velocity of rain apparent to the walking man is given as
the drops enter through your window and sometimes they _› _› _›
just appear to be going away from you. It is not the rainfall v RM = v R – v M
or the wind which is changing its velocity so frequently. In
fact, it is your train which accelerates, retards or changes This is the velocity of rain which is relative to the walking
its direction of motion. The direction and speed of rainfall man. He will try to keep the canopy of his umbrella normal
_›
apparent to you depends on your motion also. to the direction of v RM. It means, the umbrella stick will be
_› _›
Let v R = Velocity of the raindrops as recorded by an parallel to v RM. This will ensure maximum protection.
observer on the ground.
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8.8 Mechanics I

(ii) When the rainfall is vertical, it makes no difference

whether the man is walking towards east or north
direction. The raindrops appear to come from the
front inclined at same angle to the vertical.

(i)

Velocity of the rainfall that the man sees is

_› _› _› _› _›
Example 8 It is raining and raindrops are falling vertically v RM = v R – v M = v R + (– v M)
at a speed of 10 kmh–1. A man is walking at a speed of _›
The construction
_› of v RM has been shown in the figure
6 kmh–1 on a straight horizontal road. above.
(i) With what speed the raindrops hit man? _› _______ ____
(ii) At what angle to the vertical shall he hold the stick v RM = ÷102 + 62 = ÷136 kmh–1 = 11.7 kmh–1.
of his umbrella for the maximum protection? _›
(ii) Direction of v RM makes an angle q with the vertical
(iii) How will your answer to the above two questions where
change if the man takes a 90° turn but keeps walking
at 6 kmh–1? 6
tan q = ___ fi q = tan–1 (0.6)
10
Solution
Concepts Man should hold his umbrella stick at an angle q to
the vertical.
(i) Rainfall appears to man along the vector
_› _› _› (iii) The answers will not change.
v RM = v R – v M

Your Turn

Q.17 A boy riding his scooter observed that raindrops hit horizontal should the pipe be placed so that the rain drops
him vertically at a speed of 10 m s–1. Find the actual speed falling vertically with a velocity of 6 m s–1 enter the pipe
and direction of the rainfall if the scooter is moving on a moving parallel to its wall.
horizontal road at 10 m s–1.
Q.18 A pipe is mounted on a cart. It can be rotated in
the vertical plane. The cart moves uniformly along a hori-
zontal path with a velocity of 2 m s–1. At what angle to the

5. RELATIVE MOTION OF TWO moving uniformly (i.e., along a straight line with a constant
speed). Once one of them hits the ground and comes to rest,
PROJECTILES it will find the other projectile moving with an acceleration
As long as two projectiles are in flight, their relative g ( ).
acceleration is zero. This implies that one will see the other
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.9

7 70
Example 9 Minimum separation between two projectiles. Also, AC = 10 cos q = 10 × _______
______ = ____
___ m
Two projectiles are projected simultaneously from ground ÷7 + 1
2 2 ÷50
as shown in the figure. Their initial separation is d = 10 m.
Time when 1 is closest to 2 is given by
Find the minimum separation between them during the
period both of them are in flight. 70
AC ____________ 70 7
t = ___
u12 = ___
_______ = ____ = ___ s
÷50 ÷28 + 4
2 2 200 20

This time is larger than the time of flight of both the

projectiles (please check yourself). It means
__ both are still
in flight when they are at a separation of ÷2 m.
Solution Example 10 From points A and B, at respective heights of
Concepts 2 m and 6 m, two bodies are thrown simultaneously towards
(i) Assume an observer is attached to projectile 2 each other. One is thrown horizontally with a velocity of
observing the motion of 1. 8 m s–1 and the other downward at an angle of 45° to the
_› horizontal at an initial velocity such that the two bodies col-
(ii) Find u 12. The observer finds that _the first particle
› lide in flight. The horizontal distance between A and B is
travels in a straight line along u 12 without an
8 m. Find the velocity of projection of the body projected
acceleration.
from B.
(iii) Minimum distance is _the perpendicular distance of
›
the line representing u 12 from point B.

Let the x- and y-directions be as shown in the figure.

_›
u 1 = 20 cos 53° + 20 sin 53°
= 12 + 16
_›
u 2 = – 20 cos 37° + 20 sin 37°
= – 16 + 12
Solution
Concepts
(i) The problem can be solved by considering motion
of one body in the reference frame attached to the
Velocity of projectile 1 as observed by projectile 2 is other body.
_› _› _› (ii) If we consider the motion of projectile thrown
u 12 = u 1 – u 2 = 28 +4 from B relative to the one thrown_ from A, then
›
Relative acceleration is zero. Therefore, the observer the collision can take place only if u BA is directed
attached to projectile 2 finds that projectile 1 moves in the along the line BA. Remember that the body at
_› A, in this frame, is not moving and B is moving
direction of u 12 with a constant speed. This direction makes
an angle q with x-axis where uniformly.
(ii) We can solve the problem in ground frame also.
4 1
tan q = ___ = __ We will assume that the collision happens in time
28 7
t and frame equations using the fact that both the
Hence, from the figure
bodies are at the same location at time t.
1 10 __
dmin = 10 sin q = 10 × _______
______ = ____
___ = ÷2 m Here, we are presenting both the methods.
÷72 + 12 ÷50
Let x- and y-direction be as shown in the figure below.
Let the speed of the projection of the second body be u.
_›
uA = 8
_› u__ u__
u B = – ___ – ___
÷2 ÷2
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8.10 Mechanics I

Alternate:
Now we will solve the problem in ground frame.
Let the particles collide at time t, at point P. If x1 and x2
are horizontal displacement of the two bodies, then

Initial velocity of B as observed by A is

_› _› _›
u BA = u B – u A

= – ___
÷2 (
u__
+8
) u__
– ___
÷2
_› x1 + x2 = 8
Relative acceleration a BA = 0
fi 8t + (u cos 45°)t = 8
Therefore, particle at A u__
finds that the one at B moves fi 8t + ___ t=8 ...(i)
_› ÷2
uniformly at a velocity
_› of u BA.
For collision, u BA must be If y1 and y2 are vertical displacements of the two bodies
along the line BA. Line BA is in time t, then
inclined at q to the horizontal y2 – y1 = 4 [ h2 – h1 = 6 – 2 = 4 m]
such that
4 1
tan q = __ = __
fi [ (u sin 45°) t + __21 g t ] – [ __12 g t ] = 4
2 2

8 2 u__
___
fi t=4 ...(ii)
u__
___ ÷2
÷
______2 1
fi u__ = __ From (i) and (ii)
___ +8 2
÷2 8t + 4 = 8 fi t = 0.5 s.
__ __
u__
___ From (ii) we get, u = 8÷2 m s–1
fi =8 fi u = 8÷2 m s–1
÷2

Your Turn

Q.19 Two particles are (ii) Write the acceleration of A relative to B.

projected from points A and B
(iii) In how much time, the two projectiles will collide?
on the ground as shown in the
figure. The first one is projected Q.21 Two particles are simultaneously thrown from the
vertically up with a velocity roofs of two high build-
u1 = 10 m s–1. The second particle is projected with velocity ings as shown in figure.
u2 making an angle 53° with the horizontal. Find u2 if the Their projection veloci-
two particles collide during their flight. ties are vA = 2 ms–1 at
45° to horizontal and
vB = 14 ms–1 at 45°
Q.20 Two particles are
to horizontal. Find the
projected simultaneously from
smallest separation
points A and B as shown in the
between the particles
figure. Point B is vertically above
during their course of
A at a height of h = 5 m.
motion.
(i) Find the initial velocity
of A relative to B.
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.11

6. BULLET FIRED FROM A MOVING GUN (ii) Find the time of flight for the bullet.
Neglect the height of the canon.
A gun will usually fire a bullet with a speed that is fixed
relative to the gun. Speed of the bullet relative to the gun is
usually known as its muzzle speed. When a gun fires while
it is moving, the velocity of bullet coming out of it will be
different from the muzzle velocity.
_›
If v is the velocity of bullet relative to the gun (= muzzle
velocity) and,
_›
v G = velocity of the gun
_›
v b = velocity of bullet relative to ground Solution
_› _› _›
then, v = vb – vG Concepts
_› _› _›
fi vb = v + vG Velocity of the bullet relative to the gun is 100 ms–1 at 37°
to the horizontal. Actual velocity of bullet is
Similarly, if you say that you can run at a speed of _› _› _›
20 kmh–1, it implies that you can run at 20 kmh–1 relative vb = v + vG
to the surface on which you are moving. A man running on
a treadmill at 20 kmh–1 is not moving at all (for a person Velocity of the bullet relative to the gun is
standing on ground). _›
v = (100 cos 37°) + (100 sin 37°)
Example 11 On firing a shot horizontally, a canon recoils = 80 + 60
with a speed of 2 ms–1. The muzzle velocity of the shot
Actual velocity of the bullet is
is 100 ms–1. Find the speed of the shell relative to the
_› _› _›
ground. vb = v + vG
Solution
= 80 + 60 + 20
Concepts
= 100 + 60
Man sitting on the canon will find the shell to be moving
away at 100 ms–1.
Velocity of the bullet (shot) relative to the gun (cannon)
is _› _› _›
v = vb – vG
fi 100 (Æ) = vb – 2 ( )
fi 100 (Æ) = vb + 2 (Æ)
fi vb = 98 ms –1
(Æ)
60 3
(i) tan q = ____ = __
Example 12 A canon has its muzzle inclined at 37° to 100 5
the horizontal. It’s muzzle velocity is 100 ms–1. It fires a
bullet, while it was travelling horizontally at 20 ms–1, in the \ q = tan–1 (0.6)
forward direction. 2 vby 2 × 60
(ii) T = ____ _______
g = 10 = 12 s
(i) Find the angle at which the initial velocity of the
bullet was inclined to the horizontal for a man on
the ground.

Your Turn

Q.22 A gun mounted on a fighter jet has a muzzle speed of the shell if the jet is at a height of 2,000 m at the time
of 2 Mach. The jet is travelling horizontally at a speed of 1 of firing. [1 Mach = speed of sound = 330 ms–1]
Mach. It fires a shell in the forward direction. Find the range
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8.12 Mechanics I

Q.23 An army truck has a gun mounted at its back. The Q.24 A man jumps off the edge of a cart. He jumps
gun fires bullets in all the direction with its muzzle inclined horizontally at a speed 5 ms–1 relative to the cart and the
at 60° to the vertical. The truck is cart recoils at 2 ms–1. Find the speed of the man in air
travelling at a constant velocity immediately after his jump.
of 20 ms–1. Speed of the bullets
relative to the gun is 100 ms–1.
Find the maximum and __ minimum
range of the bullets. [÷3  1.7]

7. SWIMMING IN A RIVER Velocity of the man in a frame attached to the river bank
is given by
Consider a man who can swim in a calm lake at a speed of _› _› _›
v. We will assume that his speed remains fixed. v0 = v + u
_› _›
If this man tries swimming in a river, in general, his speed = v + u (See the figure below)
will be different due to the flow of water. For example, he
can swim much faster while going downstream and will
get slowed down while trying to swim upstream. But his
speed in a reference frame attached to the flowing water
will always be v. To understand this, consider an observer
riding a wooden raft flowing with water. For this observer,
there is no current. He finds the river to be a calm lake. In
such a frame, our swimmer has a fixed speed v, whichever
direction he swims.

If the width of river is l, then the time to cross the river

can be calculated as
l __l
t = __
vy = v .
The statement — ‘velocity of swimmer in still water is
v’, is same as saying that velocity of swimmer relative to
For this entire time t, the man moves in x-direction with
water is v.
_› a speed u. Hence, he does not reach the exactly opposite
Let v = velocity of swimmer (or a boat) relative to water point B and instead reaches point C. BC can be termed as
= velocity of swimmer as observed by someone sitting on a drift.
raft flowing with water. u
_› Drift x = u ◊ t = __
v l
u = Velocity of water
_› The time needed to cross the river is smallest in this case
v 0 = Actual velocity of swimmer in reference frame of
as the y component of man’s velocity is maximum.
river bank.
_› _› _› If one wishes to cross the river following the shortest
v = v0 – u route (i.e., moving along the line AB), then his velocity
_›
fi v0 = v + u relative to water shall be in a direction making some angle
q with y-direction as shown in figure given on next page.
Crossing the River _› _› _›
v 0= v + u = v cos q – v sin q +u
Consider a man swimming across a river. He keeps his body _›
perpendicular to the direction of the flow and swims with For v 0 to be along y-direction,
a speed of v relative to water. Speed of the water current
v sin q = u
is u.
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.13

Solution
Concepts
We will observe the motion of the boat in a reference
frame attached to the raft. In this frame, there is no flow
of water. The boat appears to move with a fixed speed —
whichever direction it goes.

In the reference frame of the raft boat moves for 1 h in

forward direction and it must take 1 h more to return back.
Note that the raft itself does not move in this frame and the
boat has same speed in all the directions.
A man on the river bank finds that the raft travels a dis-
u
fi sin q = __
v
tance of 6 km in two hour.
6 km
_›
And magnitude of v 0 will be \ speed of water is = _____ = 3 kmh–1
2h
________ ______
v0 = v cos q = v ÷1 – sin2 q = ÷v2 – u2 Example 15 A boat can row at a speed of 3 kmh–1 in
still water. The boatman wants to cross a 500 m wide river
Time to cross the river will be flowing at 2 kmh–1. He always keeps his boat at an angle
l l of 120° with the river flow.
t = __ _______
v0 = 2
______
(i) Find the time taken to cross the river.
÷v – u2
(ii) At what point on the opposite bank will he arrive?
Example 13 One dimensional river-boat problem. Solution
A motor boat can row in still water at a speed of 10 m s–1.
Concepts
There is a small island in a river flowing at 5 m s–1. The _› _› _›
boat starts from the island and goes downstream to a temple (i) Using v 0 = v + u , find the x and y components of
that is 100 m away. The boat then returns back to the island. the velocity of boat relative to the river bank.
What time does it take in the round trip? l
(ii) Use __
vy = t to get time.
Solution
Concepts (iii) Use x = v0x t to get the drift.
While going downstream, the actual velocity of the boat _›
will be (v + u) and while going upstream, its velocity Velocity of the boat ( v 0) relative to the river bank is
will be (v – u). _› _› _›
v0 = v + u
For the downstream journey v0 = v + u = 10 + 5 = = (– 3 sin 30°) + (3 cos 30°) +2
15 m s–1
100 20
Time taken to travel 100 m is t1 = ____ = ___ s
15 3
For the upstream journey, v0 = v – u = 10 – 5 = 5 m s–1
100
Time taken to travel 100 m is t2 = ____ = 20 s.
5
20
\ total journey time = 20 + ___ = 26.7 s
3
__
Example 14 A motorboat is going downstream. It over- _› 1 3÷3
\ v 0 = __ + ____
takes a raft (flowing with water). After overtaking, it keeps 2 2
moving downstream for 1 h and then takes a U-turn. It moves Boat will move along AC to reach point C on the opposite
back and meets the raft at a point that is 6 km from the bank.
initial meeting point. Find the speed of the water. Assume
that the speed of boat relative to water is constant.
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8.14 Mechanics I

_›
1
__ Velocity of the bullet relative to the gun ( v ) is also
km
l 2 1__ known as muzzle velocity.
(i) Time to cross t = ___
v0y = __________
__ = ____ h.
3÷3
____ –1 3÷3 _› _› _›
kmh v bullet = v + v gun
2
(ii) Drift = BC = v0x ◊ t (ii) A swimmer can swim at a particular speed (v) in
still water but when swimming in flowing water
1 1__ ____
1 (velocity u) then his actual velocity will depend on
= __ × ____ = __ km
2 3÷3 6÷3 the direction in which he attempts to swim. His actual
velocity is
Note: In a similar problem, if _› _› _›
an aeroplane flies with velocity v 0 = v + u.
v relative to air and u is wind Likewise, if an aeroplane can fly in still air at a
velocity then, the aeroplane will velocity v, then its velocity in wind (blowing with
move along line AC with a veloc- velocity u) will be calculated
ity given as
_› _› _› _› _› _›
v0 = v + u as v0 = v + u

In simple_ words we need to add the velocity of

In Short ›
medium (_u ) to the velocity of object relative to the
(i) Bullet fired from a gun will have a fixed speed rela- medium
›
( v ) to get the actual velocity of the object
tive to the gun. If the gun itself is moving then the _›
( v 0).
actual velocity will depend on the motion of the gun.

Your Turn

Q.25 A river 400 m wide has a current speed of 2 m s–1. A from A to B along a straight line path. How much time will
boat begins to sail at a velocity of 10 m s–1 with the respect be needed for the return journey?
to water while remaining perpendicular to the current.
(i) Find the time needed to reach the opposite bank. Q.27 A boat moves with a fixed speed in still water. It
takes t1 time to cover a distanc / in downstream direction of
(ii) How far from the point directly opposite to the starting a river flowing with uniform speed. While moving upstream,
point does the boat reach the opposite bank? it takes t2 time to cover the distance /. Find the time that the
Q.26 City B is exactly north of city A at a distance of boat will take to cover the same distance in a calm pond.
1,000 km. An aeroplane takes 2 h to cover the distance on
Q.28 A boat can travel in still water at a speed of
a straight line path when there is no wind. On a particular
v = 5 ms–1. It is trying to cross a river flowing at u = 4 ms–1.
day, there is a strong wind from west to east blowing at a
At what angle to the direction of current shall it row so as
speed of 50 kmh–1. Find the travel time of the aeroplane
to cross the river along the shortest path? How much time
will it take to cross a river 100 m wide?

8. CONSTRAINT RELATIONS mathematics to figure out the correct relationships between

displacements/velocities/accelerations of different bodies in
A system may have two or more connected objects or
a system.
objects which are in contact. In such systems, motion of
one body is constrained by the presence of other bodies. The When a train moves, it is obvious that speed of its engine
displacements, velocities, and accelerations of the bodies is always same as any of its compartments. When block A,
will have a definite relationship amongst them. shown in the figure on next page, goes down by a distance
of x, the other block B must go up by the same distance.
In some cases the relations may be obvious but in
This relation is true so long as the string is inextensible. If
other cases it may require a fair amount of thinking and
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.15

it were an elastic cord, we could not say

that distance travelled by A and B will
always be same.
| |
dx dx
But v1 = ___ = – ___
dt dt ]
Also, the length of the string is l + y = a constant.
When we say that a block is released (neglecting the length of string wrapped on the pulley)
on an incline having inclination angle q,
we are saying that the block is constrained __ dy
dl ___
\ + =0
to move along a line inclined at q to dt dt
horizontal. dy dl
In the examples to follow, we will fi ___ = – __ = v2
dt dt
illustrate how the motion of objects can
This equation means that rate of increase of y is same as
be related in situations where the rela-
rate of decrease of l and both are equal to v2.
tions are not very obvious.
Now, l2 = h2 + x2
Example 16 Blocks connected to a string passing over
a pulley. Differentiating with respect to time (t)
Blocks 1 and 2 are con- dl dx
2l __ = 0 + 2x ___
nected by an inextensible string dt dt
as shown in figure. Pulley is
fixed. Block 1 is sliding on a fi l (–v2) = x (– v1)
horizontal surface with speed
v1 __l
__
v1 when block 2 is falling ver- fi v2 = x = sec q0
tically at a speed of v2. At the
v1 Alternative
instant angle q = q0, find __v2 .
Solution Consider a very small time
interval D t in which block 1
Concepts gets displaced by D x and block
The physical constraint is that the length of the string 2 moves down by D y.
cannot change and block 1 has to move horizontally as Positions of block 1 are
block 2 moves vertically. marked as A and B.
BC is perpendicular on PA.
Various distances have been marked in the figure below. When D x is small, CB is also
dy small.
___ = v2, since y is a distance of block 2 from a fixed point.
dt In the right triangle PCB,

PC  PB

[ PB2 = PC 2 + CB 2 and CB is extremely small.]

When block 1 moves from A to B, the length of string

to the left of pulley P decreases by AC [= PA – PB].
Length of the string on the right of the pulley must
increase by the same amount [ string has fixed length].

\ Dy = CA
dx
Similarly, – ___ = v1 \ Dy = D x cos q 0
dt
[x = Distance of block 1 from fixed point O. Dividing by Dt

dx
Since x is decreasing, ___ is negative. Dy ___
___ Dx
dt = cos q 0
Dt Dt

If D t Æ 0, we have
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8.16 Mechanics I

dy ___
___ dx
= ◊ cos q0 fi v2 = v1 cos q 0
dt dt
v1
__
fi v2 = sec q 0

In Short
Relationships like the one obtained in the last example are
easy to get if we realise that the component of velocity along
the length of the string for the objects tied to its ends must
be same. One velocity should be outward from the string In the coordinate system shown above, let the coordinates
and the other must be towards the string. This is necessary of A and B be (x, 0) and (0, y), respectively. x coordinate of
for the string to remain taut. the centre (C) is
x
In the figure shown below the component of v1 along the xc = __
string (outwards) is equal to v1 cos a. Component of v2 along 2
the string (pointing inwards towards the string) = v2 cos b. y coordinate of the centre is
The two components must be same for the string to be taut. y
v1 cos a = v2 cos b yc = __
2
In the last example, one can directly write v2 = v1 cos q 0. dxc __
___ 1 dx u
\ = ___ = __
dt 2 dt 2
u
fi vx = __
2

| | ||
__
dyc 1 dy 1 1 u ÷3
And ___ = __ ___ = __ vB = __ u cot q = __ cot 30° = ___ u
dt 2 dt 2 2 2 2
__
÷3
\ vy = ___ u
2 _______
\ Speed of centre C is vc = ÷vx2 + vy2
Example 17 The given figure shows a rod of length L ________
__
u
leaning against a wall. Its lower end A is pulled to the right = __ ÷1 + (÷3 )2 = u.
with a constant velocity u. Find 2
Example 18 In the figure shown,
the velocity of end B when the there is a movable pulley with one
rod makes an angle q with the end of the string passing over it
horizontal. Also find the speed
being fixed.
of the centre of the rod when
q = 30°. Assume that the end The pulley is being pulled horizontally to the right. String
B remains in contact with the is inextensible and is horizontal.
wall. (i) Find the speed of the block when speed of pulley is u.
Solution (ii) Find the acceleration of the block if acceleration of
the pulley is a0.
Concepts
Solution
Length of the rod is fixed. Distance between point A and
B cannot change. Concepts
\ component of velocity of A along rod = component Length of the string is fixed. It is easy to think that if
of velocity of B along the rod. the pulley moves to the right by some distance x1 and the
In other words, velocity of B relative to A should not block is held fixed, it will imply that the length of the
have any component along the line AB, otherwise, it will string has increased by 2x1. But the string is inextensible.
mean that the distance AB is changing. Hence, the block must move to the right by 2x1.
Or, we can write the positions of the block and pulley
For the length of rod to remain fixed, it is necessary that with respect to a fixed point (say wall) and then relate
vB sin q = u cos q them knowing that length of string is constant.

fi vB = u cot q
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.17

Differentiating this relation wrt time will give the relation Solution
between velocities. One more differentiation will relate the Concepts
accelerations. We explain this method below.
(i) Velocity of pulley B is v1 ( ).
(i) Let the position of pulley and block be at a distance (ii) We will assume that the positions of B, 2 and 3,
x1 and x2, respectively, from the wall. are y1, y2 and y3 with respect to fixed ceiling. y1,
y2 and y3 are related using the fact that length of
string connecting 2 and 3 is fixed. Differentiating
this relation, wrt time gives the required relation.
(iii) One may alternately use the fact that an observer
attached to pulley B must see that both 2 and 3
move with same speed — one goes up and the
other falls down.
Length of the string is
x1 + (x1 – x2) = a constant Let the distances of pulley B, block
2 and 3 be y1, y2 and y3, respectively,
fi 2x1 – x2 = a constant from the ceiling.
dx1 dx2 Neglecting the length of string
fi 2 ___ – ___ = 0 wrapped on pulley (you may
dt dt
consider this length, it will make no
fi 2u = v difference).
(ii) Differentiating the last equation again gives y2 – y1 + y3 – y1 = a constant
du dv 2y1 = y2 + y3
2 ___ = ___
dt dt
dy1 dy2 dy3
fi 2a0 = a = acceleration of the block. fi 2 ___ = ___ + ___ fi 2v1 = v2 + v3.
dt dt dt
In Short Note: The above equation when differentiated gives
relationship among accelerations as 2a1 = a2 + a3.
If one end of an inextensible string passing over a moving
pulley is fixed, then the acceleration of the other end is twice Alternative method:
the acceleration of the pulley. For this rule to hold, the pulley Consider an observer attached to pulley B. If he finds that
and the moving end must be moving along same line. block 3 is going down, speed will be
v3B = v3 – v1
Example 19 In the arrangement shown below both the
strings are inextensible. Pulley A is fixed while B can move Velocity of block 2 for the same observer is
up and down. Assume that block 1 is going up with a speed
v2B = v2 – v1
v1 and blocks 2 and 3 are moving down with speed v2 and
v3, respectively. Write a relation between v1, v2 and v3. But v3B = – v2B [If 3 goes down, 2 must go up for an
observer in pulley B.]

fi v3 – v1 = – (v2 – v1)

fi 2 v1 = v2 + v3

Example 20 Block on sliding wedge.

A block is sliding down on an inclined surface of a triangular
wedge as shown in figure. At a moment, the velocity of
wedge is 2 ms–1 towards right; the block was seen to move
with a velocity of 5 ms–1 relative
to the wedge. Find the horizontal
and vertical components of veloc-
ity of the block in reference frame
of ground.
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8.18 Mechanics I

Solution
Concepts
(i) In the reference frame of wedge, the velocity of
block will be inclined at 37° to the horizontal.
(ii) Actual velocity of the block will be the vector sum
\ in the ground frame, the velocity of block is
of its velocity relative to wedge and velocity of the ______
wedge. vblock = ÷22 + 32
_› _› _› ___
v block = v block wedge + v wedge = ÷13 ms–1
Making angle q with horizontal
= 5 cos 37° ( ) + 5 sin 37° ( ) + 2 (Æ)
3
where tan q = __
4 3 2
= 5 × __ ( ) + 5 × __ ( ) – 2 ( )
5 5 Note: We will discuss more on such relations in the chapter
= 2( ) + 3( ) on Newton's laws.

Your Turn

Q.29 A ring can slide on a vertical rod. It is connected Q.32 A pulley is supported on an inex-
to a string passing over a pulley. tensible thread as shown in the figure.
The free end of the string is pulled When the free end of the string is pulled
vertically down with a constant up with a speed u, find the speed of the
speed u. pulley.
(i) Find the speed of the ring Q.33 One end of a rope is fixed at A.
when q = 37°. Its other end B is brought closer to the
(ii) Find the speed of the ring end A so as to double up the rope. End
as q Æ 90°. B is allowed to fall. At the instant end B
is falling at a speed u, what will be the
Q.30 In the arrangement shown below the ends A and B speed of fold C?
of the strings are being pulled down at a constant speed u.
Find the speed with which mass M moves upwards Q.34 In the figure shown below how
is the speed v1 of block 1 related to the speed v2 of the
block 2.

Q.31 A small lamp (L) is at a height H = 3.0 m from

the ground. A man
h = 1.6 m tall is walk- Q.35 In the arrangement shown
ing away from the lamp in the figure, velocity of block 1 is
at a speed v = 5 ms–1. 2 ms–1 when the block 2 is going
Find the speed at which down at 4 ms–1. Find the velocity
the shadow of his head of block 3 at this instant.
is moving when the
Q.36 In the arrangement shown
man is at a horizontal
on the next page bar A is con-
distance x = 4 m from
strained to move vertically. It was
the lamp.
observed that as the wedge moves 10 cm horizontally, the
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.19

bar moves 10 cm vertically. Find the inclination angle q of

the wedge.

Q.38 In the arrangement shown in the figure, block A has

an acceleration of 2 ms–2 in vertically downward direction
as reported by an observer attached to block B. What is
Q.37 In the arrangement shown in figure, a rod is pivoted acceleration of B relative to the ground?
at O and can rotate freely in vertical plane. It is kept lean-
ing against a block of height h. The block is moved with
a velocity v.
( | |)
dq
Find the angular speed of the rod = ___ when q = 30°.
dt

Miscellaneous Examples
_› _›
Example 21 A car is at rest at the foot of a q = 37° incline. v RC cannot be vertical if v R is in
The driver finds that it is raining the direction shown in (a)_above. In
›
and the raindrops which are falling this case, we cannot have v RC in the
make an angle of 37° to the verti- vertical direction.
cal. The car begins to climb while Hence, the correct direction of
moving at a uniform acceleration of rainfall is as shown in (b) above.
a = 2 ms–2. _›
In the diagram shown, v RC is
After 4 s, he finds that the raindrops are falling vertically. _›
vertical and v R makes q = 37° with
Find the actual speed of the rainfall. _›
it. Hence, v R is normal to the incline.
Solution
Concepts
(i) Initially, the car is at rest and what the driver sees
is the actual direction of the rainfall. Rainfall is
inclined to vertical at 37°. There are two possible
directions.

\
| vC | = tan 37°
____
vR

8 __
___ 3 32
fi vR = 4 fi vR = ___ = 10.67 m s–1
3
The first direction shown above is not possible. This
can be proved as given below in the solution.
Example 22 A lift has floor-to-ceiling height of 4 m. It is
(ii) When the car is moving, driver sees the rainfall in
_› _› _› going up with a retardation of 2 m s–2. At an instant when
the direction of vector v RC = v R – v C its speed was 1 ms–1, a loose bolt begins to fall from its
ceiling. [g = 10 ms–2]
After t = 4s, velocity of the car up the incline is
(i) In how much time, the bolt will hit the floor of the
vC = u + at = 0 + 2 × 4 = 8 m s–1 lift.
_› _› _› (ii) Find the distance travelled by the bolt by the time it
v RC = v R + (– v C)
hits the floor, in reference frame of the ground.
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8.20 Mechanics I

Solution (ii) In the reference frame of ground,

Concepts initial velocity of bolt = velocity
of lift = 1 ms–1
(i) The lift will stop in 0.5 s. Thereafter, it will remain
Acceleration = g ( )
at rest.
(ii) In the reference frame of lift, the acceleration of Travel time, T = 0.97 s
the bolt for the first 0.5 s is 8 m s–2 and for the y ___1
tascent = __
g = 10 = 0.15
remaining period it is g = 10 m s–2.
(iii) In the reference frame of ground, initial velocity \ height attained above the release point is
of the bolt is 1 ms–1 ( ) and the acceleration is u2 12
h0 = ___ = ______ = 0.05 m
constant at 10 ms–2 ( ). 2g 2 × 10
(iv) It will be easier to calculate the time of flight in tdescent = 0.97 – 0.1 = 0.87 s
the frame of lift.
\ fall of the bolt from highest point is
(i) Velocity of the lift will become zero in time 1 1
h1 = __ g (0.87)2 = __ × 10 × (0.87)2 = 3.78 m.
1 2 2
t0 = __ s
2 \ distance travelled by the stone
For the first half second of motion of the bolt in the s = h0 + h1 = 0.05 + 3.78 = 3.83 m
frame of the lift, we have
Example 23 Water collected in a vessel kept in rain.
u=0
It is raining uniformly on a day. Wind begins to blow
a = g( ) – 2( ) horizontally. How will it change the amount of rain water
collected in a cylindrical vessel kept on the ground.
= 8 ( ) ms–2
Solution
Concepts
Due to the wind, the falling rain drops acquire a hori-
zontal component of velocity as well. But their veloc-
ity component in vertical direction remains unaffected.
Collection of rainwater in the vessel depends only on the
vertical component of velocity of the rainfall as we have
proved below.

1
Displacement in time t0 = __ s is
2
1 1
y1 = ut + __ at2 = 0 + __ × 8 × __
2 2 ()
1
2
2
= 1m

Velocity of bolt (in RF of lift) at t = t0 is

1
v0 = u + a t0 = 0 + __ × 8 = 4 ms–1
2
Let the bolt cover the remaining distance
y2 = 4 – 1 = 3 m in time t.
1
y2 = v0 t + __ g t2
2

fi 3 = 4 t + 5 t2 fi 5 t2 + 4 t – 3 = 0
Consider a cylinder with a cross-sectional area A. It
_______ ___
– 4 ± ÷16 + 60 ÷76 – 4 is raining with velocity v making an angle q with the
fi t = _____________ = _______ = 0.47 s vertical.
10 10
We consider an area A¢ which is the projection of A in a
Hence, the total travel time is T = t0 + t = 0.97 s.
plane perpendicular to the velocity of rain.
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.21

A¢ = A cos q.
Volume of rain water crossing through A¢ in unit time =
volume of rain water entering area A = A¢v
= A cos q v

= A ◊ (v cos q) Motion of the ball and car in the ground frame.

Now, v cos q can be interpreted as the vertical component Motion of the ball is like a usual projectile and the
of the velocity of the rainfall. path is parabolic. Both the ball and the car travel with
\ Quantity of water entering the container will not the same horizontal velocity and, therefore, when the
change unless the vertical component of velocity of rain ball lands, the boy will be just under it to catch it.
changes. Whatever be the speed of the horizontal wind, the
volume of water in the container will not get affected.

Example 24 A boy is riding a

flat car which is travelling hori-
zontally at a velocity of 5 m s–1.
He projects a ball vertically up at
a velocity of 10 m s–1 relative to
himself. (ii) In the reference frame of the car; the car, the boy
and the ball all are at rest. Now, the boy projects
(i) Describe the trajectory of the ball as seen by his
it vertically relative to the car. Therefore, the ball
friend standing on the ground.
travels along a vertical straight line in this reference
(ii) Describe the trajectory of the ball as seen by the boy frame.
himself.
(iv) Working in either of the two frames, we will write
(iii) After what time will he catch the ball? the time of flight as
(iv) Find the separation between the projection point and 2uy 2 × 10
the point where the ball is caught back as seen by T = ___ _______
g = 10 = 2 s
the observer on the ground. (iv) The required answer is range of projectile in the
(v) Will the boy be able to catch the ball if the car was reference frame of the ground.
accelerated with some acceleration a? R = ux ◊ T = 5 × 2 = 10 m
Solution (v) In the ground frame, the car will travel more distance
than the ball in the horizontal direction if the car is
Concepts
accelerated. The ball will fall behind the boy.
(i) In the reference frame of car, the initial velocity of In the reference frame attached to the car, the ball
the ball is v = 10 ms–1 ( ). will have a horizontal acceleration (abc)x = abx – acx
(ii) In the ground frame, when the ball is still in the = 0 – a (Æ) = a ( ).
hand of the boy, it is travelling with a velocity of It means the ball will move to the left of the boy
u = 5 ms–1 (Æ). When projected, it gets an addi- as it goes up and moves down. It will fall behind the
tional velocity of v = 10 ms–1 ( ). Therefore, in the boy.
ground frame, the initial velocity of the ball has a
horizontal as well as vertical components. Hence, Example 25 Infinite trips but finite distance.
it will follow a parabolic trajectory.
Two trains, each having a speed of 30 kmh–1, are headed
(iii) When the car is accelerated, the ball has a hori- towards each other on the same straight track. A bird that
zontal acceleration in the reference frame attached can fly at 60 kmh–1 flies off one train, when they are 60 km
to the car. apart, and heads directly for the other train. On reaching
the other train, it immediately flies back to the first train
(i) In the ground frame,
and so on.
ux = 5 ms–1 (i) How many trips will the bird make from one train
uy = 10 ms–1 to another before they crash?
ax = 0 (ii) Find the total distance travelled by the bird before
the trains collide.
ay = g ( )
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8.22 Mechanics I

Solution (ii) Total travel time = 1 h.

Concepts Speed = 60 kmh–1 (constant)

As the two trains get closer, the travel time of the bird \ distance s = vt = 60 km.
between the two trains will go on decreasing. It means
the bird will be making more and more trips in the same Example 26 On a frictionless hori-
time interval as the trains get closer. zontal surface, assumed to be xy plane,
It is obvious that the trains will collide in 1 h. The bird a small trolley A is moving along a
keeps moving at a constant speed for this entire period of straight line parallel to __y-axis with a
1 h. Hence, the distance travelled can be calculated using constant velocity of (÷3 – 1) m s–1.
s = vt. At a particular instant, when line OA
makes an angle of 45° with x-axis, a
(i) Relative speed of the two trains is 60 kmh–1. They ball is thrown along the surface from the origin O. Its velocity
will collide in 1 h. makes an angle with x-axis and it hits the trolley.
When the bird starts from the first train, its distance (i) The motion of the ball is observed from the frame of
from the second train is 60 km. the trolley. Calculate the angle q made by the velocity
Relative velocity of the bird with respect to the train vector of the ball with x-axis in this frame.
towards which it is moving is = 90 kmh–1. (ii) Find the speed of the ball with respect to the surface
60 km 2
Time taken for first trip, t1 = ________ = __ h 4q
if = ___.
90 kmh –1 3 3
2
__ Solution
In h, the two trains have got closer to each other
3
Concepts
( 2
)
by __ h × 60 kmh–1 = 40 km.
3 An observer in the trolley finds that the trolley is at rest.
Separation between the two trains is 20 km when the To the observer, the ball must appear to be coming directly
_›
bird starts from second train towards the first. towards the trolley for a hit to take place. Therefore, v bA
(velocity of ball wrt trolley A) must be along line OA
\ time needed for second trip is
shown in the figure.
20 km 2
t2 = ________–1
= __2 h. Actual velocity of the ball makes an angle with x-axis
_›
90 kmh 3 and v bA makes q with x-axis. With this information, we
Similarly, one can show that the time needed for nth can find vb.
trip is
2 (i) In the reference frame of the trolley, ball is seen
tn = __n h
3 travelling along OA. Therefore, q = 45°.
Let the bird make n trips till the trains collide. 4
(ii) = __ × 45 = 60°
3
t1 + t2 + t3 + … + tn = 1 h. _›
Actual velocity of the ball ( v b) makes 60° with
2 __
__ 2 2 2 x-direction.
fi + + __ + … + __n = 1
3 32 33 3

fi
2
__
3 [ 1 1 1
1 + __ + __2 + … + ____
3 3 3n – 1
=1
]
[ ] ()
1 n
1 – __
3
2 _______
__
fi =1
3 1
1 – __
3 ()
1 – ( __ ) = 1 ()
n n
1 1
__
fi fi =0
3 3
fi nƕ
_›
\ the bird makes infinite trips. \ v b = (vb cos 60°) + (vb sin 60°)
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.23

__
vb ÷3 Solution
= __ + ___ vb
2 2 Concepts
Velocity of the trolley is (i) Box is sliding down a smooth incline. This implies
_› __
v A = (÷3 – 1) that its acceleration is g sin q. [If you do not under-
stand this, solve this problem after studying the
\ velocity of ball relative to trolley is Newton’s laws of motion].
(ii) Box is large, this assumption is necessary to ensure
that the particle does not hit its walls or roof.
(iii) We will work in the reference frame attached to
the box taking the x-direction along the incline and
y-direction perpendicular to it.
(iv) If an observer finds that there is no horizontal
motion of the particle, then he must not see any
horizontal component in velocity.

(i) Consider the x and y-directions as shown in the figure

below. Acceleration of the particle is g ( ) and can
_› _› _› be resolved as:
v bA = v b – v A
__ ax = – g sin q, ay = – g cos q
vb
( ) ( )
÷3 __
= __ + ___ vb – ÷3 + 1 Relative to the box, the components of acceleration
2 2
are
_›
v bA makes 45° with x-axis and hence its x and y axb = – g sin q – (– g sin q ) = 0
components must be same
ayb = – g cos q – 0 = – g cos q
__
÷3
___ vb
__
\ v – ÷3 + 1 = __ Relative to the box, the components of initial velocity
2 b 2 of the particle are
__
fi ( ÷______
3 –1
2 ) vb = ÷3 –1
__ uxb = u cos a
uyb = u sin a
fi vb = 2 m s–1

Example 27 Projectile inside a box sliding on an incline.

A large heavy box is sliding without friction down an
inclined plane of inclination q. From a point P, at the bottom
of the box, a particle is projected
inside the box. The initial speed of
projection of the particle relative to
the box is u and direction of pro-
jection makes an angle a with the
bottom surface as shown.
(a) Find the distance along the bottom of the box between
point of projection, P and point Q where the particle In RF of the box, the time of flight can be calculated
lands. Assume that the particle does not hit any other using
surface of the box. y = uyb t + ayb t2
(b) If the horizontal displacement of the particle as seen
by an observer on the ground is zero, then find the
speed of the box relative to the ground at the instant
fi
1
2(
0 = (u sin a) T – __ g cos q T 2)
the particle was projected. 2 u sin a
fi T = _______
g cos q
PQ = Range of the projectile in RF of the box
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8.24 Mechanics I

1 Solution
= uxb ◊ T + __ axb T 2
2
Concepts
= (u cos a) T ( axb = 0)
(i) Speed of the current is zero at y = 0 and becomes
2 u sin a u0
= u cos a _______ l
u0 at y = __. Rate of change of current with y is __
g cos q 2 __l
u2 sin 2a 2
= _______ 2u0
___
g cos q = . Hence, the speed at a distance y from the
l
(ii) Taking x and y as horizontal and vertical, 2u0
velocity of the box can be written as bank is u = ___ y
l
_› (ii) Component of velocity of boat in y-direction is
v b = – v cos q – v sin q
constant = v.
(iii) We will find the drift till the boat reaches the
middle of the river and then double it to get the
total drift.

Let the boat start at A (origin of our coordinate system).

When it is at a point having coordinates (x, y), then
dy
vy = v fi ___ = v ...(i)
dt

Initial velocity of the particle relative to the box is

_›
u Pb = u cos (q + a) + u sin (q + a)
_› _›
fi u P – v b = u cos (q + a) + u sin (q + a)
_›
fi u P = u cos (q + a) + u sin (q + a)

– v cos q – v sin q 2u0

And vx = u = ___ y
l
= [u cos (q + a) – v cos q ] + [u sin (q + a) – v sin q]
dx ___
___ 2u0
If the particle does not move horizontally, it means fi = y ...(ii)
dt l
that the x component of the above velocity is zero.
Dividing (i) by (ii), we can eliminate t
fi u cos (q + a) = v cos q
dy/dt _____
_____ vl
u cos (q + a) =
fi v = ___________ dx/dt 2u0 y
cos q
dy _____
___ vl
fi =
Example 28 River flowing faster in the middle. dx 2u0 y
Current speed of a river near its banks is zero and l /2 x
vl
increases linearly with distance from the bank to become fi Ú y dy = ___ Ú dx
uo in the middle. A boat can move in still water at speed v. 2u0
0 0
It crosses the river while always remaining perpendicular to
the current. Find the distance through which the boat will l2 ___
1 __
__ vl
fi = x
get carried away by the current. Width of the river is l. 2 4 2u0
l u0
fi x = ___
4v
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.25

This is the drift till the boat reaches the middle of the
river.
l u0
Total drift = 2 x = ___.
2v

Example 29 Submarine and steamer.

A submarine sights a steamer proceeding on a due
east course. The submarine is proceeding due south-west
to north-east course at 20 kmh–1 and the steamer bears Let the submarine stop at M, when the steamer is at S.
north-west of submarine all the while. The submarine stops __
14
when it is 14 km from the steamer and after a time interval SO = ___
__ = 7÷2 km
fires a torpedo whose velocity is 60 kmh–1 in direction due ÷2
north. How long after stopping must the torpedo be fired to Let the torpedo be fired at t hour after the submarine
make a hit? [Neglect gravity] stops.
Time for the torpedo to reach O is
Solution __
MO 7 ÷2
Concepts t1 = ____ = ____ h
60 60
(i) We will draw a vector diagram showing velocity of In time (t + t1), the submarine travels from S to O.
the steamer, submarine and the velocity of steamer __
relative to the submarine. Velocity of steamer wrt
the submarine must be along NW — SE direc-
\ ( 7÷2
____
60 ) __ __
+ t × 20÷2 = 7÷2
__
tion so that it always remains NW of the subma-
rine. This will help us to find the velocity of the fi
7
(7÷2
t = ___ – ____ h = 11.1 min
20 60 )
submarine.
(ii) Torpedo is fired along the north direction. So, it Example 30 Bullet fired from a moving gun.
will hit the steamer when it comes to a position Maximum range of a shell fired from a gun is 22.5 m. This
exactly north of the submarine. gun is mounted on a truck moving with a constant velocity
_› of 15 ms–1. At what angle q above the horizontal, the muzzle
Let v s = Velocity of steamer (wrt ground) of the gun must be aimed to achieve maximum horizontal
_› range? Neglect the height of the truck.
v m = Velocity of submarine (wrt ground)
_› _› _› Solution
v sm = v s – v m = Velocity of the steamer wrt the subma-
_› Concepts
rine, v sm must make 45° with east direction as shown, then
only the steamer will always stay NW of the submarine. u2
(i) Rmax = __
g = 22.5 m
|vm|
___ This gives the muzzle speed u.
= sin 45°
|vs| (ii) The horizontal movement of the truck changes the
__ horizontal component of the shell’s velocity.
fi |vs| = 20÷2 kmh–1
2uy
(iii) R = T ux = ___
g ux.

u2
__
Given g = 22.5 fi u2 = 225

fi u = 15 ms–1
Let the muzzle (barrel) of the gun be inclined at q to the
horizontal. Velocity of the shell relative to the gun is

= u cos q + u sin q = 15 cos q + 15 sin q

The steamer appears to travel along SM to an observer on Velocity of the shell relative to the ground is
submarine (M). Once the submarine stops, the steamer
__ appears _›
to be moving along SO with velocity vs = 20 ÷2 kmh–1. v = (15 cos q + 15) + 15 sin q
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8.26 Mechanics I

Let the man steer his body at an angle q to the y-direction

shown in the figure.
His velocity relative to the river bank is
_› _› _›
v0 = v + u
= – 3 sin q + 3 cos q +2

= (2 – 3 sin q) + (3 cos q)
2vy 30 sin q
Time of flight is T = ___
g =
_______ = 3 sin q .
g
Range R = vx. T = 15 (cos q + 1) 3 sin q
= 45 (cos q + 1) sin q .
R is maximum when (cos q + 1) sin q is maximum
d
fi when ___ (cos q + 1) sin q = 0
dq
fi cos q (cos q + 1) + (– sin q ) sin q = 0
Time to cross (i.e., time to reach B) is
fi cos2 q – sin2 q + cos q = 0
1
__
fi 2 cos2q + cos q –1 = 0 l 2 1
___
t1 = v = ______ = ______ hour
fi 2 cos2q + 2 cos q – cos q – 1 = 0 0y 3 cos q 6 cos q
1
fi 2 cos q (cos q + 1) – 1 (cos q + 1) = 0 Drift, x = v0x t1 = (2 – 3 sin q ) ______
6 cos q
fi (2 cos q – 1) (cos q + 1) = 0
1
fi cos q = __ or cos q = – 1
fi (
sec q tan q
x = _____ – ____ km.
3 2 )
2 Time needed to run from B to A is
fi q = 60° or q = 180° x sec q tan q
t2 = _______ = _____ – ____ hour
5 kmh –1 15 10
Obviously, q = 180° refers to minimum range.
Total travel time to A is
\ range is maximum when q = 60°.
7 1
t = t1 + t2 = ___ sec q – ___ tan q
Example 31 A man can swim in still water at 3 kmh–1. 30 10
He can run at a speed of 5 kmh–1 on the shore of a river. dt
t is minimum when ___ = 0
River current has a speed of 2 kmh–1 and width of the river dq
is l = 500 m. The man swims across the river and runs along 7 1
fi ___ tan q. sec q – ___ sec2 q = 0
the shore to reach the opposite point on river bank. Find the 30 10
minimum time in which he can reach his destination.
Solution fi [ 7 1
sec q ___ tan q – ___ sec q = 0
30 10 ]
Concepts Since, sec q π 0
The man walks much faster than he swims. He may allow 7
___ 1
fi tan q – ___ sec q = 0
a little drift and still reach his destination quickly. 30 10
We will assume that he steers his body in a particular 3
direction (q) and then we will find the time to cross (t1) fi sin q = __ fi q = 25°
7
and drift (x). Time needed to run along the shore will be
x Minimum time is
t2 = _______
5 kmh–1
. 7
30[ 1
tmin = ___ sec 25° – ___ tan 25° hour
10 ]
Total time t = t1 + t2 will be a function of q. We will = 12.65 min
dt
use ___ = 0 to find q when t is minimum.
dq Example 32 Two small balls A and B are placed inside
an elliptical groove as shown in the figure. Furthermore,
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Relative Motion and Constraints 8.27

the balls are constrained to joint. Vertex A is fixed to a rigid support and vertex C is
remain inside the vertical being moved along x-axis
slot of yoke C. The yoke with a constant velocity v
moves towards right with a as shown in the figure. Find
constant velocity of 5 ms–1. the rate at which vertex B
The major and minor axes is approaching the x-axis at
of the ellipse are a = 10 m the instant the rhombus is in
and b = 5 m. the shape of a square.
At what speed, the balls approach each other at the instant Solution
when the vertical yoke is at x = 5 m?
Concepts
Solution
(i) Physical constraint is that length of each rod is
Concepts fixed.
(i) The x co-ordinate of the balls is changing at a (ii) x co-ordinate of C can be easily related to y
constant rate v = 5 ms–1. co-ordinate of B. Differentiating this relation
(ii) Balls always lie on ellipse. The equation of ellipse relative to the time gives the required relation.
is relation between y and x co-ordinate of a ball. (iii) One may also solve the problem by using the fact
Differentiating this equation with respect to time that velocity components of the two end points
dy along the length of the rod must be same.
will give us ___ = y component of velocity of the Below, we will present both the methods.
dt
ball.
(iii) Relative velocity of the two balls, along the line, Let x co-ordinate of C be (x, 0).
joining them is the velocity of approach. dx
___ =v
dt
dx
___
Given, = 5 ms–1 Obviously,
dt
y2 x2
Equation of ellipse is __2 + ___2 = 1 ...(i)
()
x 2
y2 + __ = l 2
2
5 10 dy 1 dx
When, x=5 fi 2y ___ + __ 2x ___ = 0
dt 4 dt
__
y2 ____
___ 52 ÷3 [ l = a constant]
+ =1 fi y = ± 5 ___ m
25 100 2
Differentiating (i) wrt time gives
2 ___
___ dy ____
2 dx
y + x ___ = 0
25 dt 100 dt
__
5÷3 dx
Put y = ____ (for A), x = 5 m, ___ = 5 ms–1
2 dt
__
5÷3 ___
______ dy 5
. = – ____ × 5 dy
___ x dx
2 × 25 dt 100 fi = – ___ ___
dt 4y dt
dy
___ 5__
fi = – ____ ms–1 1 x/2
dt 2÷3 = – __ tan 45°. v [ ____
y = tan 45°]
2
5__
y component of velocity of A is vy = ____ ms–1 ( ). dy v
2 ÷3 fi ___ = – __
dt 2
5__
y component of velocity of B is vy = ____ ms–1 ( ). dy
2 ÷3 ___ is negative as y is decreasing (B is approaching the
5__ ____
5 5__ dt
Relative velocity of approach = ____ + __ = ___ ms–1.
2÷3 2÷3 ÷3 x-axis).

Example 33 Four rods, each of length l, have been hinged

to form a rhombus. The rods can rotate freely about each
\
||
dy
___
dt
v
= __
2
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8.28 Mechanics I

Alternate: \ velocity component of B along AB must be zero.

Let x and y components of velocity of point B be vx and vy vy
vx ___
___
respectively as shown. fi __ = __ fi vx = vy .
vA = 0. ÷2 ÷2
vx vy 2vy
Velocity component of B along BC is ___
__ + ___
__ = ___
__ .
÷2 ÷2 ÷2
This should be equal to velocity component of C
along BC.
2vy v__
\ ___
__ = ___
÷2 ÷2
v
fi vy = __
2
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Worksheet 1
1. A stone is thrown upwards with a velocity of 50 ms–1. (a) 1 (b) 3__
Another stone is simultaneously thrown downwards (c) 4 (d) ÷4
from the same location with a velocity of 50 ms–1. 7. A bucket is placed in the open where the rain is
When the first stone is at the highest point, the falling vertically. If the wind begins to blow at double
relative velocity of the second stone wrt the first the velocity of the rain, then how will the rate of
stone is: filling of the bucket change?
(a) Zero (b) 50 ms–1 (a) Remain unchanged (b) Doubled
–1
(c) 100 ms (d) 150 ms–1 (c) Halved (d) Become four times
2. A thief is running away on a straight road in a jeep 8. A car with a vertical wind shield moves along in a
moving with a speed of 9 ms–1. A policeman is chas- rain storm at the speed of 40 km/h. The rain drops
ing him on a motor cycle which is moving at a speed fall vertically with a terminal speed of 20 ms–1. The
of 10 ms–1. If the instantaneous separation of the jeep angle with the vertical at which the rain drops strike
from the motorcycle is 100 m, how long will it take the wind shield is:
for the policeman to catch the thief?
(a) tan–1 (5/9) (b) tan–1 (9/5)
(a) 1 s (b) 19 s
(c) tan–1 (3/2) (d) tan–1 (3)
(c) 90 s (d) 100 s
9. A person standing on an escalator takes time t1 to
3. Shown in the figure are the reach the top of a tower when the escalator is moving.
displacement–time graphs He takes time t2 to reach the top of the tower when
for two children going home the escalator is at rest and the person is walking on
from the school. Which of the it. How long will he take if he walks up a moving
following statements about escalator?
their relative motion is true?
(a) t2 – t1 (b) t1 + t2
Their relative velocity:
(c) t1 t2 / (t1 – t2) (d) t1 t2 / (t1 + t2)
(a) first increases and then decreases;
(b) first decreases and then increases; 10. A man A is standing on a road nearby a building and
(c) is zero; or man B is standing on the roof of the building. Both
(d) is non-zero constant. throw a stone towards each other. Now which of the
4. Shown in the figure are the following statements will be correct.
velocity time graphs of the two (a) Stone will hit A, but not B;
particles P1 and P2. Which of (b) Stone will hit B, but not A;
the following statements about (c) Stone will not hit either of them, but will collide
their relative motion is true? with each other;
Their relative velocity: (d) None of these.
(a) is zero; 11. A train is standing on a platform, a man inside a
(b) is non-zero but constant ; compartment of the train drops a stone. At the same
(c) continuously decreases; or instant, train starts to move with a constant accelera-
(d) continuously increases. tion. The path of the particle as seen by the person
who drops the stone is
5. Two identical trains take 3 s to pass one another when
going in the opposite direction but only 2.5 s if the (a) Parabola
speed of one is increased by 50%. What is the time (b) Straight line for sometime and parabola for the
one would take to pass the other when going in the remaining time
same direction at their original speed? (c) Straight line
(a) 10 s (b) 12 s (d) Variable path that cannot be defined
(c) 15 s (d) 18 s 12. Two particles P1 and P2 are moving with velocities
6. A boat, which has a speed of 5 km/h in still water, v1 and v2, respectively. Which of the statement about
crosses a river of width 1 km along the shortest their relative velocity vr12 is true?
possible path in 15 min. What is the velocity of the
river water in km/h?

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(a) vr12 > (v1 + v2) (a) g + a2 downwards
(b) vr12 cannot be greater than v1 – v2 (b) g – a1 – a 2 downwards
(c) vr12 cannot be greater than v1 + v2 (c) g – a1 + a2 downwards
(d) vr12 < (v1 + v2). (d) None of these
13. A body is thrown up in a lift with a velocity u 18. Two cars A and B are moving along a straight line.
relative to the lift and the time of flight is found to The driver of the car A sees the car B moving towards
be t. What is the acceleration with which the lift is his car and at a distance of 30 m. He takes a left turn
moving up? of 30°. At the same instant, the driver of the car B
u – gt 2 u – gt takes a turn to his right at an angle 60°. If the two
(a) ______ (b) _______ cars collide after 2 s, then what was the velocity (in
t t
ms–1) of the car A and B respectively? [assume both
u + gt 2u + g cars to be moving with constant speed]
(c) _____ (d) ______
t t __
(a) 7.5, 7.5÷3 (b) 7.5, 7.5
14. A glass wind screen whose inclination with the __
vertical can be changed is mounted on a car. The (c) 7.5÷3 , 7.5 (d) none
car moves horizontally with a speed of 2 ms–1. At 19. At a given instant, an observer, stationary on the
what angle a with the vertical should the wind screen ground sees a package falling with a speed v1 at
be placed so that the rain drops falling vertically certain angle with the vertical. A pilot flying at a
downwards with velocity 6 ms–1 strike the wind constant horizontal velocity relative to the ground
screen perpendicularly? sees the package falling vertically with a speed v2
(a) tan–1 (3) (b) tan–1 (1/3) at the same instant. What is the speed of the pilot
–1
(c) cos (3) (d) sin–1 (1/3) relative to the ground?
15. Two stones are thrown up vertically and simultaneously (a) v1 + v2 (b) v1 – v2
but with different speeds. Which graph could correctly ______ ______
÷v1 – v2 ÷v1 – v2
2 2 2 2
represent the time variation of their separation Dx? (c) (d)
Assume that stones do not bounce after hitting the
ground. 20. A ball is projected in the vertical x–y plane from
a train moving in the horizontal x-direction with a
constant positive acceleration. The trajectory of the
ball as seen from frame of train cannot be (point of
(a) (b) projection is origin).

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(c) (d)
16. An insect crossing a 2.5 m wide conveyor belt
moves with a speed of 1.6 ms–1 relative to the
belt perpendicular to it. The conveyor belt moves
at uniform speed of 1.2 ms–1. Speed of the insect 21. From a motorboat moving downstream with a
relative to the ground is: velocity 2 ms–1 with respect to river, a stone is
thrown towards a simple boat which is at a distance
(a) 1.8 ms–1 (b) 3.8 ms–1
of 20 m from the motorboat. The velocity of the
(c) 0.4 ms–1 (d) 2.0 ms–1 simple boat with respect to the river is equal to zero.
17. Two transparent elevator cars A and B are moving in The river is flowing at velocity of 1 ms–1 in the posi-
front of each other. Car A is moving up and retarding tive x-direction (see fig). The stone falls on the simple
at a1, while car B is moving down and retarding at boat at the instant when the motorboat collides with
a2. Person in car A drops a coin inside the car. What it. What is the initial velocity vector of the stone with
is the acceleration of the coin as observed by person respect to the river bank?
in car B?

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(a) 2 m (b) 3 m
(c) 1 m (d) 5 m
25. Two boats start from a midpoint of a river in case
(i) and in midpoint of a pond of still water in case (ii).
If all the velocities shown in figure are relative to
water, then mark the correct option about time taken
(a) 2 i + 20 j (b) 3 i + 40 j to reach the nearest bank.

(c) 3 i + 50 j (d) 2 i + 50 j
22. Two boats were going downstream with different
velocities. When one overtook the other, a plastic
ball was dropped from the other boats. Sometime
later, both the boats turned back simultaneously and
went at the same speed as before (relative to the
water) towards the ball. Which boat will reach the
ball first?
(a) The boat which has a greater velocity (relative
to the water).
(b) The boat which has a lesser velocity (relative to
the water).
(c) Both will reach the ball simultaneously.
(d) Cannot be decided unless we know the actual
values of the velocities and the time after which
they turned around.
23. An elevator is moving (a) Boat A takes the least time.
upwards with a constant (b) Boat B takes the maximum time.
acceleration. The dashed (c) All the four boats A, B, C and D take the same
curve in the given figure time.
shows the position y of (d) Time of reaching the bank cannot be compared.
the ceiling of the elevator 26. A man is wearing a hat which has an extended hood
as a function of time t. of length 12 cm. His face is 16 cm long below the
At the instant indicated hood of the hat. He is running in rain where drops are
by the point P, a bolt breaks loose and drops from falling vertically downwards with speed of 10 ms–1.
the ceiling. Which of the solid curves shown best What is the maximum speed with which the man can
describes the position of the bolt as a function of run so that rain drops do not fall on his face?
time?
15 40
(a) I (b) II (a) ___ ms–1 (b) ___ ms–1
2 3
(c) III (d) IV (c) 10 ms –1
(d) zero
24. A toy train moves due north at a constant speed of
27. If a boat can travel with a speed v in still water, which
2 ms–1 along a straight track which is parallel to the
of the following trips will take the least amount of
wall of a room. The wall is to the east of the track
time?
at a distance 4 m. There is a toy dart gun on the
train with its barrel fixed in a plane perpendicular to (a) Travelling a distance of 2 d in still water.
the motion of the train. The gun points at an angle (b) Travelling a distance of 2 d across (perpendicu-
60° to the horizontal. There is a vertical line drawn lar to) the current in a stream.
on the wall, stretching from floor to ceiling, and the (c) Travelling a distance d downstream and return-
dart gun is fired at the instant when the line is due ing a distance d upstream.
east of the gun. If the dart leaves the gun at speed 8 (d) Travelling a distance d upstream and returning
ms–1 relative to the gun, find the distance by which a distance d downstream.
the dart misses the vertical line. Find how far north 28. A student is standing on a train travelling along a
or south of the vertical line is the point at which the straight horizontal track at a speed of 10 ms–1. The
dart hits the wall.

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student throws a ball into the air along a path that (d) 1/2 ms–1
he sees to make an initial angle of 60° with the 33. In the figure shown,
horizontal along the track. A professor standing on determine the velocity
the ground observes the ball to rise vertically. What of a bob A as a function
is the maximum height reached by the ball? of x when the velocity vB
__
(a) 15/4__ m (b) 15 ÷3 of the jeep is constant.
(c) 5 ÷3 (d) 15 m When x = 0, ends A and B of the string are coinci-
dent at point C near the floor.
29. A man is moving downwards on
an inclined plane of inclination x B x B
(a) _________
_______ (b) _______
angle q = 37° with velocity v0 (h + x2)
2

and rain drops appear to hit him

÷(h2 + x2)
horizontally with velocity 2v0. (h2 + x2)
Now, he increases his velocity (c) _______ (d) None
x B
to 2v0. Speed of rain drops as 34. Find the velocity of ring B at the instant shown in
observed by the man now is the figure. The string is taut and inextensible:
___ __
___
÷
41
___ 1 ÷3
(a)
5 0
v (b) ÷39 v0 (a) __ ms–1 (b) ___ ms–1
2 4
(c) 7 v0 (d) 6 v0 1
(c) __ ms–1 (d) 1 ms–1
30. In the figure shown, the 4
string is inextensible. The
ratio of the acceleration of
pulley to the acceleration
of the block is
(a) 0.5 (b) 2
(c) 1 (d) None of these
31. Two masses A and B
are connected with an
inextensible string. Both
are constrained to move in 35. In the system shown below, the acceleration of A
the vertical direction only. is 2 ms–2 towards left and the acceleration of B is
The relation between their 1 ms–2 towards left. The string is inextensible. What
speeds vA and vB is written is the acceleration of C?
by two students as
Student A: vA cos q = vB
Student B: vB cos q = vA
(a) A is correct, B is wrong;
(b) B is correct, A is wrong;
(c) Both are correct; or
(d) Both are wrong. (a) 1 ms–2 downwards (b) 1 ms–2 upwards
32. Find the velocity of (c) 2 ms–2 downwards (d) 2 ms–2 upwards
the hanging block if
36. In the given figure, find the speed of pulley P. The
the velocities of the
two pulleys above P are fixed.
free ends of the rope
are as indicated in the
figure.
(a) 3/2 ms–1
(b) 3/2 ms–1
(c) 1/2 ms–1

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(a) __ (b) 2 cos q ‘u’. The distance between the two stones begins to
2 increase at a constant rate ‘u’. Then the angle between
2 the initial velocity vectors of the two stones is
(c) _____ (d) None of these
cos q (a) 30° (b) 60°
37. Two stones are projected simultaneously from a tower (c) 45° (d) 90°
at different angles of projection with the same speed

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Worksheet 2
_›
1. Two projectiles are thrown simultaneously in the The direction u makes an angle q with the x-axis.
same plane from the same point. If their velocities Let B be an observer standing on the ground outside
are v1 and v2 at angles q1 and q2 respectively from the train. The subsequent path of the ball will be-
the horizontal, then
(a) a straight line wrt observer A;
(a) the trajectory of particle 1 with respect to (b) a straight line wrt observer B;
particle 2 will be a straight line;
(c) parabolic wrt observer A; or
(b) the trajectory of particle 1 with respect to
(d) parabolic wrt observer B.
particle 2 will be a parabola;
4. Figure below shows the top view of an airplane blown
(c) if v1 cos q1 = v2 cos q2, then one particle may
off course by wind in various directions. Assume the
remain exactly below or above the other particle
magnitude of the velocity of airplane relative to air
and the trajectory of one with respect to other
and magnitude_› of velocity of wind to be same in
will be a vertical straight line;
each case.
_› v A/w = velocity of airplane relative to
(d) if v1 sin q1 = v2 sin q2, then time of flight of both wind, v w/g = velocity of wind in ground frame.
the particles will be same and the trajectory of
one with respect to another will be a horizontal
straight line.
2. Two cars can travel on a straight road. The car C1 is
going at a constant speed of 9 ms–1. Ahead of C1 is (a) (b)
the car C2 which is at rest. It starts moving with an
acceleration of 1 ms–2 when the separation between
the cars is 40 m. Four graphs have been drawn char-
acterizing the motion.

(c) (d)

(1) (2)

(a) Airplane travels fastest across the ground in case

(d).
(b) Airplane travels slowest across the ground in
(3) (4) case (c).
(c) Airplane experiences maximum lateral
displacement in case (a).
(a) The graph correctly representing the position of (d) In none of the cases, velocity of wind with
two cars with time (with origin at initial position respect to air plane can be directed along
of C1) is 4. south-east.
(b) The graph correctly representing the speed of 5.Figure shows four boats crossing a river. In each
the two cars with time is 2. case, length of the_› arrow represents magnitude of
respective
_› vector. v B/ = velocity of boat relative to
(c) During their motion, the car C1 overtakes the
water. v /g = velocity of river flow.
car C2, but soon C2 overtakes C1.
(d) The maximum lead that C1 can have from C2
occurs after 9.0 s.
3. A train carriage moves along the x-axis with a (A) (B)
uniform acceleration. An observer A in the train
sets a ball in motion on the
_› frictionless floor of the
carriage with a velocity u relative to the carriage.

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(C) (D) (a) (b)

(a) Boat A can cross the river across the shortest

possible path. (c) (d)
(b) Boat D cannot cross the river along the shortest
possible path.
_›
(c) For a_ given magnitude of velocities v B/
›
and v /g, time taken to cross the river is 8. Wind is blowing in the east direction with a speed of
minimised if the two velocity vectors are 2 ms–1. A bird wishes to travel from tree A to tree B.
perpendicular. Tree B is 100m away from A in a direction 37° north
_› _› of east. Velocity of bird in still air is 4 ms–1. The bird
(d) If the magnitude of vB/ and v /g is same in
moves on a straight line from A to B.
case (a), (b) and (c), the maximum drift takes
place in case (c). (a) The direction in which the bird should fly (rela-
6. An ant is crawling on a paper with a velocity 10
ms–1 in the direction shown in the figure. Now, you east.
( ) 3
tive to air) makes an angle 37° + sin–1 ___ with
10
begin to pull the paper with a velocity 10 ms–1 along
x-axis as shown in the figure. Co-ordinate system has (b) The actual speed of the bird during the flight
___
the origin fixed to the ground as shown in the figure. 8 + 2 ÷91
The initial position of ant is (0, 0). Select the correct is _________.
5
alternative(s). 250___
(c) The time taken by the bird to reach B is _______ s.
4 + ÷91
(d) The bird cannot reach B if speed of wind is
4 ms–1.

(a) Velocity of ant in ground frame is (18 + 6 )

ms–1;
(b) Position vector of ant with respect to ground
after 3 s is (54 + 18 ) m;
(c) In the ground frame, velocity vector of ant is at 9. Consider a particle which is projected in the earth’s
an angle q < 37°; gravitational field, close to its surface, with a speed
__
(d) In the ground frame, velocity vector of ant is at of 100 ÷2 ms–1, at an angle of 45° with the horizontal
an angle q > 37°. in the eastward direction. The motion of the particle
7. A cannon is mounted on a trolley. A cannon ball is is observed by three different observers. Observer
fired at an angle q and velocity vrel relative to the A is in the ground frame. Second observer (B) is in
trolley. The trolley is free to recoil on the horizontal a frame in which the horizontal component of the
smooth surface. Assume that the trolley can recoil displacement of the particle is always zero. A third
with a speed which can observer (C) is close to the surface of the earth and
range from a small number reports that
__ particle is initially travelling at a speed
to a very large value. Which of 100 ÷2 ms–1 making an angle of 45° with the
of the following trajectory horizontal, but its horizontal motion is northward.
(represented by dark curves) (a) Two observers A and B will find the maximum
of projectile with respect to height risen by the particle to be equal;
the ground is not possible?

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(b) Two observers A and B will find the distance 13. A man is holding an umbrella at an angle 30° with
travelled by the particle to be equal; the vertical keeping lower end towards himself, which
(c) The third observer C is moving __in the south-east is an appropriate angle to protect himself from rain
direction with a speed of 100÷2 ms–1; for his horizontal velocity of 10 ms–1. Then which
(d) The third observer C is moving in of the following may be true.
__ the south-west
direction with a speed of 100÷2 ms–1.
10. A boy is standing in an open truck. Truck is moving
with an acceleration 2 ms–2 on horizontal road. When
the speed of the truck is 10 ms–1 and it reaches an
electric pole, the boy projects a ball with a velocity
10 ms–1 in vertically upward direction relative to him-
self. Neglect the height of the boy and the truck.
(a) The distance of the ball from pole where the
ball lands is 10 m.
(b) Maximum height attained by the ball from the (a) Rain is falling at an angle 60° with the vertical.
ground is 7.5 m. (b) Rain may be falling at an angle 30° with the
(c) Speed of the truck at the instant when boy vertical.
sees the ball moving backwards horizontally is (c) Rain may be falling vertically.
12 ms–1. (d) None of these.
(d) The ball will never appear to move horizontally 14. Which of the following statement(s) is/are false.
to the boy. (a) If two particles are neither approaching nor
11. A small ball is thrown from the edge of one bank of separating from each other, then their relative
a rectangular pond of width 100m so as to just reach velocity is zero.
the other bank. The ball was thrown in the vertical (b) If relative velocity of particle B with respect to A
_›
plane (which is also perpendicular to the banks) at an is v 1, relative velocity of particle C with respect
_›
angle 37° to the horizontal. Take the starting point as to B_ is v 2 and particle A moves with a veloc-
the origin O, vertically upward direction as positive ›
ity v 0 with respect to ground, then the velocity
y-axis and the horizontal line passing through the of C with respect to the ground cannot be zero
point O and perpendicular to the bank as x-axis. (assuming v1, v2 and v0 to be non-zero).
(a) The separation between the ball and its image (c) Four dogs are running along a line in the same
formed due to reflection at water surface is direction such that each is running relative to
37.5 m when relative velocity of the ball and the dog in front of it with same speed. Then
its image is zero. the rate of separation between the third and the
(b) The maximum rate ___of separation of the ball with first dog is same as that of the fourth and the
its image is 10 ÷15 ms–1. second dog.
(c) Acceleration of the image of the ball is g . (d) At some instant of time, two particles are
(d) Acceleration of the image of the ball is – g . observed and it is found that their relative veloc-
12. A large platform is moving upwards with a constant ity is zero. Then they may remain stationary
acceleration of 2 ms–2. At time t = 0, a boy stand- with respect to each other.
ing on the platform throws a ball upwards with a 15. Consider an Atwood machine in an
speed of 8 ms–1 relative to himself. At this instant, elevator. Let vP, vA and vB denote
the platform was at a height of 4 m from the ground velocities of elevator, block A and
and was moving with a speed of 2 ms–1. Choose the block B respectively, in ground
correct options? frame. The elevator is moving
along the vertical direction with
(a) Distance from the boy where the ball strikes the
velocity vp. Which of the follow-
platform is 8 m.
ing situations is not possible?
(b) Maximum height attained by the ball from the (Arrows along with velocity rep-
ground is 9 m. resent direction of motion.)
(c) Time of flight of the ball is 1.5 s.
(d) None of the above is correct. (a) vP ; vA ; vB (b) vP ; vA ; vB

(c) vP = 0 ; vA ; vB (d) vP = 0; vA ; vB

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16. A rectangular car 2m long (a) Speed of the bullet relative to the car at the
and 3m wide is moving 65
at a speed of 13 ms–1 instant it hits the car is ___ ms–1.
2
along the x-direction. A 1
bullet hits the car while (b) Time taken by the bullet to cross the car is ___ s.
13
moving horizontally in a
direction making an angle (c) Speed of the bullet relative to the car at the
q = tan–1 3/4 with the instant it hits is 65 ms–1.
x-axis. The bullet enters 2
(d) Time taken by the bullet to cross the car is ___ s.
at one edge of the car and passes out at the diagonally 13
opposite edge. Neglect any interaction between bullet
and car. Choose the correct option.

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Worksheet 3
1. Look at the figure below which shows the velocities 1 ms–1 and a sailor is climbing a vertical pole on
of a boy, an old man, and a bird. Based on the the ship at the rate of 1 ms–1. Find the velocity of
information in the diagram, find: the sailor relative to the ground. What angle does
(a) the velocity of tree, bird and old man as seen his velocity make with the horizontal North direc-
by boy. tion? What angle does his velocity make with the
(b) the velocity of bird and boy as seen by old horizontal East direction?
man. 6. An airplane pilot sets a compass course due west and
(c) the velocity of the tree, boy and old man as seen maintains an air speed of 240 kmh–1. After flying
1
by bird. for __ h, he finds himself over a town that is 150 km
2
west and 40 km south of his starting point.
(a) Find the wind velocity in magnitude and
direction.
(b) If the wind velocity was 120 kmh–1 due south,
in what direction should the pilot set his course
in order to travel due west? Take the same air
speed of 240 kmh–1.
7. An aeroplane is moving vertically upwards at a speed
of 500 ms–1. When it is at a height of 1,000 m above
2. Two roads intersect at right angles. Car A is situated the ground, a shot is fired at it with a speed of 700
at P which is 500 m from the intersection O. Car B ms–1 from a point directly below it. What should be
is situated at Q, on the other road, which is 400 m the acceleration of the aeroplane so that it may escape
from the intersection. They start at the same time from being hit?
and travel towards the intersection at 20 ms–1 and
8. A man with some passengers in his boat starts to row
15 ms–1, respectively. What is the minimum distance
perpendicular to a river 200 m wide which is flowing
between them? How long do they take to reach the
at 2 ms–1. Speed of boat
minimum separation?
in still water is 4 ms–1.
3. In the figure, the top view of a compartment of a When he reaches half the
train is shown. A man is sitting at a corner ‘B’ of width of river (at C), the
the compartment. The man throws a ball (with respect passengers told him that
to himself) along the surface of the floor towards they want to reach the
the corner ‘D’ of the compartment of the train. The just opposite end (at B)
ball hits the corner ‘A’ of the compartment. Find the from where they had started (at A).
time at which it hits A
If a is the angle from line CB of the direction due
after the ball is thrown.
which he must row to reach the required end, then
Assume no other colli-
find the value of (1/tan a).
sion during motion and
floor is smooth. The 9. The slopes of the windscreen of two motorcars are
length of the compart- b1 = 30° and b2 = 15°, respectively. The first car is
ment is given as ‘l’ and travelling with a velocity v1 horizontally. The second
the train is moving with a constant acceleration ‘a’ car is travelling with a velocity v2 in the same direc-
in the direction shown in the figure. tion. The hail stones are falling vertically. Both the
drivers observe that the hail stones rebound vertically
4. A balloon is ascending vertically with an accelera-
after elastic collision (i.e., no speed change and angle
tion of 0.4 ms–2. Two stones are dropped from it at
of incidence is equal to angle of reflection) with the
an interval of 2 s. Find the distance between them
windscreen. Find the ratio of v1/v2.
1.5 s after the second stone is released.
(g = 10 ms–2). 10. A hunter is riding an elephant of height 4 m moving
__ in straight line with uniform speed of 2 ms–1. A rab-
5. A ship is sailing towards north at a speed of ÷2 ms–1.
bit is running with a speed v in front at a distance
The current is taking it towards East at the rate of
of 4 ÷5 m moving perpendicular to the direction of

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motion of the elephant. If the hunter can throw his
spear with a speed of 10 ms–1 relative to the elephant,
then at what angle q to its direction of motion must
he throw his spear horizontally for a successful hit.
Also find the speed ‘v’ of the rabbit.
11. A person P sitting on a wooden block (which does
not move relative to water) in a flowing river sees
two swimmers A and B. A and B both have constant
speed vm relative to water. P observes that A starts
from one point of the river bank and appears to move
perpendicular to the river flow. P also observes that
B starts from some point on the other bank at the
same time and moves downstream. The width of the
river is ‘d’ and it flows with the velocity vr . If A and
B both reach a point at the same time, then find the
initial separation between A and B.
12. Two swimmers start from point A on one bank of a 15. Two boats A and B are located on the bank of a
river to reach point B on the other bank, lying directly river 100 m wide. Initial separation between them is
opposite to point A. One of them crosses the river 100 m. Both the boats start moving simultaneously
along the straight line AB, while the other swims at to reach a temple C located on the other bank. Both
right angles to the stream and then walks the dis- reach C in 20 s. River flows at a speed of 2 ms–1
tance which he has been carried away by the stream and the speed of boat A relative to water is 5 ms–1.
to get to point B. What was the velocity (assumed
uniform) of his walking if both the swimmers reached
point B simultaneously? Velocity of each swimmer
in still water is 2.5 kmh–1 and the stream velocity
is 2 kmh –1.
13. A man can swim in still water with a speed of
3 ms–1. x and y axes
are drawn along and
normal to the bank of
river flowing to right
(i) Find the speed of boat B relative to water.
with a speed of 1
ms–1. The man starts (ii) Find the direction in which boat B must be
swimming from ori- steered with respect to the direction of the
gin O at t = 0 s. Assume size of man to be negligible. current.
Find the equation of locus of all the possible points 16. A train is 170 m long and is running on a straight
where man can reach at t = 1 s. track at a speed of 72 kmh–1. There is a strong wind
14. A ship, 200-m long, is moving at a steady speed in the direction of motion of the train and is blowing
of v1 = 15 kmh–1 relative to water. Point A is the at a speed of 20 ms–1. The driver blows the horn.
midpoint of the ship. A submarine, at rest, fires a Speed of sound relative to air is 340 ms–1. How much
torpedo when the ship and submarine are in positions time after the horn is blown will a passenger at the
shown. Assume that the torpedo maintains a uniform end of the train hear it?
speed of v2 = 40 kmh–1 relative to water. Will it hit 17. An aeroplane moves around a horizontal square of
the ship? side length l in air. Wind is blowing at a constant
speed u with its direction along one of the diagonals
of the square. Speed of the aeroplane in still air is v
(> u). Find the time needed to go around the square
loop once.

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn
1. 175 km towards W
2. (i) 40 kmh–1 in direction opposite to the motion of trains (ii) 4 ms–2 in direction opposite to the motion
of trains
3. (i) O (ii) g ( ) (iii) 50 ms–1 ( ) 4. 279.4 km/h 5. zero
6. 3v
7. (i) 10 s (ii) 8. (i) 2.5 s (ii)

9. 14 s 10. 2.5 s 11. 6 m 12. 0.4 s, 1.28 m

13. (i) 45 kmh (ii) 60 kmh–1
–1

14. No 15.

__
16. 0.66 s, At a horizontal distance 0.65 ft from the point of release 17. 10 ÷2 ms–1 at 45° to vertical
20 3
18. tan–1 (3) 19. 12.5 m s–1 20. (i) ___ ms–1 ( ) (ii) 0 (iii) __ s
3 4
21. 6 m 22. 19,800 m 23. 1,050 m, 650 m 24. 3 ms–1
20 2t1 t2 100
25. (i) 40 s (ii) 80 m 26. ____
___ h in both cases 27. _____ 28. 90° + sin–1 (0.8), ____ s
÷99 t 1 + t2 3
5u
29. (i) ___ (ii) speed of ring Æ • 30. u sec q 31. 10.71 ms–1
4
u u
32. __ 33. __ 34. v1 = 2v2 35. zero
2 2
v
36. q = 45° 37. ___ 38. 2 ms–2 (Æ)
4h
Worksheet 1
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (d)
10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (c)
19. (c) 20. (a) 21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (a) 25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (a)
28. (d) 29. (a) 30. (a) 31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (a) 34. (d) 35. (b) 36. (c)
37. (b)

Worksheet 2
1. (a,c,d) 2. (a,b,c,d) 3. (b,c) 4. (a,b,c) 5. (a,b,c,d) 6. (a,b,c) 7. (d) 8. (a,b,c) 9. (a,c)
10. (c) 11. (a,b,c) 12. (b) 13. (b,c) 14. (a,b,d) 15. (d) 16. (a,d)

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Worksheet 3
1. (a) With respect to boy: vtree = 4 ms–1 ( ); vbird = 3 ms–1 ( ) vold man = 6 ms–1 ( )
–1 –1 –1
(b) With respect to old man: vboy = 6 ms ( Æ); vtree = 2 ms ( Æ); vbird = 6 ms ( Æ) + 3 ms–1 ( )
(c) With respect to bird: vtree = 3 ms–1 ( ) + 4 ms–1 ( ); vold man = 6 ms–1 ( ) + 3 ms–1 ( ); vboy = 3 ms–1
( )
___
2. 20m, 25.6 s
–1
2l
3. t = ___
a ÷ 4. 52m
5. 2 ms in a direction making an angle of 60° with E, 45° with N and 60° with the vertical.
6. (a) 100 km/h, 37°W of south (b) 30°N of W 7. a > 10 ms–2
8. 1/2 9. 3 10. 10.q = 37°, v = 6 ms–1
__
11. ÷2 d 12. 3 km/h towards B 13. (x – 1)2 + y2 = 9 14. No
__ _______
__ 2÷2 l ÷2v2 – u2
15. (i) 5÷2 ms –1
(ii) 45° 16. 0.5 s 17. _____________
(v2 – u2)

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CHAPTER 9

Miscellaneous Problems
Based on Chapters 5–8

MATCH THE COLUMNS Column I Column II

Match the entries in column I with those in column II. An (A) (p) vx > 0, vy > 0, ax > 0,
item in column I can match with any number of entries in ay < 0
column II. It may also happen that an item in column I does
not match with any of the entries in column II.
1. A particle is moving along a straight line. In the graphs
shown below ‘s’ is the displacement, ‘v’ is the veloc-
ity and ‘t’ is the time. Match the list I with list II.
(B) (q) vx > 0, vy = 0, ax > 0,
Column I Column II ay < 0
(A) Deceleration decreases (p)
with time.

(C) (r) vx = 0, vy > 0, ax > 0,

(B) Velocity increases with (q) ay < 0
time.

(C) Magnitude of the accel- (r)

eration increases with
time. (s) vx > 0, vy > 0, ax > 0,
ay > 0

(D) Body going farther away (s) 3. The graph shows the position-time graph for motion
from the starting point of a person for an interval of 9 s. Match the specified
with time. region in column I with the characteristics of motion
given in column II.

2. An object is moving along a trajectory as shown

in column I in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Consider the object at point P. In the figure given in
(B) point, P is at maximum y co-ordinate, and the
figure given in (C), it is at smallest x co-ordinate.
Column II gives algebraic sign of vx, vy, ax and ay.
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9.2 Mechanics I

Column I Column II hitting the ground. Match the statement of column I

with the value of d in column II.
(A) Region A (p) Positive velocity
(B) Region B (q) Negative velocity
Column I Column II
(C) Region C (r) Zero velocity
(A) Ball strikes the wall before (p) d = 8 m
(D) Region D (s) Positive acceleration falling to the ground.
(E) Region E (t) Negative acceleration (B) Ball strikes the ground at 12 m (q) d = 10 m
(F) Region F (u) Zero acceleration from the wall.
(C) Ball strikes the ground at 10 m (r) d = 15 m
4. Three particles are projected with same the speed from the wall.
simultaneously from the same point with angles (D) Ball strikes the ground at 5 m (s) d = 25 m
of projection with the horizontal 30°, 45° and 60°. from the wall.
Their time of flight are T30, T45 and T60, respectively,
(t) d = 30 m
horizontal ranges are R30, R45 and R60, respectively,
and maximum vertical heights are H30, H45 and H60,
7. In column I, the path of a projectile (initial velocity
respectively. Column I contains ratio of the above
10 ms–1 and the angle of projection with horizontal
quantities. Match them with their values given in the
60° in all cases) is shown in different cases. ‘R’ in
column II.
column II is range. Take g = 10 ms–2. Arrow on the
trajectory indicates the direction of motion of the
Column I Column II projectile.
(A) T60
___ (p) Match each entry of column I with its corresponding
1
T30 entry in column II.
(B) 8 H30
_____ (q) __
÷3 Column I Column II
R45
__ (A) (p) __
(C) 4 H60 (r) ÷3 15÷3
_____ ___ R = _____ m
R60 4 10
__
(s) 4÷3
(B) (q)

5. Trajectories are shown in the figure below for three 40

balls. Initial vertical and hori- R = __ m
3
zontal velocity components
are uy and ux, respectively.
Ignoring the air resistance, (C) (r)
choose the correct statement __
from column II for the value R = 5÷3 m
of variable in column I.

(D) (s)
Column I Column II
20
R = __ m
(A) Time of flight (p) Greatest for A 3
(B) uy/ux (q) Greatest for C
(C) ux (r) Equal for A and B (t) R = 100 m
(D) ux uy (s) Equal for B and C
8. A particle is performing uniform circular motion
6. A ball is thrown at an angle of 75° with the horizontal in x–y plane, with radius 1 m
at a speed of 20 ms–1 towards a high wall at a and the centre at the origin. At
distance d. If the ball strikes the wall, its horizontal t = 0, the particle is at (R, 0) as
velocity component reverses the direction without shown. Time period of revolu-
any change in magnitude and the vertical veloc- tion is 4 s. Match the quantities
ity component remains unchanged. Ball stops after in column I with possible instant
of time (s) in column II.
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 5–8 9.3

Column I Column II 11. A boat is being rowed in a

river. Wind is also blowing.
(A) Direction of the average (p) For t = 0 to t = 1 s
Direction of the velocity vec-
acceleration is .
tors of boat, water and air in
(B) Direction of the average (q) For t = 0 to t = 3 s ground frame are as shown in
velocity is . the diagram.
(C) Distance travelled by (r) For t = 0 to t = 5 s
pR
the particle is ___. Column I Column II (Possible
2 directions)
(D) Magnitude of (s) For t = 0 to t = 7 s (A) Direction in which the boat (p)
displacement __of the is being steered.
particle is R÷2 .
(B) Direction in which a flag on (q)
(t) For t = 0 to t = 9 s
the boat may flutter.

9. A bob is attached to a string as shown in the figure (C) Direction of the velocity of (r)
below. At the lowest point, it is given a horizontal water relative to boat.
velocity u. For different values of u, it can have dif- (D) Direction of the velocity (s)
ferent total acceleration at different points. For each of air relative to a piece of
of the points marked in column I, match the possible wood floating in river.
direction(s) of total acceleration.
12.
Column I Column II Column I Column II
(p) (A) A swimmer can swim at 5 (p) 53°
(q)
ms–1 in still water. Velocity
of water is 4 ms–1. The angle
(r) between direction of swim-
ming and direction of river
(s) flow to minimise drift is

(t) (B) A swimmer can swim at 5 (q) 127°

ms–1 in still water and the
velocity of flow is 3 ms–1.
10. The following figure shows a police jeep and a thief’s The swimmer crosses the river
car moving on two parallel roads. At the moment in minimum time. The angle
shown, police fires from a gun so that the bullet hits between direction of velocity
the car. The muzzle speed of the bullet is 61 ms–1. of swimmer with respect to
Column II lists the magnitude of velocity of bullet water measured with reference
with respect to the observer listed in column I. Match to the direction of flow is
appropriately. Neglect the gravity. (C) A swimmer can swim at (r) 143°
4 ms–1 and the velocity of
flow is 3 ms–1. The swimmer
swims perpendicular to the
flow of river. The angle
between the resultant velocity
of the swimmer (with respect
to ground) and the direction of
river flow is
(D) A man moves with a velocity (s) 90°
Column I Column II
of 7 ms–1 along west, hold-
(A) Police jeep (p) 61 ms–1 ing flag in his hand. Wind is
_____
(B) Ground (q) ÷8,221 ms
–1 blowing towards south-west
direction
__ with a velocity of
(C) Thief’s car (r) 62 ms–1 3 ÷2 ms–1. Angle that the flag
_____
–1 makes with north is.
(s) ÷2,621 ms
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9.4 Mechanics I

13. Match the entries in column I to those in column II

for the duration of flight of the particle.
Column I Column II
__
(A) Two boats A and B are moving (p) ÷3
___ Column I Column II
along perpendicular paths in a 2 (A) Component
_› of the velocity (p) Always
still lake at night. Boat A moves
along r increases
with a speed of 3 ms–1 and boat
B moves with a speed of 4 ms–1 (B) Component of the_ velocity (q) Always
›
in the direction such that they col- perpendicular to r decreases
lide after sometime. At t = 0, the
boats are 300 m apart. The ratio (C) Component_ of the accelera- (r) First increases,
›
of distance travelled by boat A to tion along r then decreases.
the distance travelled by boat B (D) Component of the accelera- (s) First decreases,
_›
till the instant of collision is. tion perpendicular to r then increases
(B) A trolley is moving horizontally (q) 3/4
with a constant velocity of v ms–1
with respect to the Earth. A man PASSAGE-BASED PROBLEMS
starts running from one end of the
trolley with a velocity 1.5 v ms–1 Every passage is followed by a series of questions. Every
with respect to the trolley. After question has four options. Choose the most appropriate
reaching the opposite end, the option for the questions.
man turns back and continues
running with a velocity of 1.5 v Passage 1
ms–1 with respect to the trolley
An eagle can see an object, provided the object subtends an
and reaches the original end. If
the length of the trolley is L, then
angle greater than 1/60° at the eagle’s eye. Suppose there
the displacement of the man with is a mouse which is 12 cm long. On seeing the mouse,
respect to Earth during the pro- the eagle begins a free fall along a vertical line just like a
cess will be xL. Value of x is stone falling freely under gravity. The mouse can run with
a maximum speed of 2 ms–1.
1. The maximum height (H) above the ground at which
an eagle can see the mouse is
(a) 412.72 m
(C) A particle moves with a constant (r) 2/3
speed v along a regular hexagon
(b) 200.1 m
ABCDEF in the same order. Then, (c) 824 m
the ratio of magnitude of the aver- (d) Eagle cannot see the mouse
age velocity for its motion from A 2. How much time has the mouse got to retreat safely
to C and its speed is
to its hole after the eagle sees him from the height
(H) calculated in part 1?
(D) A particle moves with a constant (s) 4/3
speed v along a regular hexagon (a) 4.72 s (b) 19.8 s
ABCDEF in the same order. Then, (c) 9.1 s (d) 2.8 s
the ratio of magnitude of the aver- 3. What is the maximum safe distance it can venture
age velocity for its motion from A
from it hole to avoid capture by the eagle?
to D and its speed is.
(a) 18.2 m (b) 8. 2 m
(c) 12.8 m (d) 6.0 m
14. A particle is projected
horizontally from the Passage 2
top of a tower. The point In an air show, a unique exercise was conducted. A large
of projection (O) is number of gliders (without engine) were released in a strong
taken as origin and the horizontal wind that imparts a constant velocity of 5 ms–1
position vector of the to the gliders. Gliders are travelling in a straight line with a
particle at any
_› instant is constant separation (= 500 m) between the consecutive glid-
denoted by r . ers. One of the gliders is painted differently and is referred to
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 5–8 9.5

as ‘marker glider’. At t = 0, two prototypes of airplane were (a) t = 50 s to t = 70 s (b) t = 50 s to t = 60 s

set to move in opposite directions, one along the wind and (c) t = 30 s to t = 60 s (d) t = 60 s to t = 70 s
the other opposite to the wind. Airplane engines maintain a 8. The displacement time graph will be best represented
constant speed of 10 ms–1 relative to the wind. by:

(a)

Planes started from the marker glider. After 10 min of flying,

both the airplanes were signalled by the marker glider to
return and meet at its position. Ignore the length of airplane (b)
and gliders in calculation. Now answer the questions.
4. Mark the incorrect statement.
(a) Both the planes reach the marker glider
simultaneously.
(b) Airplane (1) reaches earlier than the other
plane. (c)
(c) For an observer standing on the ground, distance
travelled by both the airplanes is same.
(d) For an observer on the marker glider, distance
travelled by each airplane is same.
5. Time taken by the airplane (1) to return to the marker
glider after getting signal is (d)
(a) 10 min (b) 15 min
(c) 20 min (d) 25 min
6. Mark the correct statement.
9. The peak value of x in the correct graph in second
(a) Number of times airplane (1) crossed a glider
question is:
is 24.
(a) 200 m (b) 250 m
(b) Airplane (1) has crossed more gliders than (2)
in entire journey. (c) 160 m (d) 165 m
(c) Airplane (2) has crossed more gliders than (1) Passage 4
in entire journey.
(d) Number of gliders crossed by airplane 2 is 48. An engine, approaching a tunnel at a constant speed, whistles
twice at an interval of 10 min. The driver hears the echo of
Passage 3 the first whistle 20 s after its sounding, while he hears the
echo of the second sound 16 s after its sounding [speed of
A car is moving on a straight road which is marked as x sound = 358.8 ms–1].
axis. Initially, the car was at x = 0. Velocity of the car varies
10. The speed of the train is nearly
with time as shown in the figure below. Answer the ques-
tions given below. (a) 2.4 ms–1 (b) 0.6 ms–1
–1
(c) 12 ms (d) 1.2 ms–1
11. The distance of the engine from tunnel when the first
whistle is sounded is nearly
(a) 360 m (b) 3.6 km
(c) 1.8 km (d) 180 m
12. The distance of the engine from the tunnel when the
second whistle is sounded is nearly
7. The time interval during which the car is retarding
can be.
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9.6 Mechanics I

(a) 2.88 km (b) 3.6 km initially at rest, starts moving along x-axis, (8/3) s after the
(c) 360 m (d) 288 m start of A, with an acceleration varying as a = 4 (3 – t) ms–2.
t is measured from the instant when B started its motion. B
Passage 5 also started from the origin.
Two trains A and B are approaching each other on a straight 19. Particle B will stop again at the position x equal to
track. The former trains is approaching with a uniform (a) 72 m (b) 36 m
velocity of 25 ms–1 and the latter with 15 ms–1. When they (c) 3 m (d) 6 m
are 225 m apart, brakes are simultaneously applied to both 20. The two particles will meet twice in the due course
of them. The deceleration given by the brakes to the train of their motion. The time interval between these two
B increases linearly with time by 0.3 ms–2 every second successive meets will be
(i.e., dv/dt = – 0.3 t), while the train A is given a uniform
deceleration. (a) 6 s (b) 4 s
13. What is the time taken by train B to come to stop? (c) 2 s (d) 8 s
21. Total distance travelled by the particle B when it
(a) 5 s (b) 25 s
meets particle A for the second time is
(c) 15 s (d) 10 s
304 96
14. What is the distance covered by train B to come to (a) ____ m (b) ___ m
3 3
stop? 56
(c) ___ m (d) 36 m
(a) 125 m (b) 225 m 3
(c) 100 m (d) 150 m 22. Variation of velocity of the particle B with time is
15. What must be the minimum deceleration of train A best represented by which graph?
so that the trains do not collide?
(a) 5 ms–2 (b) 2.5 ms–2
(c) 1.5 ms–2 (d) 7.5 ms–2 (a) (b)
Passage 6
To find the speed of a river’s current, a boatman decides to
carry out the following experiment. He drops a wooden bar
into the water and himself sets off downstream, rowing along
the flow of river. After 40 min, he reaches point A, 1 km (c) (d)
from his starting point, and turns back. After travelling some
distance upstream, he picks up the bar, then quickly turns
around again and, rowing downstream once more, reaches A
for the second time 24 min after picking the bar. Assuming Passage 8
that the speeds of both current and the boat relative to water
are constant, answer the following questions. A long straight road connects two towns A and B. There
are two small towns C and D between towns A and B. The
16. How long does the boatman spend on rowing
condition of the road between towns C and D is bad. Two
upstream to meet the bar?
cars travel from A to B at a constant speed v1 everywhere
(a) 24 min (b) 40 min except between towns C and D where they travel at a speed
(c) 84 min (d) 16 min v2. In the following graph, separation between the cars is
17. What is the speed of the current? shown with time for a time interval of 80 s. After reading
4 the above information answer the questions given below.
(a) 1 kmh–1 (b) __ kmh–1
3
3 3
(c) __ kmh –1
(d) ___ kmh–1
4 10
18. What is the boat’s speed relative to the water?
(a) 1.2 kmh–1 (b) 1 kmh–1
(c) 0.75 kmh–1 (d) None of these

Passage 7
A particle ‘A’ starts moving from the origin with a constant
velocity of 4 ms–1 along the x-axis. Another particle ‘B’,
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 5–8 9.7

23. The value of v1 is initial velocity of 400 ms–1 at a fixed angle q (sin q = 3/5
(a) 10 ms–1 (b) 15 ms–1 and cos q = 4/5). The observer having gun waits (for some
–1 time after observing balloon) and fires so as to destroy the
(c) 20 ms (d) 25 ms–1
balloon. Assume g = 10 ms–2. Neglect the air resistance.
24. The value of v2 is
(a) 10 ms–1 (b) 15 ms–1
–1
(c) 20 ms (d) 25 ms–1
25. What is the distance between towns C and D?
(a) 300 m (b) 400 m
(c) 450 m (d) 500 m

Passage 9
A Rajput soldier sits on a horse next to a river. Across the 29. The flight time of the shell before it strikes the
river, there is a hill and atop the hill is a fortress. He sees balloon is:
a Mughal, sitting on the fortress’s top wall. There is a full (a) 2 s (b) 5 s
moon, so he can clearly see the enemy. He angrily shoots (c) 10 s (d) 15 s
an arrow at an angle 53° relative to the horizontal. The 30. What is the altitude of the collision above ground
arrow hits Mughal after a 2 s flight. The horizontal distance level?
from Rajput to Mughal is 30 m. The arrow is 3 m above
the river when Rajput shoots it. Now answer the questions (a) 1,075 m (b) 1,200 m
given below. (c) 1,250 m (d) 1,325 m
31. After noticing the balloon, the time for which
observer having gun waits before firing the shell is:
(a) 45 s (b) 50 s
(c) 55 s (d) 60 s

Passage 11
We consider the case of collision of a ball with a smooth
wall. The problem can be simplified by considering the case
_› of an elastic collision. When a ball collides with a wall, we
26. What is the original velocity v of the arrow when
can divide its velocity into two components, one perpendicu-
Rajput shoots it?
_› _› lar to the wall and other parallel to the wall. If the collision
(a) v = (15 + 20 ) ms–1 (b) v = (15 + 10 )ms–1 is elastic, then the perpendicular component of velocity of
_› _› the ball gets reversed with the same magnitude.The other
(c) v = (5 + 20 ) ms–1 (d) v = (25 + 20 )ms–1 component of velocity that is parallel to the wall remains
27. What is the height of Mughal above the river? unchanged if the wall is smooth.
(a) 21 m (b) 23 m
(c) 14 m (d) 18 m
28. What is the flight direction of the arrow at the
instant it strikes the Mughal, i.e., what is the angle,
q, between its direction and the horizontal when it
hits the target enemy?
(a) q = 30° (b) q = 10° Three balls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ are projected from the ground
(c) q = 37° (d) q = 0° with the same speed at same angle with the horizontal. The
balls A, B and C collide with the wall during their flight
Passage 10 in air and all three collide perpendicularly with the wall as
An observer, having a gun, observes a remotely controlled shown in figure below.
balloon. When he first noticed the balloon, it was at an alti-
tude of 800 m and moving vertically upwards at a constant
velocity of 5 ms–1. The horizontal distance of balloon from
the observer is 1,600 m. Shells fired from the gun have an
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9.8 Mechanics I

32. Which of the following relation about the maximum (a) 1.6 × 10–3 (b) 2.6 × 10–3
height H of the three balls from the ground during (c) 1.6 × 10–6 (d) 2.6 × 10–6
their motion in air is correct? 40. Consider following statements.
(a) HA = HC > HB (b) HA > HB = HC If the effect of air resistance is only to
(c) HA > HC > HB (d) HA = HB = HC X–slow down the rising bullets.
33. If the time taken by the ball A to fall back on ground Y–decrease the horizontal component of velocity.
is 4 s and that by ball B is 2 s, then what will be the Z–slow down the falling bullets.
time taken by the ball C to reach the inclined plane
after projection? (a) Any of the three effects X, Y or Z will tend to
increase the value of r
(a) 6 s (b) 4 s
(b) X and Z tend to decrease while Y tends to
(c) 3 s (d) 5 s increase the value of r
34. The maximum height attained by ball ‘A’ from the (c) X and Z tend to increase while Y tends to
ground is: decrease the value of r
(a) 10 m (b) 15 m (d) X and Y tend to decrease while Z tends to
(c) 20 m (d) Insufficient information increase the value of r

Passage 12 Passage 14
An eagle is flying horizontally at 10 ms–1, 200 m above the Two points A
ground. It was carrying a moue in its grasp, which is released _› and B are moving in X–Y plane
_› with a constant
velocity of v A = (6 – 9 ) ms–1 and v B = ( + ) ms–1,
at a certain instant. The eagle continues on its path at the respectively. At time t = 0, they are 15 m apart and both
same speed for 2 s before attempting to retrieve its prey. To of them lie on Y axis with A lying away on positive Y axis
catch the mouse, it dives in a straight line at constant speed with respect to B.
and recaptures the mouse 3 m above the ground.
41. What are the the coordinates of point A with respect
35. The time of free fall of eagle is to B at t = 1.0 s, in a plane polar coordinate system
(a) 6.34 s (b) 3.4 s attached with B taking reference line along positive
(c) 8.7 s (d) 4.4 s X axis?
__ __
36. The path length of the dive of eagle is (a) (5 ÷2 , p/4) (b) ( 5 ÷2 , p/3 )
(a) 197 m (b) 201.72 m (c) (5, p) (d) (10, p/2)
(c) 189 m (d) 211.9 m 42. What is the radial component of velocity vr of A in
37. The diving angle of eagle (below horizontal) is the above coordinate attached to B?
(a) tan–1 6.53 (b) tan–1 6.2 5__ 5__
–1 (a) – ___ ms–1 (b) ___ ms–1
(c) tan 5.3 (d) tan–1 4.54 ÷2 ÷2
Passage 13 3__ 15
(c) ___ ms–1 (d) ___
__ ms–1
÷2 ÷2
A gun fires a large number of bullets upwards, with some
bullets travelling nearly vertically and others as much as 1° 43. What is the magnitude of velocity component (vq)
from the vertical. The muzzle speed of the gun is 150 ms–1 of A perpendicular to line AB in the above frame
and the height of gun above the ground is negligible. The attached to B?
radius of the head of the person firing the gun is 10 cm. You
15 5__
can assume that acceleration due to gravity is nearly constant (a) ___
__ ms–1 (b) ___ ms–1
for heights involved and its value is g = 10 ms–2. The gun ÷2 ÷2
fires 1,000 bullets and they fall uniformly over a circle of 10 __
(c) ___
__ ms–1 (d) 5 ÷2 ms–1
radius r. You can use the fact sin q q when q is small. ÷2
38. Neglecting the air resistance, the approximate value 44. What is the angular velocity of A with respect to B?
of r is:
5 3
(a) 80 m (b) 185 m (a) __ rad s–1 (b) __ rad s–1
2 2
(c) 49 m (d) 2,050 m
39. What is the probability that a bullet will fall on the (c) 4 rad s–1 (d) 5 rad s–1
person’s head who is firing?
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 5–8 9.9

Passage 15 48. What are the values of ay and a¢y?

A boat of mass M sails with a velocity v0 . At t = 0, its (a) ay = 0; a¢y = – g (b) ay = a¢y = – g
engine stops and at the same time a ball of mass m (m (c) ay = 0; a¢y = g (d) ay = – g; a¢y = 0
<< M) is thrown from the boat with an initial velocity u
. Here, x-direction is horizontal and y is vertically up. The 49. The horizontal component of ball’s velocity as seen
water exerts a friction drag force proportional to the boat’s from boat will be
velocity (v) given by –k
___ t
(a) v0 e M (b) v0

(c) v0 e M
kt
__
(
(d) v0 1 – e M
– kt
___
)
Passage 16
A metre stick AB of length 1 m rests on a frictionless floor
_› in horizontal position. Its end A is attached to a string which
F = – kv , where k is the positive constant. The accelera- is attached to a pulley as shown. Blocks 1 and 2 are moved
tion of the boat can be written as downwards at constant speeds as shown. Assume that string
kv connecting metre stick with pulley always remains vertical.
a = – __ Strings are inextensible.
M
__›
dv
___ kv
fi = – __
dt M
_›
Integrating, we get v = C e ( M
k
– __ t )
where C is the constant emerging due to integration. Now
assume that the ball is observed from the reference frame
of boat (X¢Y ¢). The origin of this reference frame coincides
with the static ground frame (XY) at t = 0. The acceleration
of the ball in the reference frame of boat can be written as
_›
a ¢ = a¢x + a¢y , and in the static frame, it can be written
_›
as a = ax + ay .
45. The value of constant C is 50. Distance moved by end B over the floor in the period
for which speed of B is less than A is:
v0
(a) __ (b) v0 __ __
2
M
(c) v0 __
m
(d) v0 __
(a) ( ÷______
2 +1
÷2
__
) m (b) ( ÷______
2 –1
__
÷2 ) m
m M 1__ 1
(c) ___ m (d) __ m
46. The acceleration of boat as function of time is ÷2 2
k v0 k v0 __
kt
51. Time taken to cover the distance in above part is:
(a) ___ e– (k/M) t (b) – ___ e M (– )
M M __ __

(c) –
k___
v0 – __
M
e M
kt
(d) –
k___
M
v0 __
kt
eM
(a) ( ÷______
2 +1
4÷2
__
) s (b) ( ÷______
2 –1
4÷2
__
) s

1__ 1
47. What are the values of ax and a¢x? (c) ____ s (d) __ s
4÷2 8
kv0 – __k t
(a) ax = 0; a¢x = ___ e M Passage 17
M
kv0 – __k t A small block can move in a straight
(b) ax = 0; a¢x = – ___ e M horizontal line along AB. Flash lights
M
from one side throw horizontal beam
kv k
0 – __ t
(c) ax = a¢x = – ___ e M of light perpendicular to AB as shown
M in the figure. This projects a shadow
v0 __k t of the block on a vertical wall which
(d) ax = 0; a¢x = – k__ e M
M
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9.10 Mechanics I

has horizontal cross section in shape of a circle. The block (a) 74.5 ft/s (b) 60 ft/s
starts from A and moves with constant velocity v towards (c) 90 ft/s (d) 32 ft/s
B.
52. Tangential acceleration of shadow of the block on the Passage 20
wall as a function of time is
A ball is projected vertically upwards with a velocity u.
R (vt – R) v1/2 R (2 vt – R) v1/2 Distance (s) of the ball from a fixed point (P) changes with
(a) ___________ (b) ____________ time according to the given graph.
(2 Rt – vt2)3/2 (2 Rt – vt2)3/2
R (vt – R) v1/2 R (vt – R) v1/2 s (m)
(c) ___________ (d) ___________
(Rt – vt2)3/2 (Rt – vt2)3/2 6 5

53. Radial acceleration of shadow of the block on the 10

wall as a function of time is
vR vR
(a) 2 _________2 (b) _________2 6
(2 Rt – vt ) (2 Rt – vt )
t
R (vt – R) v1/2 R (vt – R) v1/2
(c) ___________ (d) ___________
(2 Rt – vt2)3/2 (Rt – vt2)3/2 58. Value of u can be:
(a) 10 m s–1 (b) 15 m s–1
Passage 18 (c) 12 m s–1 (d) 20 m s–1
A car is moving along a straight road enters a 87.5 m 59. Which of the followings is true?
segment with a speed of 5 ms–1 and leaves it with a speed 10 (a) The ball was projected from the ground.
ms–1 . Acceleration of the car cannot exceed 1 ms–2. The car
moves in one direction with its speed never decreasing. (b) The point P lies on the line of motion of the
ball.
54. The smallest time in which the car can cross the
segment is (c) The ball was projected from a point above the
(a) 5 s (b) 15 s ground.
(c) 12 s (d) 10 s (d) The ball was projected from a point above the
55. The possible value of average acceleration of the point P.
car is
(a) 0.2 £ a £ 0.3 ms–2 (b) 0.33 £ a £ 0.5 ms–2
Passage 21
(c) 0.5 £ a £ 1.0 ms–2 (d) a £ 1.0 ms–2 A highway has two check points A and B located 12 km
apart. The speed limit for first 8 km section is 100 kmh–1
Passage 19 and the limit for last 4 km section is 70 kmh–1. Drivers must
A series of city traffic light has timings such that an auto- stop at each check point. A car accelerates and decelerates
mobile travelling at a constant speed of 44 ft/s will reach at same rate equal to ‘a’. Driver of the car manages to start
25
each signal just as it turns green. A motorist stops at a from A and stop at B in a time interval of ___ min. He trav-
particular signal A as it is red. The next signal B is 800 ft 3
elled at speed limits as much as possible.
ahead and maximum acceleration of his automobile is 5 ft/s2.
The motorist wants to keep his maximum speed as low as 60. If the car travelled at constant speed of 100 kmh–1 for
possible yet reach signal B just when it turns green. a time interval of T1, then which of the followings is
correct?
56. What strategy would you suggest to the motorist?
7,550
(a) He should accelerate continuously; otherwise, (a) _____
a + 100 T1 = 8
he will not reach B when signal turns green.
2,450
(b) He should accelerate and then apply brakes to (b) _____
a + 100 T1 = 4
check his speed.
755
(c) He should accelerate for some time and then (c) ____
a + 10 T1 = 8
move with constant velocity.
245
(d) He must accelerate to a speed of 44 ft/s and (d) ____
a + 10 T1 = 4
then move with constant velocity.
57. What is maximum speed of the motorist?
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 5–8 9.11

61. If the car travelled at constant speed of 70 kmh–1 for 66. Relationship between h and u so that the particle just
a time interval of T2, then: fails to touch the hemisphere is:
7,550 gR2
(a) _____
a + 100 T2 = 8
u2 ____
(a) h = __ + –R
g 2u2
2,450
(b) _____
a + 70 T2 = 4 u2
(b) h = __
g –R
755
(c) ____
a + 10 T2 = 8 gR2
u2 ____
245 (c) h = __
g +
(d) ____
a + 7 T2 = 4
2u2
2
u
62. What is the value of ‘a’? (d) h = __
g –R
(a) 4,235 kmh–2 (b) 49,850 kmh–2
(c) 51,259 kmh –2
(d) 57,850 kmh–2 67. If the particle just fails to hit the hemisphere, then
value of u for which h is minimum is:
Passage 22
An anti-aircraft gun can fire in any direction at a fixed speed
___
(a) ÷gR
___
( )
gR 1/2
(b) ___
÷2
__

÷
gR ____
u. The maximum distance to which it can fire is 1,000 m. (c) ___ (d) ÷2gR
It is used to hit enemy fighter jets which enter its range. 2
Consider the origin of our coordinate system to be at the Passage 24
location of the gun, x direction along horizontal and y direc-
Ship (A) is travelling due east at 10 kmh–1 and at 9 A.M. It
tion to be vertical. [g = 10 m s–2]
is 30 km southwest of another ship B. B travels at 15 kmh–1.
63. The maximum y coordinate of a bullet for a given It moves in a direction so as to intercept ship A in least
value of x is (– 1,000 m £ x £ 1,000 m): possible time.

[ ( ) ]
2
u2 gx u2 ___gx2 2__
(a) ___ – ___2 (b) __ – sin–1 ____ = 28°
2g 2u g u2 3 ÷2
gx2 gx2 68. The direction in which the ship B must travel is
(c) ___2 (d) ___
2u u2 (a) 37° W of S (b) 17° W of S
64. An enemy jet is flying at a height of 250 m with a (c) 28° E of S (d) 28° W of S
velocity of 500 m s–1 parallel to the x axis. The range 69. The time needed for B to intercept A is
of x coordinates over which it can get hit is
2 sin 45° 2 sin 45°
(a) – 500 £ x £ 500 m (a) ________ h (b) ________ h
cos 107° cos 17°
(b) – 200 £ x £ 200 m
sin 45°
(c) – 1,000 £ x £ 1,000 m (c) ______ h (d) None
__ __ sin 28°
(d) – 500 ÷2 £ x £ 500 ÷2 m
65. The time interval for which the above-mentioned jet Passage 25
is in danger is Two ships A and B are located 80 km apart with B exactly
__
(a) 2 s (b) 1 s east of A. A is moving uniformly at 16 ÷2 kmh–1 in northeast
__
(c) 2 ÷2 s (d) 4 s direction. B is moving at 4 kmh–1 towards north. They can
send signal to each other if distance between them does not
Passage 23 exceed 60 km.
A hemispherical dome of radius R is fixed on a horizontal 70. After how much time can they start communicating
ground. A particle is projected horizontally at speed u from a with each other?
point that is at a height h above the top of the dome. Answer (a) 60 min (b) 84 min
the given questions now. (c) 24 min (d) Never
71. For how long they can keep sending signals to each
other?
(a) Zero (b) 3.6 h
(c) 2 h (d) 0.5 h
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9.12 Mechanics I

Passage 26 experiences gravity and a peculiar time-varying force that

A river has a width l and flows due east. Points A and B are acts vertically upwards and has a magnitude F = bt where
on opposite banks and B is north of A. Take a coordinate b is a positive constant.
system with origin at A, x-axis along east and y-axis along
north direction.
The speed of water current changes with y as
v
u = y (l2 – y2) __3 .
l
A boat starts from A and is steered towards north. The
boat moves with a velocity v relative to the water. Now
answer the questions given below.
75. The minimum possible value of b (= b0) for which
72. Equation of trajectory of the boat is the particle will not hit the floor is
y2 y4 x2 x4 _____ _____
(a) x = __ – ___3 (b) y = __ – ___3
÷ ÷
2l 4l 2l 4l m2g3
_____ m2g3
_____
(a) (b)
3h h
(c) y = x2 – 2x (d) None _____ ______

÷ ÷
2 3 2 3
73. Velocity of the boat at the moment it reaches other mg
_____ 4m g
______
(c) (d)
bank is 2h 3h
v 76. The time it takes for the particle to reach its lowest
(a) 2v (b) __
2 point is (assume b > b0)
(c) v (d) zero mg 2mg
(a) ___ (b) ____
74. Displacement of the boat in crossing the river is b b
__ __ 3mg mg
(a) l ÷5 (b) ÷2 l (c) ____ (d) ___
___ b 2b

÷___4 l
3l 17
(c) __ (d) 77. Path of the particle is best represented by (b > b0):
2

Passage 27 (a) (b)

A particle of mass m is projected horizontally with speed u
h
from a height __ inside a long room at time t = 0. The particle
2 (c) (d)
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Answers Sheet
Match the Columns
1. (A) r; (B) p, q; (C) s; (D) p, q, r, s 2. (A) p; (B) q; (C) r
3. (A) p, u; (B) r, u; (C) q, t; (D) q, s; (E) r, u; (F) q, s, t
4. (A) q; (B) p; (C) q 5. (A) r; (B) p; (C) q; (D) s
6. (A) p, q, r; (B) p; (C) q, t; (D) r, s 7. (A) r; (B) p; (C) s; (D) q
8. (A) p, r, t; (B) q, s; (C) p; (D) p, q, r, s, t 9. (A) q; (B) p, s, t; (C) r, s; (D) r, s
10. (A) p; (B) q; (C) s 11. (A) p; (B) q, s; (C) s; (D) p, r
12. (A) r; (B) s; (C) p; (D) q 13. (A) q; (B) s; (C) p; (D) r
14. (A) p; (B) p; (C) p; (D) q

Passage-based Problems
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (b) 9. (a)
10. (d) 11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (d) 18. (a)
19. (a) 20. (a) 21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (b) 25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (b)
28. (d) 29. (b) 30. (a) 31. (b) 32. (b) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (a) 36. (b)
37. (d) 38. (a) 39. (c) 40. (c) 41. (a) 42. (a) 43. (a) 44. (b) 45. (b)
46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (d) 50. (b) 51. (c) 52. (a) 53. (b) 54. (d)
55. (b) 56. (c) 57. (a) 58. (d) 59. (c) 60. (a) 61. (b) 62. (c) 63. (a)
64. (d) 65. (c) 66. (a) 67. (b) 68. (b) 69. (b) 70. (b) 71. (b) 72. (a)
73. (c) 74. (d) 75. (d) 76. (b) 77. (a)

9.13
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Particle Dynamics
Study the motion of a fan in your room. All the particles in it are not
moving identically. Points which are closer to the centre are having
less speed compared to the points which are farther away. This is
what happens when a body rotates; all points do not move identi-
cally. Now think of an aeroplane which carries you from Jabalpur to
New Delhi. All points in the aeroplane - its front seat, the last seat,
its passengers, etc., have moved in exactly the same way. Motion
of the airplane is an example of translational motion. In order to
describe the translational motion of a body, we consider it to be a
particle, irrespective of its size. When we are studying particle dynam-
ics we are not necessarily studying about something extremely small.
The body under investigation can be a train, a bullet, a planet or
anything else. It will be deemed as a particle as long as its motion
is translational.
When you ride a bike, the motion of its wheel is rather difficult to
understand. It spins as well as moves ahead. Such complex motions
are usually described as a combination of two motions:
(I) Translation of a special point known as centre of mass of a body
and,
(II) Rotation of the body about its centre of mass.
We will study about these motions in volume 2 of this book.
Our study of translational motion (particle dynamics) will be divided
into the following chapters:
• ewton s laws of motion
• riction
• Circular Motion
• or ener and power
• Momentum
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CHAPTER 10

Newton’s Laws of Motion

“Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy”
–Issac Newton

1. INTRODUCTION is unbalanced. You can keep a box moving with a constant

velocity by applying a force equal and opposite to friction.
Sir Issac Newton is widely recognised as one of the most This will leave no unbalanced force on the box.
influential scientists ever. He built up on the works of Galileo However, if the vector sum of all external forces is not
and Kepler and published his book Philosophiae Naturalis zero the forces are said to be unbalanced and the body will
Mathematica in 1687, with encouragement and help from his experience acceleration.
friend Edmond Haley (of Haley’s comet fame). This work There is another keyword in the statement of the first law
laid the foundation of classical mechanics and contributed to and that is external. This also needs your attention. Assume
many advances during the Industrial Revolution. that your car is stuck on a very slippery surface. However
Newton’s laws of motion are heart and soul of Physics. hard you push on the accelerator, the car will not move
Though the laws are simple to state and involve little much; though the wheels powered by the engine will rotate
mathematical complexity, most of us are not accustomed very fast. If your car is a front wheel drive, the rear wheels
to think in Newtonian terms. Do you think that a force is will not move at all! There is a force that you are applying
necessary to maintain a body in motion? If your answer is on the accelerator; the engine is applying a great effort on
yes, you are thinking in terms of Aristotelian mechanics. the axle but your car does not move. This is because there
Most of us do think this way. It will need a huge effort and is no external force on your car in the absence of friction.
practice to begin thinking like Newton. In this chapter, we When the car is on rough ground, the external force of
will try to master the applications of Newton’s three laws friction causes it to accelerate (i.e. change its state of rest
of motion. into a state of motion). You, the engine and the body of
Any push or pull will be termed as a force in the following the car form an integrated system. The mutual interaction
sections. between the engine and the axle causes the wheels to move
in some way, but the car as a whole fails to move. In fact, if
2. NEWTON’S FIRST LAW you consider only the wheels as your system, then the force
(in fact, torque) applied by the engine on it is external. This
State of rest and state of uniform motion are natural states causes the wheel to display some sort of motion.
of a body. A body continues to remain in its natural state
of rest or uniform motion unless it is acted upon by an In Short
unbalanced external force. 1. There is no acceleration without an unbalanced
This is quite counter-intuitive as our everyday experience external force.
shows that a body stops moving if it is not continuously 2. A body may experience many external forces and
pushed or pulled. This is because we often forget about continue to remain unaccelerated if the vector sum
forces like friction and air resistance. A body stops moving of all the forces is zero.
not due to absence of forces, rather due to presence of 3. The interactions among individual components of a
forces. If we can somehow eliminate all resistive forces, a system can never cause the (centre of mass of the)
moving body will keep moving forever. Practically it is not system to accelerate.
possible to eliminate friction completely. Does it mean that 4. Which force is external depends on the system we
no object can keep moving with a constant velocity? No. choose for investigation.
One of the keywords in the statement of Newton’s first law
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10.4 Mechanics I

Example 1 Why do cars have airbags? moving forward. To protect you from smashing into the
Solution If you are driving your car at a very high speed steering wheel or the windscreen, cars have airbags. They
and hit something like a tree, the car will come to a sudden inflate as soon as your car meets an accident and make a
stop due to a large external force applied by the tree. But cushion around you.
you have experienced no such force and your body keeps

Your Turn
Q.1 The Earth is revolving around the Sun in a nearly despite the gravitational pull of the Earth acting on them.
circular orbit at a constant speed. Does it mean that the Earth Explain.
does not experience any external force?
Q.3 A carpet is beaten with a stick to remove its dust.
Q.2 Raindrops starting from a cloud move at a constant Which of the two—the carpet or dust particles—does not
velocity during the major part of their journey. This happens move?

3. INERTIA AND MASS 4. INERTIAL AND NON-INERTIAL

Inertia is a property of a body by virtue of which it stays REFERENCE FRAMES
in its state of rest or state of uniform motion in absence of An observer in a reference frame S1 finds that a body A is
an external unbalanced force. How much acceleration will at rest. Let us assume that the observer measures the net
be produced in a body when an external force is applied on external force acting on A to be zero. For her, no force
it is decided by its inertia. Our daily life experience tell us means no acceleration and this confirms the validity of the
that more massive a body is, higher is its tendency to resist first law of motion. There is another reference frame S2
any change in its state. It is far more difficult to push a truck which is moving with a constant velocity (v) relative to the
into motion compared to a small box. In fact, the physical frame S1. An observer in this frame also finds Newton’s first
property mass is defined as a measure of inertia. law to be valid as he sees that in absence of any force, the
Consider three identical bodies A, B and C, each having body A continues to move uniformly. Now assume that there
a mass m. When a force is applied to A, it produces an is a third frame S3 which is accelerated with respect to S1
acceleration a0 in the body. Now bodies A and B are combined (or S2). An observer in this frame finds that the body A is
together and the same force is applied on this combined body accelerated. But the observers in
(having a mass 2m). This time the acceleration is found to S1 and S2 have confirmed that
a0 net force on A is zero. Observer
be __. If we combine all three bodies (total mass now being
2 in reference frame S3 finds A to
3m) and apply the same force, the acceleration is observed be accelerated in absence of a
a0 real force. Yes, Newton’s first
to be __. This shows that acceleration experienced by a
3 law fails, in usual sense, in a
body on the application of a force is inversely proportional frame like S3.
to its mass. This result gives us a way of assigning mass to The reference frames in which Newton’s first law (also
different bodies. known as law of inertia) holds are said to be inertial and
The mass of a cylinder made of platinum–iridium alloy those in which it fails are known as non-inertial frames.
kept at the International Bureau of Weight and Measures A reference frame attached to the Earth is nearly inertial
(in Paris) has been arbitrarily chosen to be 1 kilogram. for most practical applications. All other frames which are at
Let us assume that a force produces an acceleration of a0 rest or moving uniformly with respect to the Earth are also
in this standard 1 kg object. The same force produces an inertial. Any frame that is accelerated with respect to the
acceleration a in another body of unknown mass m. Earth is non-inertial. For now, we will avoid using Newton’s
1 kg laws in such frames.
a ____
__
Then, a0 = m It is important to note that the reference frame of the
Earth is not inertial in a strict sense and in case of large
fi ( )
a0
m = __
a ◊ 1 kg
scale motions like those of ballistic missiles, ocean currents,
etc., we must account for the non-inertial character of the
This is how we can assign mass to a body. Earth’s frame.
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.5

In Short 1 kg wt = (1 kg) × (9.8 ms–2)

1. An observer standing on the Earth or sitting in a = 9.8 kg ms–2 = 9.8 N
uniformly moving bus is in an inertial frame and is
[We will shortly study about weight]
allowed to make use of Newton’s laws.
2. An observer in a car accelerated relative to the Earth Example 2 A body of mass m = 2 kg is free to move
is in a non-inertial frame and is not allowed to use in the xy plane. Four forces F1 = 10 N, F2 = 6 N, F3 = 3
Newton’s laws in the usual form. N and F4 = 8 N act on it as shown in the figure. Find the

[ 4
acceleration of the body. Given: tan 53° = __
3 ]
5. NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION
We will reserve the exact form of Newton’s second law for Y
a later chapter. Here, we will give a rather simpler form.
F1 = 10 N
The second law says that the net external force (i.e. the
vector sum of all external forces) acting
_› on a body is equal
to mass (m) times its acceleration ( a ).
_› _› 53°
X
F = ma (i) F2 = 6 N F3 = 3 N

This form of the second law is valid if the mass

_› of the F4 = 8 N
body remains constant. Also, the acceleration ( a ) must be
measured in an inertial frame of reference.
Equation (i) is equivalent to three component equations: Solution
Concepts
Fx = m ax; Fy = m ay; Fz = m az
Resolve all the forces in the x and y directions and
Here, Fx, Fy and Fz are components of the net force find the resultant force along these directions. Use Fx =
acting on a body in three mutually perpendicular directions m ax and Fy = m ay to calculate x and y components of
x, y and z. Similarly,
_› ax, ay and az are three components acceleration.
of acceleration a . Selection of x, y and z direction is your
Resolving F1 in the x and y directions, we get:
choice.
3
F1x = 10 cos 53° = 10 × __ = 6 N
5.1 Unit of Force 5
The SI unit of force is kgms–2 and is commonly known as 4
F1y = 10 sin 53° = 10 × __ = 8 N
newton (N). 1 newton is the force which applied on a body 5
of mass 1 kg produces an acceleration of 1 ms–2. The net force will have the x component given by:
The CGS unit of force is g cm s–2, and is commonly Fx = 6 + 3 – 6 = 3 N
known as dyne. Y component of the net force is zero as F4 balances F1y.
1 N = 105 dyne Fx __
3
Now, max = Fx fi ax = ___
m = 2 = 1.5 ms
–2
Another common unit is kilogram weight (kg wt). One kg
wt is equal to the weight of a body of mass 1 kg.
And ay = 0 as Fy = 0

Your Turn
Q.4 A_› body of mass m = 5 kg is acted upon by two Q.5 An aeroplane of mass m = 20,000 kg is flying
forces, F1 = (6 + 11 j) N and F2 = (4 + 9 j) N. Find the horizontally with an acceleration a = 2 ms–2. The gravitational
magnitude of acceleration of the body. pull of the Earth exerts a vertically downward force of
1,96,000 N on it. Find the force applied by the atmosphere
on the aeroplane.
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10.6 Mechanics I

6. NEWTON’S THIRD LAW OF MOTION In Short

1. Forces occur in pair.
The law can be stated as—for every action (a force), there
is an equal and opposite reaction (another force) and they 2. One should carefully choose the force (out of an
(action and reaction) act on action and reaction pair) which is acting on a body
_› two different bodies.
If body 1 exerts a force F on body 2, then body 2 exerts a under consideration.
_›
force – F on body 1. For example, if you kick a football, the 3. When you are studying the motion of a system, the
ball also applies an equal and opposite force on your foot. internal action - reaction pairs should not bother
One force (applied by you) acts on the ball and the other one you. While studying the motion of a train it is not
(applied by the ball) acts on you. If you are analysing the necessary to take into account the force between a
motion of the ball, then the force which acted on your foot passenger and his seat.
should not enter into discussion. The force which acted on
the ball is important to understand the motion of the ball. Example 3 Acceleration due to gravity near the surface of
It is important to understand that both the forces arise the Earth is g = 9.8 ms–2. A ball of mass 10 kg is dropped
simultaneously and any one of them can be termed as action from the top of a building. Find the acceleration produced
and the other one as reaction. As a physics student, it should in the Earth due to the force exerted on it by the ball. Mass
make no difference to you whether I say that the ball hits of the Earth is M = 6 × 1024 kg.
you or you hit the ball. Solution
How are we able to walk? We push the ground backwards Concepts
and it pushes us forward.
The ball and the Earth are two interacting bodies. They
A gun recoils when a bullet is fired. The gun and the
exert equal and opposite force on one another.
bullet both exert equal and opposite forces on one another.
In fact, this law is manifested in the law of conservation of Force exerted by the Earth on the ball is F = (mass) ×
momentum, as we shall see in a later chapter. (acceleration)
fi F = mg = 10 × 9.8 = 98 N (vertically down)
The ball pulls the Earth with an equal force towards itself.
For the Earth: Mae = 98 N
98 N
fi ae = __________ = 1.65 × 10–23 ms–2
6 × 1024 kg
Note: This acceleration is small enough to be detected.

Your Turn
Q.6 According to Newton’s third law, two players exert an Assume that the bat exerted a constant force on the ball for
equal and opposite force on one another in a game of tug a period of 0.2 seconds. Find the force applied by the ball
of war. Who will win this game? on the bat.
Q.7 A horizontally moving cricket ball hits a bat and Q.8 The Moon has a much smaller mass than that of the
bounces back with its speed doubled. However, the line of Earth. Is it reasonable to say that the force applied by the
motion of the ball does not change. The mass of the ball is Moon on the Earth is less than the force applied by the Earth
0.15 kg and its speed before hitting the bat was 20 ms–1. on the Moon?

7. FORCE The study of dynamics is actually predicting motion from

known forces. Equally important, however, is the converse
A force is a push or pull on an object resulting from the process of deducing physical interactions by observing
object’s interaction with another object. Newton’s first law motion. After all, it was the motion of a falling apple that
can be used to define force as a physical cause responsible led to the discovery of gravitational interactions.
for acceleration in a body. The second law gives a measure As far as we know, there are only four fundamentally
of the force. different types of forces in nature–
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.7

(i) Gravitational force objects and all of them are fundamentally electromagnetic
(ii) Electromagnetic force in nature.
(iii) Weak force and
7.1.2 Tension
(iv) Strong force
The last two are short-range forces which exist only inside Tension generally refers to a force that a string,
an atomic nucleus. These are of no concern to us in dealing rope or stick exerts when it is pulled. Consider
with everyday mechanics. Only the first two are of central a ball of mass M suspended using a light string.
importance to us. These are long-range forces arising out The weight of the ball (= Mg) is acting in the
of complex things happening at smaller scales (smaller than vertically downward direction. The ball does not
an atom). Do relax; we are not supposed to bother about fall. A common man says the string is holding it.
such fine details. For example, frictional force between two A physicist says that the string applies a force on
surfaces arise due to very complex interactions of charged the ball that balances the ball’s weight. The force
particles present in the atoms of the two surfaces. But to applied by the string on the ball is tension (T). For,
solve a mechanics problem, it is not required to analyse the ball to remain motionless, we must have
such microscopic details. Tension in a string, normal contact T = Mg
force, viscous force, etc. arise because of electromagnetic A taut string always pulls the object tied to its ends. A
interactions of charged particles. string can never push. In the above example, the string pulls
To get started in mechanics, we need to familiarise down on the ceiling. If the string is light, then the force it
ourselves with commonly occurring forces in nature. applies on the ceiling is also T = Mg.
You can get to this conclusion in many ways. For example,
7.1 Some Common Forces you can consider the ball and string as one object and think
why it does not fall. You must acknowledge that the force
7.1.1 Weight between the string and the block is of no concern now as
According to Newton’s law of gravitation, any two masses in it is internal to the system which we are considering. The
the universe attract each other. However, this force is weak only agency, apart from gravity, which can apply a force on
and insignificant if everyday objects like a car and a truck our system is the ceiling. The ceiling
are taken into consideration. It is meaningful only when at pulls the string up with a force equal
least one of the two interacting bodies has a large mass. to Mg. From the third law, we know
The Earth is massive (mass = six million billion billion that the string exerts an equal and
kilograms) and exerts significant forces on objects including opposite force on the ceiling. This is
our own body. We will neglect all gravitational interactions the tension force applied by the string
among objects apart from the force exerted by the Earth on on the ceiling and it is equal to Mg.
objects close to its surface. The ceiling is experiencing a
Any object under free fall near the surface of the Earth downward force due to the string.
experiences an acceleration g (= 9.8 ms–2). Therefore, we Apart from this, the ceiling is also experiencing its own
can conclude (using Newton’s second law) that a body of weight. But it does not fall. Why? Of course, the walls exert
mass m is attracted by the Earth by a force equal to mg. upward forces on it.
This force experienced by a body due to the gravitational We see that at both its ends, the string is pulling the tied
pull of the Earth is known as its weight. objects – the ball and the ceiling. In fact, every segment of
w = mg. the string is pulling its neighbouring segment
The direction of this force is towards the centre of the with the same force (T). Consider a segment
Earth and this is the direction which we call as vertical. AB of the string. It is being pulled on both
sides by its neighbouring segments as shown
Every object near the surface of the Earth experiences this
in the figure. Since the segment AB has no
force. If you release a ball, it accelerates due to this force.
motion, the tension at its both ends must be
But this book (the one which you are reading) kept on your
equal.
study table does not accelerate. It is experiencing its weight
but there is a force applied by the table on the book which As we pull a string (of course, at both ends), its molecules
balances its weight and there is no acceleration. move apart slightly. This increases its overall length. If the
change in its length is small compared to the original length,
Gravitational force is an action-at-distance force. It arises
we say that the string is inextensible. As the string elongates,
even if there is no contact between a ball and the Earth.
the interparticle force becomes attractive and balances the
However, all other forces that we are going to discuss now are
applied force. Force on any molecule of the string is zero
contact forces. They arise due to direct contact between two
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10.8 Mechanics I

due to the pull it experiences from both its sides. This force your force. The rope pulls the wall with an equal force. If
is nothing but tension. If the interparticle force is weak and we consider the part AC of the rope, the force applied by
cannot balance the applied force, the particles continue to the wall on it is balanced by the force applied by the part
separate and the string breaks. The value of tension at which BC on it. Thus tension at C is also F. In this example the
a string breaks is known as its breaking strength. tension at all points is same in AB.
In Short You apply a force on a particle at B. This particle applies
the same force on its neighbouring particle, which in turn
In a massless string, tension at all points is the same (It can
applies the same force on the next particle. This way the
vary if there is a tangential force on it. We will take up this
force gets transmitted successively to the particle at the end
discussion later.)
A, which in turn exerts a force on the wall. You must note
that when the rope was in
A massive rope the vertical orientation the
The tension in a massive rope (i.e,. rope with a mass) may force transmitted from one
vary from point to point. In the previous example, assume particle to another was not
that the ball is suspended using a rope of mass m. The mass the same everywhere.
of the rope is uniformly distributed along In Short
its length.
In a massive rope, tension may or may not be the same at
The tension at the lower end (B) of the all points.
rope is once again equal to the weight of
the ball. A rod
\ TB = Mg
Unlike a string, a rod can pull as well as push an object.
The force the ceiling exerts at end A of
When it pulls, it is subjected to a stretching force at its
the rope is equal to the combined weight
two ends and when it pushes a body, it itself experiences
of the ball and the rope.
compressing force at both its ends.
\ TA = (M + m) g
Tension is the same everywhere in a massless rod and it
This means the rope exerts different forces on the two may vary from point to point in case of a massive rod.
objects at its ends.
Note: A string can never exert a lateral force (perpendicular
What is tension at the midpoint (C) of the rope? This to its own length) on a body but a massive rod can exert
question means what is the force applied by such a force. By keeping a hockey stick vertical, you can
two equal halves of the rope on one another. always apply a horizontal force on a ball. But making such
To find this, consider the ball plus half rope attempts using a string will be futile.
BC as your system. Your system has a mass
m
of M + __. Its weight is balanced by the force Example 4 A uniform rope of mass M and length L is
2 suspended vertically as shown in figure. Find the tension in
applied by the upper half of the rope. This the rope at a height x from the lower end.
force is tension at C. Solution Let us consider a segment BC having a legnth x.
( m
TC = M + __ g)
2
Finding tension at C means finding the force applied
by segment AC on BC or vice versa. We will consider the
The same force (TC) is applied by the lower half of the
rope on the upper half. Mx
segment BC. Its mass is m = ___
L
\ ( )
Mx
T = ___ g
L
Notice that tension will be maximum when x = L
(i.e., at A)
TA = Mg

Now let us consider a massive rope which is horizontal.

One end of the rope is secured to a wall and the other is
being pulled by you with a force F. [If gravity distracts you,
treat the space to be gravity free.] The rope cannot move and
therefore, the net external force on it must be zero. The wall
applies a force F in the left direction (see figure) to balance
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.9

Your Turn
Q.9 In the figure, A and B are two blocks (ii) Do you think it is justified to consider that tension
having masses 2 kg and 4 kg respectively. S is same throughout the string.
is a massless string and R is a uniform rope
of mass 2 kg. [g = 9.8 ms–2] Q.11 AB is a rod of mass M attached to a wall. A rope
(i) Find the tension in the string S BC of mass m is attached to the ends B of the rod and its
free end is pulled with a horizontal force F. Find the force
(ii) Find the tension at the midpoint of R. applied by the rod on the wall.
Q.10 In the figure, a string S of mass
10 g supports a block of mass 10 kg. [g
= 9.8 ms–2]
(i) Find tensions at the lower and upper
ends of the string. Keep track of
significant digits.

7.1.3 Normal Force The normal force between two surfaces is always
repulsive. The figures below illustrate the direction of the
Force exerted by a surface on a body in contact can be normal force in a few cases. In all cases, N is the normal
resolved into two components—one perpendicular to the force applied by the surface on the block.
surface and the other tangential to it. The perpendicular
component is called normal force and the tangential
component is known as friction. When a block is slid
on a table, the table exerts a force (R) on the block. The
component of R perpendicular to the table surface is normal
force (N) and the component parallel to the surface is friction
(f). Friction is less if the surface is smooth. For the sake
of simplicity, we will assume that all surfaces are perfectly
smooth and f = 0. In this case, the table surface exerts only
the normal force N on the block. In Short
The normal force between two objects in contact is repulsive
and perpendicular to the contact surface. Absence of a normal
force implies there is no contact.

Example 5 Is it possible to keep a body at rest on a smooth

incline plane?

Solution
No. The body experiences two forces – its weight and the
normal force. Resultant of these two forces can never be zero
When we place a block on a table, the block exerts a as the angle between them is not equal to 180°.
downward force on molecules situated in the upper layer
of the table’s surface. Those molecules move down until
the repulsion of the lower layer stops their movement. No
surface is perfectly rigid, but the compression usually is too
small to notice and we shall treat our surface as rigid.
In the above example, the normal force (N) balances the
weight of the block. The block applies an equal force in the
downward direction on the table.
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10.10 Mechanics I

Your Turn

Q.12 A fly is sitting inside a hemispherical trough. Sketch Q.13 A lizard is at rest on a vertical wall. Is there any
a diagram and show the correct direction of the normal force normal force between the lizard and the wall?
acting on the fly, for two different positions of the fly. To begin with, we will solve problems which involve only
weight, tension and normal reaction as forces. Later we will
introduce another common force – spring force. Friction will
be discussed in the next chapter.

8. FREE BODY DIAGRAMS (FBD) A diagram showing all the external forces acting on a
_› _› body is known as a free body
The equation F = m a can be used in two different kinds diagram (FBD). Consider an
of situations. example of a box being pulled
(i) If you know the force acting on a body as a function by a man on a smooth horizontal
of time, position or velocity and you also know the surface. There are three agencies
initial position and velocity of the body, then you which can apply forces on the
can predict the position and velocity of the body at box- gravity, the surface on
a later instant of time. You start with F = ma and which the block rests and the
perform some mathematical calculations. (And the string. There is Nothing else in
calculations can get really complex at times!) the environment around the box
(ii) In this chapter we are more interested in a second which can apply a force on it.
kind of situation. All you are given is a physical Therefore, the box experiences
situation (like a block lying on an incline, or a string its weight (W), normal force (N)
connecting two masses, etc.), and you are supposed of the surface and the tension (T)
to figure out all the forces acting on the body by applied by the string. These forces (as vectors) have been
looking at its environment. After _finding shown in the diagram. This is FBD of the box. At this point
› _›all the forces
acting on the body, you apply F = m a to find the you need not talk about the exact points (in the box) at
acceleration. which these forces are acting. For description of translational
motion, this is not important. Size and shape of the box is
also irrelevant. Though we have drawn a ‘box’ (for clarity),
we would like to think of it as a point object.

Your Turn

Q.14 Draw FBD of A, B and C in following systems. All

surfaces are smooth.

9. STATICS (BALANCING FORCES) coordinate system and resolve all the forces along the axes.
For a body at permanent rest, we must have:
When all objects in a given problem are motionless, it is
called a statics problem. If a body continues to remain at Fx = 0, Fy = 0, Fz = 0
rest Newton’s second law (F = ma) tells us that the vector
sum of all external forces acting on it is zero. While dealing Most of the problems we will tackle will be using two
with multiple forces acting on a body we often choose a dimensions and only the x and y axes will suffice. Later on
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.11

we will introduce the concept of torque which will allow us Solution

to solve a wide variety of statics problems. Before we do that, Concepts
we can solve only a limited variety of statics problems.
The net force on the ball as well as the knot of S1, S2 and
Example 6 A block of mass M is placed on a smooth S3 will be zero.
inclined surface. A horizontal force F is applied on it and FBD of the ball will have two forces - weight of the ball
the block is in equilibrium. Find F. and tension T1 applied by S1. To maintain the equilibrium of
Solution the ball,
Concepts T1 = Mg …(a)

In the context of the problem, the word equilibrium Now we will draw the FBD of the knot (you T1
implies that the block is motionless. In general, a body is can think of the knot as a particle at the junction
said to be in translational equilibrium when the net force of three strings). The knot experiences the tensions
on it is zero. A car moving with a constant velocity is in from all three strings.
equilibrium. Take horizontal and vertical directions as x and Mg
y axis respectively.

Fy = 0 implies that

T2 sin 45° = T1

T2
___
fi __ = Mg [using (a)]
The free body diagram of the block is shown in the figure. ÷2
Let us choose x and y axes along the horizontal and vertical
directions, respectively. You can also take the x and y axes
along the incline and perpendicular to it. With a little bit of
geometry, you can work out that the angle between N and
the vertical direction is q. Using Fy = 0, we get
N cos q = Mg …(a)
Using Fx = 0 we get

F = N sin q …(b) __
fi T2 = ÷2 Mg …(b)
Calculating N from (a) and substituting in (b) we get
Fx = 0 implies that

(Mg
F = _____ sin q = Mg tan q
cos q
T3 = T2 cos 45°
T2
fi T3 = ___
__ = Mg [using (b)]
÷2
Example 8 A flexible massive rope
A heavy rope of mass M is tied to the
ceiling and wall of a room as shown
in the figure. The rope makes an angle
q with the ceiling and an angle of 90°
with the vertical wall. Find the tension
You are suggested to take x and y axis along the incline forces at the two ends of the rope.
and perpendicular to it and solve Solution
the same problem again.
Concepts
Example 7 In the figure shown, The shape of the rope is of no concern. The net force on
the mass of the ball is M and the it is zero. A rope can exert a force (pull) along its length.
string S3 is horizontal. Find tension The rope will pull the wall horizontally (to the left) and
in the strings S1 and S3. The strings it will pull the ceiling down making an angle q with the
do not have mass. horizontal.
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10.12 Mechanics I

The body of interest is the rope. It is in equilibrium. string is also light. Find the tension (T0) in the string holding
Forces that it experiences are due to the wall, the ceiling the pulley. Each component in this arrangement is static.
and gravity. The FBD of the rope is shown below. We have
Solution First we will draw the FBD of one
resolved the force on the rope due to the wall, T2 in the x
of the blocks [considering the other one will
and y directions.
also give the same result].
Tension in the string balances the block’s
weight
\ T = mg
Now consider FBD of the massless pulley. In fact it will
be much easier if you consider a semicircular segment of the
string plus the pulley as your object. This object experiences
tension force (T) due to vertical segments of the string. The
downward force on the object is 2 T. But it is motionless.
Fy = 0 fi T2 sin q = Mg
It implies that tension (T0) in the upper string must balance
Mg this 2T
fi T2 = ____
sin q \ T0 = 2T
And Fx = 0 fi T1 = T2 cos q
Mg cos q
T1 = ________ = Mg cot q
sin q
Before we take up our next example on statics let us
discuss a little about a simple machine known as pulley

10. PULLEY
A pulley is a wheel on an axle or a shaft designed to change
the direction of a taut string/rope. It helps to change the
In Short
direction of applied force. For example,
when drawing water from a well we apply 1. Tension in a light string is same on both sides of a
a downward force on the rope but the massless or a smooth pulley.
rope exerts an upward force on the bucket 2. Net force on a massless body is always zero even if
(see figure). To keep things simple we will it is accelerated (we will shortly have examples on
assume, in most of the cases, that our pulley accelerated objects).
is very light and is smooth (we may call it
an ideal pulley). Pulley is light implies that Example 10 A block of mass m is sup-
net force on it must always be zero, even ported by a string passing over an ideal
if it accelerates. pulley as shown in the figure. The part of
A smooth pulley implies there is no friction on the string the string above the pulley makes an angle
and tension is same on both sides if the string is light. In of 30° with the horizontal. How much force
fact, if the pulley is light friction between the support must apply on the pulley? [Here
the string and pulley will be zero. A system ‘support’ means the pin or the rod that is
comprising of two objects connected by an used to secure the pulley in place].
inextensible light string over an ideal pulley
is often used in laboratory to demonstrate Solution
the principles of dynamics. This system Concepts
is known as Atwood machine. English
The string applies a force on the pulley. The support must
mathematician George Atwood invented it.
apply equal and opposite force on the pulley so as to make
Example 9 In the Atwood machine shown in the figure, the resultant zero.
mass of each block is m and the pulley is massless. The Once again it is easy to figure out that tension in the string
is mg. The pulley (pulley plus the part of the string touching
the pulley) experiences two tension forces inclined at 120°.
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.13

Resultant of these tensions is T making

an angle of 60° with vertical. This force
must be balanced by the support force
(R) on the pulley. Hence, R = T = mg.

Example 11 A man of mass M = 70 kg

stands on a platform of mass m = 50 kg.
The man is able to keep himself and the
platform at rest suspended in air with the Example 12 A spherical ball of mass M is resting inside
help of a pulley system as shown in the figure. Find the force a V-shaped smooth groove as shown in the figure. Find the
the man must apply on the string to keep the system at rest. normal force applied by a groove wall on the ball.
All pulleys and string are massless. [g = 10 ms–2] Solution
Concepts
(i) Groove walls are tangential
to the sphere. Normal force
will be along the sphere’s
radius.
(ii) Vertical components of two
normal forces will balance
the sphere’s weight.
(iii) From symmetry, it is easy
Solution to conclude that both the
Concepts normal forces are equal in
magnitude.
(i) Tension in the string is equal to the force applied
by the man at the free end of the string. Both the normal forces and their components are as shown
in the figure. For equilibrium in the vertical direction,
(ii) Net force on a massless pulley is zero. In the figure
shown below, T0 = 2T

Considering the combination of the man and the platform

as our system, we can easily write
T + T0 + T = (M + m) g

fi T + 2T + T = (M + m) g
(M + m)g
fi T = _________
4
(70 + 50) × 10 N sin 45° + N sin 45° = Mg
= _____________
4 N__ ___
___ N
+ __ = Mg
= 300 N ÷2 ÷2
What equation will you get if you consider the man plus Mg
N = ___
__
the platform plus the pulley as your system ? ÷2

Your Turn
Q.15 In the arrangement shown in the figure, all the (ii) Find the force applied
surfaces are smooth and the string is light. Masses of the by B on C String A
blocks A, B and C are 2 kg, 4 kg, and 6 kg respectively. (iii) Find the force applied B
Block C is pulled with a horizontal force F = 100 N. [Take F
by C on ground. C
g = 10 ms–2]
(i) Find tension in the string
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10.14 Mechanics I

Q.16 A rope of mass M = 10 kg and length

L = 4 m hangs on a pulley as shown in the
figure. Radius of the pulley is 0.5 m and the
lengths of the rope on two sides of the pulley
are same. Find the force applied by the rope on the pulley.
m
Q.17 A block of mass M is
suspended using strings S1 and Q.19 A block is placed on a rough incline
S2 as shown in the figure. Find having an inclination angle q. The block stays
tension in the string S1. at rest on the incline when it is released. Find
Q.18 In the given figure mass the force applied by the incline on the block.
of pulley is M and it is smooth. Mass of the block is M.
Mass of the block is m. Find the force applied by the sup-
port on the pulley. [Actually it is not necessary that the Q.20 In the arrangement shown in the
pulley be smooth. We will return to this discussion in a figure, find the value of the force F needed
later chapter] to keep the block of mass 18 kg at rest. The
pulleys and string are massless and the upper
pulley is fixed. [g = 10 ms–2]

11. SOLVING PROBLEMS IN (iii) Try to understand how the system is constrained to
move. For example, in an Atwood machine both the
TRANSLATIONAL DYNAMICS masses will have same magnitude of acceleration
(USING F = ma) but one must move up while the other moves down.
This constraint arises if the string is inextensible.
It is very difficult to lay down a procedure for solving In many problems we may have to think hard or
all dynamics problems. You will learn this by practice even do some mathematics, to work out the relation
only. However to get started, we will lay down a general between motions of objects. We will learn about such
procedure. situations through many examples, later on, in this
(i) If the given system has only one body that can move, chapter.
you should figure out the direction in which it can
It is even better if you can perform step (iii) before (ii)
move. For example, if there is a block on a fixed
incline it is constrained to move along the incline. (iv) All the above steps result in linear equations. Count
Assume the acceleration of the body to be a (some the number of unknowns and the number of equa-
other suitable symbol can also be chosen) along tions. If number of equations are less, you have
its expected direction of motion. Draw FBD of the missed out something (possibly a constraint relation
body and resolve all the forces along the direction or, you may have missed to consider the FBD of a
of motion and perpendicular to it. For convenience system subcomponent).
you may call these directions as x and y. (v) Solve all the equations to get the desired result. The
Now frame equations using whole procedure will be illustrated by examples and
discussions that we will consider hereafter.
Fx = m ax and
Fy = m ay = 0 (since there is no acceleration along y) 11.1 Push and Pull on a Block on a Smooth Horizontal
Surface
Solve the equations for required unknowns.
Consider a block of mass M on a smooth horizontal surface.
(ii) If a system has two or more interacting bodies, then A boy applies a pull force of magnitude F on the block
you need to perform step (i) for all of them separately. making an angle q with the horizontal. Suppose we wish to
If two (or more) bodies have same acceleration (i.e., calculate the acceleration of the block and the normal force
they are moving together in same direction) you can applied by the surface on the block. We will assume that the
draw a FBD clubbing them together. But if you need block does not lift off the surface.
to find interaction force between the objects you will
Let the acceleration of the block be a in horizontal
need to a separate FBD for at least one of them.
direction (marked as x). Apart from the applied force F,
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.15

other forces on the block are its weight (Mg) and the normal (Mg) and normal force (N) which is in the y direction. Only
force (N) by the surface. Since N and Mg are already along Mg needs to be resolved along the x and y directions.
the Y direction, we need to resolve only F. Components of
F are F cos q along X and F sin q along Y.
Use Fx = m ax
F cos q = ma ...(i)

Use Fy = m ay = 0

N + F sin q = Mg ...(ii) Mg sin q is the unbalanced force along the x direction that
causes the block to accelerate. Using F = m ax gives,
F cos q
Equation (i) gives a = ______
m Mg sin q = Ma fi a = sin q
There is no movement in the y direction
\ Fy = 0
fi N = Mg cos q

11.3 A Toy Train

Consider a toy train with N cars each of mass m. The cars
are connected to each other by massless strings. The train
is kept on a smooth surface and a horizontal pull force F is
applied to its first car.
and equation (ii) gives N = Mg – F sin q
Note that N < Mg. Now, if the boy pushes the block
with a force F making an angle q with the horizontal, the
forces and components will be as shown in the figure below. If you are supposed to find acceleration of the train you
Equation (i) remains same but equation (ii) changes as need not consider the cars separately. All cars are moving
identically and F is the only external force, in horizontal
direction, on the train. The interaction between two cars
through string is an internal force which shall not bother
you.
F
\ Nma = F fi a = ___
Nm
Note that there are vertical forces as well. The normal force
by ground and weight of the train balance out. Moreover,
these forces have nothing to do with horizontal motion of
the train. Now, let us assume that you are supposed to find
N = Mg + F sin q tension in the thread connecting the Nth car to (N – 1)th car.
For finding this force we should consider the Nth car as our
Note that the block moves with same acceleration as in system and analyse its motion or we may consider all but
previous case but the normal force increases. We will learn last car as our system.
later that in presence of friction the acceleration will also be Let us consider the Nth car. Why is it accelerating?
different in two cases. Certainly force F is not acting on it. It is the string tension
that is causing it to accelerate.
11.2 Block on a Smooth Fixed Incline
It is a no-brainer to understand that a block is constrained to \ T = ma
move along an incline. Let this direction be x and perpendicular F F
to the incline be y. Also assume that acceleration is a and fi T = m ___ = __
Nm N
there are only two forces acting on the block - its weight
If you consider car 1 to (N – 1) as your system the FBD
will be as shown.
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10.16 Mechanics I

Substituting this value of a in any of the two equations

gives,
2m1 m2 g
T = ________
(m1 + m2)
F – T = (N – 1) ma Notes:
\ T = F – (N – 1) ma (i) If m1 = m2 = m (say); we get,

( )
m–m
F
Nm
1
N
F
= F – (N – 1) m ___ = F – 1 – __ F = __
N
(
m+m )
a = ______ g = 0

Convince yourself that the tension in strings will go on 2 mmg

and T = ______ = mg
increasing if you move from the last car to the first one. m+m
F
Note: If N Æ •, a = ___ Æ 0 and tension in the last This makes sense.
mN
(ii) If m2 >> m1, we expect that m2 will almost experi-
F
string will be T = __ Æ 0 ence a free fall. Let’s see what will be the value of
N
its acceleration and tension in the string as predicted
11.4 Atwood Machine with Unequal Masses by our equations.
m1 and m2 (> m1) are two masses suspended by means
of a light inextensible string passing over a light pulley. (
m2 – m1
)
m2 g
a = ________ g  ____
m2 + m1 m2 = g
Obviously, the heavier mass m2 will go down and the other
mass m1 will move up after the system is released. Since 2 m1 m2 g 2 m1 m2 g
the string has a fixed length, both masses will always move and T = ________  ________
m2 = 2 m1 g
m2 + m1
through equal distance, will always have same speed and
will move with acceleration of the same magnitude. Let us Once you consider m1 moving up with an acceleration
assume that acceleration is a. of g, you will realise immediately that T = 2m1 g.

11.4.1 Simple variations of Atwood machine

Given figure shows some simple variations of Atwood

machine. In all cases the two blocks will have acceleration
of same magnitude and the tension in the string is same
throughout if the string as well as pulley is massless. Below
we give the relevant free body diagrams and equations in
If we consider m2 independently, we get first two cases.
m2 g – T = m2 a ...(i) Case (A)
Similarly, considering m1 independently gives
T – m1 g = m1 a ...(ii)
There are two unknowns T and a and we have two
equations.
Adding the two equations, we have

(m2 – m1) g = (m2 + m1) a

For m1: T = m1 a ...(i)
(m2 – m1) g
fi a = __________ And N = m1 g
(m2 + m1)
For m2: m2 g – T = m2 a ...(ii)
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.17

Solving (i) and (ii) gives:

m2 g m1 m2 g
a = ________ ; T = ________
(m1 + m2) (m1 + m2)
Case (B)
For m1: T – m1 g sin q = m1 a ...(i)

And N = m1 g cos q

For m2: m2 g – T = m2 a ...(ii) m2 g is a force that is trying to drive the system of two
connected blocks. m1 g is opposing the motion. The net
driving force is:
Fnet = m2 g – m1 g

Total mass that gets accelerated due to this force is

(m1 + m2).
Fnet (m2 – m1) g
\ Acceleration, a = ________ = __________
(m1 + m2) (m1 + m2)
Now considering the motion of any one block
Solving (i) and (ii) gives: independently, one can work out tension. Considering m2,
we have
(m2 – m1 sin q) g m1 m2 (1 + sin q) g
a = _____________ ; T = ________________ m2 g – T = m2 a
(m1 + m2) (m1 + m2)
Notes: m2 (m2 – m1) g 2 m1 m2 g
fi T = m2 g – m2 a = m2 g – _____________ = ________
(i) Putting q = 0° in the above result gives (m1 + m2) (m1 + m2)

m2 g m1 m2 g Try using this method to solve all variations of the Atwood

a = ________ and T = ________
(m1 + m2) (m1 + m2) machine given above.

This is same as the result obtained in Case (A) Example 13 In the arrangement shown in the figure, block
(ii) Putting q = 90° gives 1 (mass = 10 kg) and block 2 (mass =
2 kg) in contact are placed on a smooth
(m2 – m1 sin 90°) g (m2 – m1) g incline. A boy pushes the system of two
a = _______________ = __________ blocks with a force of 50 N applied
(m1 + m2) (m1 + m2)
parallel to the incline surface as shown
in the figure [g = 10 ms–2].
m1 m2 (1 + sin 90°) g 2 m1 m2 g
And T = __________________ = ________ (i) How will you decide whether
(m1 + m2) (m1 + m2) the system of blocks will move up the incline or
This is the same as the result obtained in case of the original down the incline?
Atwood machine. Students are urged to calculate, on their (ii) Find acceleration of the blocks.
own, the acceleration of the system depicted in figure (C). (iii) Find the interaction force between the two blocks.

11.4.2 Another neat method Solution

Concepts
Refer to the two figures given below. Both are same except
for the fact that in the first figure, the two masses move in (i) The direction of motion will be decided by look-
opposite directions. In fact, the presence of a pulley changes ing at the component of combined weight of the
the direction of motion. As long as we are concerned about two blocks down the incline. If this component of
finding the magnitude of acceleration, both the systems are weight is greater than 50 N, the block will move
equivalent. down. If component of weight is less than 50 N,
they will accelerate up, and in case it is equal to
50 N, there will be no motion.
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10.18 Mechanics I

(ii) The two blocks are constrained to move together. applied directly to the free end of the string and in case (C) it
For finding the acceleration, we can always consider is applied on the 2 kg block. Strings and pulleys are massless.
them as a combined object. In which case acceleration will be the largest and in which
case it will be smallest? Write values of acceleration for all
(iii) After finding the acceleration, the analysis of
three cases.
motion of either of the two blocks will give the
normal contact force between them.

(a) Combined mass of two block = 12 kg

Component of weight down the incline is Solution

Concepts
= 12 g sin q
1 (i) Force applied at free end of the string in case (A)
= 12 × 10 × __ = 60 N will be tension in the string.
2
Since 60 N is greater than the applied force of (ii) 1 kg wt = 1.g N
50 N, the blocks will move down the plane. (iii) Acceleration is decided by inertia (i.e., mass)
(b) Using F = ma along the incline, we get Going by the “neat method” described in the case of
5 Atwood machine, we can easily see that the net force driving
60 – 50 = 12 a fi a = __ ms–2 the system is same in all three cases.
6
(c) Consider motion of the 2 kg block only. The
Fnet = 4 g – 2 g = 2 g
FBD is shown. N2 is the force applied by 10
kg block and N1 is the normal force by the Mass in motion is different in all cases. In the first case,
incline. mass is only 2 kg, in the second case it is 6 kg and in the
third case it is 4 kg. Obviously, acceleration is greatest in
case (A) and smallest in case (C)

Fnet 2g
aA = ____ = ___ = g
2 kg 2
Fnet 2g g
aB = ____ = ___ = __
6 kg 6 3
Fnet 2g g
Using F = ma along the incline: aC = ____ = ___ = __
4 kg 4 2
2 g sin 30° – N2 = 2 a
Example 15 In the arrangement shown
1 5
fi 2 × 10 × __ – N2 = 2 × __ in the figure, all pulleys and strings are
2 6
massless. Pulley P3 is fixed but P2 and
fi = P1 are movable. Blocks connected at the
ends of string S1 have masses mA = 5 kg
and mB = 10 kg. One end of S2 is fixed
Example 14 In the systems shown in the figures A, B and
to the ground and the free end of S3
C, F = 4 kgwt and F1 = 2 kgwt are vertically downward
is pulled down with a force F. Find
forces applied by external agents. In case (A) the force is
accelerations of A and B if
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.19

(i) F = 120 N (ii) When F = 360 N,

(ii) F = 360 N
360
(iii) F = 500 N T1 = ____ = 90 N
4
Take g = 10 ms–2
Since T1 is less than weight of B, it will not move.
Solution
For A: T1 – mA g = mA aA
Concepts
fi 90 – 50 = 5 aA
(i) Net force on the pulleys must be zero. It does not
make any difference even if they accelerate. This fi aA = 8 ms–2
is because m a = 0. [ pulley is massless]
(ii) Blocks will move only when tension in S1 exceeds
their weight.
F
Tension in S3 is F. Tension in S2 must be T2 = __ so that
2
net force on P2 is zero.
T F
Similarly, tension in S1 will be T1 = __ = __
2
2 4
(i) When F = 120 N (iii) When F = 500 N

500
T1 = ____ = 125 N
4

Now, both A and B will accelerate

For A: T1 – mA g = mA aA

fi 125 – 50 = 5aA

fi aA = 15 ms–2

120
T1 = ____ = 30 N For B: T1 – mB g = mB aB
4
Since T1 is less than the weight of both A and B, none fi 125 – 100 = 10aB
will move. Acceleration is zero for both of them.
fi aB = 2.5 ms–2

Your Turn
Q.21 In the figures (a) and (b), all surfaces are smooth distance travelled by the 50 kg mass in 2 s after the system
and the string and pulleys are light. Inclination angle of the is released from rest.
incline is q. Find the acceleration of mass m1 in both the
systems.

Q.23 In the arrangement shown in the figure, the inclined

surfaces are fixed and smooth. String and pulley are light.
Find the acceleration of the blocks and tension in the string.
Q.22 In the arrangement shown in the figure, the inclined 1 1
It is given that sin a = __ and sin b = __ [g = 10 ms–2].
surface is smooth and string and pulley are ideal. Find the 6 4
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10.20 Mechanics I

Q.28 In the arrangement shown in the figure, strings and

pulley are light. Find tension in two strings [g = 10 ms–2]

Q.24 In the arrangement shown in the figure, the surfaces

are smooth. String and pulley have no mass. Find tension in
the string after the system is let go.

Q.29 Two blocks of masses 7 kg and 5 kg are connected

by a uniform rope of mass 4 kg. The 7 kg block is pulled
vertically up with a force F = 320 N as shown. Find tension
at the top and midpoint of the rope [g = 10 ms–2].

Q.25 A monkey is climbing

on a light rope that goes over
a smooth pulley and supports a
packet of apples at the other end
(see figure). Show that whatever
force the monkey applies on the
rope during its climb, the vertical
distance (h) between the monkey Q.30 Two blocks of masses 4 kg and 2 kg are placed
and the packet can never change touching each other on a smooth horizontal surface. The 4 kg
if the mass of monkey is equal block is pushed with a force F = 30 N acting at an angle
to that of the packet. ()
3
q = sin–1 __ with the horizontal. Find the acceleration of
5
Q.26 Two blocks A and B of the blocks and the normal force between them.
masses mA = 3 kg and mB = 2 kg are placed touching one
another on a horizontal smooth surface. A horizontal force
F = 5 N is applied to A as shown in figure (a). Find the contact
force between the two blocks. Will the contact force remain
same if force F is applied on B as shown in figure (b)?

Q.31 Block B has a mass m and is released from rest on

the smooth inclined surface of wedge A which has a mass
4m. There is no friction between the wedge and the floor.
Find the force applied by the vertical wall on the wedge.

Q.27 A force produces an acceleration of 1 ms–2, __1 ms–2,

2
1
__ 1 1
ms–2, __ ms–2, ... ____ ms–2
when it is applied separately to
4 8 2n–1
n different bodies. Those bodies are glued together to form
a single body. If the same force is applied to this combined
object, what will be the acceleration produced?
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.21

12. SPRING For a given material and geometry, the spring

constant is inversely proportional to the natural length
A spring (usually made of steel) is an elastic object used to of the spring. Consider two springs A and B of same
store mechanical energy. There are many types of springs construction. The only difference between A and B
but coil spring is the most common type of spring. You must is their length. A has twice the length of B. Spring
have seen it in many devices. A spring can be compressed B is pulled with a force F and stretches by x. If the
as well as stretched. When it is compressed, it pushes the same pulling force is applied to A, it will stretch by
objects at its two ends and when it is stretched it pulls the 2 x. You can think of A being made by joining two
objects tied to its ends. In fact, spring force always tries to identical B type springs. Each B spring stretches by
restore the natural length of a spring when it is deformed. x when force F is applied.

For B: F = kB x

For A: F = kA 2x
kA x 1
\ kA 2x = kB x fi __ = ___ = __
kB 2x 2
As We have understood that, extension (x) is proportional
A spring is said to be ideal if it is massless and obey’s
to original length of the spring.
“Hooke’s Law”. According to this law restoring force
developed in a spring is proportional to the amount of kA ___
LB
__ 1
deformation (i.e, extension or compression) produced in it. \ = fi k µ __
kB LA L
Consider an ideal spring with its one end fixed to a wall. L
is the natural (stress free) length of the spring. The free end 12.1 Springs in Parallel
of the spring is pulled out so as to increase its length by x.
The spring pulls the external agent by a force given by: Figure shows three springs in k1
parallel. Applied force F elongates
Fs µ – x k2
each of them by x. It is easy to F
[The negative sign indicates that force is restoring and the understand that k3
opposite to the displacement x of the free end]
k1 x + k2 x + k3 x = F
fi Fs = – k x
Of course, you can replace the system of three springs
Constant k is known as force constant (or stiffness) of the with a single spring of force constant
spring. We will assume that this expression of force holds
for fairly large values of x. keff = k1 + k2 + k3
It is important to notice two things:
(i) Force applied by the external agent to the end of the 12.2 Springs in Series
spring is equal to spring force, Fs in magnitude. The figure shows three spring in series. The spring system is
(ii) A spring can be stretched (or compressed) if there stretched by a force F. Let the extension in the three springs
is external force at both ends. In the given diagram, be x1, x2 and x3 respectively. Since all the three springs
wall applies the force at other end. Since spring experience same tension,
is massless, the force at both ends must be equal
and opposite. You cannot apply unequal forces at F = k1 x1 = k2 x2 = k3 x3
two ends of a massless spring. If you do so, its
acceleration will become infinite! In fact, the spring
tension (i.e., force between any two neighbouring
elements in the spring) is same throughout.
If you compress the spring by a length x, the spring We can replace this spring system by one single spring
force pushes you out and the force is again equal to of force constant keff such that a force F produces extension
kx. x = x1 + x2 + x3 in it.
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10.22 Mechanics I

\ F = keff.x = keff (x1 + x2 + x3)

or,
[
F F
k1 k2 k3
F
F = keff __ + __ + __
]
1
___ 1 1 1
or = __ + __ + __
keff k1 k2 k3

12.3 Measurement of Weight

Weight is a force. Like other forces, it can be measured by
measuring the acceleration of a body of known mass when
the weight (force) acts on it. Though Solution
it is convenient for the purpose of
definition, it is not a practical procedure Concepts
for measuring any force. Acceleration Tension will be same throughout the string and the spring
itself is difficult to measure. as everything is massless. Spring balance reads the tension
An instrument commonly used to in the string.
measure forces (weight in particular)
Reading of balance = tension in string
is a spring balance. The instrument has
a spring with a pointer attached to its 2 m1 m2 g 2 × 2 × 4 × 10
end, which can move over a scale. If = ________ = ______________
(m1 + m2) (2 + 4)
a body of mass 0.102 kg is suspended
from this balance at a place where g = 9.8 ms–2, the spring 80
= ___ = 26.67 N
stretches till the spring force balances the weight of body 3
(W = mg = 0.102 × 9.8 = 1 N). We mark 1 N on the scale Example 17 A block is tied to two vertical
where the pointer is located. Similarly, we can repeat the springs and is in equilibrium in the position
procedure for 2 N, 3 N,... weights. Now we have a fully shown in the figure. The upper spring is cut
graduated spring balance which can be used to measure any and acceleration of the block immediately after
force over a range. the cut is observed to be 6 ms–2 in downward
Note that at a different location where g = 9.7 ms–2, a direction. If, in place of upper spring, the lower
body of mass m = 0.102 kg will weigh 0.989 N. one is cut, find the acceleration of the block
immediately after the spring is cut.
In Short
Solution
(i) A spring can push as well as pull. A stretched spring
pulls while a compressed spring pushes. Concepts
(ii) A spring must experience a force at both ends to get (i) If a spring is cut, it loses its tension.
compressed or stretched. (ii) The spring which is not cut cannot experience an
(iii) If x is extension or compression, the magnitude of abrupt change in its tension as the extension or
spring force is Fs = kx. compression cannot change instantaneously.
(iv) The force constant of a spring is inversely proportional When the upper spring is cut, there
to its length. is no sudden change in force applied by
(v) For springs in parallel, the equivalent spring has a the lower spring. The lower spring is
force constant given by keff = k1 + k2 + k3 +... certainly compressed as the acceleration
(vi) For springs in series, the equivalent force constant is of block is less than g. If FSL is the force
1 1 1 1 by lower spring, then
given by ___ = __ + __ + __ +... ma = mg – FSL
keff k1 k2 k3
fi FSL = m (10 – 6) = 4 m
Example 16 In the arrangement shown in the figure, S is When the block is in equilibrium with both
a massless spring balance. The system of two connected springs intact,
blocks is moving with a constant acceleration. Find the
FSU + FSL = mg
reading of S. Pulley and strings are light (g = 10 ms–2).
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.23

where FSU = force applied by upper spring (it is stretched). fi ma = 10 m – 6 m

\ FSU = mg – FSL = 10 m – 4 m = 6 m fi a = 4 m s–2 fi a = 4 m s–2
Now, if the lower spring is cut, force on Note: The phrase ‘immediately after the spring is cut’
the block by upper spring does not change refers to a time dt = 0.000 ... 001 s (that is t Æ 0). If the
immediately. spring is cut, we don’t expect the block to move from its
original position in infinitesimally small interval dt.
ma = mg – FSU

Your Turn

Q.32 A block of mass 4 kg rests

on a 30° incline which is smooth.
The block is tied to a spring of
force constant k = 200 Nm –1.
[g = 10 ms–2]
(a) Find the extension produced
in the spring when the block
is in equilibrium.
(b) One third length of the spring is cut and
removed. The remaining two third length
k1
Q.35 A block is tied to two springs as shown in the figure.
of the spring is used to hold the block Can we consider them to be in parallel?
as shown in the figure above. Find the
increase in length of the spring when the
block is in equilibrium. k2

Q.33 A block of mass M = 6 kg is suspended Q.36 Two blocks, each of mass

using three springs in series as shown in the figure. k3 m, are suspended using a spring and
The force constants are k1 = 200 Nm–1, k2 = 300 a string as shown in the figure. Both
Nm–1, and k3 = 400 Nm–1. Find extension in the the spring and string are light and the
M
middle spring when the block is in equilibrium blocks are in equilibrium.
[g = 10 ms–2]. (i) Find the tension in the string if
Q.34 Find the reading of the spring balance shown in the spring is cut.
the figure. The system of blocks is running with constant (ii) Find the acceleration of the
acceleration [g = 10 ms–2]. upper block immediately after
the string is cut.

13. APPARENT WEIGHT you stand on ground, the force of gravity pulls you down and
the normal force pushes you up. Net force on you is zero
You are standing on a flat ground and your friend A holds but you feel as if you have been squeezed between these two
your right hand and pulls you towards right. At the same time forces. This squeeze (or tension in some cases) is what our
your friend B holds your left hand and pulls you equally hard body experiences as weight. If one jumps from a tower, he
to the left. Net force on you is zero; you don’t move. But you falls down with an acceleration equal to g = 9.8 ms–2 but in
have a sensation of force acting on you. If both your friends absence of a normal force he feels no squeeze and therefore
increase the pull force it might become unbearable for you experiences weightlessness. The sensation of weight (i.e.,
(and I am sure you will think hard if both of them are your apparent weight) is zero.
true friends!). If one of your friends leave you, you will get The normal force applied by surface, on which we stand,
accelerated but will no more feel the pain. Similarly, when on our body is what we feel as weight. If the normal force
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
10.24 Mechanics I

changes, we feel a change in our weight. Consider a man down with an acceleration a, it will experience weight equal
inside an elevator car. There is a weighing scale inside the to tension in the rope given by
car and the man stands on the scale. When the car is not
accelerated, the normal force (N) applied by the weighing T = M (g – a)
machine on the man is equal to his true weight (Mg). The
man feels his true weight. In Short
Now, assume that the elevator is accelerated up with an (i) The sensation of weight is present only if there is a
acceleration equal to a. The man also gets accelerated due contact force acting on our body.
to increased normal force N ¢. (ii) The sensation of weight (i.e., the apparent weight)
is equal to the contact force applied by the surface
N¢ – Mg = Ma which is supporting us. In absence of a contact force,
fi N¢ = M (g + a) we feel weightlessness.

Now, the man feels N¢ as weight. The reading shown by

Example 18 A fighter plane runs on a horizontal runway
the scale is also equal to N¢ as it measures the force applied
by the man on it. over a distance of 100 m and accelerates uniformly to a
speed of 80 ms–1 starting from rest. Calculate the apparent
If the elevator car begins to accelerate down, the man can
weight of a 70 kg pilot during this run.
accelerate with it only if normal force is less than Mg.
Solution
Mg – N¢¢ = Ma
Concepts
fi N¢¢ = M (g – a)
The force applied by the seat on the pilot’s body is the
Now, the man feels N¢¢ as his weight and the scale shows a apparent weight he experiences.
reading equal to N ¢¢. The scale reads what you feel. Wow!
An elevator car is usually suspended using a steel rope. Acceleration of the plane (in horizontal direction) is given
By pulling the rope, up we are able to move the car up. by:
When we release the rope, the car comes down. If the rope v2 (80)2
holding the car breaks, the elevator starts falling freely with v2 = u2 + 2as fi aH = __ = _______ = 32 ms–2
2s 2 × 100
acceleration a = g. Apparent weight of a man inside the car
will be The pilot experiences this acceleration due to horizontal
N¢¢ = M (g – g) = 0 component of the force applied by the seat on him.

The man feels weightlessness and reading \ FH = maH = (70 kg) (32 ms–2) = (70 × 32) N
of the scale is zero. This is what we expect.
Certainly there will be no interaction between The seat applies a vertical force as well which balances
the man and the weighing machine when both the gravitational force mg.
are falling down with same acceleration g.
\ FV = mg = (70 kg) (10 ms–2) = (70 × 10) N
Consider a monkey holding a light rope
suspended from a spring balance (S). If the Resultant force applied by the seat on the pilot is
monkey remains still, the tension in the rope
________ ________
balances its weight. The spring balance reads
F = ÷F2H + FV2 = 70 ÷322 + 102
the tension which is same as the weight of the monkey.
T = Mg = (70 × 33.53) N = 2347 N
Now, the monkey begins to climb up with an acceleration
This is the weight that the pilot feels. It is 3.35 times
a. Tension (T) must be larger than Mg.
T – Mg = Ma ( 2374
)
_____ = 3.35 the usual weight that he feels.
700
fi T = M (g + a) It is not easy to tolerate high acceleration. Performance
Force applied by the rope on the monkey (= T) is what it of vital organs and blood flow gets affected due to high
feels as weight and the spring balance measures this apparent accelerations. Fighter pilots often wear special clothes
weight. You can prove that if the monkey decides to move designed to help circulation of blood under such extreme
conditions.
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.25

Your Turn

Q.37 Find the ratio of your apparent weight to your true Q.39 In an elevator which can accelerate and decelerate at
weight when you are inside a lift accelerating upwards with same rate, the maximum and minimum weight experienced
an acceleration of 6 ms–2. [Take g = 10 ms–2] by a man is 72 kg wt and 60 kg wt respectively. Assuming
g = 9.9 ms–2, calculate the mass of the man and magnitude
Q.38 A man of mass 60 kg
of acceleration of the elevator.
stands on a weighing machine
and firmly holds one end of Q.40 A mass of 90 kg is on the floor of a lift moving
a light string passing over a down. The lift moves with an acceleration of 3 ms–2, then
smooth pulley. The other end with a constant speed and finally with a constant retardation
of the string is being pulled of 3 ms–2. Find the force applied by the mass on the floor
down with a force F = 100 of the lift during each part of motion.
N. Find the reading of the
scale.

14. ACCELERATING FRAMES OF Newton’s law in its familiar form (Force = mass ×
acceleration) can remain valid in non inertial frame also
REFERENCE _›
if we consider – m a 0 to be a force acting_ on the body. We
›
Newton’s law holds up in inertial frames. However, there cannot assign any agent to the force – m a 0. It is only that
are many non-inertial (i.e., frames accelerated with respect making Newton’s law valid in a non – inertial frame requires
to the Earth) frames that we may like to consider, such as adding this force from our side. This is a fictitious force (or
an accelerated
_› train, pseudo force) also known as inertial force.
_› elevators and so on. We will show that
we can use F = m a in non-inertial frames provided that we Let’s take one example to clarify the concept. Imagine
introduce some “fictitious” force. that you are standing inside a bus that is accelerating to
Consider an observer standing on ground (i.e., observer is right with acceleration a0. An observer on ground (inertial
in an inertial frame) who
_› observes a body of mass m_› moving frame) finds that you are accelerated along with the bus.
with an acceleration a . _The
›
observer
_› finds a force (F) acting He interprets that you are accelerated due to friction force
on the body such that F = m a acting on your feet. He writes, friction = ma0. But how do
you explain the situation in the frame of the bus? You don’t
see yourself accelerated (think of a bus without windows,
so that you cannot see outside and hence do not realise that
the bus is moving). Despite presence of friction you are not
accelerated. Newton’s laws fail! But, fact of the matter is
that you do feel a fictitious force acting on you trying to
push you to left. You cannot tell which agency is responsible
for this force. This force is equal to ma0 acting in direction
opposite to the acceleration of the bus. This force balances
friction and hence there is no acceleration.
_›
The observer also _sees a train that is moving with an This pseudo force (= – m a 0) arises due to translational
›
acceleration equal to a 0. The driver in the train is in a non- acceleration of a reference frame. There are other pseudo
inertial frame and he finds the acceleration of the body to forces as well which arise due to rotational motion of a
be– reference frame. In this chapter we will keep our discussion
_› _› _›
a¢ = a – a0 limited to the pseudo force arising due to translation only.
_› _› _›
\ ma¢ = ma – ma0
In Short
_› _› _›
fi ma¢ = F – ma0 While analysing the motion (or rest) of a body with respect
_›
Note that mass times acceleration (= m_›a ¢) in non-inertial to a reference frame which_ is accelerated with respect to the
›
frame is not equal to net external force (F) on the body. Earth at an acceleration a 0, we must show all real forces
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10.26 Mechanics I

_›
on the body and add one pseudo force = – m a 0 acting on it. Example 20 Apparent weight in accelerated lift (solution
Here m is mass of the body and negative sign means that in non-inertial frame of lift)
the pseudo force_(magnitude = ma0) is directed opposite to A man of mass m is standing in a lift. Find his apparent
›
the acceleration a 0 of the reference frame. weight if the lift moves with an acceleration a
(i) Downward (ii) Upward
Example 19 Pendulum in an accelerated car
Solution
A pendulum having mass M is
suspended from the roof of a rail Concepts
road car. The pendulum string is We have already discussed this problem in inertial frame
light. When the car moves with of ground. In reference frame of lift, the man is in a state
a horizontal acceleration a, the of permanent rest. To explain his state of rest, we must
pendulum makes an angle q with the vertical and stays at add a pseudo force.
rest inside the car. Find q.
(i) FBD of man in the reference frame of the lift is as
Solution shown in the figure. ma is pseudo force.
Concepts N + ma = mg
(i) The problem can be solved in ground frame as well N = m (g – a)
as reference frame attached to the car. This is his apparent weight.
(ii) In ground frame, the pendulum bob moves with (ii) N = mg + ma
acceleration a in horizontal direction.
N = m (g + a)
(iii) In frame of the car, the bob is at rest. In this frame
we need to add a pseudo force, apart from the real
forces on the pendulum bob.
Let us first solve the problem in
ground frame. A person standing on
ground will observe the bob to be
moving with the car at an acceleration =
a. If the bob is to accelerate horizontally,
the string cannot remain vertical. String
Example 21 Block A has two inclined surfaces as shown
gets inclined and component of tension
in the figure. Blocks of masses equal to m1 and m2 lie on
in horizontal direction provides the acceleration.
the two surfaces connected to
T sin q = Ma …(i) and T cos q = Mg …(ii) each other by a light string. The
whole system is moved with a
(Since there is no motion in vertical direction.) horizontal acceleration a0 to the
Dividing equation (i) by (ii) we get right so that the blocks do not
slide down the planes. Find a0 if
a
tan q = __
g fi ()
a
q = tan–1 __
g there is no friction anywhere.
Now, we will solve the problem Solution
in the non-inertial frame of the car. Concepts
In this frame, the bob is at rest. Apart
from real forces T and mg, we must Both m1 and m2 have an acceleration a0 in the horizontal
add a pseudo-force on the bob. This direction in the ground frame. We can solve the problem in
force is ma towards left. Equilibrium the ground frame as well as in a reference frame attached
of the pendulum bob is explained by to A. Here we choose the non-inertial frame of block A.
an observer in the car as: In the frame attached to block A, (think as if you are the
observer sitting on block A) the system of blocks (m1 +
T sin q = Ma …(i) m2) remains static. Net force on m1 as well as m2 is zero
in this frame. However, to make Newton’s laws applicable
T cos q = Mg …(ii)
in this frame we must add a pseudo-force.
a
Taking ratio: tan q = __
g
a
fi q = tan–1 __
g ()
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.27

FBD of m1 and m2 are as shown. m1 a0 and m2 a0 are Solution

pseudo forces on the two blocks. Equation for m1 along the Concepts
incline is
(i) In reference frame of pulley (in this frame pulley is
T + m1 a0 cos a = m1 g sin a …(i) at rest), the two masses will move with accelerations
For m2, equation along the incline is having same magnitude. However this is not true
T + m2g sin b = m2 a0 cos b …(ii) in reference frame of the ground.
(ii) In the reference frame of the pulley, we must apply
pseudo force on both blocks.
(iii) Acceleration relative to ground can be calcu-
lated_ using_the definition
_› of relative acceleration,
› ›
i.e., a 12 = a 1 – a 2

Let a = acceleration of blocks with respect to the

pulley.
FBD of both blocks in reference frame of pulley is as
shown. Equations are:

Eliminating T between (i) and (ii), we get

m1 a0 cos a – m2 g sin b = m1 g sin a – m2 a0 cos b
(m1 sin a + m2 sin b) g
fi a0 = __________________
(m1 cos a + m2 cos b)
Example 22 Accelerated pulley in Atwood machine Mg + Ma0 – T = Ma ...(i)
An Atwood machine has two masses M and And T – mg – ma0 = ma ...(ii)
m suspended from a massless pulley with
the help of a massless string. The pulley Adding the two equations, we get
P is lifted up by an external agent with an
acceleration a0. Take M > m and find Mg – mg + Ma0 – ma0 = Ma + ma
(i) Acceleration of the masses relative
to the pulley. (M – m) (g + a0)
(ii) Accelerations of the two masses in a fi a = ______________
(M + m)
reference frame attached to the ground.

Your Turn

Q.41 A man of mass 80 kg is standing in a lift which is descending with a retardation a, what will be acceleration
going up with a speed of 8 ms–1. Brakes are applied which of the block relative to the incline?
produce a constant retardation in the lift so as to bring it
to rest over a distance of 16 m. Draw Q.43 A box is placed on an open truck, 8m away from the
FBD of the man in a reference frame rear end. The truck starts from rest and moves on a straight
attached to the lift and calculate the road with an acceleration
force applied by the man on the elevator of a = 2 ms–2. Calculate
floor. (g = 10 ms–2) the time in which the
block will fall off the
Q.42 A block can slide on a smooth truck. Assume no friction.
inclined plane of inclination q fixed
to the floor of a lift. When the lift is
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10.28 Mechanics I

Q.44 A block is kept on the (i) A and B do not move relative to C.

smooth inclined surface of a wedge. (ii) A moves with an acceleration 1 ms–2 towards left
The wedge is moved to right with with respect to C.
an acceleration a such that the
block does not slide on the incline. Q.46 An Atwood machine has blocks of masses 2 kg and
Find a. 1 kg connected using a light string passing over a smooth
pulley. Everything is inside a lift which is moving with a
Q.45 In the arrangement shown in the figure, the string is downward acceleration of a = 2 ms–2. Find the tension in
light and there is no friction anywhere. Both A and B have the string connecting two blocks [g = 10 ms–2].
mass = 2 kg. Find the acceleration (a) with which block C
shall be moved horizontally so that

15. PRINCIPLE OF EQUIVALENCE no noise or vibration inside it. You give a call to Golu on
his mobile phone and ask him if his weight has increased.
There is no way to disentangle the effect of gravitational He says, ‘yes’. Ask him to drop a ball and he will find that
field from those of being in a uniformly accelerated frame. the ball takes lesser time, than usual, to hit the floor. Now
Consider a boy named Golu standing inside a room. He you give two options to Golu:
drops a ball and observes the ball to fall at an acceleration
equal to g. Now assume that the whole room, along with OPTION 1. Suddenly the gravitational pull of the earth has
him and the ball is moved into deep interstellar gravity-free become stronger due to some unknown reason.
space. The room is travelling with acceleration a = g as OPTION 2. The lift has been accelerated up.
shown in the figure. Golu once again releases the ball and He just cannot tell you what has
finds it moving with acceleration g. In fact, an observer in actually happened. No experiment
an inertial frame will find the ball to be not accelerated can distinguish between the two
and the room to be moving with acceleration g. But in scenarios 1 and 2. Both the
reference frame of the room, Golu finds himself at rest situations are exactly equivalent.
and ball ‘falling’ with acceleration g. Moreover, he feels
In reference frame of the lift,
his weight to be mg as normal force by the floor on him is
the ball experiences its weight plus
N = mg. He cannot perform any experiment inside the room
the pseudo force. Hence, the ball
which can tell him whether he is accelerated in space or he
experiences an acceleration
is inside a stationary room on the Earth.
geff = g + a
a=g
Golu finds his weight to be m (g + a) and he also concludes
that geff = g + a.

In Short
_›
If a reference frame is accelerated having acceleration a ,
g
we can assume that the net effect is to change the value of
on the earth In space. In RF of
room the ball falls
acceleration due to gravity.
down with _› _› _›
g eff = g – a
acceleration g

Consider another situation. Golu is inside a stationary lift. Example 23 Surface of water in a container is always
You put on the switch and the lift begins to accelerate up perpendicular to the direction of acceleration due to gravity.
with an acceleration a ms–2. The lift is hi-tech and there is Find the angle that the water surface will make with the
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.29

horizontal when the container is moved with a horizontal 16. PROBLEMS INVOLVING CONSTRAINT
acceleration a.
RELATIONS
In everyday mechanical systems, objects are constrained
to move in certain fashion. A block released on an incline
cannot fall vertically. The normal force constraints it to
move along the incline. In Atwood machine an inextensible
string ensures that both masses always move through equal
distances. These relations are straight forward and simple
to judge. But there are cases where we need a more careful
Solution
observation, and even may need to write some mathematical
Concepts equations, to find the relation between motions of different
Water surface will be perpendicular to geff . moving bodies in a system. We have learnt about such
relations in the chapter of kinematics as well. Here we will
The liquid is in an environment where effective acceleration do some dynamics problems which use such relations.
due to gravity can be taken as
______ 16.1 Accelerated Pulley
geff = ÷g2 + a2 making an angle q = tan–1 __ ()a
g with the In an Atwood machine when the pulley is fixed, the magnitude
vertical. Water surface is normal to geff, i.e., makes an angle of accelerations of the two objects is
always same. But it is not true when
()
a
q = tan–1 __
g with the horizontal. the pulley itself is accelerated.
Assume that the pulley is accelerated
water surface
upward with an acceleration a0. Let the
acceleration of masses M and m be
a q a1 ( ) and a2 ( ) respectively. We wish
to relate these accelerations.
q
Position of the pulley and the blocks at time t = 0 has
been shown in bold lines in the figure. At some later time
the positions has been shown in broken lines. In the original
g position at time t = 0, length of the string is
geff
L = l1 + l2 + l0
Example 24 An Atwood where l0 = length of string wrapped over the pulley (= pR
machine is inside a lift that where R is radius of the pulley)
is accelerating down with an At time ‘t’, the length of the string will be
acceleration a = 2 ms–2. The
pulley and strings are massless L¢ = l1 + x0 – x2 + l2 + x0 + x1 + l0
and the masses of two blocks are
M = 4 kg and m = 2 kg. Find
tension in the string (S) holding
the pulley.
Solution
Concepts
In reference frame of pulley, the system in a simple Atwood
machine with geff = g – a = g ( ) – a ( )
geff = g – a = 10 – 2 = 8 ms–2
Tension in the string connecting the blocks is
2 mM (2 × 2 × 4 )
T = _______ geff = __________ × 8= 21.33 N
(m + M) (2 + 4)
Tension in the string S is
TS = 2T = 2 × 21.33 = 42.66 N
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10.30 Mechanics I

As the string is inextensible, Example 25 In the arrangement shown

\ L = L¢ in the figure, all pulleys and strings are
fi l1 + l2 + l0 = l1 + x0 – x2 + l2 + x0 + x1 + l0 massless. P is a movable pulley. Find the P
fi x2 – x1 = 2x0 ...(i) acceleration of all three blocks.
4 kg
This is the relationship between the displacements (in 2 kg
Solution
assumed directions) of the three objects. We can differentiate 1 kg
this relation with respect to time to find a relation among Concepts
their velocities Considering the motion of three masses will give us three
dx2 ___
___ dx1 dx0 equations. By considering pulley P, we know that tension
– = 2 ___ fi v2 – v1 = 2v0 ...(ii)
dt dt dt in string holding the 4 kg block will be twice that in the
Differentiating once more, we get a relationship among other string. We will have 4 unknowns, viz. three accelera-
their accelerations tions of the masses and tension. The 4th equation is the
relation between the accelerations.
dv2 ___
___ dv1 dv0
– = 2 ___ fi a2 – a1 = 2a0 ...(iii) Let acceleration of the 4 kg blocks be a0 ( ) and that of
dt dt dt
Alternatively, we can proceed in the following manner: 2 kg and 1 kg blocks be a1 ( ) and a2 ( ) respectively. Pulley
P will move up with acceleration a0 ( ).
In the reference frame attached to the pulley, let us assume
that acceleration of the blocks is a as shown in figure. (In
this frame, pulley will be at rest).

For mass m, _ Constraint relation is same as equation (iii) in the above

› _› _› discussion.
a mp = a m – a p
a2 – a1 = 2a0 ...(i)
fi a( ) = a2 ( ) – a0 ( )
For 4 kg mass: 4.g – 2T = 4a0 ...(ii)
fi a= a2 – a0 ...(A)
For 2 kg mass: 2.g – T = 2a1 ...(iii)
And for M:
_› _› _› For 1 kg mass: T – 1.g = 1 . a2 ...(iv)
a MP = aM – aP
fi a ( ) = a1 ( ) – a0 ( ) Solving (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get

fi g g 3g
a ( ) = a1 ( ) + a0 ( ) a0 = __; a1 = __, a2 = ___
5 5 5
fi a = a1 + a0 ...(B)
From (A) and (B), we have Alternative Method - I
a2 – a0 = a1 + a0 fi a2 – a1 = 2a0 Concepts
This is same as equation (iii) obtained
above. We assume that acceleration of the 4 kg block is a0 ( ).
Pulley P goes up with an acceleration a0 ( ). If we assume
Note: If the pulley is having an acceleration
that acceleration of 2 kg and 1 kg blocks is a relative to
a0 ( ), the relation will be a2 – a1 = – 2a0
pulley P, then their real accelerations can be expressed
Note: If one end of the string is fixed as in terms of a0 and a using equations (A) and (B) in the
shown in the figure, then a1 = 0 previous discussion.
\ a2 = 2a0
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.31

Let a = acceleration of 2 kg and 1 kg blocks relative to Solution

pulley P. Concepts
Using (A) and (B) in above discussion.
The ‘Note’ given in the last section directly tells you that
a = a2 – a0 fi a2 = a + a0 ...(a)
acceleration of the 4 kg block is twice that of pulley P.
And a = a1 + a0 fi a1 = a – a0 ...(b) For the sake of better understanding, here we will derive
For the 4 kg mass: 4g – 2T = 4a0 this relation independently.
2g – T = 2a0 ...(i)
For the 2 kg mass: 2g – T = 2(a – a0) ...(ii)
For the 1 kg mass: T – 1g = 1◊(a + a0) ...(iii)
Solving (i), (ii) and (iii), we can find T, a and a0. After
knowing a and a0 one can find a1 and a2 using (a) and
(b).
Alternative Method - II
Concepts
We will study the motion of the 2 kg and 1 kg block in
the non-inertial frame attached to pulley P.
For 4 kg mass: 4g – 2T = 4a0 ...(i)
Let, a = acceleration of 2 kg and 1 kg blocks in reference
frame of pulley P. If the pulley P (or the 2 kg block) goes down by x0, the
In FBD, 1a0 and 2a0 are pseudo length of the vertical segment of the thread increases by x0
forces. on both sides of the pulley. Since the thread is inextensible,
the length of horizontal segment (on the table) must decrease
Equations are:
by the same amount.
2g + 2a0 – T = 2a ...(ii) \ Displacement of 4 kg blocks is x = 2x0
And T – 1g – 1a0 = 1a ...(iii) Differentiating both sides twice with respect to time, we
Solving (i), (ii) and (iii), we get get
g 2g 8g a = 2a0 ...(i)
a0 = __, a = ___, T = ___
5 5 5
Using (a) and (b) in previous method
we get
3g g
a2 = ___, a1 = __
5 5

Example 26 In the arrangement shown in the figure, pulley P

is movable whereas the other one is fixed. String and pulleys
are massless and the horizontal surface is smooth. Find the FBD of 4 kg blocks gives:
acceleration of the 4 kg block. T = 4a
fi T = 8a0 ...(ii)
FBD of 2 kg block gives:
2g – 2T = 2a0
fi g – T = a0 ...(iii)
Solving (ii) and (iii) gives
g
a0 = __
9
2g
\ a = 2a0 = ___
9
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10.32 Mechanics I

Your Turn

Q.47 In the seven arrangements shown, find the

acceleration of 2 kg blocks in each case. All strings and
pulleys are light and there is no friction anywhere.
Take g = 9.8 ms–2 in case (d) and g = 10 ms–2 in all other
cases. P is a movable pulley in all cases.

Q.48 In the arrangement shown in

figure, strings and pulleys are light.
When the system is released, B is found
to be at rest. Find
(i) Mass (m) of B if mass of A is M
= 8 kg
(ii) Mass (m) of B if mass of A is M
= 1 kg.

16.2 Accelerated Wedge Let acceleration of the wedge be – a0 . Now let’s discuss
how we can relate ax, ay and a0. We present three ways of
Consider a block placed on the inclined surface of a wedge.
doing this.
This wedge is free to slide on a horizontal table. All surfaces
are smooth. When the system is released, the wedge moves
to right due to horizontal component of normal force applied
by the block. But what about the direction of motion of the
block? If you think that the block will move in a direction
making an angle q with horizontal, then you are wrong.
Look at the second figure given below. The figure shows
the positions of the block initially (in bold lines) and after a
certain interval (in dotted lines). The block has in fact moved Method-I
along the direction AB! We are not sure, at the moment, Figure shows the position at time t = 0 (in bold lines)
about the exact angle that AB makes with horizontal. In such and at time t (in broken lines). x and y are displacements
situation we can assume that acceleration of the block is of the block in horizontal
_› and vertical directions and
a = ax iˆ + ay j x0 is the displacement of the
wedge to the right. It is easy
to see from the diagram
that
y
_____ = tan q
x + x0
fi y = (x + x0) tan q
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.33

Differentiating this equation twice with respect to time Example 27 In the arrangement
gives shown in the figure, all surfaces
ay = (ax + a0) tan q …(i) are smooth and the wedge is free
This is the required relation. to move on the horizontal surface.
Find the acceleration of the block
Method-II of mass m and that of wedge of
If an observer is sitting on the wedge, he will observe the mass M
block to slide down the incline with an acceleration. Let this
Solution
acceleration be a. This relative acceleration can be expressed
as: Method I
Concepts
We will assume two components of acceleration of
m (ax and ay) as discussed earlier. We will get two relevant
equations by considering the motion of m and one equation
by considering horizontal motion of M. This along with
the constraint relation obtained above will be sufficient to
solve the problem.
_›
a = (a cos q) + (a sin q) j
_›
But a = (ax + ay j) – (– a0 )
= (ax + a0) + ay j

\ (ax + a0) + ay j = (a cos q) + (a sin q) j

fi ax + a0 = a cos q …(A)
And ay = a sin q …(B) The FBD of the block is shown. We have resolved all
Dividing equation (B) by (A), we get forces along the x and y directions. The equations are
ay N sin q = max …(i)
______ = tan q
ax + a0 and mg – N cos q = may …(ii)
FBD of the wedge is also shown. R is the normal force
fi ay = (ax + a0) tan q by ground. We will not write an equation in the vertical
direction as it will increase one unwanted unknown R.
This is same as equation (i) above.
[You should not make any additional effort in resolving N.
Just flip all the components in the FBD of the block.]
Method-III
Equation for horizontal motion is
Since the block remains on the inclined face of the wedge
we can conclude that the component of acceleration of the N sin q = Ma0 …(iii)
wedge in a direction perpendicular to its incline face is
equal to component of acceleration of the block in direction The next equation is the relation among ax, ay and a0.
perpendicular to the incline
ay = (ax + a0) tan q …(iv)
fi a0 sin q = ay cos q – ax sin q
Solving (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) gives
fi (a0 + ax) tan q = ay
mg sin 2q
a0 = _____________
ax sin q 2 (m sin2 q + M)

ax a0 Mg sin 2q (M + m) g sin2 q
ax = _____________ , ay = _____________
a0 sin q 2 (m sin2 q + M) (m sin2 q + M)
ay ay cos q
q
Magnitude of acceleration of the block is
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10.34 Mechanics I

______
am = ÷a2x + a2y
g sin 2 q _________________ FBD of the block in the reference frame of wedge has
= _____________ ÷M2 + (M + m)2 tan2 q been shown. ma0 is the pseudo force. The equations are
2 (m sin2 q + M)
ma0 cos q + mg sin q = ma
This acceleration makes an angle a with the horizontal
given by a0 cos q + g sin q = a …(i)
ay
tan q = __
ax =
M
( +m
______
M )
tan q
and N + ma0 sin q = mg cos q
For motion of the wedge in reference frame of ground
…(ii)

Method II we get equation (iii) as in previous method. (You can also

Concepts consider its state of rest in its own reference frame. It gives
same equation.)
The direction of acceleration of the block makes an angle N sin q = Ma0 …(iii)
q with horizontal if observer is in the reference frame of
the wedge. Solving (i), (ii) and (iii) gives the same values of a and
a0 as in previous method.
Let a = acceleration of the block relative to the wedge.
Method IV (A neat method)
Concepts
To avoid normal force (N) entering into our system of
equations, we will write the equation of motion of the
block along the incline surface in the reference frame of
the wedge. After this, we will write equation for combined
system (m + M) in horizontal direction in reference frame
As discussed in method 2 of section 16.2 (see equations of the ground.
A and B), we have
a0 = acceleration of wedge (Æ)
ax = a cos q – a0 …(a)
a = acceleration of block relative to the wedge down the
and ay = a sin q …(b) incline.
Now equations (i), (ii) and (iii) in Method (i) can be Considering motion of m in the frame of wedge, we write
written as equation (i) as in Method 3.
N sin q = m (a cos q – a0) …(i) a0 cos q + g sin q = a ...(i)
mg – N cos q = ma sin q …(ii) Horizontal acceleration of m with respect to wedge is
and N sin q = Ma0 …(iii) a cos q ( ).
We can solve these three equations to find N, a0 and a. Let horizontal acceleration of m with respect to the ground
It gives be ax.
mg sin 2 q (M + m) g sin q a cos q ( ) = ax – a0 (Æ)
a0 = _____________
2
, a = ____________
2 (m sin q + M) m sin2 q + M fi ax = (a cos q – a0) ( )
Now we can use (a) and (b) to find ax and ay Consider (M + m) together. Net horizontal force on this
system is zero.
Method III
\ Ma0 (Æ) + max ( ) = 0
Concepts fi Ma0 = max
We will consider FBD of m in the reference frame attached fi Ma0 = m (a cos q – a0) ...(ii)
to the wedge. Since the wedge is accelerated, we will add We need to solve just two equations (i) and (ii) to get the
one pseudo force. answer.
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.35

Example 28 A rod can slide vertically without friction Let mass of the rod be m and
between a pair of walls. Its lower that of the wedge be m. In FBD
end rests on the inclined surface of rod, N is the normal force by
of a wedge. The ratio of mass of the wedge and R is the normal
the rod to that of the wedge is 1: force by the wall. Since there is
and inclination angle of the wedge no horizontal motion we must
is q. Neglect friction and find the have
acceleration of the rod and the R = N sin q
wedge. We will not include this equation in our solution as R is
not needed.
Solution Here we are giving one method of solving this
problem. Student may explore other options as well. For vertical motion of the rod:
mg – N cos q = may ...(ii)
Concepts
FBD of wedge is also shown
The general wedge–block constraint relation is
ay = (ax + a) tan q. For the rod, ax = 0. Hence ay = a0 tan q N sin q = Ma0
where a0 is the acceleration of wedge and ay is the vertical fi N sin q = ma0 ...(iii)
acceleration of the rod. Solving (i), (ii) and (iii) gives
As described above, g tan q g tan2 q
ay = a0 tan q ...(i) a0 = ________ and ay = ________
+ tan2 q + tan2 q

Your Turn
Q.49 The wedge-block system shown in the figure is Q.51 A block B of mass m = 0.6 kg slides down the
on a smooth table. Find the ratio smooth face XY of wedge A having mass M = 1.7 kg.
of the horizontal component of The wedge moves freely on the smooth horizontal surface.
acceleration of the block to the Inclination of the face XY to the horizontal is q = 45°.
acceleration of the wedge. The ratio Find the acceleration of wedge A and vertical component
of masses of the block and wedge of acceleration of B.
m
is __ = 1
M
Q.50 In the above problem, with what acceleration
(a0) shall we pull the wedge to the right so that the block
experiences a free fall?

16.3 Bodies Tied to the ends of a Taut String a1 cos a = a2 cos b

Consider two particles 1 and 2 tied to the ends of an Example 29 In the arrangement shown, the pulleys and
inextensible string. The two arrows represent the instantaneous string are massless. Masses of the three block are mA = mB
velocities (v1 and v2) of the particles. If v1 cos a > v2 cos b, = m and mC = 4m. The system is released from rest with
the string will get slack and if
v2 cos b > v1 cos a then it means
that the string is stretchable.
()
3
q = sin–1 __ . Find the acceleration of C immediately after
5
release.
For an inextensible string to
remain taut it is necessary
that
v1 cos a = v2 cos b
If the two arrows represent
the acceleration of the
particles (a1 and a2), rather
than velocities then
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10.36 Mechanics I

Solution For C, we have

Concepts 4 mg – 2 T cos q = 4ma0 ...(iii)
Due to symmetry, C will move vertically and acceleration 2T cos q
of A and B must be equal. Component of acceleration of C
along the length of the thread must be equal to acceleration
of A or B. a
T q T
Let a0 = downward acceleration of C T
a = upward acceleration of A and B.
A
a0

mg 4 mg

Solving the three equations, we get

g (2 – cos q)
a0 = ___________
(2 + cos2 q)
3
() 4
For q = sin–1 __ , we have cos q = __
5 5
Since the string is inextensible, we must have
a = a0 cos q ...(i)
\
(4
g 2 – __
5 5
a0 = ________ = ___ g
)
For A (or B), we have
T – mg = ma ...(ii) (
2+
16
___
25
11
)

Your Turn

Q.52 A 4 kg block lies on a smooth acceleration of 2 ms–2. Calculate the force needed to pull
horizontal surface. It is connected to
an inextensible massless string passing [
the string when q = 37°. tan 37° = __
3
4 ]
over a smooth pulley. The free end (P)
of the string is pulled down with an

Miscellaneous Examples
Example 30 In the arrangement shown in the figure, all Solution
pulleys are massless and fixed to the block C. Masses of
Concepts
blocks A, B and C are M, M and 2M respectively and the
horizontal surface is smooth. Neglect mass of the string. While considering the motion of C, we will assume all four
Block A is pulled to the right with a force F. Find accelera- pulleys to be part of C. If we do not do this (and isolate C),
tion of C and A. we will have to show the forces applied by the pulleys on
the block C.

C fi It is easy to see that net horizontal force on block

2M C is zero.
B A
M M F Hence it will not move.
A and B both must move with equal acceleration.
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.37

T T pulled by a force which increases gradually from zero to

F0. Extensions in the two springs are x1 and x2 respectively.
T C T Which is larger, x1 or x2?
T N T
F F
T T
Solution
2Mg
Concepts
For A: F – T = Ma ...(i) Net force on a massless object is always zero.
For B: T = Ma ...(ii) Springs are massless. The net force on each of them must
Adding (i) and (ii) yields always be zero. The wall and the block, both, apply a force
T T
F B A F equal to F0 on the spring towards left. Hence, tension in the
a = ___ spring is same in both cases.
2M a a
F \ x1 = x2
\ aC = 0 and aA = ___
2M You must note that even if the block in the second figure is
on rough ground, it will make no difference to our answer.
Example 31 In the arrangement shown, a wedge of mass
M is kept on a smooth horizontal surface and the block of Example 33 In the arrangement shown,
mass m is on the smooth face of the wedge. Pulley is rig- both pulleys are massless and strings are
idly fixed to the wedge F light too. Mass of m1 = 4 kg. Find the
and is massless. String value of m2 so that the system stays m1
is light. Find the hori- motionless.
zontal pulling force F m m2
applied to the free end Solution
of the string so as to Concepts
M
keep the block at rest q
It is a problem of statics. Total force on any object is
relative to the wedge. zero.
Solution String and pulleys are ideal. Tension is same through-
Concepts out the string holding mass m1.
FBD of m1 yield: T
In the reference frame of the wedge, the block is at rest.
Alternatively if you look at it from the ground, its accel- T = m1g
eration will be same as that of the wedge. m1g
FBD of lower pulley yield: T T
Since the wedge and block both have same acceleration
(say a), we consider them together (along with the string). T0 = 2T
Only a horizontal force acts on our system i.e. F. = 2 m1g
F T0
\ a = ______ ...(i) FBD of m2 yield:
M+m
m2g = T0 T0
F
fi m2g = 2 m1g
fi m2 = 2m1 = 8 kg m2g

R a Example 34 A small ball of mass M is suspended with the

help of two light inextensible strings as shown. Strings make

(M + m)g
() 3
an angle q = tan –1 __ with the horizontal. Suddenly the right
4
string is cut. Find the acceleration
q q
Example 32 Two identical massless springs are placed in of the ball immediately after the
the horizontal plane. The left end of the first is tied to a wall string is cut.
and the left end of the second spring is tied to a block placed
on smooth ground (see figure). Right end of each spring is M
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10.38 Mechanics I

Solution A
q
Concepts
T ay
Length of a string cannot change as it is inextensible. P
The ball cannot have an acceleration component along
the length of the string. Acceleration of ball will be per- ax
Mg sin q
pendicular to the string. [Later we will learn that the Mg cos q Mg
ball can have an acceleration along the string (centripetal
acceleration). But that is possible only when the ball has Equation in the direction perpendicular to the string is
some speed. Just after the right string is cut, the ball has Max = Mg cos q
no speed].
4
fi ax = g cos q = __ g
There is no acceleration along AP. 5
\ T = Mg sin q Equation along the length of string is
Acceleration perpendicular to the string is 5 3
May = T – Mg sin q = __ Mg – __ Mg
Mg cos q 6 5
4
a = ________ = g cos q = __ g 7
M 5 fi ay = ___ g
30
A
Acceleration of the ball has magnitude:
q
______
5
T a = ÷a2x + a2y = __ g
P 6

a
Alternatively, one may resolve T in horizontal and vertical
Mg sin q directions and calculate the components of acceleration in
Mg cos q Mg these directions.

Example 35 In the previous problem, both the strings are Example 36 Two masses m1 = 2 kg and m2 = 4 kg are
replaced with elastic cords having force constant k. The ball connected by a massless string which passes over a light
()3
is in equilibrium in the position shown with q = tan –1 __ .
4
frictionless pulley. The two blocks are held at rest at a height
of h = 13.08 m above floor.
Find the acceleration of the ball immediately after the right
Blocks are released from
cord is cut.
this position. For unknown
Solution reasons, the string suddenly
Concepts breaks at the moment m2 has
h
Length of elastic cord can change. This time the ball can fallen through __ . Calculate
2 m1 m2
have components of acceleration along the length of the the time of travel for both
string as well as perpendicular to it. However, the tension h
in an elastic cord cannot change suddenly. It will need the masses (starting from the
some time for the extension to change and, therefore, the instant the system is released)
tension to change. before they hit the floor. [g = 10 ms –2]
Solution
With both cords intact, the tension in each of them can
be calculated as Concepts
2T sin q = Mg Initially, both masses speed up with m2 going down and m1
Mg Mg 5 Mg going up. Their speeds are equal. The moment the string
fi T = ______ = _____ = _____ breaks, they become free particles moving under gravity.
2 sin q 3 6
2 × __
5 (m2 – m1) g (4 – 2) × 10 10
Immediately after the right q q Acceleration a = __________ = __________ = ___ ms –2
string is cut, tension in the left (m2 + m1) 4+2 3
string remains unchanged. Let the h
T T Time needed to travel through __ = 6.54 m, starting from
acceleration of the ball have com- 2
rest, can be calculated as
ponents ax and ay in directions __ _________

÷ ÷
perpendicular to the string and h __
__ 1 h 13.08 ×3
Mg = at2 fi t0 = __
a =
________ = 1.98 s
along the string, respectively. 2 2 0 10
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.39

Velocity of the masses at this instant is Solution

10 Concepts
v0 = 0 + at0 = ___ × 1.98 = 6.6 ms –1.
3 (i) A and C will be at the same level when vertical
Mass m1 is moving up with a velocity of v0 and is at a
(upward) displacement of A and vertical (down-
3h
height of ___ at the instant the string breaks. After this, its ward) displacement of C add up to 1 m.
2
acceleration is g ( ). (ii) One end of the string holding B and C is fixed.
Further time required by m1 to hit the floor can be cal- Hence aB = aC = 2aP
culated as
3h 1 FBD of A is as shown.
___ = – v0t + __ gt2
2 2
3
__
fi × 13.08 = – 6.6 t + 5t2
2
fi 5t2 – 6.6t – 19.62 = 0
_________________
6.6 ± ÷6.62 + 4 × 5 × 19.62
fi t = ________________________ = 2.75 s
10
We have considered the positive value of t as time cannot
be negative. Let a0 be the acceleration of A up the incline.
\ Required time for m1 = 2.75 + 1.98 = 4.73 s Acceleration of P = a0 ( )
Mass m2 is moving down with a velocity v0 at the instant \ Acceleration of B and C, a = 2a0 ( )
h
the string breaks. It is at a height of __ at this instant. Further Equation for motion along the incline is
2
time needed to hit the floor can be calculated as T – 2 g sin 30° = 2a0
h
__ 1
= v0t + __ gt2 T – 10 = 2a0 ...(i)
2 2
Now we consider (B + C) as a single T
fi 6.54 = 6.6 t + 5t2 6 kg mass.
2

[Only when tension in the string con- C

fi 5t2 + 6.6t – 6.54 = 0 a = 2a0
________________ necting B and C has been asked for, we
– 6.6 ± ÷6.6 + 4 × 5 × 6.54
2 need to consider them separately.]
fi t = ________________________ = 0.66 s B
10 Note that the string holding C will have
T
\ Required time for m2 = 0.66 + 1.98 = 2.64 s tension __. 6.g
2
Example 37 In the arrangement shown in the figure, blocks T
6 g – __ = 6 (2a0)
A and B each have mass m = 2 kg and are held at the same 2
horizontal level. Block C has a mass of M = 4 kg and is 1 m
above B. System is released from rest and moves without fi 120 – T = 24a0 ...(ii)
friction. Strings and pulleys are light. Find the time after Adding (i) and (ii) gives
release when A and C will be at the same horizontal level.
26 a0 = 110 fi a0 = 4.23 ms –2
a0
Vertical component of acceleration of A is a0 sin 30° = __
2
= 2.11 ms –2
Vertical acceleration of C is 2a0 = 8.46 ms –2.
Vertical distance travelled by A in time t after start is

( )
1 a0
sA = __ __ t 2
2 2
1
Vertical fall of C in time t is. sC = __ (2a0) t2 = a0t2
2
Both are at same level if sA + sC = 1
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10.40 Mechanics I

fi
1
__
4 0
a t2 + a0t2 = 1 fi
1
2
____
80
37 (
3 = 0 + __ × 4 × ___ t2 )
5
__
÷
fi a t2 = 1 111
4 0 fi t = ____ s
____ ________ 160

÷ ÷
4 4
fi t = ___ = _______ = 0.43 s Speed acquired by A in this time is
5a0 5 × 4.23
____

÷
80 111
Example 38 In the arrangement shown, blocks A and B v = u + aAt = 0 + ___ ◊ ____ = 1.8 ms –1
are connected using a string pulley arrangement. String and 37 160
pulleys are massless whereas masses of A and B are 50 kg
Example 39 A block of mass
and 20 kg respectively. Initially the system is held at rest F
m is placed on a smooth hori-
with B at a height of h = 3 m from the ground. System is q
zontal surface. At time t = 0, a
released from this position. Find the speed of A when B
force F = kt starts acting on the m
touches ground. Neglect friction.
block making an angle q with the
horizontal.
(a) Find the velocity of the body at the instant it breaks
A off the horizontal surface.
(b) Calculate distance travelled by the body before it
breaks off the horizontal surface.
B Solution
Concepts
h
The body breaks off the horizontal surface when normal
force on it becomes zero. This happens when the vertical
component of F becomes equal to mg.
Solution
(a) The body breaks off F sin q F = kt
Concepts when N = 0. N
q
We need to relate the accelerations of A and B and then i.e. F sin q = mg F cos q
set up equations (using F = ma) to calculate them. Once
1
acceleration is known, we can use s = ut + __ at2 to find fi kt0 sin q = mg
2 mg
the time needed for B to hit the ground. Using v = u + at mg
will give us the speed of A. fi t0 = _____ ...(1)
k sin q
If A travels through a distance x towards T For horizontal motion of the block,
left, the length of thread over the table will
B dv
decrease by 4x. Therefore, B will fall down 4a ma = F cos q fi m ___ = kt cos q
dt
by 4x. v t
20.g
If acceleration of A is a, B will have fi m Ú dv = k cos q Ú t dt
acceleration 4a. 0 0
From FBD of B we have 2
t k cos q
fi mv = _______
20g – T = 20(4a) 2
fi 20g – T = 80a
From FBD of A we have:
...(i)
fi (
k cos q
v = ______ ◊ t2
2m ) ...(2)

4T = 50a ...(ii) At t = t0 we have

mg2 cos q
Solving (i) and (ii) we get
80
a = ___ m/s2
a 2T
N A
k cos q mg
v0 = ______ _____
2m (
k sin q )2
= ________
2k sin2 q
37 2T
(b) From (2), we have
Time needed for B to touch the
50.g
ground is given by:
1
s = ut + __ aBt2
dx
___
dt (
k cos q
= ______ ◊ t2
2m )
2
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.41

x t
k cos q Integrating and solving as above we get:
fi Ú dx = ______ Ú t2 dt

fi
0 2m 0
k cos q
x = ______ t3
m
( kv20
H = – ___ ln 1 – ___
2k mg ) ...(2)
6m Putting value of H from (1), we get
at t = t0, x = x0 where
k cos mg
x0 = ______ _____ ( ) 3
2 3
m g cos q
= _________
( kv20
– ln 1 – ___
mg = ) (
ln 1 +
ku2
___
mg )
6 m k sin q 6k2 sin3 q kv20 _______
1
fi 1 – ___
mg = ku2
Example 40 It is known that the air drag force which acts 1 + ___
mg
on a small body moving through air is given by F = kv2 2
ku
___
where k is a constant and v is velocity of the body. The small mg kv20
body is projected vertically up with a velocity u. Find its fi _______ = ___
ku2 mg
speed when it returns back to its point of projection. Mass 1 + ___
mg
of the body is m.
u
Solution fi v0 = ________
_______

Concepts
While going up the weight (mg) as well as the air drag
÷ ku2
1 + ___
mg
x dx
force are directed downward. During downward journey Note: Integration of form Ú ______2 is solved by method of
the air drag force is upward. substitution. a + bx

The body does not move with constant acceleration. Let z = a + bx2
For the upward journey, dz
fi ___ = 2bx fi dz = 2bx dx
ma = – mg – kv 2 dx

fi ( ) kv2
a = – g + ___
m
\
xdx
Ú ______
a + bx 2
1
2b z
dz
= ___ Ú __
1
= ___ ln z + c
2b

v ___ = – ( g + ___
m )
2
dv kv
fi Example 41 A uniform rope of length 18 m is in equilib-
dx
0 H rium on two smooth pegs A and B as shown in the figure.
v dv Pegs are of negligible dimen-
fi Ú ______ = – Ú dx [where H = maximum height]
u kv2
___ 0 sions. Each vertical segment
g+ m
of the rope has length 5 m.

fi
m
___
2k
[( kv2
ln g + ___
m )] 0

u
= –H
Find the angle made by the
curved segment of the rope
at A and B with horizontal.
[Method of Integration is given
at the end of this solution.] Solution

fi
m
___
2k
[ ku2
ln g – ln g + ___
m ( )] = –H Concepts
If the pegs were of large size, the tension at the end
fi
m
(
ku
H = ___ ln 1 + ___
2k mg
2
) ...(1)
of vertical segment of the rope at 1 would have been
different from the tension at point 2 shown in fig-
ure. Since the peg has no size, the end of the ver-
For the downward journey,
tical segment is very close to the point where the
k 2
ma = mg – kv2 fi a = g – __
mv
curved part of the rope begins. Tension 2
is same at 1 and 2 (as there is no rope 1
dv k 2
fi v ___ = g – __
mv
between 1 and 2; they are the same point).
dx
v0 H
v dv Let m = mass of the rope of length 1 metre.
fi Ú _________ = Ú dx
0
( g – __m v )
k 2 0 Considering equilibrium of a vertical segment, we get
tension at the top as
[where v0 = final speed on reaching point of projection] T = 5 mg
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10.42 Mechanics I

Now we will consider equilibrium of the part T For vertical equilibrium of A,

of rope between the two pegs. N2 cos q = W + N1 cos 30°
Writing an equation for the vertical direction,
3W
2T sin q = 8 mg fi N2 cos q = ___ ...(3)
2
fi 2 × 5 mg sin q = 8 mg Dividing (2) by (3), we get
4
fi sin q = __
fi
5
q = 53° 5 mg
1__
tan q = ____
3 ÷3
fi ( )
1__
q = tan –1 ____
3 ÷3
.

Example 43 In the arrangement shown in the figure, all

pulleys and strings are massless. Find the accelerations of
pulleys P and Q.

Example 42 A, B and C are three identical discs arranged

on two inclined surfaces as
shown in the figure. The C P
inclination angle of both
inclines is q. There is no fric- A B
tion. Find minimum value of Q
m1 A
q that prevents the arrange- q q
ment from collapsing. B m2

Solution Solution
Concepts Concepts
The arrangement will collapse only when A and B begin Net force on a massless body must always be zero.
to separate. When the system is on verge of collapsing, the
normal force between A and B will tend to zero. One end of a string is holding A and its other end is
connected to P.
Tension is same throughout this string.
But net force on P must be zero, i.e.,
T = 2T
This is possible only if T = 0
Since there is no tension, the two blocks
experience a free fall. Acceleration of both is
g ( ).
The centres of A, B and C will form an equilateral tri-
angle. In the second diagram, A, B and C are centres of three
discs and N1 is the normal force between A and C and also
between B and C.
For equilibrium of C, we have: 2N1 cos 30° = W
l4
W__
fi N1 = ___ ...(1) y l3
÷3 P
l2
In FBD of A, N2 is the normal force by the incline on A. l1
Just on verge of a collapse, there is no contact force between Q
A and B. m1 A
x
For horizontal equilibrium of A B m2
N2 sin q = N1 sin 30° x

W__ Let A and B fall through a distance x and pulley P go

fi N2 sin q = ____ ...(2)
2÷3 down by y in a certain time interval. Length of string will
not change if
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.43

l1 + x – y + l2 + x – y + l3 + x + l4 + y = l1 + l2 + l3 + l4 Equation for C is
fi y = 3x 2mg – 2T = 2m × 3a/2
fi 2mg – 2T = 3ma ...(2)
\ aP = 3a = 3g
Eliminating T between (1) and (2) gives
where a = acceleration of A and B = g 2mg – 4ma = 3ma
Hence, aP = 3g ( ) and aQ = g ( ) 2g
fi a = ___
7
Example 44 A and B are two blocks of mass m and 2m, 3g
3
respectively. They are kept on a smooth table and are con- \ ac = __ a = ___
2 7
nected to the ends of a string using a string pulley system
as shown. Block C has mass 2m. All pulleys and strings Example 45 Three blocks 1, 2 and 3 are placed one
are massless. Find acceleration of C after the system is over the other. The blocks are suspended using a string–pul-
released. ley system as shown. Strings
and pulleys are massless
and mass of block 1 is M.
When the system is released,
block 2 is found to be at rest P P
whereas block 1 moves down
3
with acceleration g/4. Find
the mass of 2 and 3. 2

Solution 1
Concepts
(1) Block 2 can remain at rest only when block 1
Solution moves down and block 3 moves up.
Concepts (2) Tension in string holding block 1 is twice that of
(i) Both A and B have identical forces acting on them. tension in string connecting block 2 and 3.
Mass of B is twice that of A. Hence acceleration (3) With block 2 at rest one end of the string (connect-
of A is two times that of B. ing blocks 2 and 3) remains fixed. Hence accelera-
(ii) If B travels a distance x, A will travel through 2x. tion of 3 will be twice that of pulley P.
Length of each of the two vertical segments of the (4) There is no contact force between block 2 and other
x + 2x 3x
string will increase by ______ = ___. It means the two blocks.
2 2
3
acceleration of C = __ times the acceleration of B. Let acceleration of 1 be a = g/4 ( )
2
Acceleration of pulley P will be a ( )
Block 2 does not move. Therefore, acceleration of block
g
3 will be 2a ( ) = __ ( )
2
g
For block 3, we can write 2T – m3g = m3 ◊ __
2 ()
...(1)

T T
2a
3

m3g

Let acceleration of B = a For block 1, we can write Mg – 4T = Ma

acceleration of A = 2a g
3a
and acceleration of C = ___ fi Mg – M __ = 4T
2 4 T T
Equation for A is 3Mg
fi ____ =T ...(2) 2
T = m (2a) ...(1) 16
m2g
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10.44 Mechanics I

3Mg m3g M F (m1 + m2) – 4m1m2g

Substituting (2) in (1): 2 × ____ = m3g + ____ fi m3 = __ a0 = ___________________
16 2 4 4m1m2 + m0 (m1 + m2)
For block 2, we can write m2g = 2T
Substituting the above expression in (1), we get
3Mg 3M
fi m2g = ____ fi m2 = ___
8 8 2m1m2 (F + m0g)
T = _________________ .
4m1m2 + m0 (m1 + m2)
Example 46 (Smooth massive pulley)
In the arrangement shown in the figure, mass F Example 47 A triangular wedge of mass M is placed on
of the pulley is m0 and the string is light. a smooth fixed incline having angle of inclination q = 37°.
A vertically upward force F is applied on A man of mass m is standing on the flat horizontal surface
m0
the pulley and it accelerates up. There is no of the wedge with his shoes
friction between the thread and the pulley. glued to the wedge. The wedge
Find the acceleration of the pulley and ten- is released and it slides down q
m1 m2
sion in the string. the incline. The man does not M
slide on the wedge. He slides a
Solution small block of negligible mass
Concepts on the flat wedge surface, with q
It is friction which causes the tension in the string to a velocity of 8 m s–1 relative to
change. If the pulley is massive but smooth, the tension himself (see figure). Find the time after which he catches the
throughout the string remains same. small block again. Assume that the horizontal surface of the
wedge is sufficiently large and there is no friction between
F the small block and the wedge.
Let a0 = acceleration of pulley (verti- a0
cally up) Solution
a = acceleration of m1 and m2 Concepts
relative to the pulley with
m2 going down and m1 going T T In absence of any horizontal force on the block, it will
up. continue to move with a constant velocity in the horizontal
T = tension direction. The wedge (and the man) accelerates down the
incline and therefore its velocity increases. The horizontal
For pulley we have velocity component of the wedge also increases. Because
F – 2T = m0a0 ...(1) of this, the man is able to catch the block again.
FBD of m1 and m2 has been drawn in the reference frame Acceleration of the man + m
of the pulley. wedge system is a = g sin q
T – m1a0 – m1g = m1a ...(2) down the incline, as the resul-
tant force is (M + m) g sin q. a cos q
and m2g + m2a0 – T = m2a ...(3)
Horizontal acceleration of the a
T T man is q a sin q
a
aH = a cos q = g sin q cos q
a
Initial velocity of the block relative to the man
m1g m2g = u ( ) = 8 ms –1 ( )
m1a0 m2a0
Acceleration of the block relative to the man
(2) and (3) gives = g sin q cos q (Æ) = 10 × sin 37° × cos 37°
3 4
(m2 – m1) g + (m2 – m1) a0 = (m2 + m1) a = 10 × __ × __ = 4.8 ms –2 (Æ)
5 5
fi (m2 – m1) (g + a0) = (m1 + m2) a ...(3) Block will return back to the man when its displacement
Multiplying (2) by 2 and adding it to (1) gives relative to the man becomes zero.
1
F – 2m1a0 – 2 m1g = 2 m1a + m0a0 fi ut – __ aHt2 = 0
2
1
fi F – 2m1g – (2m1 + m0) a0 = 2m1a ...(4) fi 8t – __ × 4.8 × t2 = 0
2
Eliminating a between (3) and (4) gives the value of a0
fi t = 3.33 s
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.45

Example 48 In the arrangement shown, there is no friction T = 4a0 ...(1)

and the string is light. After the system is released, the 2 kg Mg – T = Ma0 ...(2)
block moves down vertically. What are possible values of Adding (1) and (2) we get
M if
(i) q = 60° (ii) q = 30°? Mg
a0 = _____
M+4
2 kg
(i) For a0 ≥ g cot q
Mg __
fi _____ ≥ g cot 60° fi (÷3 – 1) M ≥ 4
4 kg q M+4

M
__
4
(
fi M ≥ ______
÷3 – 1
kg )
(ii) For a0 ≥ g cot 30°
Solution __
M
Concepts fi _____ ≥ ÷3
M+4
The 2 kg block moves vertically. This means there is no
contact between the wedge and the block. If there is some This is impossible.
normal force between the two, its horizontal component In fact, a free fall of 2 kg is possible only if
will cause the 2 kg block to move horizontally as well. It
M
_____
means the 2 kg block will experience no other force apart > cot q fi q > 45°
M+4
from its weight and will fall down with acceleration g.
Example 49 In the arrangement shown, a bar of mass
From the wedge–block constraint relation:
m lies on a fixed incline plane. Its one end rests on the
ay = (a0 + ax) tan q inclined face of a wedge.
When the 2 kg block just loses contact and falls vertically, Inclination of the wedge is q m
we have ax = 0. and the fixed incline is normal
This means ay = a0 tan q where to the inclined face of wedge.
ay = g = acceleration of the 2 kg block. Find the acceleration of the
\ a0 = acceleration of wedge = g cot q. bar after the entire system is M
q
released. Neglect friction.
Obviously, if acceleration of the wedge is greater than
g cot q, there will be a visible gap between the incline and Solution
2 kg block. The incline will be moving too fast for the Concepts
2 kg block to remain on it. Situation is depicted in figures The displacement of the bar will be same as the compo-
below. nent of displacement of the inclined face perpendicular to
itself. Therefore, acceleration of the bar will be equal to
the component of acceleration of the wedge normal to its
inclined face.

Now, when the 2 kg block has no interaction with the

wedge, acceleration of the wedge can be found as
a0

T
4 kg

T
a0
Mg Let a0 = acceleration of the wedge and
a = acceleration of the bar.
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10.46 Mechanics I

R1 and R2 are normal forces on the bar and the wedge ma0
fi N = mg tan q – _____
due to fixed incline and horizontal ground, respectively. cos2q
N is the normal force between the bar and the wedge. mg sin q cos q – ma0
The bar will remain in contact with the wedge if = _________________
cos2q
a = a0 sin q ...(1)
mg sin q cos q – ma0
FBD of the bar and the wedge has been shown. Using (4), Ma0 = _________________
cos2q
For the bar, mg cos q – N = ma ...(2)
mg sin q cos q
For the wedge (in horizontal direction), fi a0 = ___________
M cos2q + m
N sin q = Ma0 ...(3)
Check: (i) If M Æ •, then a0 Æ 0
Solving (1), (2) and (3) gives
(ii) If M Æ 0, then a0 Æ g sin q cos q
mg sin q cos q
a = ____________ Both can be verified logically.
M
m sin q + ____
sin q Example 51 In the arrangement shown, all surfaces are
O
smooth and the strings and pulleys are massless. Masses of
Example 50 A pendulum
bob A of mass m is held sup- A, B and C are M0, m and m, respectively. When the system
q is released, block B does not slide on the inclined face of
ported by a block B of mass
the wedge A. Find mass of D.
M with the string making
an angle q with the vertical.
A B
There is no friction and the
string is light. Find accelera- B
tion of B immediately after A
the system is released. q

Solution
P
Concepts
Acceleration of A will be normal to the string immediately C
after release [string is inextensible and there is no speed]. D
Component of acceleration of A in horizontal direction
will be the acceleration of B. This is necessary condition Solution
for A to remain in contact with B. Concepts

Let a = acceleration of A 1. First we need to find the acceleration (a) of A so that

B does not move with respect to it.
a0 = acceleration of B
2. Once acceleration is known for A, we can find tension
a0 = a cos q ...(1)
in the string pulling it.
3. Tension in the other string is half the tension acting
on A.
N cos q T
4. An observer at P is in an environment where geff =
g – a.
N
mg sin q Let acceleration of A be a. N cos q
mg cos q mg If B does not slide on it, it N
means that B also moves with B
+ N sin q
the horizontal acceleration a. N sin q
For A, we have
FBD of B is shown.
T = N sin q + mg cos q ...(2) mg a
N sin q = ma ...(1) q
and ma = mg sin q – N cos q ...(3)
N cos q = mg ...(2)
For B, we have Ma0 = N ...(4) N a
From (1) and (3),
R a0 \ tan q = __
g
ma0 fi a = g tan q ...(3)
_____ = mg sin q – N cos q
cos q Mg
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.47

Now we consider a If the required force is F, then tension in lower and upper
A + B together. The system cords will be F and 2 F, respectively.
is having an acceleration If extension in lower cord is x then in upper cord it will
a = g tan q due to tension T be 2x.
applied by the string. Let original length of the lower cord be l1 + l2.
A+B
When A touches the floor, stretched length of this cord
T = (M0 + m)g tan q ...(4)
is l1 + l2 + x.
Now let us consider an observer attached to pulley P. He From the figure,
is effectively in an environment where
geff = g – a = g(1 – tan q) l1 + l2 + x = l1 – 2x + l2 – 2x + y
y
From the theory of an Atwood machine, fi 5x = y fi x = __
we know that tension in the string holding 5
C and D is k___y
\ Fmin = kx =
2mM geff 2mM g(1 – tan q) 5
T ¢ = ________ = _______________
m+M m+M Example 53 In the arrangement shown, everything is
T massless except the two
But T ¢ = __
2 blocks. Both the blocks
2m Mg(1 – tan q) (M0 + m)g tan q A and B have mass m
\ _______________ = _____________ and force constants of
m+M 2
the two springs are k1 = k
M 0 + m and k2 = 2k. Initially the
fi M = ______________ k1 A B k2
M0 system is in equilibrium.
4 cot q – 5 – ___
m From the position of
Example 52 A pulley is suspended equilibrium, block B is
from the ceiling of a room using an gradually pulled down
elastic cord. Another elastic cord has by a distance x while
its one end fixed to the floor of the block A is held fixed at
room and passes over the pulley with its original position.
its other end A hanging at a height y (i) Find the force an external agent must be applying on
above the floor. The pulley as well A and B to keep them motionless.
as the cords are massless. End A is (ii) If both the blocks are released simultaneously find
slowly pulled down to the floor. Find their accelerations immediately after the release.
the minimum force that an external agent must apply at the
end A so as to keep it touching the floor. Both cords obey Solution
Hooke’s law and have a force constant = k. Concepts

Solution The string (and springs) connecting A to B is all massless.

Tension will be same throughout. For the same tension,
Concepts
extensions in the two springs will be different.
The cord obeys Hooke’s law i.e. tension developed in it is
proportional to its extension. Tension is T = k x where x Let extensions in the springs in the original equilibrium
is the extension. As end A is pulled down, the pulley will position of two blocks be x10 and x20. Then,
also move down and hence the upper cord will also stretch. k1 x10 = k2 x20 = mg
Net force on the pulley is always zero; hence tension in
fi kx10 = 2kx20 fi x10 = 2x20 ...(1)
the upper cord will be twice that of the lower cord.
When B is pulled down by x, let the further stretch in the
two springs be x1 and x2.
Since tension is the same throughout, we have
k(x10 + x1) = 2k(x20 + x2) ... (2) [Using (1)]
l2 2x
A
Also x1 + x2 = x ...(3)
l1
y From (2) and (3), we get:
A
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10.48 Mechanics I

2x x [D l and D y are small but finite changes. The previous

x1 = ___ and x2 = __
3 3 relation will have less error when D l and D y are extremely
2kx small.]
Tension, T = k1(x1 + x10) = k2(x2 + x20) = mg + ___
3 y
[ k1x10 = k2 x20 = mg] \ D l = __ D y = cos q . D y
l
(i) External force needed to hold A or B T
4
in place fi D l = __ ◊ D y ...(1)
5
2 kx
Fext = T – mg = ____ For equilibrium:
3
2k D y + 2k D l cos q = mg
(ii) When released, Fext = 0 and the tension Fext
mg
4 4 mg
cannot change immediately. fi D y + __ × __ × D y = ___ [using (1)]
5 5 2k
2 kx 2 kx
\ ma = T – mg = ____ fi a = ____ 2kDy
3 3m 41
___ mg kDl kDl
fi D y = ___
25 2k
Example 54 One ends of three springs are fixed to a
q q
ceiling and their other ends are knotted at P as shown. The 25
force constant of the central spring is 2 k and that of the fi k D y = ___ mg
82
other two is k. Angle between each outer and middle spring
This is the required answer.
()3
is q = tan–1 __ . Now a mass m is
4
Example 55 In the arrangement shown, each of the three
mg

suspended from the knot P. Masses 2k

springs S1 , S2 and S3 has a force constant k. Strings and
of springs are negligible compared k k pulleys are massless. A force is gradually increased to pull
to m and elongations in the springs q q down pulley P3 through a distance x. Find the final value
are much smaller than their relaxed of applied force F.
lengths. Find tension in the middle P
spring.
S1
Solution
Concepts P1

1. Since extensions in the springs are small we can S2

assume that angle q does not change much.
2. We will need to find a relation between extensions of P2
the middle and outer springs.
S3
A B x C
P3
y + Dy
F
I + DI
q q Solution
Concepts
P F F
1. Tension in S3 will be __, tension in S2 will be __ and
m 2 4
F
__
that in S1 will be .
Let AB = BC = x, BP = y and CP = l before the mass is 8
suspended. 2. All three pulleys will move down. We need to work
Let extension in middle and outer springs be D y and D l out the displacement of P3 if S1 stretches by x1.
respectively after the mass is suspended.
x1
l2 = x2 + y2 If S1 stretches by x1, then P1 will move down by __.
2
Differentiating, we get Since tension in S2 is double of that in S1, the second
2l dl = 0 + 2y dy [ dx = change in x = 0] spring will stretch by 2x1.
fi l Dl y Dy
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.49

x1 Consider a small segment

2x1 + __ 5x
2 of original length dx of the
Therefore, P2 will descend by ________ = ___
1
A
2 4 spring at (original before dx A

[ ]
x1 stretching) distance x from B dx + dy
Since P1 moves down by __ . the free end. Tension at this
x
2 B
element is equal to weight of
Now, the extension in S3 will be 4x1.
part of spring below it. Unstretched Stretched
Thus, P3 will move down by a distance
Mg
5x1 T = ___ x
4x1 + ___ 21x L
4
________ = ____
1 Let dy be the extension in this segment of the spring.
2 8 Mg Mg Mg
21 x1 8x k dy = ___ x fi 4 ___ dy = ___ x
Given: _____ = x fi x1 = ___ L dx
8 21 y L
1 1
32 kx fi dy = ___ xdx fi Ú dy = ___ Ú xdx
Tension in S3 = k(4x1) = _____ 4L 0 4L 0
21
L
64 kx fi y = __
\ F = _____ 8
21
This is the total elongation in the spring due to its own
Example 56 (A massive spring) weight.
A uniform spring has mass M and length L. It is kept on
Example 57 In the arrangement shown, the string and
a smooth horizontal floor with its one end fixed to a wall.
the pulley are massless and there is no friction. Find the
When the other end is pulled with a slowly increasing force,
acceleration of the wedge after the system is released. Take
L
the extension in the spring is found to be __ when the force is M
4 q = 30° and __m = 2.
F = Mg. Now the same spring is suspended vertically. Find Q
P
elongation in the spring due to its own weight.

m
M
F
q

Solution
Concepts
Solution
Concepts As the wedge moves to right, segment PQ of the string
gets smaller. The segment of string on the incline must
When the spring is horizontal, tension is same throughout increase by the same amount. It means displacement of
its length. This is because no segment of the spring is the block relative to the wedge is same as the horizon-
accelerated and tension at two ends of the segment must tal displacement of the wedge. (See the diagram below).
be same. When the spring is vertical, tension goes on This implies that acceleration of the block with respect
increasing as we move up the spring. A segment near the to the wedge is same as the horizontal acceleration of
top end of the spring will have more extension compared the wedge.
to a segment of same length near the lower end. x
For horizontal spring, k0 x = F
L 4Mg A
fi k0 __ = Mg fi k0 = ____ ...(1) A
4 L x
If we consider a small segment of the spring having B
unstretched length D x, its force constant will be given by:
k ___
__ =
L
k0 D x [ 1
k µ __
l ] Let a = acceleration of wedge to the right
a = acceleration of block relative to the wedge.
4Mg FBD of the block in the reference frame of the wedge
fi k = ____
Dx has been shown. ma is the pseudo force.
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10.50 Mechanics I

Writing equations down the incline and perpendicular to Solution

it, we get Concepts
mg sin q + ma cos q – T = ma (i) Tension throughout the string is same.
__ (ii) If you consider a small length of the string around the
1 ÷3
fi mg __ + ma ___ – T = ma ...(1) pulley, the tensions at two ends of the element will
2 2 have slightly different directions. Therefore, the two
tensions do not exactly cancel out. This results in a
force on the pulley by the string.

T
DN B

A Dq
O

And N + ma sin q = mg cos q

__ A small arc on the string (AB) subtends a very small
1 ÷3
N + ma __ = mg ___ ...(2) angle Dq at the centre of the pulley. The two tensions at the
2 2
ends have an angle Dq between them. Resultant of these two
FBD of the wedge (including pulley) is shown (with tension forces is inwards and is equal to
respect to the ground). Notice the two tension forces.
Writing the equation in horizontal direction we get: ( )
Dq Dq
T sin ___ + T sin ___
2 2 ( ) Dq Dq
T ___ + T ___
2 2
( for small angle sin q q)
T + N sin q – T cos q = Ma
__
= T Dq
1 ÷3
T + N __ – T ___ = 2ma ...(3)
2 2 T cos(Dq/2)
[ M = 2m]
Solving (1), (2) and (3) gives T
g
a = _________
8 – 2 ÷3 T sin(Dq/2)
T sin(Dq/2)
/2

T cos q
Dq

T
N sin q T cos(Dq/2) T
T

N This force on arc AB of the string must be balanced by

N cos q T sin q
a an outward normal force applied by the pulley.
R
q \ DN = TDq
Mg = mg D q
( T = mg for equilibrium of the two blocks)
Example 58 In the Atwood machine shown
Length of arc AB = R D q
in the figure, pulley and string are ideal. Mass
of each block is m and the system is at rest. \ Normal force per unit arc length is
Calculate the normal force per unit length
applied by the string on the circumference of DN
____ mg D q mg
= ______ = ___
the pulley. Radius of pulley is R. RD q RD q R
m m
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.51

Example 59 A uniform to keep the right part of rope in equilibrium, we

rope having mass per unit H would have got the same value T0. Thus the tension
length equal to l is lying at top is just appropriate to hold both parts (left and
over a smooth hill as shown right) in equilibrium. This proves that the rope will
in the figure. The two ends not slide.
of the rope are at the same horizontal level. Height of the
peak from ends of the rope is H. Example 60 Two blocks A and B of equal mass are
hinged to a light rigid rod as shown. Block A is in contact
(i) Find the tension at the top of the rope assuming that
with a smooth wall and B is placed on smooth horizontal
the rope does not move.
floor. With q = 60°, the system is released from rest. Find
(ii) Using the value of tension obtained in (i), show that the acceleration of the two blocks immediately after the
the rope indeed does not slide if it is released from release. The rod can rotate freely about the hinges.
the position shown.

Solution
Concepts
(i) Tension is zero at the free ends of the rope.
(ii) Any small element of the rope has a component of its
weight acting down the slope. To keep this element
in equilibrium, the tension at the upper end of the
element will be larger than tension at its lower end.
(i) Consider a small element of length dl on the rope
at a location where the hill surface makes an angle Solution
q with the horizontal. Mass of this element is Concepts
dm = l dl. Forces acting on this element are as
shown. (i) Since the length the of rigid rod cannot change, com-
ponents of accelerations of A and B along the length
of the rod must always be the same.
(ii) Due to its weight, A will try to fall down. It will push
the rod, which in turn will push B. From Newton’s
third law, the rod will also push A and keep it pressed
dl dy against the wall.
q
Let a1 = acceleration of A( )
a2 = acceleration of B(Æ)
For equilibrium of the element perpendicular to the hill ___› ___›
slope, Component of a1 along AB = component of a2 along AB
dN = dmg cos q where dN = normal force. \ a1 sin q = a2 cos q
__
This equation is redundant in the present context. For fi a1 tan q = a2 fi ÷3 a1 = a2 ... (1)
equilibrium along the hill slope
T + dT = T + dmg sin q

fi dT = l dlg sin q

But dl sin q = dy
\ dT = l gdy
If T0 = tension at the top, then
T0 H
Ú dT = l g Ú dy fi T0 = l gH
0 0
(ii) This tension does not depend on the profile of the
hill. Had we calculated the tension at the top needed This relationship can also be worked out as
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10.52 Mechanics I

x2 + y2 = L2 [L = length of rod = a constant] restricted to move vertically with the help of a pair of guide
walls and its lower surface is resting on a wedge of mass
dx dy
\ 2x ___ + 2y ___ = 0 M that is free to move on a horizontal surface. The upper
dt dt end of the bar is connected to a string which passes over a
dx y dy movable pulley P and has a block of mass m1 attached to
fi ___ = – __x ___
dt dt its other end. The pulley P is connected to a block of mass
m0 kept on a fixed incline. Everything is released simulta-
dy dx y neously from rest. Calculate the acceleration of the wedge.
But – ___ = a1, ___ = a2 and __x = tan q
dt dt Given: M = 5 kg, m1 = 1 kg, m2 = 4 kg, m0 = 1 kg, a =
\ a2 = a1 tan q 45° and q = 30°
Solution
Let F = force by the rod on the blocks.
Concepts
For A, we have mg – F sin 60° = ma1
__ (i) The first concept is that don’t be afraid if a prob-
÷3 F
fi mg – ____ = ma1 ...(2) lem has a complex diagram. Analyse the situation
2
properly.
For B, we have F cos 60° = ma2 (ii) Acceleration of the bar and wedge are related through
the wedge constraint equation (article 16.2).
F
(iii) Acceleration of m0 (= acceleration of P) and accelera-
N1 tion of m1 and m2 can also be related using the relation
a1 obtained in article 16.1.
mg
Let a0 = acceleration of m0 (up the plane)
N2 = acceleration of pulley P (vertically down)
a2 q a1 = acceleration of m1 (vertically up)
a2 = acceleration of m2 (vertically down)
F mg a = acceleration of the wedge (horizontally right)
For bar and wedge, we can use ay = (ax + a0) tan a with
F
__
fi = ma2 ...(3) ax = 0 (for bar).
2
Solving (1), (2) and (3) we get
__
g ÷3
a1 = __ and a2 = ___ g
4 4

Example 61 In the arrangement shown, pulleys and strings

are light and all surfaces are smooth. The bar of mass m2 is
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.53

\ a2 = a0 tan 45° fi a2 = a ...(i) Let a0 = acceleration of wedge (along ED)

For pulley P, m1 and m2, we know that a = acceleration of block relative to wedge (along
AB)
a2 – a1 = 2a0 ...(ii)
FBD of m relative to wedge is shown where ma0 is pseudo
Let T = tension in the string connecting m1 and m2. force parallel to DE. Note that AB makes an angle (a – b)
Then, 2T = tension in the other string. with the horizontal.
For m0, 2T – m0 g sin q = m0 a0
g
fi 2T – __ = a0 [ q = 30°, m0 = 1 kg] ...(iii)
2
For m1, T – m1 g = m1 a1

fi T – g = a – 2a0 [using (ii) and m1 = 1 kg] ...(iv)

For m2; m2g – T – N2 cos a = m2 a2

N2
fi 4g – T – ___
__ = 4a [using (i) and m2 = 4 kg, a = 45°]
÷2
...(v)

For M, N2 sin a = Ma
N2
___
fi __ = 5a [ M = 5 kg] ...(vi)
÷2
Equations (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) have four unknowns.
Solving them gives the desired result.
From (v) and (vi), 4g – T = 9a ...(vii) Equation along AB: mg sin (a – b ) + ma0 cos a = ma
Multiply (iii) by 2 and add it to (iv) to get
fi g sin (a – b) + a0 cos a = a ...(1)
5T – 2g = a ...(viii)
Equation in the direction perpendicular to AB:
9
23 ( )
(vii) and (viii) gives a = ___ g
N + ma0 sin a = mg cos (a – b) ...(2)
Example 62 A wedge ABC of mass M can slide freely
on a smooth fixed Now we consider FBD of the wedge (in the reference
plane DE inclined
m
A
frame of ground).
at an angle b to E Try to figure out the angles needed for resolution of forces
the horizontal. a on your own.
On the smooth B Equation for motion along ED:
face AB of the C
wedge there is b
D Mg sin b + N sin a = Ma0 ...(3)
a small block of
mass m. Angle ABC is a (> b). Find
(i) acceleration of M and Eliminating N between (2) and (3) we get
(ii) acceleration of m relative to M.
Mg sin b + mg sin a cos (a – b)
Solution a0 = __________________________
M + m sin2a
Concepts
Substituting this in (1) gives
In ground frame, direction of motion of the block is not
clear. We will need to consider two components of its
(M + m) g sin a cos b
acceleration. Considering the motion of m in reference a = __________________
frame of the wedge will be rather easier. In this frame, m M + m sin2 a
accelerates along AB.
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10.54 Mechanics I

Example 63 The arrangement shown Example 64 A cone of semi-vertical

has an infinite number of massless pul- angle a is kept on a horizontal sur- a
leys and strings. Masses of all blocks face. A ring of mass M and radius R
are equal. The masses are held fixed and is slipped on to the cone as shown.
then simultaneously released. Find the Find tension in the ring. Assume no
acceleration of the mass at the topmost friction.
pulley. m
Solution
Solution Concepts
m
Concepts A small element of the ring experiences tension from
(i) Tension in an Atwood machine its neighbouring particles on two sides. Resultant of this
m
is proportional to acceleration tension is horizontal towards axis of the cone. The normal
due to gravity (g). m force on the element (perpendicular to the slant surface),
its weight and tensions sum up to zero.
(ii) An observer in a reference
frame moving down with an Consider a small element subtending an angle d q at the
acceleration a, finds effective centre.
value of acceleration due to
Let tension in the ring be T.
gravity to be geff = g – a [prin-
ciple of equivalence]. Resultant force on the element due to tensions on both
ends is
Let tension in the top string be T. dq dq
2T sin ___ 2T ___ [ for small angle, sin q q]
Tµg ...(1) 2 2
= Tdq
Tension in the string holding the second pulley will be
T/2. This force is directed horizontally towards the centre.
Let pulley 2 fall down with an acceleration a2 = a .
An observer attached to pulley 2 will T cos dq
2 T cos dq
experience as if he was in a location T 2
where acceleration due to gravity is T dq dq T
1 2 2
geff = g – a ...(2)
T/2
In this reference frame, pulley 2 is T sin dq O T sin dq
2 2 2
at rest. If we remove pulley 1 and stay a2
in the frame attached to pulley 2, the
whole system remains same [removing 3
one pulley out of infinite makes no dif-
ference] except for the fact that value Mass of the element is
of geff is given by (2).
M M dq
\ Tension in the string above pulley 2 will be propor- dm = ____ ◊ (Rdq) = _____
2pR 2p
tional to geff.
FBD of the element is as shown. dN is the normal force.
T
__
fi µ (g – a) ...(3)
2 dN sin a = dmg
Taking ratio of (1) and (3), we get dmg
fi dN = _____ ...(1)
g sin a
T
___ = ______
T/2 (g – a) and Td q = dN cos a
g
fi 2(g – a) = g fi a = __ cos a
2 fi Td q = dm g _____
sin a
g
Acceleration of pulley 2 = acceleration of top mass = __. Mdq g
2 fi Td q = ____ _____
2p tan a
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Newton’s Laws of Motion 10.55

Integrating from O to P gives [Note tension at O is

zero].
T0 p/2
p
Ú dT = lR Ú (a – g sin q) dq [ at P, q = __ and T = T0]
0 0 2

fi
ap
T0 = lR ___ – g
2 ( ) ...(2)

From (1) and (2)

Mg
fi T = _______
2p tan a
a
(
0.5lg – lR ___ – g = 0.5 l a
2 )
Example 65 A uniform flexible heavy O 2
Put R = __
p to get
rope (OPQ) of length 1.5 m rests on a fixed
2
smooth cylinder of radius R = __
p m. End O
P
a =
( p)g
2
0.5 + __
__________ = 7.5 ms –2
of the rope is held at top point of the cyl- 1.5
inder. Find acceleration of the rope when
end O is released.
Q Example 66 A wedge of mass M is connected to a block
of mass m as shown. String and pulleys are light and there
Solution is no friction anywhere. System is released with q = 60°.
Concepts Find acceleration of M immediately after release.
The component of weight of part OP tangential to the
cylinder plus the weight of the hanging part PQ is the
q
net driving force acting on the rope. This force divided
by mass of the rope is its acceleration. m
If you have difficulty in visualizing this, then you can
calculate tension at P considering OP first and then by M
considering PQ. Equate the two values to get the accelera-
tion. We will follow this method here. Solution
Length of the rope in contact with cylinder T0 Concepts
2 pR P
is ____ = 1 m. Rest 0.5 m is hanging freely. a If the wedge moves to right by x, AQ decreases by x but
4
PQ does not decrease by x. Vertical fall of m = decrease
Let acceleration of the rope be a. Each point in length AQ + decrease in length PQ.
of the segment OP will have its acceleration Q
directed along the tangent. 0.5 lg Let a0 = acceleration of M (Æ)
Let tension at P be T0. a = acceleration of m relative to M ( )
Considering the FBD of part PQ, we have T = tension in the string.
0.5 l g – T0 = 0.5 l a ...(1)
where l is the linear mass den- T P
dN R
sity of the rope. q
Now consider a small seg- a I
q dq h
ment of angular width dq on the
T + dT m
curved part of the rope. Q
(lRdq)g A
Length of segment = Rdq.
Mass of segment = Rdq x
Let tensions at two ends of the segment be T and T + dT
(both along the tangent). From the figure: l2 = h2 + x2
Writing F = ma along the tangent, we have dl dx
fi 2l __ = 0 + 2x ___
T + dT + (lRdq) g sin q – T = (lRdq) a dt dt

fi dT = lR (a – g sin q) dq
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
10.56 Mechanics I

3
fi mg – T = __ ma0 ...(2)
Differentiating once more, 2
To avoid the normal force between m and M, we will
( __dtdl )2 d2l dx 2
( )
d2x
+ l ___2 = ___ + x ___2
dt dt dt
consider the horizontal motion of (m + M) together. [You can
always write equation of horizontal motion of m to get one
Just after the system is released, there is no velocity. additional equation. This will help in eliminating N. But to
dx dl keep the number of unknowns minimum, we are considering
Hence, ___ = __ = 0 (M + m) together]
dt dt
d2l d2x
fi l ___2 = x ___2 T cos q
dt dt q

d2l
___ x d2x d2x
fi = __ ___2 = cos q ___2 T
dt 2 l dt dt
T
d2l d2x d2x A
But a = ___2 + ___2 = (cos q + 1) ___2
dt dt dt
T + T cos q = (M + m) a0 ...(3)
1
( 3
fi a = __ + 1 a0 = __ a0
2 2 ) ...(1)
Solving (2) and (3) we get
For the vertical motion of m, we can write
6mg
mg – T = ma a0 = _________ .
2M + 11m
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Worksheet 1
1. A person sitting in an open car moving at constant 7. The ratio of the weight of a man in a stationary
velocity throws a ball vertically up. The ball falls lift and when it is moving downward with uniform
(a) outside the car acceleration ‘a’ is 3 : 2. Value of ‘a’ is
(b) in the car ahead of the person (a) 3/2 g (b) g/3
(c) in the car to the side of the person (c) 2/3 g (d) g
(d) exactly in the hand which threw it up 8. A small object of mass m is placed between two
2. An object will continue accelerating until blocks of mass M and M¢ as shown in the figure. A
constant force F is applied in the horizontal direction
(a) the resultant force on it begins to decrease
on the block of mass M as shown and the system
(b) its velocity changes direction gets accelerated. Contact M¢ > M
(c) the resultant force on it is zero force between M and m is
(d) the resultant force is at right angles to its N and between m and M¢ is F M m M¢
direction of motion N¢ then
3. In which of the following cases the net force is not (a) N = N¢ (b) N > N ¢
zero on the “underlined” object? (c) N¢ > N (d) cannot be determined
(a) A kite skillfully held stationary in the sky 9. Two persons are holding a light rope tightly at
(b) A ball freely falling from a height its ends so that it is horizontal. A 25 kg weight is
(c) An aeroplane rising upwards at an angle of 45° attached to the rope at the mid point and the rope is
with the horizontal at a constant speed no longer horizontal. The minimum tension required
(d) A cork lying on the surface of water to completely straighten the rope is
15
4. A block of mass 4 kg is suspended through (a) 15 kg (b) ___ kg
two light spring balances A and B. Then A 2
and B will read respectively (c) 5 kg (d) infinitely large
(a) 4 kg and 0 kg 10. A boy sitting on the topmost berth in the compartment
of a train which is just going to stop on a railway
(b) 0 kg and 4 kg
station, drops an apple aiming at the open hand of
(c) 4 kg and 4 kg his brother sitting vertically below him. His hands
(d) 2 kg and 2 kg are at a distance of about 2 m. The apple will fall
5. A particle of mass 50 g moves on a straight line. (a) precisely on the hand of his brother
The variation of speed with time is shown in the (b) slightly away from the hand of his brother in
figure. The force acting –1
the direction of motion of the train
v (ms )
on the particle at time t =
15 (c) slightly away from the hand of his brother in
2 s, 4 s and 6 s will be
10 the direction opposite to the direction of motion
(a) 0.25 N along the 5 of the train
motion, 0 N and 0
2 4 6 8 t (s)
(d) none of these
0.25 N opposite to
the motion respectively 11. A massless spring balance is attached to a 2 kg trolley
and is used to pull the trolley along a flat surface
(b) 0.25 N opposite to the motion, 0 N and 0.25 N
as shown in the figure. The reading on the spring
along the motion respectively
balance remains at 1.0 kg
(c) 0 N, 0.25 N opposite to the motion and 0.25 N
during the motion. The 2 kg
along the motion respectively
acceleration of the trolley
(d) None is (Use g = 9.8 ms–2)
6. An elevator weighing 400 kg is pulled upward by a
(a) 49 ms–2 (b) 9.8 ms–2
cable with an acceleration of 5 ms–2. Taking g to be –2
10 ms–2, tension in the cable is (c) 4.9 ms (d) 98 ms–2
(a) 6000 N (b) 9000 N 12. A person standing on the floor of an elevator drops
a coin. The coin reaches the floor of the elevator
(c) 60000 N (d) 90000 N
in time t1 when elevator is stationary, in time t2

10.57
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
if it is moving uniformly in upward direction, in (c) y = x
time t3 when it is moving with uniform acceleration (d) Depends on the direction of motion of the
in upward direction and in time t4 when it is falling train.
freely. Then 18. Consider two cases shown in the figure. A girl lifts
(a) t4 > t1 = t2 > t3 (b) t4 < t1 < t2 > t3 a mass m directly pulling up a rope attached to the
(c) t1 > t2 (d) t1 > t2 and t3 > t4 mass. A boy uses a smooth pulley to lift an identical
13. A body of mass 30 kg is suspended by a spring mass connected to a rope.
balance from the roof of a lift going downward. At
time t1 it shows 28 kg and at time t2 it shows 36 kg.
The velocity of the lift is
(a) continuously increasing M
M
(b) increasing at t1 and decreasing at t2
(c) continuously decreasing
(d) decreasing at t1 and increasing at t2
14. A balloon of gross weight w is falling vertically Case (1) m
Case (2)
downward with a constant acceleration a(< g). The m
magnitude of the air resistance is (neglecting buoyant
force)
(a) w (
(b) w 1 + __
a
g ) (a) The boy has to apply less force on the rope

( a
(c) w 1 – __
g ) a
(d) w __
g
compared to the girl.
(b) The boy will feel less stressed to lift the mass
15. A block of mass m is placed on the inclined surface compared to the girl.
of a smooth wedge. The whole system is acceler- (c) There is absolutely no advantage of using a
ated horizontally at acceleration ‘a’ so that the block pulley as shown in case 2.
does not slip on the wedge. The force exerted by the (d) A pulley with friction will be more
wedge on the block has a magnitude. advantageous.
(a) mg (b) less than mg 19. Two identical weights of mass M
(c) greater than ma (d) ma are connected by a thread wrapped
16. A particle is observed from two frames S1 and S2. around a fixed frictionless pulley. A
The graph of relative velocity of small weight of mass ‘m’ is placed
Vrel.
S1 with respect to S2 is shown on one of the weights and the system
in figure. Let F1 and F2 be the is allowed to move. What is reaction
pseudo forces on the particle when force between m and M?
seen from S1 and S2 respectively. O 2Mg(M + m) Mg(M + m)
Time
Which one of the following is not (a) ___________ (b) __________
2M + m 2M + m
possible?
(a) F1 = 0, F2 π 0 (b) F1 π 0, F2 = 0 mg(M + m) 2mMg
(c) __________ (d) _______
(c) F1 π 0, F2 π 0 (d) F1 = 0, F2 = 0 2M + m 2M + m
17. A physicist is present inside a train which is stationary. 20. A spring of force constant k is cut into two pieces
The floor of the train is smooth. He pushes a table such that one piece is double the length of the other.
placed on the floor to impart it a velocity ‘u’. The Then the longer piece will have a force constant of
physicist recoils. After time ‘t’, he finds that distance
(a) (2/3) k (b) (3/2) k
between him and the table is ‘x’. He repeats the same
experiment while the train is moving at a uniform (c) 3 k (d) 6 k
_› _› _› _› _›
velocity v. Once again, he pushes the table to give it a 21. Five forces F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5 are acting on a
velocity ‘u’. This time he finds the distance between particle of mass 2 kg so that it is moving with _› an
himself and the table to be ‘y’ after time ‘t’. Which acceleration of 4 ms–2 in the east direction. If F1 is
of the following options is correct? removed, then the acceleration becomes_7 ms–2 due
›
(a) y = x + vt north. Acceleration of the block if only F1 is acting,
(b) y = x – vt will be

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___
(a) 16 ms–2 (b) ÷65 ms–2 25. A helicopter of mass M is lowering a box of mass m
____ ___
(c) ÷260 ms –2
(d) ÷33 ms –2 onto the deck of a ship with help of a cable. Initially,
the helicopter and the box move downwards together
22. The helicopter shown in figure is moving to the and length of the cable remains constant. Tension in
right at a constant horizontal velocity.
_› It experiences the cable is T1 at an instant when their downward
three forces _: gravitational force (Fgravitational), the air g
› speed is decreasing at a rate of ___. Later, when the
drag force (_Fdrag) and force on it caused by motion 10
›
of rotor ( F rotor) which box gets close to the deck, the helicopter stops mov-
pushes the air. Which of ing downwards. While it hovers stationary, it lets out
the following diagrams is the cable so that the box is still moving downward.
the correct free body dia- The box is moving downward with a speed decreas-
gram representing these g
ing at rate of ___ and tension in the string is now T2.
forces on the helicopter? 10
What is the ratio T1/T2?
Frotor Frotor
10 9
(a) ___ (b) ___
11 11
(a) (b) ma (c) 1 (d) None of these
Fnet Fnet
26. A block of mass m slides down a smooth incline
Fgravitational Fgravitational as shown in the figure. The forces acting on it are
N (normal reaction) and mg
(weight). The acceleration of the
Frotor m
Frotor block is a. Two students analyse
the situation and write equations
Fdrag q
(c) (d) Fdrag applying Newton’s second law.
ma
First student : mg sin q = ma
Fgravitational Second student : mg – N cosq = ma sinq
Fgravitational
(a) Only first student is correct.
23. Which of the following statements is not true about (b) Only second student is correct.
reference frames?
(c) Both students are correct.
(a) In a noninertial reference frame, an isolated (d) Both students are wrong.
particle does not retain a constant velocity.
27. A block of mass 1 kg is kept on the ground. A verti-
(b) A reference frame travelling with acceleration
cally upward force F = (2t) N, where t is the time
relative to an inertial reference is a noninertial
in seconds, starts acting on it at t = 0. Which of the
reference frame
following is correct?
(c) In an inertial reference frame, velocity vector of
(a) Height of the block measured from the floor at
an isolated particle does not change with time
t = 4 s is 2 m
(d) An inertial frame cannot be accelerated relative
(b) Speed of the block at t = 6 s is 1 ms–1
to a noninertial frame.
(c) Speed of the block at t = 6 s is 36 ms–1
24. Consider a cart being pulled by a horse on a level
(d) Height of the block at t = 2 s is 2 m.
road with constant velocity. The _› force by the horse 28. In the figure shown, the uniform verti-
on the cart is represented by FC/h. The first subscript F
cal rope joining the two blocks has a
denotes the body on which force acts and second 2 kg
mass of 2 kg. A constant vertical force of
represents the body which applies the force. In the
F = 180 N is acting on the upper block
options below, subscript ‘C’ refers to cart, ‘h’ refers
and pulling the system upwards with some 2 kg
to horse, ‘g’ refers to gravity and ‘r’ refers to road.
acceleration. Then
Then _choose_›
the _incorrect
_›
starement.
› › (a) Tension at the midpoint of the rope 5 kg
(a) FC/g, Fh/g, FC/r, Fh/r are external forces on a
is 55 N.
system_consisting
_› _›
of _horse and cart.
› › (b) The rope pulls the 2 kg block with larger force
(b) Fh/r + FC/r + Fh/g + FC/g = 0.
_› _› _› _› than the force it exerts on 5 kg block.
(c) Fh/r + FC/r – Fh/g – FC/g = 0. (c) Acceleration of the 5 kg block is 2 ms–2.
_› _›
(d) FC/h and Fh/C are action-reaction pairs. (d) None of the above.

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29. A man is standing on a weighing machine holding a N N–1 2 1
P
weight in his hand. The machine shows a reading w.
When the man raises the weight upwards with some
acceleration, the machine records w1. Then he brings (a) 6 (b) 8
the weight down with some acceleration. This time (c) 10 (d) 12
the machine records w2. The correct option is 33. The figure shows a system of two blocks connected
(a) w1 = w = w2 (b) w1 < w < w2 by an ideal spring kept on a frictionless surface.
(c) w2 < w < w1 (d) w2 = w1 > w Block A is in equilibrium with a horizontal force F
30. Two masses m and M are suspended using massless applied to it as shown. Suddenly supporting vertical
strings as shown in the figure. In equilibrium, tan q wall PQ falls down. Then,
is P
F A B
m 2m
Q

q F
(a) initial acceleration of block A is __
m
F
m (b) initial acceleration of block B is ___
45° 45° 2m
(c) initial acceleration of block B is zero
M F
(d) initial acceleration of block A is ___
(a) q may be less than 45°. 3m
(b) tanq = 1 + (2m/M) 34. Three monkeys A, B and C
(c) tanq = 1 + (M/2m) with masses of 10 kg, 15 kg D

(d) None of these and 8 kg respectively are climb- A

31. A uniform bar of length L and mass M is placed ing up and down a light rope
on a smooth horizontal surface. In experiment I the suspended from D. At the instant
bar is pulled horizontally at end B so as to impart represented, A is descending the
it an acceleration a. In another experiment II it is rope with an acceleration of B
–2
pushed horizontally 2 ms and C is pulling itself up
L
at end A to impart it
A B with an acceleration of 1.5 ms–2.
C x a Monkey B is climbing up with
an acceleration a. C is
the section of the bar a constant speed of 0.8 ms–1. C

at a distance x(< L/2) from end B. The tension T in the rope at D

is (g = 10 ms–2)
(a) The force between part AC and BC of the bar is
higher in experiment I than in experiment II. (a) 360 N (b) 288 N
(b) The force between part AC and BC of the bar is (c) 330 N (d) 322 N
higher in experiment II than in experiment I. 35. Two identical ideal springs of spring constant
(c) The force between part AC and BC of the bar k = 1000 Nm–1 are connected to a massless pulley
cannot be equal in the two experiments for any as shown in the figure. The arrangement is in the
value of x vertical plane. The massless string passing over the
(d) The force between part AC and BC of the bar pulley carries two masses m1 = 2 kg and m2 = 3 kg.
is equal in both experiments. Pulley remains at rest if q is 60°. The elongation in
32. The figure shows N identical blocks connected each spring is
with identical ideal springs and placed on a smooth
q q
horizontal surface. A constant force is pulling the
blocks horizontally. During motion all the springs
have acquired their stable configurations (i.e, length
of each spring has become constant). If the stretch
in spring connecting 4th and 5th block is two times
that between 8th and 9th block, then what is total m1
number of blocks? m2

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 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
(a) 2.77 cm (b) 1.6 cm (a) zero (b) M (cos a – cos b)g
(c) 4.8 cm (d) None of these (c) M (tan a – tan b)g (d) None of these
36. A 70 kg man standing on a weighing 40. Readings shown in two spring balances S1 and S2
machine in a 50 kg lift pulls on the rope are 90 kg and 30 kg respec- –2
10 ms
which supports the lift as shown in the tively when lift is accelerating
figure. Mass of rope is negligible.The upwards with acceleration 10
force with which the man should pull ms–2. The mass is stationary S1
on the rope to keep the lift stationary, with respect to the lift. Then
and the weight of the man as shown by the mass of the block is m
the weighing machine are (a) 60 kg
(a) 1200 N and 0 respectively (b) 30 kg S2
(b) 600 N and 0 respectively (c) 120 kg
(c) 600 N and 100 N respectively (d) None of the above
(d) 400 N and 300 N respectively. 41. A rod has length L and mass M. It is pulled at its
37. Two blocks, each of mass ‘m’, are connected using two ends with forces F1 and F2 (where F2 < F1).
an ideal spring of force constant ‘k’ and placed on Find tension in the rod at a distance y from the end
a smooth table as shown in the figure. Now a hori- where F1 is applied.
zontal force ‘F’ is applied to ‘B’. After some time
the displacement of ‘B’ relative to ‘A’ is ‘x’ towards [ (
y
(a) F1 1 – __ – F2 __
L ) y
L ( )]
[ )]
right. The acceler-
ation of ‘B’ rela-
A
m
k
B
m
F
(
y
(b) F1 1 + __ + F2 __
L ) y
L (
tive to ‘A’ at that
moment is [ (
y
(c) F1 1 + __ – F2 __
L ) y
L ( )]
F – kx
(a) ______
m
F
(b) ___
2m [ (
y
(d) F1 1 – __ + F2 __
L ) y
L ( )]
F – 2kx 42. A student thinks about the following four arrange-
(c) _______
m (d) Data insufficient ments to raise two small blocks, each having mass
m. Which of the arrangements would take minimum
38. In the figure a block ‘A’ of mass ‘m’ is attached at time? Neglect mass of pulleys and threads.
one end of a light spring and the other end of the
spring is connected to another block ‘B’ of mass 2m
F F
through a light string. ‘A’ is held F
and B is in static equilibrium. Now
(a) (b)
A is released. The acceleration of
A just after that instant is ‘a’. In m m
the next case, B is held and A is m m
in static equilibrium. Now when B
is released, its acceleration imme- F
diately after the release is ‘b’. The
value of a/b is (pulley, string and the A m 2m B (c) (d)
spring are massless) m
m
1
(a) 0 (b) __ 43. A particle of mass m is kept in equilibrium with the
2
(c) 2 (d) undefined help of five springs as shown in the figure (the figure
is in vertical plane).
39. A uniform rope of length L and mass M is placed
Measurement shows that
on a smooth fixed wedge as
one of the
_› springs applies m
shown in the figure. Both
ends of rope are at the same a force F on the sphere.
horizontal level. If the rope With what acceleration
is initially released from rest, the sphere will move
then the magnitude of initial immediately after this
acceleration of rope is particular spring is cut?

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_›
(a) zero (b) F/m (d) Normal force by the wall on the ball will be
_› less than Mg if L > 2R
(c) – F/m (d) None of the above
48. Two smooth cylinders each of radius R and weight
44. A solid cylinder of mass W rest one on the other between
10 kg is at rest on two two vertical walls as shown in the
smooth inclined planes 2 1
figure. Distance between the walls
as shown in the figure. 60° 30°
is (18/5) R. The forces between the
(g = 10 ms–2) lower cylinder and the vertical wall
(a) Normal force by both inclines on the cylinder and that between the floor and the
will be same which is equal to 50 N __ lower cylinder are
(b) Normal force by incline 1 and 2 will be 50÷3 N (a) W/4 and 2W (b) W/4 and W
and 50 N, respectively. (c) 3W/4 and 2W (d) W and W
(c) Normal __force by incline 1 and 2 will be 50 N 49. To demostrate the advantage of
and 50÷3 N respectively a pulley system, a man of mass
(d) None of the above. M stands on a platform of equal
45. The figure shows a wedge of mass 2 kg resting on a mass M and pulls himself by
frictionless floor. A block two ropes passing over pulleys
of mass 1 kg is kept on 1 kg as shown in the figure. Ropes
the wedge and the wedge and pulleys are massless.
2kg
is given an acceleration (a) If he pulls each rope with
–2 37°
of 5 ms towards right. a force equal to half his
Then weight, his upward acceleration would be g
(a) the block will remain stationary with respect to (b) If he pulls each rope with force equal to one
the wedge fourth of his weight the rope will slip from his
(b) the block will have an acceleration of 1 ms–2 hands.
with respect to the wedge (c) If he wants to move up with a constant accelera-
(c) normal reaction on the block is 11 N tion of g/4 he can pull the two ropes with equal
(d) net force acting on the wedge is 2 N force of (3/8) Mg.
46. A block of mass M is rest- (d) None of the above.
ing on a smooth inclined 50. A sphere rests between a vertical wall and another
M
plane having an inclination inclined wall of a carriage as shown. The inclined
angle 45° as shown in the wall AB of the carriage makes an angle 30° with the
figure. The block is tied by a horizontal and the wall BC is vertical. The carriage
45°
horizontal string and stays in lies on a fixed horizontal surface and is being pulled
equilibrium. Then, towards left with an horizontal acceleration ‘a’. The
(a) Tension in the string is Mg. magnitude of normal reactions exerted by walls AB
(b) Tension in the string is 2 Mg. and BC on the sphere
(c) Force by the incline on the block is Mg. are NAB and N BC A C
(d) Force by the incline on the block is 2 Mg. respectively. Neglect
47. A uniform sphere of mass M friction everywhere.
and radius 3R is being held by a As the magnitude of a
acceleration ‘a’ of the 30° B
string of length L attached to a Wall
frictionless wall as shown in the carriage is increased,
figure. The length of the string pick up the correct
is normal to the surface of the statement.
sphere.The tension in the string (a) NAB increases and NBC decreases.
will be (b) Both NAB and NBC increase.
(a) Tension in the string will be (3/2) Mg if (c) NAB remains constant and NBC increases.
L = 2R (d) NAB increases and NBC remains constant.
(b) Tension in the string will be greater than (5/4) 51. A 1 kg block ‘B’ rests as shown in the figure on an
Mg if L > 2R L shaped bracket ‘A’ of same mass. Friction is absent
(c) Normal force by the wall on the ball will be
(5/4 )Mg if L = 2R
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everywhere. Pulley and string are light. Constant radius 3r. The ratio of the O
forces F1 = 20 N on the bracket and F2 = 8 N on reaction force between the 3r 3r
the free end of the cup and any sphere to the
string start to act reaction force between two
r r
at time t = 0 when 50 cm spheres is
F2
the distance of F1 (a) 1
block B from pul- B
(b) 2
ley is 50 cm. The A
time when block B (c) 3
reaches the pulley is (d) None
(a) 0.2 s (b) 0.8 s 55. A block of mass M produces an extension of 9 cm
when it is hung by an elastic spring
(c) 1.0 s (d) 0.5 s 20 cm
of length 60 cm and is in equilib-
52. A light spring is compressed and placed horizontally rium. The spring is cut into two
between a vertical fixed wall and a block free to slide parts, one of length 40 cm and the
over a smooth horizontal surface as shown in the other of length 20 cm. The same
figure. The block is not tied to the spring. The system load hangs in equilibrium sup-
is released from rest. The magnitude of acceleration M
ported by both parts as shown in
of the wall as observed the figure. The extension in cm, now is
by an observer moving
with the block is ‘a’. (a) 9 (b) 6
The graph which (c) 3 (d) 2
represents the relation 56. Block A in the figure is released from rest when the
between ‘a’ and the extension in the spring is x0. Immediately after the
distance ‘x’ travelled by the observer is release the acceleration of the block was found to
be g/2 directed downwards. When the acceleration
of the block becomes 0.1 g upwards, the extension
in the spring will be
(a) a (b) a

O x O x K

(c) a (d) a
A M

O x O x
(a) 2.2 x0 (b) 2 x0
53. The figure shows two blocks 10 kg (c) 1.2 x0 (d) None of the above.
A and B connected to an ideal B
57. A block lies on top of a fixed wedge kept on a
pulley-string system. The system
horizontal table as shown in the figure. After the
is released and moves without
block is released it takes time T1 to reach the table.
friction.
Now the wedge is set free to move on the table and
(a) Acceleration of block A is the experiment is repeated again. This time the block
1 ms–2 takes time T2 to hit the table. There is no friction.
(b) Acceleration of block A is 40 kg A a
0.5 ms–2
(c) Tension in the string connected to block B is
40 N
(d) Tension in the string connected to block B is q
80 N
54. Two identical smooth spheres of radius r are placed (a) T1 > T2 (b) T1 < T2
on the inner surface of a smooth spherical cup of (c) T1 = T2 (d) Data insufficient

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58. Inside a horizontally moving train, an experimenter 61. A plumb bob is hung from the ceiling of a train com-
finds that when a body of mass 1 kg is placed on partment. The train is climbing a 30° incline with an
a smooth horizontal table and is released, it moves acceleration of g/2. The bob is not oscillating. Angle
with an acceleration of 10 ms–2. Now she suspends the string supporting the bob makes with the normal
the same body from the ceiling using a light string. to the ceiling is
The tension in the string in equilibrium position (with
(a) 30° (b) 45°
respect to experimenter) will be (Take g = 10 ms–2)
(a) 10 N
(c) 20 N
__
(b) 10 ÷2 N.
(d) zero
(c) tan –1
( )
2__
___
÷3
()
2
(d) tan–1 __
3
62. A uniform rope of mass m supports a block of mass M
59. A block of mass m lies on a smooth inclined surface
hanging from the ceiling of an elevator. The ratio
of a wedge of mass M. The wedge is free to move on
between the tension at the lowest point of the rope
a fixed smooth horizontal surface. A horizontal force
when the elevator has an acceleration g/2 upward, the
of magnitude F is applied on the block as shown in
tension at the top point when the acceleration of the
the figure. The value of force F such that block has
elevator is g/2 downward and the tension at the mid
no relative motion with respect to the wedge is
point of the rope when the elevator moves uniformly
is given by
m F
(a) 3M : (M + m) : (2M + m)
M (b) M : (M + m) : (2M + m)
q (c) 3M : (M + 2m) : (2M + m)
(d) M : (M + m) : (3M + m)
(a) (M + m) g tan q (b) (M + m) g cot q 63. Consider the situation shown in the figure. The cart
of mass M0 has all its faces smooth.The cart is being
m m
(c) __ (M + m) g tan q (d) __ (M + m) g cot q pushed with a force F so as to keep the two blocks
M M
at rest relative to the cart. The string and pulley are
60. A fixed smooth incline surface has an inclination light and the cart is on a smooth horizontal surface.
with the horizontal. A wedge B of mass m is placed
on the incline as shown in figure. A block A of mass
m rests on the smooth horizontal surface of wedge Smooth M
B. The displacement of block A in 1 s, if the system
is released from rest, is M0 m
F
Smooth

(a) Unique value of F for which the blocks remain at

rest relative to the cart is (M0 + M + m) Mg/m
(b) Unique value of F for which the blocks remain at
(1 + sin2q) g sin q rest relative to the cart is (M0 + M + m) mg/M
(a) g __________ (b) ______
(2 + cos2q) 2 (c) There exists more than one value of F for which
blocks M and m remain stationary with respect
cos2q sin2q to the cart.
(c) g ________ (d) g ________
1 + sin2q 1 + sin2q (d) Since there is no friction, therefore, blocks M and
m cannot be in equilibrium with respect to M0.

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Worksheet 2
1. A light string is wrapped round a heavy disc lying 4. Seven identical blocks are to be stacked in three
flat on a horizontal surface and it is pulled with a columns A, B and C (figure gives an example) and
force F as shown in the figure. It is observed that the pushed across a frictionless surface by a horizontal
disc just begins to slide when force F is equal to F0 force F. Assume that blocks do not slip with respect
with q = q0. Which of the following statements are to each other. You have
true? flexibility of arranging the
blocks in three columns,
with a minimum of one in
each.
(a) There is only one arrangement possible which
(a) Tension T in the string decreases with increase results in maximum acceleration of the system
in q of blocks.
(b) Tension T > F if q > p/3 (b) To maximise the force on column C due to
(c) The disc can accelerate if F < 0 and q < q0 column B, number of blocks in three columns
shall be A : 1, B : 1, : 5.
(d) The disc can accelerate if F < F0 and q > q0
(c) to maximise net force on column B the number
2. In the arrangement shown in fig-
of blocks in three columns shall be- A : 1, B : 5,
ure, all pulleys and strings are
C:1
massless. Force P applied at the
free end is just sufficient to keep (d) the only arrangement to maximise force on
the 1.4 kg block in equilibrium as column B applied by A is- A : 1; B : 5; C : 1.
shown. Which of the following 5. Three blocks are arranged as shown in the figure.
options are correct? The masses of blocks A, and C are 1 kg, 3 kg and
1 kg respectively. All surfaces
(a) Tension in the upper cable
are smooth. A force F = 50 N
is 16 N.
acts on A making an angle of
(b) If force P is increased by 1 N, the middle pulley tan–1 (3/4) with the horizontal as
will begin to move down with an acceleration shown.
of 5 ms–2.
(a) At the instant shown, the force which A exerts
(c) If force P is increased by 1 N, the lower pulley
on B is 20 N.
will begin to move down with an acceleration
of 15 ms–2. (b) The force that B exerts on A is 30 N.
(d) None of the above. (c) If F is decreased the interaction force between
B and C will also decrease.
3. Two monkeys of masses 10 kg
and 8 kg are on a light vertical (d) Increasing the mass of C will decrease accelera-
rope.The heavier one is above tion of A.
the lighter one. The 10 kg mon- 6. In the system shown in the figure mass of A is m1
key is tightly gripping the rope and that of block is m2 (m2 < m1).
so as to remain stationary while System is held at rest by a thread
the other is coming down with connecting B to ground. Just after
a uniform velocity. this thread is burnt
(a) The force that the 10 kg monkey must apply on (a) Acceleration of B will be
the rope is 180 N upwards
(b) The heavier monkey begins to climb up the rope (b) Magnitude of acceleration of
with an acceleration of 2 m/s2. Tension at the
both blocks will be equal to
top end of the rope is now equal to 120 N.
(c) The heavier monkey begins to climb up the rope
with an acceleration of 2 m/s–2. Tension at the
(m 1 – m2
_______
m1 + m2
g.)
top end of the rope is now equal to 200 N. (c) Acceleration of A will be equal
(d) The maximum acceleration with which the 10 kg to zero
monkey can climb down the rope is 18 ms–2.

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(d) Magnitude of acceleration of two blocks will be 10. A rod of mass m and length l (< 2R)
non-zero. is kept inside a smooth spherical shell
7. An open railway wagon_ moves along the X-axis with of radius R in horizontal position as
› shown in the figure. Which of the
a uniform acceleration a . A boy in the train sets a ball
_›
in motion on the frictionless floor with a_ velocity u following are correct?
›
relative to the wagon. The direction of u makes an (a) Keeping mass to be constant if length of the
angle q (0 ° < q < 90°) with the X-axis. A girl stand- rod is increased (but always < 2R) the normal
ing on the ground also observes the ball move on the reactions at two ends of the rod will increase.
floor of the wagon. The subsequent path of the ball (b) Keeping mass to be constant if length of the
will be rod is increased (but always < 2R) the normal
(a) a straight line for the boy. reactions at two ends of the rod will decrease.
(b) a straight line for the girl. (c) The normal reaction at each end when l = R
(c) parabolic for the boy. mg
is ______
(d) parabolic for the girl. 2 ÷3
8. A flexible chain of weight W hangs between two (d) Keeping the mass of the rod fixed, the radius of
fixed points A and B which are at the same horizontal the shell and length of rod are increased in same
level. The inclination of the chain with the horizontal proportion. The normal force also increases.
at both ends is q. 11. The incline surface AC of the wedge shown in the
W
(a) Tension at the mid point of the chain is __ figure has a length of 1 m. The wedge is moved
2 horizontally towards right with an acceleration a0 =
cosec q.
(b) Horizontal component of tension at all points in g = 10 ms–2. A block is released at the midpoint of
the chain is same. the smooth inclined plane.
(c) The resultant of forces applied by the supports
at the two ends is equal to W.
(d) The resultant of vertical components of forces
applied by the supports at the two ends is equal
to W.
9. A light rope fixed at one end to a clamp on ground
passes over a fixed smooth pulley and hangs on
the other side. It makes an angle of 30° with the (a) Acceleration of the block relative to the incline
ground. A monkey of mass 5 kg climbs up the rope. has magnitude of nearly 3.65 ms–2.
The clamp can tolerate a vertical force of 40 N only, (b) Block reaches the toe of the incline (C) in
though it can tolerate a large horizontal force. The time nearly equal to 0.74 s
maximum acceleration in upward direction with which (c) Block leaves the wedge after a time of 0.74 s
the monkey can climb safely is (neglect friction) (d) The force applied by the incline on the block is
larger than the weight of the block.
12. In the Atwood machine shown in
the figure, two bars have lengths
2 m and 4 m. Their masses are
4 kg and 1 kg respectively.
(a) The bars are held with
the lower edge of 4 kg
bar at the same horizontal
(a) 6 ms–2 if the rope can tolerate a tension of level as the upper edge of
90 N. the other bar. If the system
(b) 4 ms–2 if the rope can tolerate a tension of is released from this posi-
70 N. tion, the time required for
(c) 6 ms–2 if the support of the pulley can tolerate the bars to cross each other will be 1 s.
a maximum vertical pull of 140 N. (b) The 1 kg bar is being pulled down with a
(d) 2 ms–2 if the support of the pulley can tolerate constant speed of 2 ms–1 and it is released when
a maximum vertical pull of 90 N. its upper edge is at the same level as the lower

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edge of 4 kg bar. Time required for the bars to
___
÷10 + 1)
(________
cross each other will be s.
3
(c) The 1 kg bar is being pulled down with a
constant speed of 2 ms–1 and it is released when
its upper edge is at the same level as the lower
edge of 4 kg bar. Time required for the bars to
cross each other will be 1 s.
(d) None of the above.
(a) Acceleration of ‘A’ relative to ground is in
13. A physicist calculates the acceleration of
negative y-direction
(m1 – m2) g
m1 in the figure shown as a1 = __________. (b) Acceleration of ‘A’ relative to B is in positive
m1 + m2
x-direction
Which assumption is not required to do this
(c) The horizontal acceleration of ‘B’ relative to
calculation?
ground is in negative x-direction.
(a) The string holding the pulley to the
ceiling is massless. (d) The component of acceleration of ‘B’
(relative to ground) directed parallel to the
(b) String is massless.
inclined surface of ‘C’ is greater than g sin q.
(c) Pulley is massless.
17. Two men of unequal masses hold
(d) String is inextensible.
on to the two sections of a light
14. A frictionless wire is fixed rope passing over a smooth light
between points A and B inside pulley. Which of the following are
a vertical ring of radius R. possible?
The wire makes an angle q
with vertical. A bead of mass (a) The lighter man is stationary
m slips along the wire. Which while the heavier man slides
of the following is true? with some acceleration
(b) The heavier man is stationary while the lighter
(a) The time taken by the bead to slip from A to B
man climbs with some acceleration
will be independent of q.
(c) The two men slide with the same acceleration
(b) The time taken by the bead to slip from A to B
______ in the same direction
will be gR / ÷g cos q .
(d) The two men move with accelerations of the
(c) Horizontal force needed to keep the ring fixed
same magnitude in opposite directions.
in its position is maximum when q = 45°.
18. A cart of mass 0.5 kg is placed on a smooth surface
(d) Horizontal force needed to keep the ring fixed
and is connected by a string to a block of mass
in its position is dependent on mass of the ring
0.2 kg. At the initial moment the cart moves to the
as well.
left along a horizontal plane at a speed of 7 ms–1.
15. Two blocks of masses m1 = 2 kg (Use g = 9.8 ms–2)
and m2 = 5 kg hang over a massless
pulley with the help of a massless
string as shown in the figure. A
vertical force F0 = 100 N acting
at the centre of the pulley accel-
erates the system upwards. Then
(Take g = 9.8 ms–2)
(a) Acceleration of pulley is
7.5 ms–2
(b) Acceleration of 5 kg mass is 0.2 ms–2
(c) Acceleration of both the masses is same 2g
(d) Acceleration of both the masses is upward (a) The acceleration of the cart is ___ towards
7
right.
16. In the arrangement shown in the figure, all the sur-
faces are smooth. All the blocks A, B and C are free (b) The cart comes to momentary rest after 2.5 s.
to move. Just after the system is relased from the
position shown

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(c) The distance travelled by the cart in the first 5 s 22. A small ball is connected to one end of a string
is 17.5 m. passing over a pulley fixed to the ceiling inside a car.
(d) The velocity of the cart after 5 s will be same The second end of the string is in the hand of a man
as its initial velocity. standing in the car. The car is moving with constant
19. In the arrangement shown, acceleration ‘a’ directed horizontally as shown in
all surfaces are smooth the figure. The ball stays in equilibrium inside the
and string and pulley are car with the string making a fixed angle with the
light. Mass of A is twice vertical.
that of B. The free end of
the string is pulled with a
force F equal to half the weight of A.
(a) When F is horizontal aA = 0, aB π 0
(b) When F makes an acute angle with horizontal
aA = 0, aB π 0
(c) When F makes an acute angle with horizontal
aA = 0, aB π 0
(d) When F makes angle 60° with horizontal (a) The______
tension in the string is equal to
aB = 4 aA m ÷g2 + a2
20. The system shown is in equi- (b) The man begins to slowly pull the other end
librium. All the strings and pul- of the string. The angle that the string hold-
leys are massless. Which of the ing the ball makes with the vertical begins to
followings are true immediately increase.
after the string above B is cut? (c) The man begins to pull the other end with a
(a) Rate of change of velocity constant acceleration ‘a’ vertically downward.
______
of B relative to A is 2g The tension in the string becomes m ÷g2 + a2
(b) Rate of change of velocity + ma
of B relative to C is 0 (d) The man suddenly leaves the string and finds
(c) Rate of change of velocity the ball to fall down vertically.
of C relative to A is 2g
23. Two blocks ‘A’ and ‘B’ each of mass ‘m’ are placed
(d) Tension in spring of force constant K2 will be on a smooth horizontal surface. The inclined surfaces
higher than tension in the other spring of the blocks in contact are also smooth. A horizon-
21. The figure shows two identical blocks of mass m kept tal force F is applied on block ‘B’ as shown in the
on smooth floor of a train. Block A is connected to figure.
front wall with a straight string and block B is con-
nected to the rear wall with a relaxed spring. Mark
the correct statement (s).

(a) Block A does not slide on block B if the applied

2mg
force is such that F < ____
__ .
÷3
(a) When train moves with constant velocity, there
(b) Block A does slide on block B if the applied
is no tension either in the string or spring. mg
(b) When train speeds up the string gets taut and force is such that F > ___
__
the spring is compressed such that force exerted ÷3
by each on respective blocks is same. (c) Block A does not slide on block B. The normal
(c) When train slows down, block A moves towards reaction acting between the two blocks is F
the front wall. (d) Whatever be the value of F, block A cannot
(d) When train keeps slowing down, resultant force move relative to B.
on block A is non zero in the ground frame. 24. A particle is found to be at rest when seen from a
bus (B) and moving with a constant velocity when
seen from a car (C). Markout the possible options.

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(a) Reference frames attached to both B and C are (c) Force exerted by the string on the pulley
inertial 2 m1m2
(b) Reference frames attached to both B and C are is _______ a
m1 + m2
noninertial.
(d) None of the above
(c) Reference frames attached to B is inertial and
that attached to is non inertial. 27. In the arrangement shown in the figure, all the sur-
face are frictionless and pulleys and string are light.
(d) None of the above is possible.
The three blocks have equal mass. The system is
25. Seven pulleys are connected with the help of three released from rest. Immediately after the release,
light strings as shown in the figure below. P3, P4,
P5 are light pulleys and pulleys P6 and P7 have
mass m each. For this arrangement mark the correct
statement (s).

(a) Accelerations of A and B will be equal in

magnitude.
(b) Magnitude of acceleration of B will be 4/3 times
the acceleration of A
(c) Acceleration of B is 2g/13
(d) None of the above.
(a) tension in the string connecting P1, P3 and P4
28. A body of mass m = 1.8 kg is placed on an inclined
is zero
plane, the angle of inclination is a = 37° and is
(b) tension in the string connecting P1, P3 and P4 attached to the top end of the slope with a light thread
is mg. which is parallel to the slope. The incline plane is
(c) tension in all the 3 strings is zero moved with a horizontal acceleration a towards right.
(d) acceleration of both P 6 and P 7 is ‘g’ Friction is negligible.
downward
26. Figure shows a smooth cart on a smooth surface with
a horizontal Atwood machine on it. Pulley and string
are massless. An external horizontal force starts act-
ing on the cart when the cart was at rest so as to
impart it a constant acceleration a.

5
(a) The acceleration is __ ms–2 if the body pushes
3
3
the slope with a force of __ mg.
4
(b) The minimum value of acceleration for which
the body will lose contact with the plane is
40
___
(a) The magnitudes of velocities of blocks m1 and ms–2
3
m2 with respect to the pulley will be same at a 2
(c) The acceleration is __ ms–2 if the body pushes
small time after the start. 3 3
(b) The string connecting the two blocks remains the slope with a force of __ mg.
4
taut as velocities of two blocks are equal and (d) The body cannot lose contact with the incline
opposite at any time. for any value of a.

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Worksheet 3
1. You are driving a sports car on a straight road cruis- to the horizontal. Find the tension in the string con-
ing at a constant speed of 150 km/h. You overtake an necting the two blocks.
old Honda City which is doing a constant 80 km/h. 5. A block of mass M is kept on
Mass of the sports car is 1.5 times that of Honda a smooth incline having incli-
City. On which car is the net force greater? nation angle q = 30°. Find the
2. A heavy rope is to be fixed between two walls A vertical force F that must be
and B. Argue qualitatively that however hard we may applied to prevent the block
try there will always be some sag in the rope and it from accelerating.
cannot remain perfectly horizontal. 6. In the last question, the force
(F) is applied making an angle of 30° with the incline
to keep the body in equilibrium. Find the normal
force applied by the block on the incline.

3. Three large blocks A, B and C have been stacked

against a wall as shown in the figure. Masses of
the blocks are mA = 50 kg, mB = 100 kg and mC =
150 kg. A man M1 pushes the block A horizontally
with a force of 200 N. Another man M2 is standing
on B and is pushing C with a horizontal force of
100 N. There is no friction between the three blocks
and the ground.
7. In the arrangement shown in figure, string and pulley

()
3
5 ()4
are light and a = sin–1 __ , b = sin–1 __ . Find the
5
ratio of m1 and m2 if the system is in equilibrium.

(i) Find normal force (N1) between A and B.

(ii) Find normal force (N3) between C and the
wall.
(iii) If M 2 stops pushing, find the values of M M M
N1 and N3. 8. Infinite number of blocks of masses M, __, __, __ ....
2 4 8
(iv) Find force applied by B on man M2 , if mass of are connected using light strings as shown in figure.
M2 is 40 kg. There is no friction. The system is released.
4. Two blocks of masses M = 10 kg and m = 5 kg are
kept on a smooth horizontal surface connected by
a massless string. The block of mass M is pulled
using another
light string. This
string has a light
spring balance
attached to it. (a) Find acceleration of the blocks.
The pull force (b) Find tension in the string connecting block num-
(as indicated by ber 2 and 3.
the spring balance) is F = 30 N at an angle q = 60°
9. Two men and a boy push a smooth wheeled box
on a horizontal surface. They intend to push it in x

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direction.
_› Two_› men exert 13. In the arrangement shown, pulleys and strings are
forces F1 and F2 as shown mass less and incline surface is smooth. Mass
in the figure. of each of B and C is 2 kg and the system is in
equilibrium.
(i) Calculate the small-
est force that the boy
should exert on the
box.
(ii) If the boy exerts the
smallest force found in (i), the box accelerates at
2.0 ms–2 in x direction. Find mass of the box.
10. A ring of mass M is sus-
pended from the ceiling of
a room from point O. The (a) Find mass of A.
three strings used to sus- (b) Find force applied by the string on the pulley Q.
pend the ring are massless (c) If the string connecting A and C is cut, find the
5
and each has length __ R acceleration of A relative to B.
3
where R is radius of the 14. In the figure shown, mass of block A is M. Thread
ring. Points A, B and C and pulley are massless and incline is smooth. Find
are equidistant from each other and O is vertically mass (m) of block B if
above the centre P of the ring. Find tension in each (i) B is found to be moving up with a constant
string. velocity.
11. A lift starts from ground floor and stops at the 10th (ii) B is found to be moving down with a constant
floor. The speed vs time graph for the journey is as velocity.
shown in figure. Mass of the empty lift is 100 kg
and there is a passenger of mass 50 kg inside it.
( = 9.8 ms–2)

15. Two blocks A and B are placed on a smooth incline

plane with a massless spring separating them. The
spring has a force constant k and is not tied to the
(a) What is the height of each floor in the blocks. A stopper S keeps the system at rest. Each
building? block has a mass m and inclination angle of the
(b) Find tension in the cable pulling the lift at incline is q.
times
(i) 1 s (ii) 6 s and (iii) 11 s
(c) What is the maximum weight (in kg wt) felt
by the passenger during the course of his
journey?
12. Three identical equilateral prisms A, B and C are
arranged as shown in the figure. Mass of each prism
is M. Two horizontal forces of equal magnitude (F)
are applied on A and C as shown. Find minimum (a) Find the compression (x) in the spring.
value of F so that A and C lose contact with the (b) Find the accelerations of A and B immediately
floor. Neglect friction. after the stopper S is removed.
16. In the arrangement shown in the figure, mass of both
A and B is m. String and pulleys are light and there
is no friction. A horizontal force F is applied on A
as shown. Find acceleration of B.

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(a) Find the normal force applied by the trough wall
on each ball.
(b) Find force applied by the rod on each ball.
21. A thin semicircular pipe has been bent in the shape
of a semicircle of radius R and is held fixed. An
17. Two blocks A and B are con- ideal spring is inserted inside the pipe as shown in
nected to a pulley system as figure. Two balls, each of mass m, are released at two
shown. Masses of the blocks ends of the pipe and the system is allowed to settle
are 1 kg and 2 kg respectively in equilibrium (see second figure). In equilibrium,
and the strings as well as pul- compression in the spring is found to be x. Find force
leys are massless. Initially pul- constant (k) of the spring.
ley Q is held such that both
strings are just taut. At time
t = 0, a force F = 40 t N begins
to act in the vertical direction
on pulley Q. Find
(i) velocity of A when B loses contact with the
floor.
(ii) height raised by pulley P up to that instant. 22. A smooth incline (inclination angle = ) has two
pegs A and B fixed
18. A bar of mass m resting on a smooth horizontal
mg at same horizontal
plane starts moving due to a force F of magnitude ___ level. A uniform
3
applied to it. In the process of its rectilinear motion, chain of mass M is
the angle q between the direction of this force and tied to the pegs and
horizontal varies as q = ks where k is a positive lies on the incline
constant and s is distance travelled by the bar. Find surface as shown
the speed of the bar as a function of angle q. Assume in the figure. Find
q < p/2. tension at the midpoint of the chain. At its two ends
19. Figure (A) shows a wedge of inclination angle q and the chain makes an angle q with line AB.
mass M placed on a smooth table. A block of mass 23. A smooth incline has inclination angle
m is kept on its smooth incline surface and is con- with the horizontal. A metal wall is fixed on it mak-
nected to a the top of the wedge using a light string. ing angle q with the base line AB. The wall surface
In figure (B), the arrangement is same except for the is perpendicular to
string getting replaced by a light spring of force con- the incline surface
stant k. When system (A) is released the acceleration and is smooth. A
of the wedge is a1 and when system (B) is released block P of mass
with spring in its natural length, the acceleration of m is released on
the wedge immediately after the release was found the incline and
to be a2. Find a1 and a2. it moves down,
while remaining
in contact with the wall. Calculate the resultant of
forces applied by the incline and the wall on the
block.
24. In the previous problem, the whole arrangement is
kept inside an elevator going up with an acceleration
a. How will the answer to the question change?
25. A ball of mass M is held at rest with the help of
20. A light rigid rod of length R has two small balls A two light strings
and B attached to its ends. and AB. AB is horizon-
Each ball has mass m. The tal and OA makes an
rod is kept horizontally inside angle q with the verti-
a fixed smooth hemispherical cal. String AB is cut.
trough of radius R. Find tension in OA

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(a) just before AB is cut
(b) just after AB is cut.
26. In the arrangement shown in the figure, mass of both
A and B is m and wedge has a mass M. String and
pulleys are massless. Find acceleration of the wedge
after the system is released. Neglect friction.

30. In the arrangement shown in the figure, all the sur-

faces are smooth
and string and
pulleys are light.
Find acceleration
of A if masses of
A, B and C are equal.
31. In the arrangement shown in the figure, A, B and
27. Wedge A having mass 20 kg is place on a smooth
C are free to move and there is no friction. Pulley
horizontal surface. Block B of mass 10 kg lies on a
and string are light. Masses of A, B and C are same
smooth surface of the wedge and is connected to a
(= M).
light string passing over a massless pulley to the other
side. A force F = 100 N is applied on the free end of
the string parallel to the incline surface as shown in
the figure. The segment of string on the left side is
also parallel to the incline surface on which B lies.

(a) What value of horizontal force (F) applied to A

will ensure that B neither rises nor falls?
(b) Assume F = 0. Find the acceleration of A.
32. In the arrangement shown in the figure, A is a nail
fixed on a vertical wall. It
(a) Find acceleration of B relative to A. can sustain a vertical pull
of 200 N. H is a metal
(b) Find force applied by the horizontal surface on
hook having mass 5 kg. S1
wedge A.
and S2 are two massless
28. In the arrangement shown in the fig- strings and rod R has mass
ure, mass of the block is 1.5 times 10 kg. The strings connect
that of the rod. Length of the rod the two ends of the rod to
is L. Block is set at the same level the hook H and the strings
as the lower end of the rod and the
system is released. How soon will
the block be positioned opposite to
make angle q = tan–1 __ ()
3
4
with the horizontal. Each string can tolerate a tension
the upper end of the rod? Threads of 120 N. Calculate the maximum mass of a block B
and pulleys are massless. that can be attached to the centre of the rod so that
29. In the arrangement shown in the the system does not fail.
figure, mass of block B is 4 times 33. A toy cart (C) has a mass of 4 kg and length L = 50
that of A. Pulleys and string are cm. A small object (A) of mass 1 kg is placed at its
massless. Find the magnitude of left end. The cart is connected to a vertically hanging
acceleration of A with respect to the block B as shown in the figure. String and pulley are
ground after the system is released. massless and there is no friction anywhere. After the
There is no friction system is released, A falls off the cart in 1 s. Find
mass of B.

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L 37. A body of mass M lies on a smooth horizontal sur-
C face connected to a relaxed massless spring (see the
A
figure). The surface is gradually inclined from 0° to
90°. Plot the extension in the spring vs the inclination
angle q.

34. A spherical ball is placed inside a V-shaped groove in

a block as shown in the
figure. Inclination of
both the groove walls
is q with the horizontal.
38. A disc of mass M and radius R is standing against
The block is moved to
a step having height d. The disc touches the step at
right with acceleration
A. A force F is applied on the disc perpendicular to
a. [Neglect friction]
its radius AO. The force is in the plane of the disc.
(a) If a is increased, where is the ball likely to lose Find minimum value of F needed to move the disc.
contact - at P or at Q? There is no friction.
(b) Find the value of a for which the sphere just
loses contact at P or Q.
35. A block of mass m is suspended using a massless
spring. A horizontal plate beneath the block also
supports it. Initially the
normal force applied by
the plate on the block
is 2 mg and the block is
in equilibrium. Now the 39. In the arrangement shown in the
plate is gradually low- figure, pulley P has mass m0. There
ered. Plot a graph show- is no friction and threads are light.
ing the variation of nor- Find value of applied force F so that
mal force (N) applied by the plate on the block vs pulley P accelerates up.
distance moved (x) by the plate.
36. A block of mass 15 kg is held
at rest tied to three identi-
cal elastic cords of negli-
gible mass. Tension in each
of the cords B and C tied to
the floor is 7.5 N. Find the
minimum mass that can be
added to the block so that B
and C become relaxed.

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn
1. No 2. Air friction balances gravity 3. Dust particles
__
–2
4. 2 ÷5 ms 5. 200040 N 7. 45 N 8. No
9. (i) 78.4 N (ii) 49 N 10. (i) 98 N (ii) Yes 11. F

14. (i)

__
÷3 Mg
15. (i) T = 100 N (ii) 60 N (iii) 120 N 16. 100 N 17. ______
____________
2
18. ( ÷(M + m)2 + m2 ) g 19. Mg 20. 90 N

m2 g sin q
21. ________ 22. 3.3 m 23. a = 0 and T = 10 N
m1 + m2
__
2 ( ÷3 – 1 ) g 1
24. __________ 26. 2 N, the force will change to 3 N 27. ______ ms–2
3 2n – 1
28. 24 N and 8 N 29. 180 N, 140 N 30. 4 ms–2, 8 N 31.mg cos q sin q
32. (i) 0.1 m (ii) 0.067 m 33. 0.2 m 34. (a) 16 N (b) 32 N
35. Yes 36. (i) Zero (ii) g ( ) 37. 1.6 38. 500 N
–2
39. 66 kg, 0.9 ms 40. 612 N, 882 N, 1152 N 41. 640 N
__
42. (g + a) sin q 43. 2÷2 s 44. g tan q 45. (i) g (ii) g + 2
32 80 70 30 20
46. ___ N 47. (a) ___ ms–2 (b) 5 ms–2 (c) ___ ms–2 (d) 2.8 ms–2 (e) ___ ms–2 (f) 3.33 ms–2 (g) ___ ms–2
3 13 9 7 3
g
48. (i) 3.6 kg (ii) 1.5 kg 49. 1 50. a0 ≥ ____
tan q
3 g 23 g 25
51. ___, ____ 52. ___ N
20 40 2

Worksheet 1
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (d)
10. (b) 11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (b)
19. (d) 20. (b) 21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (c) 25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (b)
28. (b) 29. (c) 30. (b) 31. (a) 32. (d) 33. (b) 34. (d) 35. (a) 36. (d)
37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (a) 40. (b) 41. (d) 42. (a) 43. (c) 44. (b) 45. (c)
46. (a) 47. (d) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (c) 51. (d) 52. (c) 53. (d) 54. (b)
55. (d) 56. (a) 57. (a) 58. (b) 59. (c) 60. (d) 61. (c) 62. (a) 63. (b)

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Worksheet 2
1. (b) 2. (a,b,c) 3. (a,c) 4. (b,c) 5. (b) 6. (a,c) 7. (b,c) 8. (b,c,d) 9. (a,b,c,d)
10. (a) 11. (a,d) 12. (a,b) 13. (a) 14. (a,c) 15. (a,b,d) 16. (a,b,c,d) 17. (a,b,d) 18. (a,b,c)
19. (a,d) 20. (a,b,c,d) 21. (a,b,c,d) 22. (a,c) 23. (a,c) 24. (a,b) 25. (a,c,d) 26. (a) 27. (b,c)
28. (b)

Worksheet 3
1. Net force on both cars is zero.
___
3. (i) 200 N (ii) 200 N (iii) N1 = 200 N, N3 = 200 N (iv) 100 ÷17 N.
Mg
4. 5 N 5. Mg 6. ___
__
÷3
m1 __ 4 g Mg
7. ___
m2 = 5 8. (a) __ (b) ___ 9. (i) 11.6 N (ii) 89.95 kg
2 4
5 Mg
10. _____ 11. (a) 3.6 m (b) (i)1740 N (ii) 1470 N (iii) 1200 N (c) 580 N
12
__ __ g M M
12. ÷3 Mg 13. (a) 3 kg (b) 30 ÷3 N (c) __ 14. (i) m = ____ (ii) m = ____
4 sin q sin q
mg sin q 6F 5
15. (a) x = _______ (b) aA = 2g sin q, aB = 0 16. ____ 17. (i) 5 ms–1 (ii) __ m
k 13 m 6
_______

÷
2g mg sin 2q 2mg mg
18. v = ___ sin q 19. a1 = 0 ; a2 = _____________ 20. (a) ____
__ (b) ___
__
3k 2
2 (m sin q + M) ÷3 ÷3
Mg sin _________________
mg
21. ___
x
___
x cos 2R ( ) 22. _______
2 tan q
23. mg ÷cos2 + sin2 cos2 q
_________________
24. m (g + a) ÷cos2 + sin2 cos2 25. (a) Mg tan q (b) Mg cos q

g [1 – cos q + sin q (1 + cos q) ]

26. ___________________________ 27. (a) 1.69 ms–2 (b) 358.5 N
2 __
m +[ sin2 q
M _____
2
+ 1 – cos q ]
____ ___

÷
22L
____ 4 ÷17
28. . 29. _____ g 30. g/7 31. (a) 3 Mg (b) g/5
3g 21

4
32. 4.4 kg 33. __ kg 34. (a) P (b) g tan q 35.
9

_______

÷
2d d2
36. 2.25 kg 37. 38. Mg ___ – ___2
R R

4m1m2 g
39. F > _______ + m0g
m1 + m2

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CHAPTER 11

Friction
“It’s not the work which kills people, it’s worry. It’s not the revolution that destroys machinery it’s the friction”.
— Henry Ward Beecher.

1. INTRODUCTION and B can move together and

there is no rubbing between
We have already stated that friction is a tangential component them. At the same time the
of contact force between two bodies. The force of friction friction tries to slow down A
has electromagnetic origin. It arises due to complex interac- so as to reduce the chance of rubbing between A and B.
tion between charged particles in the atoms of two surfaces.
Our discussion will be limited to macroscopic behaviour of Example 1 How does friction help you to walk? Explain.
friction between two solid surfaces. The behaviour of ‘fluid
Solution Consider a toe (A) of a man as our system. The leg
friction’ will be taken up in the chapter of viscosity.
bone and muscles exert a force F on the toe. This force has
A seemingly smooth surface also offers certain resistance a horizontal component FH and a vertical component Fv.
to motion of bodies on it. Nothing is perfectly smooth. A
block pushed on a glass surface (apparently very smooth)
comes to rest after sliding through some distance. Actually,
the glass surface is also rough if you view it under a micro-
scope. Degree of roughness of two interacting surfaces has
a key role in deciding the friction force.
Friction is disadvantageous in some cases such as propul-
sion of aircraft or missile through the atmosphere, bearings
If there is no other horizontal force on the toe (say surface
in machinery and gears, flow of fluid in pipelines, etc. At
is smooth), the toe will move backwards. It means the toe
the same time we need friction for functioning of brakes,
will slide relative to the floor and the man will fall. If the
clutches, belt drives etc. It will not be possible to polish a
floor is rough, friction will try it’s level best to prevent rela-
piece of gem or light a matchstick without friction. Fact of
tive motion between the toe and the floor. Friction (f) acts
the matter is we cannot walk if there is no friction.
forward to prevent A from sliding back. The contact point
A does not move but the body as a whole experiences a net
2. FRICTION OPPOSES RELATIVE MOTION forward force f and accelerates forward.
It is wrong to say that friction opposes motion. Actually it Note: The total force applied by the ground on the toe is
opposes relative motion or tendency of relative motion. Keep R which is the vector sum of tangential friction (f) and
a book A on a table and place book B over it. If A is pulled normal force (N).
to right so that it moves, B also moves to right. B moves In Short
due to friction applied by A to it. Friction causes the book B
Friction force is directed so as to prevent rubbing of two
to move, it does not oppose its motion. If B does not move
surfaces.
or, moves to left then there will be a large relative motion
between A and B. Friction never likes it. Friction always tries
to prevent slipping (rubbing) 3. STATIC AND KINETIC FRICTION
between two surfaces. When A Consider a heavy box placed on a horizontal floor. A man
is pulled to right, friction on B pushes the box horizontally. When the applied force (F)
tries to move it to right so that A
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11.2 Mechanics I

is small the box does not move. Solution When we walk is normal way, the friction force
There must be some other horizon- acting on our feet is static friction. The point of a foot which
tal force on the box that balances touches the road does not rub against the road. In fact, our
F. This is friction ( f ) applied body as a whole moves forward but the part of the foot
by the floor. Man increases the touching the ground is just motionless.
applied force (F) but the box does
not move. It means friction also grows and remains equal 4. LAWS OF FRICTION
to F. This friction force is acting even when there is no
relative motion but there is a tendency of relative motion. Laws of friction are based on experimental findings.
Such friction force is known as static friction. It is a self
adjusting force. Higher the value of applied force F, higher 4.1 Static Friction
is the static friction f. If F is made zero, friction will also The maximum force of static friction (also called limiting
become zero. friction) between a pair of dry surfaces follows two laws:
However, if the man increases his force, there will come (i) It is independent of area of contact. If a cuboidal
a point when the box will start sliding. Static friction cannot block is pushed on a horizontal surface, the maxi-
grow beyond a limit. The maximum value possible for static mum value of static friction (fl) is same in case (a)
friction is known as limiting friction ( fl). Once the applied and (b) shown in
force F becomes larger than fl the box begins to slide. figure, provided
Once the box begins to slide, the man reduces the applied all surfaces of
force a little and finds that the box is still accelerating. If the block are
he further reduces the applied force by a small amount he equally rough.
finds that the box moves with constant velocity. This experi- In case (b) a
ment illustrates that once a relative motion is set between larger area of the
two objects (here the two objects are the floor and the box), block touches
the friction becomes slightly less than fl. This friction force, the table but fl
between two surfaces having relative motion, is known as does not change.
kinetic friction and usually its value is slightly less than the (ii) The maximum force of static friction between two
limiting friction. It has been found that the value of kinetic surfaces is proportional to the normal contact force
friction is independent of between the surfaces.
the driving force or veloc-
fl µ N
ity and assumes a constant
value for a fairly large fi fl = ms N
range of velocity. Change Dimensionless constant ms is known as coefficient of
in friction acting on the static friction for a given pair of surfaces.
box, as the driving force It must be noted that when two bodies in contact do not
F is increased from zero, slip over one another (i.e, there is no rubbing), the force of
has been shown in figure. static friction will be somewhere from 0 to msN.
0 £ fs £ msN
In Short
(i) When there is a tendency of relative motion between 4.2 Kinetic Friction
two surfaces, but there is no rubbing actually, the
The force of kinetic friction between two dry solid surfaces
friction involved is known as static friction.
follows two laws:
(ii) Static friction is self adjusting and it can take any (i) Kinetic friction is independent of the area of contact
value from 0 to a maximum (known as limiting fric- and
tion) depending on the value of driving force.
(ii) it is proportional to the normal contact force between
(iii) When driving force F > fl, slipping starts. the bodies.
(iv) Once rubbing (motion) starts the friction is called
fk = mk N
kinetic friction. It is slightly less than fl.
The dimensionless constant mk is known as coefficient of
kinetic friction. It remains constant over a fairly large range
Example 2 What is the nature of friction force acting on of values.
your feet when you walk?
mk is less than ms for any two surfaces, though the differ-
ence may be small.
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Friction 11.3

Notes: (c) F = 40 N.
(i) If a problem states that “coefficient of friction is m”, This time F > fl. It implies that static friction will
then we should assume that ms = mk = m. not be able to prevent the block from sliding. Once
(ii) Mostly m is less than 1 but it can be equal to or greater we know that the block is moving, the friction force
than 1 also. A new rubber tyre and a good road have will be kinetic friction.
coefficient of friction m = 1 between them. fk = mk N = mk mg
In Short = 0.4 × 5 × 10 = 20 N.
(i) Static friction can range from 0 to ms N. Its actual Acceleration of the block can be calculated as:
value depends on the situation. The static friction F – fk = ma
will always adjust itself (between 0 and msN) so as fi 40 – 20 = 5 ◊ a
to prevent slipping.
fi a = 4 ms–2.
(ii) When two surfaces are slipping, the kinetic friction
between them is mkN irrespective of the speed of the Example 4 In the last example take F = 40 N. How much
surfaces. time will the block take to acquire a speed of 8 ms–1 after
(iii) If a question says that coefficient of friction is m, we the force F starts acting on it? To move the block with a
should take ms as well as mk equal to m. constant velocity of 8 ms–1 thereafter, how shall we adjust
the value of F?
Example 3 A block of mass 5 kg rests on a rough hori-
zontal surface. Coefficient of friction between the block and Solution
the surface is ms = 0.5 and mk = 0.4. Concepts
Find the friction force acting The kinetic friction force does not depend on speed.
on the block when a horizontal
force F is applied to it. Give As calculated in the last problem acceleration of the block
your answer for following three is a = 4 ms–2.
cases: Time needed for the block to acquire a speed of 8 ms–1
(a) F = 10 N (b) F = 25 N (c) F = 40 N. is given as:
v = u + at fi 8 = 0 + 4.t
Solution
fi t = 2 s.
Concepts
After this, to keep the speed constant we need to make
The block will not move until the applied force exceeds our driving force F = fk = 20 N.
the limiting friction force. The kinetic friction will remain fixed at 20 N once the
First, we need to decide motion starts. So keeping F = 20 N will ensure zero force
whether the block will move or on the body.
not. Example 5 Block pressed against a wall
The maximum value of static
A 2 kg body is kept pressed against a vertical wall by apply-
friction is given by
ing a horizontal force F on it. The coeffi-
fl = ms N = ms mg cient of friction between the block and the
= 0.5 × 5 × 10 = 25 N. wall is m = 0.4.
It means that motion will not start unless F is larger than (i) Find smallest value of F (call it F0)
25 N. for which the body does not fall.
(a) F = 10 N (ii) If applied force is F = 2F0, find the
This is less than fl. Therefore, the block will not friction force acting on the block.
move. Static friction will adjust itself to 10 N and Solution
the net force on the block will be zero.
Concepts
\ fs = 10 N.
If F is increased, the normal force between the block and
(b) F = 25 N the wall increases. This increases the maximum value of
The static friction will be at its peak value of 25 N static friction. If the friction is strong enough to balance
and will prevent the block from sliding. the weight, the block will not fall.
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11.4 Mechanics I

(i) The wall ensures there is no

horizontal motion of the block.
fi N = F.
For the block to stay at rest the
static friction must be equal to Mg.
Please note the direction of fric-
tion. It tries to prevent sliding of Maximum value of friction force that can act on both the
the block in downward direction blocks are:
(due to Mg). fAl = mA NA = mA MAg
fs = Mg = 0.6 × 5 × 10 = 30 N
= 2 × 10 = 20 N.
fBl = mB NB = mB MBg
But fs £ ms N
= 0.5 × 10 × 10 = 50 N.
fi 20 £ ms N
The system cannot move unless F > (fAl + fBl)
fi 20 £ ms F
fi F > 80 N.
20
___
fi £F fi 50 N £ F (a) If F = 25 N, the block B will not move even if there
0.4
is no string. Friction fB will become equal to 25 N
\ F0 = 50 N. (its maximum allowed value is 50 N) and prevent the
The basic thing to understand is that the limiting block from sliding.
friction shall be at least equal to Mg. \ Tension in string; T = 0.
(ii) Limiting friction in this case will be A will never know that someone is pulling the system
fl = ms N = ms (2F0) = 0.4 × 2 × 50 since T = 0. It experiences no driving force hence
= 40 N fA = 0.
This may make you think that friction is 40 N. But it \ fA = 0 and fB = 25 N
will mean that the block moves up as you push hard! (b) When F = 50 N, friction on B will assume its peak
Obviously this is not possible. Static friction adjusts value and prevent B from sliding. Once again tension
itself so that there is no motion. Hence, in this case will be zero.
also friction is just equal to 20 N, balancing Mg. \ fB = 50 N, fA = 0
Example 6 Figure shows two blocks A and B separated by (c) When F = 75 N, friction on B cannot prevent it from
some distance and tied by a string. Masses of the blocks are sliding. However, we know that motion cannot start
MA = 5 kg and MB = 10 kg. Coefficient of friction between if F < 80 N. It means, for equilibrium of B, T must
A and the floor is mA = 0.6 and that between B and the be 25 N.
floor is mB = 0.5. A force \ T = 25 N.
F is applied on B so as to
To keep A in equilibrium, friction on A will acquire
pull it horizontally. Find
a value of 25 N.
the friction force on each block if.
\ fA = 25 N, fB = 50 N.
(a) F = 25 N (b) F = 50 N (c) F = 75 N (d) F = 90 N
It is important to note that if F = 80 N, fA = 30 N,
Solution fB = 50 N. If F is increased beyond 80 N, motion
Concepts will be there.
(d) If F = 90 N, the system will start moving. It means
(i) The two blocks will move together if F exceeds
friction is kinetic friction on both blocks.
the sum of limiting friction on both the blocks.
(ii) String will get tension only when F is larger than \ fA = mA NA = 30 N
limiting friction on B. As long as F is small and fB = mB NB = 50 N.
friction on B can balance it, there will not be any
tension in the string. Example 7 In the arrangement shown in the figure, find
(iii) ms = mk = m acceleration of the system if coefficient of friction between
4 kg block and the table is:
(i) m = 0.8 (ii) m = 0.2
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Friction 11.5

Thus friction can easily assume a value of 3 g and

prevent the system from moving.
(ii) In this case:
fl = m ◊ 4 g = 0.8 g
Thus friction cannot have a value of 3 g to keep the
Solution system from moving.
Concepts Hence, the system will accelerate. Let the accelera-
tion be a.
The system has a tendency to move with 4 kg block mov-
ing towards left. Had there been no friction, 4 kg block For 5 kg block: 5g – T1 = 5a ...(1)
would have moved to left. A large friction may prevent For 2 kg block: T2 – 2g = 2a ...(2)
the motion of 4 kg block. First we must ensure whether For 4 kg block: T1 – T2 – 0.8g = 4a ...(3)
the system moves or not. Adding the three equations we get:
(i) Let us assume 2.2 g
that the system a = _____ = 0.2 g = 2 ms–2.
11
is at rest. T1 =
5g and T2 = 2g. Working alternatively, one may eliminate the vari-
Friction on 4 kg ables T1 and T2 altogether by considering the three
block is towards blocks as one unit.
right. To keep The total force that drives the system is
4 kg block at rest
friction (f ) must 5g – f – 2g = 3g – 0.8g = 2.2g.
be equal to 3g. Limiting value of f is Total mass that accelerates is 11 kg.
fl = m ◊ 4g = 0.8 × 4 × g 2.2 g
= 3.2 g \ Acceleration a = ____ = 0.2 g = 2 ms–2.
11

Your Turn

Q.1 A block of mass 2 kg (ii) Find acceleration of the body at time t when
rests on a horizontal sur- t > 5 s.
face. A horizontal force F (iii) Find speed of the body at t = 6 s.
is applied and gradually increased from zero. It is
observed that the force can be increased to a maxi- Q.3 In the arrangement shown,
mum value of 12 N without causing the block to block B has a mass of 10 kg B
slide. Once the block was set into motion, a force and coefficient of friction
F = 10 N was found to keep it moving uniformly. between B and the table is
When the force was reduced below 10 N, the block 0.5. A
retarded. String and pulley have no
(i) Find the coefficient of static and kinetic mass. The system remains in equilibrium. What could
friction. be mass of block A?
(ii) Find the friction force on the block when Q.4 A block is slid on a horizontal rough floor with
F = 10 N. a velocity of 10 ms–1. How much distance will it
Q.2 A block of mass 2 kg is kept on a horizontal surface. cover before coming to rest? Coefficient of friction
The coefficient of friction is m = 0.5. At time t = 0, is 0.2.
a horizontal force is applied to it which varies with Q.5 Coefficient of friction between the tyres of a car
time as F = 2t N. and road is 1.0. Find the smallest time in which the
(i) Find distance travelled by the body in first 5 s. car can acquire a speed of 100 km/hr, starting from
rest.
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11.6 Mechanics I

Q.6 Four blocks A, horizontal surface. Coefficient of friction between

B, C and D have each block and the floor is m = 0.5. Find tension in
masses 2 kg, 4 kg, 4 kg and 2 kg respectively. They the string connecting C and D if a horizontal pulling
are connected using light string and placed on a force F = 72 N is applied on A.

For the block to move, it is necessary that–

5. PUSHING AND PULLING
F cos q ≥ m N
Consider a box placed on a rough floor. A man pushes
the box by applying a force F making an angle q with the fi F cos q ≥ m (Mg – F sin q )
horizontal. In vertical direction, the equilibrium of the block m Mg
requires that fi F ≥ _____________ ...(4)
cos q + m sin q
N = mg + F sin q ...(1)
Obviously, force given by equation (4) is less than the
force given by equation (2). It means much less force is
required to pull than push. So we can say pulling is easier
than pushing.

Example 8 A block, placed on a horizontal surface, is being

pushed by applying a force (F) making an angle q with hori-
zontal. The coefficient of friction is m. Find the maximum
value of q that will allow the block to be pushed.
If the man pushes harder the normal force becomes larger. Solution
This increases the limiting friction and it becomes difficult
to move the block. Concepts
For block to move we must have: If q is increased, the vertical component (F sin q) of the
applied force increases and therefore, the normal force
F cos q ≥ m N increases. If the horizontal component (= F cos q ) of the
fi F cos q ≥ m(Mg + F sin q ) applied force falls short of fl, the block will not move.

m Mg F cos q
fi F ≥ _____________ ...(2) q
(cos q – m sin q) F
F sin q
When the man ties the block to a string and pulls it with N
a force making an angle q with horizontal, he decreases the f
normal contact force. This reduces the limiting friction. The
block can be moved with a relatively smaller force in this Mg
case. For this case we can write–
N = Mg + F sin q.
N + F sin q = Mg Block will move if

fi N = Mg – F sin q ...(3) F cos q ≥ fl

F cos q ≥ m (Mg + F sin q )
m Mg
fi F ≥ _____________
(cos q – m sin q )
F
F will be positive as long as
q cos q – m sin q > 0
fi tan q < 1/m
f
N
\ (
1
q max = tan–1 __
m
Mg
Pulling For q > q max, however high the value of F might be, the
block will not move.
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Friction 11.7

Your Turn
Q.7 A block of mass 5 kg is placed on a rough hori- Q.8 A man is trying to pull
zontal surface. Coefficient of friction is m = 0.6. a heavy box by apply-
Find minimum value of ing a horizontal force F
applied force F needed on it. A boy goes and
to move the block if it stands on the box. Will
is applied at an angle of the pulling become dif-
30° to the horizontal ficult if shoes of the boy
(i) as shown in I are perfectly smooth?
(ii) as shown in II.

5.1 Minimum Force Needed to Move a Block them, when the sliding is about to begin. Consider a block
kept on a rough horizontal surface. A horizontal force (F) is
Consider a block of mass M lying
applied to it so that the block is on the verge of sliding. It
on a horizontal floor. Coefficient
means the friction force is at its
of friction is m. What is the min-
limiting value ( fl = mN). Resultant
imum force needed to move the
force by the surface on the block
block horizontally? Obviously,
is vector sum of normal force (N)
we need to pull (rather than
and limiting friction ( fl). Angle l
push). The force (F) required to
shown in figure is known as the
pull will depend on angle q shown in figure.
angle of friction.
For a particular value of q, the force needed will be mini-
fl mN
mum. We will find this particular value of q, and the least tan l = __ = ___ = m.
force that can cause the block to move. N N
Forces acting on the block are shown in the figure. In Short
From previous discussion we know that the block will If angle of friction is given, it is actually m that is given.
move if F is at least equal to m = tan l
m Mg
F = ____________
cos q + m sin q Example 9 A 5 kg block is placed on a horizontal surface
F will be minimum when z = cos q + m sin q is and is pulled with a horizontal force F. Find the friction
maximum. force acting on the block if applied force F is 40 N. The
dz angle of friction is 45°.
z is maximum when ___ = 0
dq
Solution l = 45°
fi – sin q + m cos q = 0.
\ m = tan 45° = 1.0
fi tan q = m.
\ zmax = cos q + m sin q Limiting friction force is fl = m mg = 1 × 5 × 10 = 50 N.
m2 ______ Applied force is less than fl.
1
= _______
______ + _______
______ = ÷1 + m2 \ Block will not move.
÷1 + m2 ÷1 + m2 Friction will adjust itself to 40 N.
m Mg
\ Fmin = _______
______
÷1 + m2 7. BLOCK ON A ROUGH INCLINE
Required force is minimum when it is applied at an angle Consider a block of mass m placed
q = tan–1 (m). on an inclined surface. Inclination
angle of the incline is q and coef-
6. ANGLE OF FRICTION ficients of static and kinetic friction
are ms and mk respectively.
Angle of friction (l) is the angle made by the resultant force
No motion perpendicular to the
(R) between two bodies and the normal force (N) between
incline is possible. Hence,
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11.8 Mechanics I

N = mg cos q ...(1) Therefore, mg sin q will get balanced by static friction and
Limiting friction is fl = ms N = ms mg cos q. there will be no tension in the string.

Condition for no acceleration: Example 11 A block is pushed up

mg sin q £ fl the inclined plane with a velocity
fi mg sin q £ ms mg cos q of 10 ms–1. The coefficient of fric-
fi tan q £ ms ...(2) tion is m = 0.5 and inclination of
the incline is 37°. ( sin 37° = 3/5 ).
Condition for acceleration of the block: Calculate the distance that the block will travel before com-
mg sin q > ms mg cos q ing to rest on the incline. Will the block remain permanently
fi tan q > ms ...(3) at rest or will it come down again?
If condition (3) is fulfilled, the block accelerates down Solution
the incline. As the block moves, the friction force acting on
it is kinetic. Hence acceleration can be computed as: Concepts
ma = mg sin q – mk mg cos q When the block moves, friction on it is kinetic friction
fi a = g (sin q – mk cos q ) force directed down the incline.
Retardation of the block can be calculated as:
7.1 Angle of Repose
The angle of incline at which a body placed on it is on the
verge of sliding, is known as angle of repose. The block
shown in the figure above will be on the verge of sliding
if
mg sin q0 = ms mg cos q0
fi tan q0 = ms fi q0 = tan–1 (mS)
If q > tan–1 m s, the body accelerates down.
Angle of repose is an important parameter in material ma = mg sin q + fk
handling. If a particular kind of sand has an angle of repose
fi ma = mg sin q + m N
of 40°, it means that a conical pile of sand will have its sur-
face inclined at 40° to the horizontal. If you try to increase fi ma = mg sin q + m mg cos q
this angle by putting more sand on top of the pile, the sand fi a = g(sin q + m cos q )
particles will keep sliding till inclination becomes 40°.

In Short [ 3 4
]
= 10 __ + 0.5 × __ = 10 ms–2.
5 5
(i) Angle of repose is q0 = tan–1 (ms) Distance travelled before coming to rest can be calculated
(ii) If q > q0, body on the incline accelerates down. as:
v2 = u2 – 2as
(iii) If q < q0, body on the incline will not accelerate.
fi 0 = 102 – 2 × 10 × s
fi s = 5 m.
Example 10 Find tension in the
string shown in figure. Coefficient Once the block comes to rest it will again move down
of friction between the block and since tan 37° (= 0.8) > m.
the incline is 0.8. It is given that
sin q = 0.6. Example 12 A 4 kg block is placed on a 37° incline,
connected to a spring having force
Solution constant k = 100 N/m. The coeffi-
Concepts cient of friction between the block
and the incline is m = 0.4. The block
The string will have tension only if friction is unable to is released from a position where the
keep the block at rest spring is stretched by x. Find friction
force acting on the block if
3
sin q = 0.6 = __ fi tan q = 0.75 (i) x = 20 cm (ii) x = 30 cm (iii) x = 24 cm
5
Since tan q < m, the block will not move even if it is not
tied to the string.
[ 3
tan 37° = __
4 ]
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Friction 11.9

Solution N = mg cos q
4
Concepts = 8 × 10 × __ = 64 N
5
If the block has a tendency to slide down the incline, Limiting friction force is:
friction will be upwards and if the block wants to go up
then friction will be down the incline. This example shows fl = m N = 0.5 × 64
that static friction can adjust its direction (up the plane or
= 32 N
down the plane) to prevent motion.
The component of weight, down the incline is
(i) The component of weight 3
down the incline is: mg sin q = 8 × 10 × __ = 48 N.
5
3
mg sin q = 4 × 10 × __ It is easy to observe that if applied force is 16 N, the
5 friction will adjust itself up the plane at 32 N and will not
= 24 N allow the block to slide.
The spring force is up the This is the minimum
incline and is equal to value of F needed to
Fs = kx = 100 × 0.2 = 20 N keep the block at rest. If
If there were no friction, the block would slide down. F < 16 N the block will
Friction will assume upward direction and try to slide down.
prevent the block from sliding. If F is increased beyond
fl = m N = m mg cos 37° 16 N, the static friction
4 decreases so as to keep
= 0.4 × 4 × 10 × __ = 12.8 N the net force on the block
5
Here, the static friction will assume a value of 4 N equal to zero. For example,
only to keep the block at rest. This will ensure if F = 26 N, the static friction will adjust to 22 N. When
F = 48 N, the friction will adjust itself to zero.
kx = fs + mg sin q If F is increased beyond 48 N, the block has a tendency
(ii) In this case, spring force is to slide up the incline. Now the static friction assumes a
downward direction.
Fs = kx = 100 × 0.30 = 30 N.
When F = 80 N, the static fric-
Clearly, static friction will be tion is 32 N down the incline. If F
fs = 6 N down the incline. is increased beyond 80 N, the block
(iii) If the extension in the spring is 24 cm, the spring begins to climb up the incline.
force will be Therefore, the answer is 16 N £ F £ 80 N
Fs = kx = 24 N
Example 14 A block (A) of mass m is placed on a
This is good enough to balance mg sin q. Hence
horizontal plank (P). The coef-
friction will adjust itself to zero.
ficient of friction between the
block and the plank is m = 1.0.
Example 13 A 8 kg block is kept on
The plank is tilted and the
a q = 37° incline. Coefficient of fric-
inclination angle is gradually
tion is 0.5. A force F is applied paral-
increased to q = 90°. Write
lel to the incline to keep the block at
the variation of friction force
rest. Find all values of F which will
on the block as a function
serve the purpose.
of q and show this variation
Solution graphically.
Concepts Solution
If F is small, less than mg sin q, friction will be up the Concepts
incline. When F is greater than mg sin q, friction will be
When q < tan–1 m, the friction is static. For q > tan–1 m,
down the incline trying to prevent the motion.
friction is kinetic.
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11.10 Mechanics I

Angle of repose is f = mN = m mg cos q for q > 45°.

q0 = tan–1 (1) = 45°. The block graphical plot is as shown in figure.
does not slide till q < 45°. Static
friction will adjust itself so that the
block does not move.
In this case fs should not be
written as m N(= m mg cos q ) as this is limiting value of
friction and friction will adjust itself to mg sin q to prevent
the block from sliding.
\ f = mg sin q for q £ 45°
When q > 45°, the block begins to slide. Now, friction is
kinetic and its value is given by

Your Turn
Q.9 A block of mass 4 kg is released on a 30° incline. to be possible. It is given that mass of the block is
The coefficient of friction is m = 0.7. m and spring constant is k.

(i) Find the friction force acting on the block.

(ii) Calculate the force applied by the incline on the
block.
Q.10 A block slides down a dry 45° incline in time T. If Q.13 In the arrangement shown in the figure, block A
the incline is made perfectly smooth by lubricating has a mass of 4 kg and has a coefficient of friction
T m = 0.5 with the incline surface. Pulley and string
it, the block takes time __ to slide down the incline. are light. Find the possible values of mass of block
2
Find coefficient of friction between the block and the 3
B for which the system stays at rest. sin q = __.
dry incline. 5
Q.11 A body of mass 5 kg is pulled up along a rough
incline with an acceleration of 5 cms–2 by means of
a weight less string running parallel to the plane. Find
the tension in the string if inclination of the incline is
45° and the coefficient of friction between the body
and the incline is 0.3.
Q.12 A block placed on an incline surface is tied to a
spring. The block is kept in a position where the
spring is compressed by x0. When released, the block
does not move. Now the block is moved to a position
where the spring is stretched by x0. When the block Q.14 A block is slid up a 37° incline with a velocity of
is released from this position, it once again does not 10 ms–1. The block comes to rest in 1.0 s. How much
move. Find the smallest possible value of coefficient time will the block need to slide down the incline
of friction between the block and the incline for this after it comes to rest?
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Friction 11.11

8. A BOX ON A TRUCK Maximum value of friction that can

act on A is:
Consider a box of mass m placed on flat surface of a truck. fl = m N = m ◊ 4g
If the truck begins to move with an acceleration a, the fric-
Maximum possible acceleration of A
tion on the box will be in forward direction and will try to
is:
move the box at an acceleration that is equal to that of the
fl
truck. If acceleration of the truck is small, friction will be amax = __ = m g = 0.4 × 10 = 4 ms–2.
able to do so. If truck has a large acceleration, friction on the 4
block may fail to impart an Let us assume that both A and B move with a common
equal acceleration and the acceleration as a combined entity when force F is applied.
block will begin to slip. It The common acceleration will be:
is important to realise that F F
a = ________ = ___
the engine or the ground mA + mB 10
friction acting on wheels of Notice that F is the only external horizontal force on the
the truck has no bearing on combined system (A + B).
the motion of the box. 20
(i) When F = 20 N; a = ___ = 2 ms–2
Friction acting on the box has a limiting value given by 10
fl = m N = m m g. Since A can have acceleration up to 4 ms–2, friction
Therefore, maximum acceleration that the box can have acting on it can easily adjust to impart it an
is acceleration of 2 ms–2.
fl Friction on A will be f = mA ◊ a = 4 × 2 = 8 N.
amax = __m = mg
One can also have a
If acceleration of the truck is less than m g, static friction look at B separately.
acting on the box will adjust itself to a value so as to impart It’s acceleration will
the box an acceleration equal to that of truck and there will be
be no slipping. For example, if the acceleration of the truck
20 – 8
mg mg a = ______ = 2 ms–2.
is ___, then the friction on the box will adjust to f = m . ___. 6
2 2 Thus, both blocks move with an acceleration of
When acceleration of the truck is a = m g, friction acting 2 ms–2
on the box will be at its limiting value equal to m mg. If
(ii) F = 40 N
acceleration of the truck is made larger than amax = m g,
the friction, despite its best efforts, cannot impart an equal Once again assuming that both A and B are moving
acceleration to the box. Box moves with an acceleration together, the common acceleration will be:
equal to m g and lags behind. After some time the box will F 40
a = ___ = ___ = 4 ms–2.
fall off the rear end of the truck. Once slipping starts, the 10 10
friction force acting on the box is kinetic friction. Friction will be at its limiting value and both the blocks
will move together with an acceleration of 4 ms–2.
Example 15 Block A of mass 4 kg is placed on another
block B of mass 6 kg as shown in the figure. There is no (iii) F = 56 N
friction between the ground and block B whereas friction If we assume that both A and B are moving together,
coefficient between the two blocks is m = 0.4. Find the the common acceleration will be:
accelerations of the two blocks F 56
a = ___ = ___ = 5.6 ms–2.
when a horizontal force F is 10 10
applied to B. Answer for fol- But this is just not possible because A cannot have an
lowing cases acceleration larger than 4 ms–2. Therefore, our assumption
(i) F = 20 N (ii) F = 40 N (iii) F = 56 N that the two blocks are moving together with one common
acceleration can’t be true. We conclude that both the blocks
Solution
have different accelerations and there is slipping between
Concepts them. Friction operating between them is kinetic.
There is no limit to acceleration of block B. On applying Consider FBD of A and B
a large force F, B will have a large acceleration. If F is separately.
small, B will have a small acceleration. But acceleration fk = m ◊ 4g = 16 N
of A is limited. It accelerates due to friction acting on it
and friction has limiting value. For A: 4aA = fk
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11.12 Mechanics I

fi aA = 4 ms–2 If we consider A + B as a unit, the friction acting on

B can have a maximum value of:
For B: 6aB = F – fk
flB = 0.6 NB = 0.6 × (1 + 2) × g = 18 N
fi 6aB = 56 – 16
20 For no slipping between A and B, the friction acting
fi aB = ___ ms–2 on B (due to C) should not exceed (mA + mB) aA max
3
= 3 × 5 = 15 N.
Example 16 Three blocks shown in figure have masses It means for no slipping the entire system should not
mA = 1 kg, mB = 2 kg and have acceleration greater than 5 ms–2.
mC = 3 kg. The coefficient Considering motion of C we have:
of friction between vari-
ous pair of surfaces is as F – 15 – 12 = 3 × 5
indicated in the figure. A
horizontal force F is applied fi F = 42 N.
to block C. If F is increased
(i) Find friction force between A and B when beyond 42 N, friction fB will increase; thereby
F = 10 N. increasing the acceleration of B beyond 5 ms–2 and
(ii) Find maximum value of F for which there is no slip- A will slip on B.
ping between A and B or between B and C. Therefore, required answer is 42 N.
(iii) Write friction force at all three contact surfaces when (iii) A is definitely slipping over B. Friction between A
F = 45 N. and B is kinetic. Its value is:
Solution
fA = 0.5 × 1 × g = 5 N.
Concepts
Friction between ground
(i) There will be no motion until and unless F exceeds
and C is fc = 12 N. So
the limiting friction between C and ground. Unless
we are to decide friction
C accelerates there will be no friction between B
between B and C. We
and C or between A and B. A and B will never
will need to check whether there is slipping between
know about force F unless C moves.
B and C.
(ii) Accelerations of A and B cannot rise beyond a
certain value and it depends on the limiting friction fB max = 0.6 × 3 × g = 18 N
acting on them. 18 – 5
\ aB max = ______ = 6.5 ms–2.
2
(i) The normal force between C and the ground will
be equal to sum of weight of all three blocks Now let us assume that B and C are moving with
A, B and C. one common acceleration (a).

45 – 5 – 12
NC = (1 + 2 + 3)g = 60 N. a = __________ = 5.6 ms–2
2+3
Limiting friction between the ground and C is:
Since a < aB max, we
flc = 0.2 NC = 12 N. can say that there is
When F = 10 N, there will be no motion. C will no slipping between
not exert any friction on B and B will not apply any B and C. Both move
friction on A. with an acceleration
of 5.6 ms–2.
\ Friction on A = 0
Considering B again we can write:
(ii) Block A can experience a maximum friction equal to

flA = 0.5 NA = 0.5 × 1 × g = 5 N fB – 5 = 2 × 5.6

5N fi fB = 16.2 N
Maximum allowed acceleration of A is aA max = ____
1kg
= 5 ms–2. Hence friction between B and C is 16.2 N.
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Friction 11.13

Your Turn
Q.15 In the arrangement shown in figure, masses of the F is applied to A. Find the accelerations of the two
two blocks are mA = 4 kg and mB = 2 kg. Coefficient blocks when (i) F = 30 N (ii) F = 40 N
of friction between A and the horizontal ground is
m1 = 0 and that between A and B is m2 = 0.5. Find
the acceleration of the two blocks if

Q.18 A box of mass m is kept on the flat surface of a truck.

The coefficient of friction between the block and the
truck is m. The truck is moved with an acceleration
(i) F = 10 N (ii) F = 30 N (iii) F = 36 N a. Find acceleration of the box in reference frame of
the truck if
Q.16 Answer the last question if m1 = 0.2.
Q.17 In the arrangement shown in the figure, the horizontal
surface is smooth and the coefficient of friction
between A and B is m = 0.5. Masses of the blocks
are mA = 4 kg and mB = 6 kg. A horizontal force mg
(i) a = ___ (ii) a = 2m g.
2

Miscellaneous Examples
Example 17 A block of mass m is moving to right on a at0 = u
u
rough horizontal surface. When the velocity of the block fi t0 = _______
is u, a constant horizontal force F
__
m + mg
F starts acting on it towards left.
Plot the velocity-time graph for (i) If F > m mg, the block will accelerate towards left
ensuing motion of the block after coming to rest. The
assuming that acceleration is given by:
(i) F > m mg (ii) F < m mg ma1 = F – m mg
Where m is the coefficient of friction. F
a1 = __
m – mg
Solution
Note: a1 < a.
Concepts For t > t0, the block will
(i) With application of F the block will retard fast and continue to accelerate
come to rest. After this the block will move to left towards left with an accel-
only if F is greater than the limiting friction. eration a1. Graph will be
as shown. Here we have
(ii) Slope of V-t graph is acceleration.
taken rightward direction
as positive.
Retardation of the block is
given by: (ii) If F > m mg, the block will come to rest at t = t0
and remain at rest forever. V–t graph is as shown
ma = F + f below.
fi ma = F + m mg
F
fi a = __
m + mg ...(i)

The block will come to rest at time given by

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11.14 Mechanics I

Example 18 In the arrangement shown in the figure, pulley (iii) Limiting friction on 5 kg block is 10 N. Therefore,
and string are mass- a force of 8 N will result in no tension in the string
less. Coefficient of connected to the 5 kg block. The 4 kg block will never
friction between the know that someone is trying to pull the system.
blocks and the floor \ T = 0 and f1 = 0
is m = 0.2.
(i) Calculate the Example 19 A wheel mounted box has a mass of M = 20 kg.
minimum horizontal force (F) needed to move the It rests on a smooth horizontal surface. A small block A of
system. mass m = 5 kg is kept inside the box touching its right
(ii) If the applied force is twice the force obtained in (i) wall. A force F is applied
find the acceleration of the 5 kg block. to the box in rightward
direction. The box is
(iii) Find tension in the string connected to 4 kg block
found to slide inside the
when F = 8 N.
box if the applied force is
Solution greater than 50 N. With
box initially at rest, force
Concepts
F = 100 N starts acting
(i) Either both the blocks will move or none will on it. Find the time in which the block will hit the left wall
move. of the box. Length of the box is L = 2.0 m and coefficient
(ii) If F is increased from zero, there will be no ten- of kinetic friction is 10% less than the coefficient of static
sion in strings till F becomes larger than limiting friction.
friction on 5 kg block. Solution
(i) 4 kg block will move only if tension in the string Concepts
pulling it becomes larger than limiting friction force
Block A will move due to friction. If acceleration of the
acting on it.
box exceeds the maximum possible acceleration of A, slid-
T ≥ m ◊ 4g ing begins. Relative to the box, the block A must travel
a distance L to left.

When F = 50 N, there is no sliding and we can consider

the box and the block as a unit. Acceleration will be
F 50
a = ______ = ___ = 2 ms–2.
The 5 kg block will move only if M + m 25
F ≥ 2T + m ◊ 5g Now considering the block
\ Fmin = 2(m 4g) + m ◊ 5g = 13m g separately, we get the coefficient
= 13 × 0.2 × 10 = 26 N of static friction.
fl = ma
(ii) Let acceleration of 5 kg block be a.
fi ms ◊ mg = ma
Acceleration of 4 kg block will be 2a.
a ___2
For 5 kg block: 2Fmin – 2T – f2 = 5.a fi ms = __
g = 10 = 0.2
fi 52 – 2T – m × 5g = 5a. Coefficient of kinetic friction is mk = 0.9 ms = 0.18
When F = 100 N, the
fi 42 – 2T = 5a ...(1) block slides.
For 4 kg block: For the block we have:
T – f1 = 4 (2a) ma = mk mg
fi a = 1.8 ms–2
fi T – m × 4g = 8a
For the box we have:
fi T – 8 = 8a ...(2) Ma0 = F – f
26 fi 20a0 = 100 – 0.18 × 5 × 10
Solving (1) and (2) we get a = ___ ms–2.
21 fi a0 = 4.55 ms–2
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Friction 11.15

Acceleration of the block relative to the box is For equilibrium of the part on the table:
ar = 1.8 (Æ) – 4.55 (Æ) = 1.8(Æ) + 4.55( ) mN ≥ T

= 2.75 ms–2 ( ) M 3
fi m __ g ≥ __ Mg
2 8
In reference frame of the box, the time required by the
3
block to travel through a distance L = 2 m is given by: fi m ≥ __
4
1
L = __ ar t2 3
2 fi mmin = __
1 4
fi 2 = __ × 2.75 × t2
2
Example 21 Block A of mass 10 kg is placed on a smooth
fi t = 1.21 s. horizontal surface. It has an inclined
face of inclination angle q = 37°.
Example 20 A uniform rope of length L has one of its Another block B of mass 4 kg is
L
end attached to a wall at point A, while __ of the length placed on A as shown in figure.
2 The vertical face of B is touching
of the rope
lies on a table. a smooth vertical wall. A force of
50 N is applied horizontally on A as
Find minimum shown. Find minimum coefficient
coefficient of of friction between A and B for
friction between the rope and the table if the rope stays which system can remain in equilibrium.
in equilibrium. The rope is horizontal near the edge of the
3
table. Given tan q = __ Solution
4
Concepts
Solution
Normal force by the wall can be obtained by consider-
Concepts ing A + B together in equilibrium. Thereafter considering
The force applied by the wall on the rope has a vertical equilibrium of B will be enough.
component that balances the weight of the hanging part. Considering A + B together we can easily see that normal
Horizontal component of this force must be equal to fric- force by wall on B is F.
tion force acting on the rope lying on the table.
Now consider B separately. FBD is as shown.
For hanging part:
M
TA cos q = __ g
2
5
fi TA = __ Mg
8
5 3 3
And T = TA sin q = __ Mg ◊ __ = __ Mg.
8 5 8

All forces have been resolved along the contact surface

(between A and B) and normal to it.
N = mg cos q + F sin q ...(1)
F + mg sin q = F cos q
fi f = F cos q – mg sin q ...(2)
Since f £ mN
F cos q – mg sin q £ m (mg cos q + F sin q )

F cos q – mgsin q
fi m ≥ ________________
mg cos q + F sin q
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11.16 Mechanics I

4 3 When the wedge is on verge of sliding, we will have

50 × __ – 40 × __
5 5
= _______________ f1 = m1 N1, f2 = m2 N2.
4 3
40 × __ + 50 × __ Putting these values in (2) and (3) and solving the three
5 5
16 8 equation gives:
= ___ = ___ Mg
62 31 N2 = _____________ and
cos q – m2 sin q
Example 22 Block A has mass M and it is constrained
to move vertically between two smooth walls. It rests
on horizontal face of
wedge B and the wedge
[ ( m2 cos q + sin q
Fmax = m1 + _______________ Mg.
– m2 sin q + cos q )] ...(a)

itself lies on an incline Now, we consider the case when the wedge is about to
of inclination angle q. slide down the incline. In this case the direction of all friction
Mass of the wedge is forces will reverse. Therefore, we can get Fmin by solving
negligible and coeffi- above three equations after replacing f1 and f2 by – f1 and
cient of friction between – f2 repectively. In fact you can get Fmin by replacing m1 and
wedge and block A is m1. m2 by – m1 and – m2 respectively in equation (a).
Coefficient of friction for
wedge – incline contact
is m2. Find the range of
values of horizontal force F applied to the wedge which can
\
[ ( – m2 cos q + sin q
Fmin = – m1 + ______________
m2 sin q + cos q )]
Mg. ...(b)

keep the block A at rest. System will not move if Fmin £ F £ Fmax.
Solution Example 23 Three blocks A, B and C each of weight
W are arranged as shown in figure. Coefficient of friction
Concepts
between B and C is 0.3 and that between C and ground is
If F is sufficiently large, the wedge will tend to slide 0.1. The system is released from rest. How far does C move
up the incline. Hence the largest value of F (= Fmax) is when B has moved x relative to C? string and pulley have
obtained by considering the wedge on verge of sliding up no mass.
the plane. If F is sufficiently small, the wedge will tend
to slide down the incline. The smallest value of F (= Fmin)
is obtained by considering the wedge on verge of sliding
down the incline.

First we consider the case when the wedge is about to

slide up the plane. FBD of the block as well as the wedge
is shown in figure.
Considering forces on the block in vertical direction we Solution
can write Concepts
N1 = Mg ...(1)
(i) When B is moving relative to C, friction between
Equations for the wedge in horizontal and vertical direc-
B and C must be kinetic friction
tions are
(ii) The normal force between C and ground is 2 W.

Let acceleration of A and B be a and tension in the string

be T. Friction on B will be m W = 0.3 W towards left.
W
For B: T – 0.3 W = __
g ◊a ...(1)

W
For A: W – T = __
ga ...(2)

F = f1 + f2 cos q + N2 sin q ...(2) Adding (1) and (2) gives:

and N1 + f2 sin q = N2cos q ...(3) a = 0.35 g

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Friction 11.17

__
Friction on C due to B = 0.3 W towards right and friction Fdriving = 2 mg sin 45° = ÷2 mg
on C due to ground is 0.1 × 2 W towards left. If B has a tendency to go down, A will have a
W tendency to move up. The friction ( f1) on A will be
\ For C: 0.3W – 0.2W = __
g a1 directed down the incline. Considering (A + B) as a
fi a1 = 0.1 g unit, it is easy to see that the net force opposing the
motion is
[a1 = acceleration of C]
Distance travelled by B in time t is
1
SB = __ × 0.35 g × t2
2
Distance travelled by C in time t is
1
SC = __ × 0.1 g × t2 ...(3)
2
Distance travelled by B relative to C is Fopposing = mg sin 45° + f1 + f2
1 mg __2 1
SBC = __ (0.35 – 0.1) g t2 \ (Fopposing)max = ___
__ + mg cos 45° + __ ◊ 2mg cos 45°
2 ÷2 3 3
1
fi x = __ × 0.25 g × t2 ...(4) = 1.65 mg
2
Taking ratio of (3) and (4) gives Clearly Fdriving < (Fopposing)max
SC ____
___ 0.1 \ Motion is not possible. Acceleration of A = 0
x = 0.25
Note: Alternatively, one may assume that B is moving
fi SC = 0.4x down and A is rising up with an acceleration a. Write the
equations of motion for A and B and solve for a. You get a
Example 24 In the arrangement shown in figure, the
negative value for acceleration (a). This is not possible as
triangular wedge is fixed.
B cannot go up. It means that our assumption that system
Blocks A and B have masses
is accelerated is wrong. The system is at rest.
m and 2m respectively and
__
pulley and string are light. ÷2
Wedge is inclined at 45° on (ii) Limiting friction force on B is f2l = ___ mg.
3
both sides. Coefficient of
Tension required to keep B at rest will be:
2
friction between A and wedge is __ and that between B and
3 T = 2 mg sin 45° – f2l
1
the wedge is __. System is released from rest. Find __
__ __
3 ÷2 2÷2
= ÷2 mg – ___ mg = ____ mg
(i) the acceleration of A, 3 3
(ii) tension in the string and (iii) Friction acting on A will be
__
(iii) magnitude and direction of friction force acting on A. 2÷2 mg ____
mg
f1 = T – mg sin 45° = ____ mg – ___
__ = __ .
3 ÷2 3÷2
Solution
It is very important to realise that friction on B is limit-
Concepts
ing friction but friction acting on A is less than its limiting
(i) B is heavier and coefficient of friction between B value. B has a tendency to slide down. Friction assumes
and the wedge is smaller compared to that between peak value to prevent it from moving. As friction ( f2) alone
A and the wedge. Therefore, B has a tendency to cannot stop B from moving, a tension develops in the string.
slide down. This tension pulls A up the plane. Friction (f1) adjusts itself
(ii) To ascertain whether there is motion or not, we so as to prevent A from moving.
need to check whether the limiting friction on both
Example 25 A wedge W is fixed on an incline surface
blocks can prevent motion or not.
making an angle a with the horizontal. Two identical blocks
(i) The force which is trying to drive the system is a A and B are placed on the inclined surfaces of the wedge
component of weight of B along the incline. connected with a light string. The coefficient of friction
between the blocks and the wedge is m. Pulley is light and
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11.18 Mechanics I

both faces of the wedge make an angle of 45° with its base. Example 26 Two bars 1 and 2 are kept on an incline
Find smallest value of a for which A will begin to accelerate plane as shown in the figure.
down the wedge surface. Inclination of the incline is
q = 37°. Masses of the bars
are m1 = 4 kg and m2 = 6 kg
and their coefficients of fric-
tion with the incline surface
are m1 and m2 respectively. Find the normal contact force

[ 3
between the bars for following cases: tan 37° = __
4 ]
(i) m1 = 0.8, m2 = 0.8
Solution (ii) m1 = 0.7, m2 = 0.75
Concepts (iii) m1 = 0.9, m2 = 0.7
As done in the last example, we can consider A + B (iv) m1 = 0.8, m2 = 0.5
together. The motion starts when the driving force exceeds (v) m1 = 0.5, m2 = 0.6
the opposing force.
One can also solve the problem by considering Solution
A and B separately. Write the equations and eliminate Concepts
tension between them.
If m < tan q, a bar will have a tendency to slide down the
Considering (A + B) as a unit, the force trying to run the incline and if m > tan q, friction will not allow it to slide
system is down. If bar 2 has no tendency to slide, it cannot push
bar 1. When m2 < tan q, bar 2 has a tendency to move
Fdriving = mg sin (a + 45°)
down and pushes bar 1.

Let’s think that bar 1 is alone on the incline. Component

of its weight down the incline and perpendicular to incline
are:

The net force opposing the motion is:

Fopposing = f1 + f2 + mg sin (45° – a) 3
m1g sin 37° = 4 × 10 × __ = 24 N
\ (Fopposing)max = m mg cos (45° + a) 5
4
+ m mg cos(45° – a) + mg sin (45° – a) and m1g cos 37° = 4 × 10 × __ = 32 N
5
The system will accelerate if:
Limiting value of friction on it is
Fdriving > (Fopposing)max
f1l = m1 m1g cos 37° = 32 m1
fi mg sin (45° + a) > m mg cos (45° + a)
similarly for bar 2 we have
+ m mg cos (45° – a) + mg sin(45° – a)
4
fi sin (45° + a) – sin (45° – a) > m2 g sin 37° = 4 × 10 × __ = 32 N
5
m [cos (45° + a) + cos (45° – a)]
4
m2 g cos 37° = 6 × 10 × __ = 48 N
fi 2 sin a ◊ cos 45° > 2m cos a ◊ cos 45° 5
fi tan a > m f2l = 48 m2.
–1
fi a > tan (m).
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Friction 11.19

N2 Fdriving = m1g sin 37° + m2g sin 37° = 60 N

f2 (Fopposing)max = 32 m1 + 48 m2 = 32 × 0.8 + 48 × 0.5
= 49.6 N
\ Acceleration of the system will be
sin q
m 2g (60 – 49.6) N
a = ____________ = 1.04 ms–2.
q 10 kg
g cos
m2g m 2 To get the normal 24 N
a
contact force between No
(i) m1 = m2 = 0.8 the bars once again
N
No bar has a tendency to move as tan 37° < m. There consider motion of 2 36
will be no contact force between the blocks. Please only.
note that even if you remove 1, it will make no dif-
6 × 1.04 = 36 – 24 – N0
ference to 2.
fi N0 = 5.76 N.
(ii) m1 = 0.7, m2 = 0.75
(v) In this case acceleration of 1 will be larger than that
Bar 2 still does not move. Limiting friction acting on of 2 and there will be no contact.
it (f2l = 48 × 0.75 = 36 N) will balance the driving
force (m2 g sin q = 36 N). Example 27 In the arrangement shown, all pulleys and
Bar 1 will accelerate down as m1 < tan q. strings are massless.
\ Normal force between the two bars = 0. Masses of the three blocks
are : mA = 10 kg, mB = 8 kg
(iii) m1 = 0.9 ; 2 = 0.7 and mC = 4 kg. Coefficient
m1 > tan q But m2 < tan q of friction between each
of B and C and the table
Bar 1 does not want to move but bar 2 pushes it as
is m = 0.8. Find accelera-
it likes to move.
tion of A after the system
Now, to decide if the bars will move or not, consider is released.
them together as a unit. The force trying to move
them is m1 g sin 37° + m2 g sin 37° = 60 N. Solution
The maximum friction that can act on both the blocks Concepts
taken together is: Before proceeding one must check whether B and C will
f1l + f2l = 32 m1 + 48 m2 move or not.
= 32 × 0.9 + 48 × 0.7
For the string holding block A, tension will be maximum
= 62.4 N when A does not accelerate down. In this case tension in
Since net driving force is less than limiting fric- string holding A is:
tion, the system of two bars will not move. Bar 2
is trying to push 1 but Tmax = mA ◊ g = 100 N
there is large friction
Tension in the string connecting B and C can have a
on 1 which prevents
Tmax
motion. maximum value of ____ = 50 N.
2
To get the normal con-
tact force between the It is easy to see that limiting friction on B is
blocks consider equi- fBl = m mBg = 0.8 × 8 × 10 = 64 N
librium of bar 2.
\ B cannot move.
N0 + f2l = m2g sin q
fi N0 + 33.6 = 36 For C: fCl = m mcg = 0.8 × 4 × 10 = 32 N
fi N0 = 2.4 N. Since tension (50 N) is larger than fCl, C will accelerate.
(iv) m1 = 0.8, 2 = 0.5 Therefore, B remains at rest, C moves to left and A moves
Once again 2 has a tendency to accelerate but 1 does down.
not want to move. Let acceleration of A be a.
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11.20 Mechanics I

Acceleration of C will be 2a because one end of string Acceleration after the motion begins is given by:
(connected to B) is fixed. ma = mg sin q – fk
Considering FBD of A and C we can write following fi ma = mg sin q – mk N
equations. fi ma = mg sin q – mk mg cos q
fi a = g(sin q – m k cos q)

( 3
5 )
4
= 10 __ – 0.5 × __ = 2 ms–2
5
Speed after travelling through distance x will be given
by
____ _________
v2 = 2 ax fi v = ÷2ax = ÷2 × 2 × 1 = 2 ms–1.
10 ◊ g – T = 10 a ...(1)
T Example 29 In the arrangement shown in figure each of
__ – f = 4(2a)
2 B and C has mass m and mass of A is 4m. Friction coef-
ficient between A and B is m and all other surfaces are
T
__
fi – 0.8 × 4g = 8a smooth. Force constant
2
of the spring is k and
fi T – 6.4 g = 16 a ...(2) it is horizontal. With
Solving 1 and 2 gives: spring compressed
18g 18 by x0, the system is
a = ____ = ___ ms–2. released from rest. It is
130 13
observed that B and C
Example 28 A small block is kept on a plane, whose do not move relative to
inclination angle can be adjusted. The coefficient of static x0
A till displacement of A becomes __. Find minimum value
and kinetic friction between the block and the plane are 2
6mg
____
ms = 0.75 and mk = 0.6. Angle of inclination of the plane of m. It is given that x0 < .
is increased gradually until the moment the block begins to k
slide. The plane is held fixed at this inclination. Calculate Solution
the speed acquired by the block in sliding down a distance Concepts
x = 1.0 m along the incline.
If kx0 > 6 mg, initial acceleration of the system will be
Solution
Concepts ( kx0
)
greater than g a = ____ . In reference frame of A, B will
6 mg
The block begins to slide when inclination of incline experience a force ma towards the left which will be larger
becomes equal to angle of repose. Once the motion begins than weight of C and therefore, B will have a tendency to
the friction decreases as it becomes kinetic in nature. This slide towards left. The question says that this is not the
causes acceleration. case as kx0 < 6 mg. Acceleration due to spring force is
not that high and B has a tendency to slide towards right.
Inclination of the incline at which motion begins is given However, friction and pseudo force(in reference frame of
by: A) are strong enough to prevent slipping. As the spring
tan q = ms force decreases chance of slipping increases.
3 x0
fi tan q = 0.75 = __ When the system has moved through __, the spring force
4 2
kx0
is ___. Till now A + B + C are moving together as a unit.
2
Hence acceleration at this moment is
kx0 kx0
a = ______ = ____
2 (6m) 12m
FBD of C and B are as shown in figure. In reference
frame attached to A ma is pseudo force.
For C : T = mg ...(1)
For B : T = ma + f
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Friction 11.21

The kinetic fric-

tion force on the
object will be
directed exactly
opposite to vr. In
reference frame
of the belt the
For B to be on verge of slipping we take f = mN ¢ object will move
= m mg along vr and come
\ T = ma + m mg ...(2) to rest (assuming that belt is sufficiently wide and the
object does not falls off).
From 1 and 2 : m mg + ma = mg
(ii) In ground frame, the initial velocity (u) is along Y
a
fi m = 1 – __
g direction. But acceleration
is along friction force f.
kx0
fi m = 1 – _____ Moreover, the acceleration
12 mg (a) will remain constant as
This is the least value of m needed to prevent slipping till long as the object slips on
x0 the belt. Thus the path will
displacement becomes __. be parabolic in reference
2
Example 30 A flat horizontal conveyor belt is running with frame of the ground.
a constant speed of v0 = 6 ms–1. A small object enters the belt (iii) In reference frame of the belt, the y coordinate of the
with a horizontal object must be less than or equal to d at the time its
velocity u = 8 ms–1 velocity becomes zero.
perpendicular to the f = m mg fi a = m g = 0.5 × 10 = 5 ms–2
velocity of the con- Retardation along Y is ay = a cos q = 5 × 8/10 = 4 ms–2
veyor. Coefficient
using v2y = u2y + 2ay ◊ y
of friction between
the belt and the 0 = 82 – 2 × 4 × d
object is m = 0.5. fi d = 8 m.
(i) What will be shape of path of the object in a refer-
ence frame fixed to the belt? Example 31 A chain of length L and mass m rests on a
(ii) What will be shape of path of the object in a refer- rough horizontal table with a part of it hanging vertically.
ence frame attached to the ground? When one fourth length of chain
is hanging vertically, it begins
(iii) Find minimum width (d) of the conveyor for which to slip. Find the speed of chain
the object does not fall off it. when it completely leaves the
Solution table.
Concepts Solution
Concepts
(i) Friction force on the objects will be directed oppo-
site to its velocity relative to the belt. (i) When the weight of hanging part exceeds the fric-
(ii) In ground frame initial velocity of the object and tion force on the chain, it accelerates.
friction force acting on it are along two different (ii) As the chain slips, weight of hanging part increases
lines. and the friction decreases. The chain experiences an
increasing net force and its acceleration increases.
(i) In reference frame of the belt, the initial velocity of
the object will be Just when the chain begins to slide,
_______
vr = ÷u +
2
v20 weight of hanging part = friction on the part lying on the
______ table.
= ÷82 + 62 Mg
___
fi = mN
= 10 ms–1 4
Mg
___ 3 M
The direction is as shown in the figure. fi = m __ __
4 4 g
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11.22 Mechanics I

1
fi m = __
3

(a) Find minimum value of m if the block stays at rest

when it is released.
L
Now, consider the situation when a length x > __ is
4 ( ) (b) Find minimum value of m if the block is observed to
be at rest inside the groove when the wedge is moved
hanging. along x direction with an acceleration a = 2 ms–2.
M M
The net driving force = __ xg – m __ (L – x)g Solution
L L
Concepts
Mx mM
\ Ma = ___ g – ____ (L – x)g There are two friction forces acting on the block – one is
L L
due to floor of the groove and the other is due to groove
wall.

(a) The figure shows the forces acting on the block in

the plane of the incline surfaces.
N1 = Normal force by the groove wall.
f1 = friction due to groove wall.
f2 = friction due to floor.
The normal reaction (N2) of the floor of the groove
__
\
L 3 (
g 4x L
a = __ ___ – __
3 ) [ 1
m = __
3 ] (not shown in figure) is N2 = mg cos 30° = mg
÷3
___
2
From the diagram it is obvious that
Acceleration is variable. Hence we write __
g ÷______
3 mg
dv N1 = mg sin 30° ◊ cos 30° =
v ___ = ___ (4x – L) 4
dx 3L
g
fi vdv = ___ (4x – L)dx
3L
v0
g L
fi Ú v dv = ___ Ú (4x – L)dx
0 3L L /4

[ Note that x changes from __L4 to L ]

v2 g
\ ___0 = ___ [ 2x2 – Lx ]LL/4
2 3L
3 For the block to just be at rest we must have
v20 = __ gL
4 mg sin 30° ◊ sin 30° = f1l + f2l
____

÷
3 mg
fi v0 = __ gL fi ___ = m N1 + m N2
4 4 __ __

Example 32 An inclined plane makes an angle of 30° with

the horizontal. A groove OB is cut in the plane such that
fi
mg
___
4 (
=m
÷3
___
4
mg +
÷3
___
2) mg

1__
it makes an angle of 30° with OX. A block is placed just fi m = ____
fitting inside the groove. The coefficient of friction between 3÷3
the block and the groove is m. This is minimum value of m required to keep the
block at rest.
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Friction 11.23

(b) We consider the block in reference frame of the Normal force on B due to P is
wedge. Apart from the forces in the part (a), there N = max = 3 m
is a pseudo force ma acting horizontally to the left. Limiting friction is
3
fl = m N = __ ◊ 3 m
4
= 2.25m

__
÷3 __
N2 = mg ___ = 5÷3 m [as in part (a)]
2
Acceleration of plank in y direction is 4 ms–2 but friction
N1 = mg sin 30° ◊ cos 30° – ma sin 30°
__ can provide only an acceleration of 2.25 ms–2 to B in
5÷3 y-direction.
= ____ m – m [ g = 10 ms–2, a = 2 ms–2]
2 The block slides relative to the plank.
For the block to be on verge of sliding we must Net force on the block is
have _______ _______________
mg sin 30° ◊ sin 30° + ma cos 30° = f1l + f2l F = ÷N2 + f 2k = ÷(3m)2 + (2.25m)2 = 3.75 m
5 __
fi __ m + ÷3 m = m (N1 + N2) This is a constant force.
2 F
__ Acceleration of B = __
m = 3.75 ms .
–2

fi ( 5
__
2
__
)
+ ÷3 m = m (5÷3
____
2
__
__
m – m + 5÷3 m ) \ Distance travelled by B in 2 s is
1 1
fi
5 + 2÷3
m = _________
__ = 0.35 S = __ at2 = __ × 3.75 × 22 = 7.5 m.
15÷3 – 2 2 2
This is minimum value of m required to keep the Example 34 Find the height (h) upto which an insect
block at rest. can crawl up inside a fixed
hemispherical bowl of
Example 33 A plank P stands vertically on a smooth hori-
radius R. The coefficient of
zontal floor. A block B is kept touching the plank as shown
friction between the insect
in the figure. The coeffi-
1__
cient of friction between and the bowl is m = ___ .
the plank and the block ÷3
3 Solution
is m = __. The plank is
4
Concepts
moved along the floor
with a constant
_› accel- The insect tries to push back on the wall of the bowl and
eration of a = (3 + 4 ) a tangential friction pulls it up. If the tangential component
ms–2 without any rotation. Find distance travelled by the of weight exceeds the maximum friction, the insect cannot
block in 2 s. Does the block slide relative to the plank? climb further.
Solution In the position shown in figure, normal force on the insect
Concepts is

Since the plank has motion in x-direction, there will be a N = mg cos q.

normal force on the block due to the plank. Friction acting Limiting friction force on
on B will impart it a motion in positive y-direction. We the insect will be
need to check whether the block slides. fl = m mg cos q.
As q increases, fl decreases
whereas the tangential force mg sin q increases. At a
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11.24 Mechanics I

certain point fl = mg sin q. The insect cannot climb beyond Example 36 In the arrangement shown in figure, the upper
this point. spring has a force constant of k = 2 N/m. The lower spring
fl = mg sin q has similar construction but half the length of the upper
fi m mg cos q = mg sin q spring. Coefficient of

( )
1__ friction between the
fi tan q = m fi q = tan–1(m) = tan–1 ___ blocks in 0.2 and that
÷3
between the lower block
q = 30°.
and ground surface is
Height h can be calculated as: 0.1. When both the springs are relaxed, a horizontal force
R–h
_____ F = 20 N starts acting on the lower block as shown.
= cos 30°
R __ (i) Find the initial acceleration of the two blocks.
fi h=R 1– [÷3
___
2 ]
0.13 R. (ii) Find displacement of the blocks before the upper
block starts slipping over the lower block.
Example 35 A wedge W is held between the jaws of a Solution
clamp as shown in the figure. A boy presses arms A and
B towards each other with equal forces. The coefficient of Concepts
friction between the jaws and the wedge is m. Find minimum (i) Force constant of a spring is inversely proportional
m for which the jaws will not slip on the wedge. Neglect to its length.
gravity. (ii) Unstretched springs do not apply any force
initially.
(iii) Slipping begins when friction is unable to provide
the upper block an acceleration equal to that of the
lower block.

(i) Initially, spring force = 0.

Solution
Maximum friction on 5 kg block due to ground is
Concepts f1max = 0.1 × (5 + 2)g = 7 N
The impending motion of the wedge relative to the clamp Maximum friction on 2 kg block due to 5 kg block
is outward (towards right) as resultant of normal forces by is f2max = 0.2 × 2g = 4 N.
the clamps on the wedge is towards right. Therefore, fric-
Initially (when spring is unstretched), the maximum
tion force on the wedge due to jaws is inwards.
possible acceleration of 2 kg block will be-
FBD of the wedge has been shown in the figure. 4N
Considering equilibrium of the wedge in x direction we amax = ____ = 2 ms–2.
2kg
get:
If we assume that there is no slipping, the accelera-
2N sin q – 2 f cos q = 0. tion of combined system of two blocks will be
fi N sin q = f cos q
20 – 7 13
a = ______ = ___ ms–2.
7 7
Since a < amax, the two blocks will move together
13
with an acceleration of ___ ms–2.
7
(ii) Let displacement be x when slipping is about to
begin.
Force by upper spring = kx = 2x
Force by lower spring = (2k)x = 4x
When the jaws are about to slip, friction is limiting. [ Force constant of lower spring = 2k = 4 N/m]
\ f = mN Friction is at its maximum value.
fi N sin q = m N cos q For 5 kg block:
fi m = tan q
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Friction 11.25

[
m Mg 2m Mg 3m Mg
Ma = 2m Mg – _____ + ______ + ______ (L – x)
3 3 3L ]
fi
m
3
g
[
2m
3
g 3m
3L
g
a = 2m g – ___ + ____ + ____ (L – x) ]
Graph of a vs. x will be linear with a slope given by
da ___
___ mg
= = tan q1.
dx L
20 – 7 – 4 – 4x = 5a
When the bar has moved through L < x < 2L, we have:
fi 9 – 4x = 5a ...(1)
For 2 kg block:
4 – 2x = 2a ...(2)
Solving (1) and (2)
x = 1.0 m

Example 37 A uniform bar of mass M and length 3L is

placed on a horizontal floor as shown in figure. The coef-
3 [
m Mg 2m M(2L – x)
Ma = 2m Mg – _____ + ____________ g
3L ]
ficients of friction for the segments AB, BC and CD of the
floor are 3m, 2m and m respectively. The floor is smooth [
m g 2m g
a = 2m g – ___ + ____ (2L – x)
3 3L ]
except for the part AD. A horizontal force F = 2 m Mg is da 2m g
___ = ____ = tan q .
\
applied at one end of the bar. A small push sets the bar dx 3L 2

moving. The variation of acceleration of the bar with its Similarly one can show that for 2L < x < 3L
displacement is as shown below. Find the ratio tan q1: tan q2:
da m g
tan q3 tan q3 = ___ = ___
dx 3L
\ tan q1 : tan q2 : tan q3 = 3 : 2 : 1

Example 38 A block A of mass M = 10 kg is lying on a

smooth horizontal ground. A long sheet of cloth is placed over
the block. Another block B
of mass m = 5 kg is placed
on the cloth. Coefficient of
friction between each block
and cloth is m = 0.6. Mass
Solution of the cloth sheet is negligible. The cloth piece is pulled hori-
zontally with a force F as shown. Find the values of F if
Concepts
(i) Block A does not slide relative to the cloth.
As the bar moves, its length on rough part goes on decreas- (ii) The cloth piece moves relative to A but does not
ing and hence its acceleration goes on increasing. move relative to B.
Consider the bar Solution
when it has moved by
Concepts
a distance x < L.
(i) The net force on cloth piece must always be zero
Friction on PD = 0 as it is massless.
Mg (ii) The limiting friction between A and cloth and that
Friction on CD = m ___
3 between B and cloth, both are m mg.
Mg Normal force between B and cloth is N = mg
Friction on BD = 2m ___
3 Normal force between A and cloth is N = mg
M(L – x) Limiting friction between A and cloth is f1l = m mg
Friction on QB = m ________ g.
3L Limiting friction between B and cloth is f2l = m mg.
\ Acceleration is given by For cloth f1 + f2 = F ...(1)
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
11.26 Mechanics I

(i) Both the bodies – the block and the wedge remain
motionless after the system is released.
(ii) The wedge remains at rest and the block accelerates
down after the system is released.
(iii) The wedge slides and there is no relative motion
(i) Maximum allowed acceleration of A is: between the block and the wedge after the system is
released.
f1l m mg
a1max = __ = _____ Solution
M M
The cloth must not be pulled with an acceleration Concepts
greater than a1max. The force between the block and the wedge is vector sum
Friction f2 can easily provide this acceleration to of normal force and friction force between them.
block B.
\ When A is moving with a1max, the acceleration (i) In this case, for block to remain at rest
of B will also be a1max. Friction f2 will be m > tan q
3
m m2g fi m > __
f2 = ma1max = _____ 4
M
It is important to notice that the total force (resultant
Using 1 of friction and normal) applied by the wedge on
m m2g the block will be mg in vertically upward direction.
F = f1 + f2 = m mg + _____ The block applies equal and opposite force on the
M
wedge. Therefore, there is no horizontal force on the
m
= m mg 1 + __
M ( ) wedge. The wedge will remain at rest even if floor
is frictionless.
( m
\ F £ m mg 1 + __ = 45 N
M ) \ Answer is m > __
3
4
(ii) For B not to slide on the cloth, the maximum accel- (ii) In this case, for
eration allowed is block to slide down
ma2max = m mg we must have
fi a2 max = m g m < tan q
In this case f2 = f1 = m mg. 3
fi m < __.
\ Using (1)F = 2m mg. 4
Obviously, if F > 2m mg, B will slip. FBD of wedge is as shown.
For cloth to slide on A we must have f = friction applied by sliding block

(
F > m mg 1 + __
m
M ) = m N = m mg cos q
N = Normal force by the block = mg cos q
\ Required answer is
R = Normal force by the ground
( m
)
m mg 1 + __ < F < 2m mg
M Horizontal component of f is = (m mg cos q ) cos q ( )
16
45 N < F < 60 N. = ___ m mg
25
Example 39 A block is placed on the inclined face of Horizontal component of N is = Nsin q
a wedge of same mass and = mg cos q sin q (Æ)
the system is held motion-
12
less. Coefficients of friction = ___ mg
(m) between the block and 25
3
the wedge and that between Since m < __, hence
4
the wedge and the horizontal ground are equal. Inclination
16
() ___ 12
3
angle of the wedge is q = tan–1 __ . Find all possible values m mg < ___ mg.
4 25 25
of m for which
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Friction 11.27

The wedge has a tendency to slide towards right (and (ii) Find the maximum acceleration with which the
this appears to be reasonable also). Ground friction wedge can be moved in y direction so that the disc
on the wedge will be towards left. does not slide relative to the wedge.
R = mg + f sin q + N cos q Solution
= mg + m mg cos q ◊ sin q + mg cos q ◊ cos q Concepts
12 16
= mg + m mg ___ + mg ___ (i) It is easy to understand the problem with respect
25 25 to reference frame attached to the wedge.
3
Since m < __ (ii) Assume that there is no friction and try to find the
4
\ ( 9
25 25
16
R < mg 1 + ___ + ___ ) direction in which the disc can slide. Friction will
be opposite to this direction.
fi R < 2 mg (i) Let maximum acceleration of the wedge in x direc-
For the wedge to be at rest, coefficient of friction tion be a for the disc to remain at rest relative to the
shall be such that wedge. Forces acting on the disc in the plane of the
incline has been shown in the figure, in reference
12 16
m R > ___ mg – ___ m mg frame of the wedge. ma is the pseudo force.
25 25

12 16 12 16
fi m mg + m2 mg ___ + m mg ___ > ___ mg – ___ m mg
25 25 25 25
12 2 ___
___ 57 12
fi m + m – ___ > 0
25 25 25
fi 12m2 + 57 m – 12 > 0.

fi 4m2 + 19 m – 4 > 0
____ If there is no friction, the disc will move along the
÷425 – 19
fi m > _________ = 0.20 resultant of mg sin q and ma. Therefore, friction will
8 be opposite to this resultant force.
Therefore, allowed values of m are
Normal force (not shown in figure) is
0.2 < m < 0.75
N = mg cos q
(iii) The wedge slides and the block keeps sticking to
it. The whole system accelerates to right. Friction \ fl = m mg cos m
is simply not going to do that and there is no other
For no motion we must have
horizontal force on the system that will do that.
Situation described is just not possible for any value ________________
of m. ÷(ma)2 + (mg sin q)2 £ m mg cos q.
Example 40 A disc has been placed on a wedge of \ a2 + g2sin2 q £ m2 g2 cos2 q.
inclination angle q = 37°. Coefficient of friction between
the disc and the wedge is m = 0.8 [tan 37° = 3/4] fi a2 £ g2(m2 cos2q – sin2q)
(i) Find the maximum acceleration with which the
wedge can be moved in x direction so that the disc fi a2 £ 102[0.82 × 0.82 – 0.62] = 4.96
does not slide on the wedge. ____
\ amax = ÷4.96 = 2.23 ms–2

(ii) Since tanq < m, the disc has no tendency to slide on

its own. When the wedge is accelerated along Y direc-
tion with acceleration a, component of pseudo force
up along the incline tries to push it up. Therefore,
the disc can move up along the incline.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
11.28 Mechanics I

x
FBD of disc in reference frame of wedge is as shown Mass of part CB = __ mg
2
in figure. The disc will not slide if:
1–x
(
Mass of part AB = _____ mg
2 )

ma cos q £ mg sin q + fl Forces on CB are as shown in figure.

For vertical equilibrium of CB we have
fi ma cos q £ mg sin q + m(ma sin q + mg cos q)
x
[ N = ma sinq + mg cos q] TB sin q = __ mg
2
fi a[cos q – m sin q] £ g[sin q + m cos q] xmg
fi TB = ______
2 sin q
g(sin q + m cos q)
fi a £ _______________ Forces on AB are as shown.
(cos q – m sin q)

\
g(sin q + m cos q) g(tan q + m)
amax = _______________ = ___________
(cos q – m sin q) (1 – m tan q)
(
1–x
)
N = _____ mg cos q
2

10 × (0.75 + 0.8) Maximum friction force is

= _______________ = 38.75 ms–2.
(1 – 0.8 × 0.75)

Example 41 A uniform rope rests on two inclined planes

as shown in the figure. The inclined planes make an angle
q with horizontal and the rope lies symmetrically on them.
Coefficient of friction between the rope and the inclines is
m = 1.0. What angle q allows for largest possible fraction of
the rope to not touch the inclines? What is this fraction?
(
1–x
)
f = m N = _____ mg cos q
2
[ m = 1]

For equilibrium of AB along the incline we must have

Solution
(_____
2 )
1–x
mg sin q + T B =f

Concepts
If C is centre of the rope, then tension at C must be
fi ( _____
1–x
2 ) mg sin q + ______ = ( _____ ) mg cos q
x mg
2 sin q
1–x
2
horizontal. The weight of part CB is
balanced by the vertical component of fi x[1 + sin q ◊ cos q – sin2q] = sin q ◊ cos q – sin2 q
tension at B. Using this we get tension
at B. Thereafter, we consider equilib- y 1
rium of part AB of the rope. fi x = _____ = _____
1 + y __1
y +1
Let mass of the rope be m and a fraction x of it hangs
1
in the air. where y = sin q ◊ cos q – sin2q = __ (sin2q + cos2q – 1)
2
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Friction 11.29

x is maximum when y is maximum and y is maximum

dy
(
1 1__ ___
= __ ___
2 ÷2 ÷2
1
+ __ – 1 )
when ___ = 0
dq __ __
2 – ÷2 ______
÷2 – 1
= ______
__ =
fi cos2q – sin2q = 0 2 ÷2 2
__
fi tan2q = 1 fi 2q = 45° fi q = 22.5° ÷2 –1
______ __
2__ ÷2 – 1
\ x max = __________ = _______
__
For q = 22.5°, value of y is ÷______
2 – 1 ÷2 + 1
1+
2
1
y = __ (sin 45° + cos 45° – 1)
__ __
= (÷2 – 1)2 = 3 – 2÷2 = 0.17
Worksheet 3
2
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Worksheet 1
1. If the normal force between two surfaces is doubled, 7. A 60 kg body is pushed horizontally with just enough
the co-efficient of friction is force to start it moving across a floor and the same
(a) halved (b) doubled force continues to act afterwards. The coefficient of
(c) tripled (d) not changed static friction and sliding friction are 0.5 and 0.4
respectively. The acceleration of the body is
2. A box ‘A’ is lying on the horizontal floor of the
compartment of a train running along horizontal rails (a) 6 ms–2 (b) 4.9 ms–2
from left to right. At time ‘t’, it decelerates. Then the (c) 3.92 ms–2 (d) 1 ms–2
resultant contact force R by the floor on the box has 8. A body is projected upwards along a rough inclined
been represented best in plane from the bottom with some velocity. It travels
up the incline and then returns back. If the time of
ascent is ta and time of descent is td, then
(a) (b)
(a) ta = td (b) ta > td
(c) ta < td (d) data insufficient

(c) (d) 9. A uniform rope lies on a table with a part of it

hanging. The rope begins to slide when the length of
hanging part is 25% of entire length. The co-efficient
3. Starting from rest a body slides down a 45° inclined of friction between rope and table is
plane in twice the time it takes to slide down the same (a) 0.33 (b) 0.25
distance in the absence of friction. The co-efficient of (c) 0.5 (d) 0.2
friction between the body and the inclined plane is
10. An insect of mass m,
(a) 0.75 (b) 0.33 starts moving on a rough
(c) 0.25 (d) 0.80 inclined surface from point
4. A block of mass 1 kg lies on a horizontal surface A. As the surface is very
inside a truck. The coefficient of static friction sticky, the coefficient of
between the block and the surface is 0.6. If the friction between the insect
acceleration of the truck is 4 ms–2, the frictional and the incline is m = 1. Assume that it can move
force acting on the block is in any direction; up the incline, horizontally on the
(a) 4 N (b) 6 N incline or down the incline, then
(c) 10 N (d) 15 N (a) The maximum possible acceleration of the
5. A block of mass 2 kg rests on a rough inclined plane insect can be 4 m/sec2
making an angle of 30° with the horizontal. The (b) The minimum possible acceleration of the insect
coefficient of static friction between the block and can be 2 m/sec2
the plane is 0.7. The frictional force on the block (c) The insect can move with a constant velocity
is (d) The insect can not move with a constant
__
(a) 9.8 N (b) 0.7 × 9.8 ÷3 N velocity
(c) 9.8 × 7 N (d) 0.8 × 9.8 N 11. A boy of mass 40 kg is sitting on a hill slope. The
6. A block of mass 5 kg is kept on an incline such that coefficient of friction between his body and the hill
a surface area of 2 m2 is in contact. It just begins slope is 0.8 and inclination of the hill is 30°. The
to slide down the inclined plane when the angle of force applied by the hill on the boy is
inclination is 30°. Keeping all other parameters same, (a) 400 N (b) 326 N
the surface area of the block in contact with incline is (c) 465 N (d) None
doubled. The angle at which the block starts sliding 12. A particle of mass 5 kg is moving on rough fixed
down is inclined plane (making an angle 30° with horizontal)
(a) 30° (b) 60° with constant velocity of 5 ms–1. Find the friction
(c) 15° (d) None force acting on a body due to the inclined plane.
(take g = 10 ms–2)

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(a) 25 N (b) 20 N
(c) 30 N (d) None of these
13. A block of mass 0.1 kg is held against a wall
applying a horizontal force of 5 N on the block. If
the coefficient of friction between the block and the (a) 2 N, 6 N, 3.2 N
wall is 0.5, the magnitude of the frictional force act- (b) 2 N, 6 N, 0 N
ing on the block is (c) 1 N, 6 N, 2 N
(a) 2.5 N (b) 0.98 N (d) data insufficient to calculate the required
(c) 4.9 N (d) 0.49 N values.
14. An engineer wants to pile up sand in a conical heap 18. A block is lying on a long horiozntal conveyer belt
on a circular area of radius R. m is the coefficient of moving at a constant velocity. It is given a velocity
friction between sand particles. The greatest volume v = 5 ms–1 relative to ground in a direction opposite
of the sand pile that can be erected without spilling to the direction of motion of conveyer. After t = 4 s
the sand onto the surrounding area is the velocity of block becomes equal to the velocity
1 of the belt. If m = 0.2 the velocity of the belt is
(a) __ p m2 R3 (b) p m R3
3 (a) 2 ms–1 (b) 5 ms–1
–1
2 1 (c) 3 ms (d) 9 ms–1
(c) __ p m R3 (d) __ p m R3
3 3 19. A chain of length L is placed on a horizontal surface
15. A body of mass 10 kg lies on a rough inclined plane as shown in
3 figure. At
of inclination q = sin–1 __ with any instant
5
the horizontal. When a force of x is the
30 N is applied on the block par- length of chain on rough surface and the remaining
allel to and upward the plane, portion lies on smooth surface. Initially x = 0. A
the total reaction by the plane horizontal force P is applied to the chain (as shown
on the block is nearly along in the figure). In the duration x changes from x = 0
to x = L, for chain to move with constant speed
(a) OA (b) OB
(a) the magnitude of P should increase with time
(c) OC (d) OD
(b) the magnitude of P should decrease with time
16. In the figure shown, a man C is pulling the
block B horizontally with a force F. Masses are (c) the magnitude of P should increase first and
mA = mB = mC = 60 kg. Coefficient of friction between then decrease with time
shoes of man C and ground is 0.5, B and ground is (d) the magnitude of P should decrease first and
0.3 and that between A and B is 0.4. C is pulling the then increase with time
string with the maximum possible force F without 20. Two blocks with masses M1 and M2 of 10 kg and
moving himself. Then tension in the string connected 20 kg respectively are placed as in figure. Coefficient
to A will be of friction = 0.2 between any two surfaces, then ten-
sion in string and acceleration of M2 will be

(a) 120 N (b) 60 N

(c) 100 N (d) zero (a) 250 N, 3 ms–2 (b) 200 N, 6 ms–2
17. In the shown arrangement the coefficients of friction
between 2 kg block and ground is 0.1 where as that (c) 306 N, 4.7 ms–2 (d) 400 N, 6.5 ms–2
between 3 kg block and the ground is 0.2. Two 21. A block of mass m remains at rest when it is released
horizontal forces of 8 N and 1 N are applied as shown. 3
If f1, f2 and T be the frictional forces on 2 kg block, on an incline plane of inclination q = sin– 1 __.
5
3 kg block and tension in the string respectively, then
their values are

11.31
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(a) The normal force applied by the incline is 0.6 24. A rope of length L and mass M is being pulled on
times the resultant force applied by the incline a rough horizontal floor by a constant horizontal
on the block. force F = Mg. The force is acting at one end of the
(b) The normal force applied by the incline is 0.8 rope in the same direction as the length of the rope.
times the resultant force applied by the incline The coefficient of kinetic friction between rope and
on the block. floor is 1/2. Then, tension at the mid-point of the
(c) The angle of friction for block and the incline rope is
3 (a) Mg/4 (b) 2 Mg/5
surface must be tan–1 __
4 (c) Mg/8 (d) Mg/2
(d) It is not possible to say anything unless we 25. A block of weight W is kept on smooth inclined
know the friction coefficient between the block face of a cart. The block is tied to a vertical wall
and the incline. with the help of a string as shown in the figure. The
22. A small block of weight W, is to be suspended by whole system is in equilibrium. Find the friction
a string from the end of a force applied by the ground on the cart.
smooth hemispherical bowl
of radius 50 cm. It is found
that if the string is any longer
than 60 cm, it loses tension.
What is coefficient of friction between the hemi-

(
sphere and the block? 37° = sin–1 __
3
5)
(a) 0.75 (b) 0.8
(c) tan 16° (d) tan 26° __
(a) 1/4 W (b) ÷__
3 /2 W
23. A time changing horizontal force F = t is applied to
block A as shown in figure. Initially the system was at (c) 1/2 W (d) ÷3 /4 W
rest and string just straight without tension. Which of 26. In the figure shown, pulley and string are mass-
the following graphs gives the friction force between less. Coefficient of friction between the block of
B and horizontal surface as a function of time ‘t’? mass m and horizontal sur-
face is m. The minimum
value of applied force F
that can cause the block
to move is
(a) m mg (b) 2 m mg
1
(c) __ m mg (d) None of these
2
27. A heavy box is lying on a rough ground. You and
(a)
one of your friend are having difficulty in moving the
box. You decided to tie a rope to the box and pull it
by applying a horizontal force. Your friend ties the
rope to a tree and pulls horizontally perpendicular to
the rope as shown. Whose method is more effective
(b)

(c)

(a) Your friend’s method is more effective.

(b) Your method will be more effective if the
coefficient of friction between the box and the
(d) ground is small.

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(c) Your method will be more effective if the d
coefficient of friction between the box and the d/2
ground is large.
(d) Both of you will prove to be equally effective.
28. In the arrangement shown in the figure, mass of the
5m 5m
block B is 2 m. The block has a vertical shaft. A ring q q
A of mass m just fits on the shaft. The block B is
connected to the block C by means of a light string
pulley system. If the whole system is released, then
find the minimum value of mass of block C so that (a) 4 m (b) 3 m
A remains stationary with respect to B. Coefficient of (c) 6 m (d) 8 m
friction between A and B is m. The horizontal floor 31. In the arrangement shown in figure, all pulleys and
is frictionless. string are massless. Then the minimum coefficient of
friction between block B and ground for the system
to remain in equilibrium is

m 2m + 1
(a) __ (b) _______
m m+1
2 1
(a) __ (b) __
3m 6 3 5
(c) _____ (d) __
m–1 m
1 1
29. Two blocks A and B, each of mass 10 kg, are sliding (c) __ (d) __
3 6
on an incline. They are connected by a string. The
32. With two fingers, you hold a cone motionless upside
coefficients of kinetic friction between A and incline
down, as shown in figure. The mass of the cone
is m1 = 0.5 and that between B and incline is m2 = 0.4.
is (m = 6 kg), and the coefficient of static friction
The tension in string will be
between your fingers and
the cone is (m = 0.5). What
is the minimum normal
force (in newton) you must
apply with each finger in
order to hold up the cone?
Consider only translational
equilibrium.
(a) Zero (b) 2 N (a) 35 N (b) 65 N
(c) 8 N (d) 4 N (c) 40 N (d) 390 N
30. A man hangs from the midpoint of a rope 10 m long, 33. A conveyor belt is moving at a speed of 8 ms–1.
the ends of which are tied to two light rings which are A 10 kg box kept on the belt is at rest relative to
free to move on a horizontal fixed rod (see figure). the belt. Coefficient of static friciton between the
Coefficient of static friction between the rings and conveyor belt and the 10 kg package is ms = 0.2.
the rod is 0.75. The maximum possible separation Determine the shortest time in which the belt can
d between the rings when the man is hanging in be stopped so that the package does not slide on the
equilibrium is belt.

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(a)

(a) 1 s (b) 2 s (b)

(c) 4 s (d) 8 s
34. Block A is kept on another block B. There is friction
between A and B but the ground surface is smooth.
A boy starts applying a horizontal force on B which
(c)
increases linearly with time increasing from zero.
Acceleration of A has been represented by 1 and that
of B is represented by 2 in the graphs shown below.
Which graph correctly represents the variation of
acceleration with time?

(d)

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Worksheet 2
1. A bar leans against a (c) The man must accelerate in order to move the
block on a table. Neither block
is moving. There is no (d) None of the above.
friction between the bar
5. In the figure shown, a ring of mass M is free to
and the block. Which of
slide on a fixed vertical
the following statements
pole. Co-efficient of fric-
concerning this situation is/are not possible?
tion between pole and M
(a) The force applied by the bar on the block is less is m. A block of mass m
than the force applied by the block on the bar. remains in equilibrium
(b) Although there is no friction acting on the block, tied to the ring with a
there must be friction acting on the bar or else massless string as shown.
it will fall. The string between the
(c) The net force acting on the bar is zero. pulley and the ring is
(d) The direction of the frictional force acting on horizontal and pulley is light.
the bar is in the same direction as the frictional (a) The frictional force acting on the ring is Mg
force acting on the block. (b) The friction force on the ring is m mg.
2. A bicycle rider pedals up a hill. The combined mass (c) If m is doubled, the friction force on M will
of the rider and the bicycle is M. Which of the fol- also double.
lowings is/are correct? (d) The smallest value of m for which the system
(a) The friction force must be directed down the can stay in equilibrium in the position shown is
slope of the hill. equal to M/m.
(b) The net force applied by the hill on the bicycle 6. A block of mass m = 1 kg is pressed against a
must be greater than Mg if the bicycle is moving vertical wall by applying a horizontal force F on it.
with increasing speed. The coefficient of friction between the block and the
(c) The net force applied by the hill on the bicycle wall is 0.5.
may be equal to Mg. (a) The smallest value of F needed to keep the
(d) The bicycle may retard even if friction is block at rest is 20 N.
directed up the slope of the hill. (b) The smallest value of F needed to keep the
3. In a tug–of–war contest, two men of equal weight block at rest when force is applied making an
pull on a light horizontal rope at opposite ends. angle of 53° with the wall is 30 N.
(a) The winner will be the man who exerts greater (c) No value of F can keep the block at rest when
force on the rope force is applied making an angle of 53° with
(b) The winner will be the man who exerts greater the wall.
force on the ground (d) If F is larger than 20 N the block will stay at
(c) The man who exerts a lesser force on the rope rest irrespective of the direction of the force.
will lose. 7. Two bodies A and B of masses 10 kg and 5 kg
(d) The friction forces between the rope and hands are placed very slightly
of the two men are equal. separated as shown in
figure. The coefficient A B
4. A man pulls a block heavier than himself with a light F
of friction between the 10 kg
horizontal rope. The co-efficient 5 kg
floor and the blocks is
of friction is the same between
0.4. Block A is pushed
the man and the ground, and
by an external force F. The value of F can be
between the block and the
changed. When the welding between block A and
ground
ground breaks, block A starts
(a) The block will not move unless the man also pressing block B and when weld-
moves ing of B with ground also breaks,
(b) It is possible for the man to move towards block B will start pressing the
the block while pulling it, such that the block vertical wall.
remains stationary

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(a) If F = 20 N, block A presses block B with a (a) Motion will start after t = 1 s
force of 20 N. (b) Speed of the box at t = 3 s is 22 ms–1
(b) If F = 20 N, block A does not press block B. (c) Speed of the box at t = 3 s is 18 m/s
(c) If F = 50 N, the friction force acting between (d) None of the above.
block B and ground will be 10 N 11. The wedge is moving rightwards with a block of
(d) The force of friction acting on B varies with the mass 10 kg placed on it. Friction coefficient between
applied force F according to the graph shown the wedge and the block is 0.8. Select correct
in the figure. alternative(s) among the following options.
8. A block is resting over a rough horizontal floor. At
t = 0, a time varying force starts acting on it, the
force is described by equation F = kt, where k is a
positive constant and t is in seconds. Mark the correct
statement (s) for this situation.

(a) If wedge is moving with constant velocity then

friction acting on block is 64 N.
(b) If wedge is moving with constant velocity then
acceleration of block is zero.
_›
(a) 1 shows acceleration-time graph (c) If wedge is moving with a = 2 ( ) ms–2 then
(b) 2 shows acceleration-time graph. friction acting on block is 44 N.
_›
(c) Curve 3 shows velocity-time graph (d) If wedge is moving with a = 10 ( ) ms–2
(d) Curve 4 shows displacement-time graph. then friction on the wedge is 20 N, along the
9. In the arrangement shown in figure, coefficient of incline.
friction between the two blocks is m and the ground 12. A force of 100 N is applied on a stationary block of
is smooth. A constant horizontal force F2 = 20 N is mass 3 kg as shown in figure. If the coefficient of
applied on the 4 kg block. The 2 kg block is being friction between the surface and the block is 0.25
pulled by a stationary man using a horizontal string then
with a force of F1.

(a) The force of friction acting between the two

blocks is 8 N when F1 = 2 N
(b) The force of friction acting between the two
blocks is 10 N when F1 = 8 N
(c) Acceleration of 2 kg block is zero when (a) The frictional force acting on the block is 20 N
F1 = 10 N downwards __
(d) There must be friction between the man and the (b) The normal reaction on the block is 50 ÷3 .
ground.
(c) The friction force (kinetic) acting on the block
10. A box of mass 1 kg is lying on a rough horizontal __
25÷3
floor. A horizontal force starts acting on box and its is _____ N
magnitude changes with time as F = 3 t2 N, where t 2
is time in seconds. Co-efficient of static and kinetic (d) If coefficient of friction is changed to 0.35 then
friction between the box and horizontal floor are the friction force acting on the block is again
ms = 0.3 and mk = 0.2. 20 N downwards.

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13. Coefficient of fric-
tion between the
two blocks shown in
figure is 0.3 whereas
the horizontal sur-
face AB is smooth.
Strings and pulleys (a) Plank may accelerate down
are massless. (b) Plank may accelerate up
(a) Friction force acting on 2 kg block is towards (c) Plank may be at rest
left. (d) Friction on plank due to the boy may be down
(b) Acceleration of the system of masses is the plane.
5.86 ms–2 17. A wedge of mass M is kept on a horizontal table.
(c) System will not accelerate if 10 kg block is The inclined face of
replaced with a 1 kg block. the wedge makes an
(d) Tension T2 in the string will be 10 N if 10 kg angle q with hori-
block is replaced with a 1 kg block. zontal. A block of
mass m is placed on
14. A student begins to push a box in a straight line on a
the inclined surface
horizontal floor from a position of rest. Floor is rough
of the wedge.
with a small friction coefficient. Initially he applies a
constant hard push on the box to get it moving and (a) The friction force applied by the table on the
attain a maximum velocity. Then he pushes mildly to wedge must be zero if the whole system stays
keep the box moving with constant velocity. Finally in equilibrium.
he pulls back the box to bring it to stop. Which of (b) The block accelerates down the wedge and the
the following graphs are correct? wedge stays in equilibrium. In this case the
friction force applied by the table on the wedge
in independent of mass (M) of the wedge.
(a) (b) (c) The wedge cannot remain at rest if there is no
friction between the block and the wedge.
(d) The block accelerates down the smooth wedge
surface and the wedge stays in equilibrium. The
minimum coefficient of friction between the
(c) (d)
m cos q. sin q
table and the wedge must be ___________ .
m+M
15. A force F1 that is necessary to move a body 18. Two block A and B are connected with a massless
(weight w) up an inclined plane is double the force spring and placed
F2 that is necessary to just prevent it from sliding over a plank.
down. F1 and F2 are parallel to the incline. Which Masses of the two
of these options are correct? blocks are m and
2 m respectively
(a) F2 = w sin (q – ) sec
and coefficient of friction between the plank and
(b) F1 = w sin(q – ) sec
either blocks is m. The plank is pulled horizontally
(c) tan = 3 tan q with a constant acceleration a.
(d) tan q = 3 tan
(a) The spring will get stretched if a > m g
where : = angle of friction, q = angle of inclined
(b) The spring will get compressed if a £ m g
plane and w = weight of the body
(c) The spring may get compressed if a = m g
16. A boy is running down with some constant acceleration
on a plank kept on a fixed inclined plane. Which of (d) The spring will be in its natural length.
followings are possible?

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Worksheet 3
1. A man of mass 50 kg is standing on a platform of
mass 40 kg. The platform
lies on a smooth horizon-
tal surface. The man starts
to run on the platform at
an acceleration ar = 2 ms–2
relative to the platform.
Find the acceleration of
the platform and minimum coefficient of friction
between the shoes of the man and the platform. 5. A chain has 48 links of equal masses. It has been
2. A fixed wedge has the shape shown in the figure. A placed on an incline with a part of it hanging ver-
small block is released from top point A. Coefficient tically. The inclination
of friction is m. Find the speed of the block when it angle of the incline is
reaches C. Assume that there is no sudden change in
speed of the block at bend D.
()3
q = sin–1 __ and coeffi-
5
cient of friction between
the chain and the incline
is m = 1.0. When the chain is released its initial
g
acceleration is found to be __. How many links are
5
hanging vertically.
6. An elevator car has a mass of 1440 kg and there is a
man of mass 60 kg inside it. A hydraulic jack pushes
the car up and a constant friction of 100 N acts on
the car due to guide walls. The elevator is going up
with its velocity changing with time as shown in the
graph. Find the apparent weight of the man and force
3. In the arrangement shown, pulleys and string are
(F) applied by the jack on the car at time
light. One end of the string is fixed whereas the other
end is pulled with a horizontal force F = 200 N. [Take g = 9.8 ms–2]
Mass of the block is M = 100 kg and coefficients of
static and kinetic friction between the block and the
ground are ms = 0.2 and mk = 0.1 respectively. Both
segments of the string between the two pulleys are
inclined at 45° to the horizontal. Find the acceleration
of the block at the instant shown.

(i) t = 1.5 s (ii) t = 8 s (iii) 11 s.

7. A uniform rope of mass M lies symmetrically on top
of a fixed triangular
wedge as shown in
figure. The coef-
4. In the figure shown, block of mass M = 10 kg is mov- ficient of friction
ing up the incline at a constant speed. Calculate the between the rope
magnitude of applied force F. Coefficient of friction and the wedge sur-
between the block and the incline is m = 0.2. faces is m = 1.0. Find tension at the top point of the
rope if
(i) q = 60° (ii) q = 30°

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8. A wedge is being driven into a log to split it. Wedge q = 0° to q = 60°. The coefficient of friction between
angle is q and the wedge itself has negligible mass. A the block and the plank is m = 1.0. Plot a graph show-
part of the wedge is already inside the wood. When ing the variation of force (F) applied by the plank on
a vertical force F = 120 N is applied, the wedge is the block with q.
just able to slip further into the wood. Assume that
the wood applies force only on inclined side walls
of wedge (it means there is no force on edge AB of
the wedge). Coefficient of friction between wedge
and the wood is m = 0.6 and q = 8°. Find friction
force applied by the wood on one face of wedge
[sin 4° = 0.069]

13. In the arrangement shown in figure, B is a ball of

mass m. There is a hole in the ball and
the thread passes through it. There is
some friction between the ball and the
thread. The other mass M(> m) is tied
to the string. The system is released.
Find acceleration of mass M if
9. In the arrangement shown, masses of blocks A and B
are 10 kg and 5 kg respectively. Coefficient of fric- (i) the ball remains stationary.
tion between A and (ii) the ball remains stationary relative
the horizontal table to the thread.
is m = 0.3. String Thread and pulley have no mass.
and pulley are light.
14. In the arrangement shown, the masses of the blocks
A block C is placed
are: mA = 30 kg, mB = 4 kg and mc = 2 kg. The
over block A to
coefficient of friction between A and the inclined
prevent the system
surface is 0.8 and there is no friction between block
from accelerating. Find the smallest mass of C.
B and the horizontal surface. Find acceleration after
10. In the arrangement of the previous problem, masses 3
the system is released from rest. Given: sin q = __
are mA = 4 kg and mC = 2 kg. Coefficient of friction 5
between A and C is 0.4 and that between A and table
is 0.2. Find maximum mass of block B so that C does
not slip over A, after the system is released.

11. In the arrangement shown, car is made to move hori-

zontally at a constant acceleration of 2 ms–2. The
block placed on the car has a mass of 50 kg and
coefficient of friction between the car and the block
is 0.3. Find tension in the string. Pulley and string
have negligible mass.

15. An equilateral triangular wedge is fixed on ground.

Two blocks A and B are connected using a light string
and placed on two inclined surfaces of the wedge as
12. A small block of mass m is placed on a horizontal shown in figure. Coefficient of friction between both
wooden plank P. The plank is gradually tilted from blocks and the wedge is m = 0.3. The two blocks
remain at rest when they are released. Mass of A is
4 kg. What could be mass of block B?

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Find the minimum value of a force F that must be
applied to the block normal to the incline so as to
keep the block at rest.

16. A block of mass m has been placed on a rough

incline of inclination angle q. The coefficient of fric-
tion between the block and the incline is such that
17. In the previous problem force F is applied horizon-
g sin q > m g cos q.
tally. Calculate all values of F for which the block
does not move.

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn
1. (i) ms = 0.6, mk = 0.5 (ii) 10 N 2. (i) 0 (ii) (t – s) ms–2 (iii) 0.5 ms–1
3. MA £ 5 kg 4. 25 m 5. 2.78 s 6. 12 N
7. (i) 52.6 N (ii) 25.6 N 8. Yes 9. (i) 20 N (ii) 40 N 10. 0.75
kx0
11. 46.2 N 12. mmin = ________ + tan q
mg cos q
__
13. 0.8 £ mB £ 4 kg 14. ÷5 s.
5
15. (i) aA = aB = __ ms–2 (ii) aA = aB = 5 ms–2 (iii) aA = 6.5 ms–2, aB = 5 ms–2
3
16. (i) aA = aB = 0 (ii) aA = aB = 3 ms–2 (iii) aA = aB = 4 ms–2
10
17. (i) aA = aB = 3 ms–2 (ii) aA = 5 ms–2; aB = ___ ms–1 18.(i) 0 (ii) m g
3

Worksheet 1
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (a)
10. (c) 11. (a) 12. (a) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (c)
19. (a) 20. (c) 21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (d) 25. (d) 26. (b) 27. (a)
28. (c) 29. (d) 30. (c) 31. (c) 32. (d) 33. (c) 34. (b)

Worksheet 2
1. (a,b,d) 2. (b,c,d) 3. (b,d) 4. (a,b,c) 5. (a,d) 6. (a,c) 7. (b,c,d) 8. (b) 9. (a,b,c,d)
10. (a,b) 11. (b,c,d) 12. (a,b,d) 13. (a,b,c,d) 14. (c,d) 15. (a,d) 16. (a,b,c,d) 17. (a,b) 18. (d)

Worksheet 3
_________
1. 1.11 ms–2; 0.088 2. ÷2g(y – m x) 3. 2.1 ms–2 4. 204 N
5. 32
6. (i) W = 696 N, F = 17500 N (ii) W = 588 N, F = 14800 N (iii) W = 480 N, F = 12100 N
__
7. (i) zero (ii) ( ÷______
3 –1
4 ) Mg 8. 53.9 N 9. 20/3 kg 10. 6 kg

11. 350 N 12.

(M – m)g g
(
m
M )
13. (i) 1 – __ g (ii) ________
(M + m)
14. __
9
15. 2.82 kg £ MB £ 5.68 kg s

mg
16. ___ (sin q – m cos q)
m (
sin q – m cos q
17. mg ____________ £ F £ mg ____________
cos q + m sin q (
sin q + m cos q
cos q – m sin q

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CHAPTER 12

Dynamics of Circular Motion

Centripetal force is the force by which bodies are drawn from all sides, are impelled, or in any way tend, towards some
point as to a center.
— Isaac Newton.

1. INTRODUCTION acting on it, which is always directed towards the centre of

the circle. Magnitude of the force must be
The dynamics of circular motion was understood only after mv2
Newton had attempted to describe the motion of planets. We Fr = m ar = ____r =m r
2
…(ii)
will study about this in a later chapter—‘Gravitation’. [ = Angular speed]
When a force F is applied on This force is known as centripetal force. It is important
an object parallel to the direc- to realise that it is not a new kind of force; it is just a
tion of motion for time D t, it will special name given to the resultant of all real forces acting
produce a change in magnitude of towards centre. It is the gravitational attraction of the sun that
velocity by an amount equal to a D t provides the necessary centripetal force for (nearly) the circu-
( F
where a = __ )
m but will not change
lar motion of the Earth. It is the tension in the string that pro-
vides necessary force towards the centre of the circle when
the direction of motion. a stone tied to it is being whirled in a horizontal circle.
A force applied perpendicular to an object’s velocity will It is also important to understand that any unbalanced
instantaneously change the direction of velocity vector, but force acting along a tangent to the path will cause the speed
not the object’s speed. of the particle to change. Therefore, in a uniform circular
To keep a body moving in a circle, we continuously need motion, a the force of constant magnitude, given by (ii), acts
to change the direction of its velocity. It means there needs on the particle and is always directed towards the centre.
to be a force that is always perpendicular to velocity. In Short
If a particle is moving in a circle, it is wise to resolve all
2. UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION the forces along radial and tangential directions. If the net
Let us consider a particle of mass m which moves in a circle force in tangential direction is zero, then the motion is uni-
of radius r and has a uniform speed v. form circular motion. Sum of all the forces towards centre
mv2
We know that the particle is accelerated must be ____
r .
and its acceleration is directed towards
the centre of the circle. Magnitude of the
Example 1 A particle of mass m is tied to one end of a
acceleration is
string whose other end is fixed to a peg on a table. The
v2 particle is projected in the smooth horizontal plane of the
ar = __
r ...(i)
table and moves in a circle of radius R with speed v. Draw
Now assume that we are observing this particle from an the FBD of the particle and find tension in the string.
inertial frame of reference. As per Newton’s law, we know Solution The particle has no motion in the vertical direc-
that acceleration in an inertial frame can result only if there tion. Hence, the normal reaction of the table balances its
is a force given by, F = ma. Therefore, a particle can go weight.
uniformly in a circle only if there is an unbalanced force N = mg
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12.2 Mechanics I

T1 3
From (3) and (1), __ = __
T2 2
T1 > T2
Therefore, string OA is likely to break if is increased.

Example 3 Horizontal circle inside a cone

A particle describes a horizontal circle on the smooth
surface of an inverted cone.
Height of the plane of the circle above the vertex is
Tension in the string, is the unbalanced force directed h = 40 cm. Calculate the speed of the particle.
towards the centre of the circle.
Solution
T = m ar
Concepts
v2
fi T = m __ Sum of all vertical forces must be zero. Horizontal force
R
Since there is no tangential force, speed will not change. acting towards the centre of the circle will be centripetal
[In practical life, there will be a tangential friction force that force. Forces must be resolved in horizontal (i.e. radial)
will retard the particle.] direction and vertical direction, i.e., along the acceleration
and perpendicular to it.
Example 2 Two particles, each of
mass m, are connected by two iden- If q is the semivertical angle
tical strings of length l as shown in of the cone, the radius of circular
the figure. End of one string, O, is path of the particle will be N sin q
fixed and the system is rotating on a N
r = h tan q …(i)
horizontal frictionless table with an N cos q
angular speed . Forces acting on the particle
Find the ratio of tension in the two strings OA and AB. are its weight (mg) and normal q h
mg
If is increased, which string is likely to break first? force (N) by the cone wall.
N has been resolved into ver-
Solution tical and horizontal components.
Concepts Since there is no vertical motion
mv2 \ N sin q = mg
Sum of all the forces acting on a particle is ____ = m 2
R …(ii)
R
towards centre. Horizontal component of N is towards the centre of the
circle.
Let tension in string OA be T1 and tension in string AB mv2
\ N cos q = ____
r …(iii)
be T2.
First, consider the motion of particle B. It’s weight is Dividing (ii) by (iii), we get
balanced by normal reaction of the table.
rg
T2 is the unbalanced force and it is directed towards tan q = __2
centre. v
\ T2 = m 2 R = m 2 (2l) …(1) r
__
Using (i), tan q =
h
Now consider particle A. It is rg ___
\ __r = __ fi v = ÷hg
easy to overlook tension T2 acting
h v2
on A—be careful. Net force acting
on A towards centre of the circular _______
path is T1 – T2. \ v = ÷0.4 × 10 = 2 ms–1

Example 4 Tension in a rotating rod

A uniform rod of mass M and length L is rotating in
2
\ T1 – T2 = m l …(2) a horizontal plane around one of its ends. Find tension
Using (1), in the rod at a distance l from its free end. Angular speed
T1 = 3 m 2
l …(3) of the rod is .
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.3

Solution Example 5 A boy of mass m is riding a swing in an amuse-

Concepts ment park. The swing keeps him
rotating in a vertical circle of radius
Small pieces of rods are rotating in circles of different R with a constant angular speed .
radii. A particle on the rod near the centre will require Find the apparent weight of the boy
lesser centripetal force than an identical particle located when he is at top point A and the
far away from the centre. lowest point B of the circular path.
Assume that the seat of the boy is not
Mass per unit length of swinging and he remains upright.
M
the rod is l = __. Consider Solution
L
an element of length dx Concepts
at a distance x from the
Normal force applied by the seat on the boy is his apparent
free end (A). Mass of this
weight. This normal force can be calculated by identifying
element is
net force acting on the boy towards the centre of the circle
M
dm = l dx = __ dx and equating it to m 2 R.
L
At top point A:
Let the tension at two ends of the element be T and T NA
Net force towards centre is
+ dT. The element is moving in a circle of radius (L – x),
mg – NA. A
with angular speed , and net force on it towards centre is
dT. \ mg – NA = m 2 R
mg
2
M 2 fi NA = mg – m R
\ dT = (dm) 2
(L – x) = ____ (L – x) dx
L
Apparent weight is less than the NB
T 2 l normal weight.
M
fi Ú dT = Ú ( L - x )dx
o L o At bottom point B:
Net force towards centre is mg
[Tension at free end A is zero.] NB – mg.

[ ]
2
\ NB – mg = m
[ ]
M 2 l2 M 2l l R
fi T = ____ L ◊ l – __ = _____ L – __ 2
L 2 L 2 fi NB = mg + m R
In this position, apparent weight is more than the usual
\ T=M 2
[ l
l 1 – ___
2L ] weight.

Your Turn
Q.1 A stone of mass 2 kg is rotating in a horizontal circle, Q.3 A particle is rotating inside a hemispherical bowl of
on a smooth table, tied to a light string of length 1.0 m. radius 0.5 m in a horizontal circle at a height of 0.2 m from
One end of the string is fixed. The string can withstand a the bottom. Find the angular speed of rotation.
maximum tension of 200 N.
Find the maximum number of revolutions in a min-
Q.4 A uniform rod of mass m and length L rotates around
one of its ends, in a horizontal plane with an angular
ute that the stone can make without breaking the string.
velocity . How much force does one half of the rod exert
[Take p2 10]
on the other half?
Q.2 One end of a spring of natural length L = 0.5 m is
fixed on a smooth table. Its other end
Q.5 Assume that the Earth revolves around the Sun in
a circular path of radius r = 1.5 × 1011 m. The necessary
is attached to a stone of mass 1 kg. The
centripetal force is provided by the gravitational attraction
system is rotated with an angular speed
of the sun on the Earth. Find force applied by the sun on
of = 20 rad s–1. Find the extension in
the Earth. Mass of the Earth is 6 × 1024 kg.
the spring if force constant of the spring
is 1,000 N/m.
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12.4 Mechanics I

Q.6 A man is riding a swing which is in the shape of (i) Find if the man feels weightlessness at the top (and
a large wheel whose radius is R. The swing is rotating in no where else). Call this value of as o.
vertical plane with a constant angular velocity . (ii) Find his apparent weight at the bottom of his path
when = o. His mass is m.

3. NON-UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION car is not changing. Find the friction force acting on
the car at position indicated by angle q = 30°. Mass
For a particle to move in a circle, with changing speed, the of car is 1,000 kg [g = 9.8 ms–2].
resultant force acting on it must have a tangential component, Solution
apart from a radial component. If the tangential force is in
Concepts
the direction of velocity then the object is speeding up and
when tangential force is opposite to velocity the particle is (i) The car will not leave contact with the road if the
slowing down. normal force is N > 0.
(ii) Tangential force decides the rate of change of
F Ft speed.

(i) When the car is at the

Fr
top, net force acting on it
towards the centre of the
circle is (mg – N).
mv2
\ mg – N = ____
R
mv2 mv2
Fr = m 2
r = ____
r fi N = mg – ____
R
dv Higher the speed, lower is the normal force.
Ft = mat = m ___ = mr ◊ a
dt N will become zero if
where v is instantaneous speed and a is angular
mv2
____
acceleration. = mg
R
Resultant force on the particle is
_______ ___ _______
fi v = ÷Rg = ÷20 × 9.8 = 14 ms–1
F = ÷F2r + F2t
Speed of the car must be less than this value for
In Short N > 0.
If a body is moving in a circle, resolve all forces acting on (ii) FBD of the car is shown in the figure given below.
it in radial and tangential directions. If there is no tangential mg sin q is an unbalanced tangential force.
force, then the motion of the body is uniform circular
motion. In presence of an unbalanced tangential force (Ft), \ m at = mg sin q
speed will change and the rate of change of speed would fi at = g sin q
dv Ft 1
be at = ___ = __m. fi at = 9.8 × __
dt 2
fi at = 4.9 ms–2
Example 6 A roadway bridge over a canal is in the form Speed of car will increase at a rate of 4.9 ms–2.
of an arc of a circle having a radius R = 20 m.
(i) What is the maximum speed with which a car can
cross the bridge without leaving contact with the road
at highest point?
(ii) Find the rate of change
of speed of the car at
a position given by
angle q = 30° if the q
road is smooth.
(iii) Brakes are applied
and the speed of the
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.5

(iii) If speed of car is not changing, at = 0. dv

at = g sin q fi ___ = g sin q
This means that friction balances mg sin q so that net dt
tangential force is zero. When the bob moves up, its tangential acceleration
\ f = mg sin q is opposite to its velocity and its at

1 speed decreases.
= 1,000 × 9.8 × __ = 4,900 N O 30°
2 \ at = – g sin q q
–g
For 0° £ q £ 30°, at varies as 2
shown in the graph.

Example 8 A small block of mass m = 1 kg is sliding

inside a spherical trough of radius R = 4.0 m. When it is at
the bottom of the trough, its speed is 10 ms–1. Coefficient
of friction between the block and the trough is m = 0.5.
Find the rate at which the speed of the block is decreasing
at this instant.
Example 7 A pendulum bob is swinging with the maximum
displacement of 30° on either side of its vertical position.
(i) Find its tangential acceleration
when its centripetal accelera- R
tion is zero. 30° 30°
(ii) Find the rate of change of
speed of the bob when the
pendulum is vertical.
Solution
(iii) Plot a graph showing variation
of rate of change of speed of the bob with inclination Concepts
angle (q) of the string with vertical, as the pendulum By writing equation for centripetal force, we get normal
moves from q = 0° to q = 30°. force applied by the trough on the block. Now, friction can
Solution be calculated which is the only tangential force.
Concepts
Centripetal acceleration is zero when the speed is zero.

(i) Centripetal acceleration O

is zero when q = 30°. q
In radial direction, T
T = mg cos q Net force towards centre is N – mg.
In tangential direction,
mg sin q is an unbal- mv2
mg cos q \ N – mg = ____
anced force. mg sin q mg R
mg sin q mv2
\ at = _______ = g sin q fi N = mg + ____
m R
g
= g sin 30° = __ 1 × 102
= 1 × 10 + _______ = 35 N
2 4
(ii) When the pendulum is vertical, there is
no tangential force. Kinetic friction force is f = mN
\ at = 0. T = 0.5 × 35 = 17.5 N
Rate of change of speed at this instant f
is zero. Tangential retardation = __ = 17.5 ms–2
(iii) When the string makes an angle q with Hence, the speed is decreasing at a rate of 17.5 ms–2.
vertical, the tangential acceleration is mg
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12.6 Mechanics I

Your Turn
Q.7 A ball of mass m is suspended from a peg Find the minimum coefficient of friction between the tires
on a wall using a string of length L. The ball is and the road.
L L
dragged sideways so that it is at a distance __ Q.9 A car of mass 1,200 kg is moving uniformly at a speed
2
of 36 kmh–1 on a concave road having radius of curvature
from the wall. It is released from this position.
L R = 20 m.
Find the following for a time immediately after
2
the release.
(i) Tension in the string; and
(ii) Rate of change of speed of the ball.
Q.8 A car is moving over a bridge which is in the shape of
an arc of a circle with radius, R = 40 m. When q = 37°, speed
of the car is 36 kmh–1 and rate of change of speed is zero.

(i) Find the normal force on the car when it is at lowest

R
point A.
q (ii) Find force applied by the road on the car when it is
at point B [q = 37°].

2
4. SOME SPECIAL CASES OF CIRCULAR \ N=m r (i)
MOTION
4.1 The Rotor Ride (Magic of Friction)
A rotor is an amusement park ride, first used in Germany in
1940s. It is a large upright cylinder which can accommodate
many persons. The structure is rotated about its axis, and
once it attains the desired speed, the floor is retracted.

If is increased, N also increases. This increases the

value of limiting friction. Friction acts vertically upwards to
prevent a person from sliding down the wall. For a person
to remain stuck to the wall, we must have
f = mg

\ mg £ mN
The riders are stuck to the wall of the cylinder and do 2
fi mg £ m m r
not fall down. At the end of the ride, the floor is brought
___
back to its original position and the rotor slows down. g
The higher the speed of the rotation, more hard pressed is
a person against the wall. The normal contact force provides
fi
÷
≥ ___
mr

the necessary centripetal force to the person.

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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.7

___
g
which is independent of mass of a person.
÷
Therefore, there is a critical angular speed, o = ___ ,
mr
now. Higher the speed, higher is the normal force by wall
on the rider. Friction can balance the weight to prevent the
rider from falling. As a matter of fact, design of the well is
You must have seen a motorcycle (or even a car) being
in the form of a truncated cone with its radius increasing
driven on wall of large well, in a circus or a mela. The
upwards. Can you think of a valid reason for this?
well is famously known as the ‘well of death’. The phys-
ics involved is exactly similar to what we have studied just

Your Turn
Q.10 A motorcycle is running on a vertical cylindrical (i) Calculate the maximum permissible value of time
wall of a well having radius R = 10 m. Motorcycle is going period of revolution of the drum which keeps the
in a horizontal circle at a speed of 54 kmh–1. person from falling. Call this time as T0.
Find the minimum coefficient of friction between the (ii) If time period of revolution is made half of T0, how
motorcycle and the wall. will the friction force acting on the person change?
Q.11 In a rotor, in an amusement park, radius of the Will the normal force applied by the drum wall on
cylindrical drum is R = 4.0 m and coefficient of friction the person change?
between the drum wall and clothes of a person is m = 0.5.

4.2 Circular Turnings mv2

____
fi £ m mg
R
When a car moves on a level road, its weight is balanced
____
by the normal reaction of the road. Any acceleration of fi v £ ÷m Rg
the car is the result of friction force acting on it. When
driver presses the accelerator or brakes or rotates the steer- For safely negotiating the curve, the speed should not
____
ing wheel, friction force on wheels assumes a direction so exceed vo = ÷m Rg . Beyond this speed, friction will fail to
as to prevent slipping of wheels on the road. You will have provide the necessary centripetal force and the vehicle will
a slightly better understanding of this after studying about skid out of the road.
rolling motion in second volume of this book.
If the turning is sharp (i.e., R is small), the maximum
Right now, it is enough to understand that it is friction
speed limit for safe turning becomes small. A speeding
which produces acceleration in a car moving on a level
vehicle is likely to skid. If it rains, coefficient of friction
road.
becomes smaller and the situation gets even worse. Relying
Consider a vehicle moving on friction can prove to be dangerous in such situations.
along a curved road, which is
A simple but effective way to minimise the risk of
in shape of a circular arc of
skidding is by banking the roads.
radius R. The road is perfectly
horizontal. The figure shows
the top view of the situation. 4.2.1 Banking of roads
Vertical forces – normal reac- Roads are banked at turnings so that the outer boundary of
tion and weight – balance out. the road is elevated as compared to the inner one. The slop-
The vehicle has a tendency ing angle (shown as q in the figure) is known as banking
to skid outwards. To prevent this, the friction force takes a angle. The second figure shows the vertical section of the
radially inward direction. We are assuming that the vehicle is road and the vehicle is going into the Plane of the figure at
maintaining a constant speed so that there is no component speed v. Let’s define correct speed (vo) as the speed at which
of friction in tangential direction. horizontal component of the normal force (N) is just suffi-
mv 2 cient to provide the necessary centripetal force. For vehicle
f = ____ travelling at correct speed friction will adjust itself to zero.
R
If v is high, friction is also high. But friction cannot For a car travelling at correct speed, we have
increase beyond a limit.

f £ m N = m mg
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12.8 Mechanics I

2
vmax
____ N sin q + m N cos q
\ = _______________
Rg N cos q – m N sin q
_____________

÷ (
tan q + m
fi vmax = Rg _________
1 – m tan q
If speed is higher than vmax, the vehicle is bound to skid
outwards.
For a speed v (vo < v < vmax), value of friction force can
be calculated by eliminating N between Eqs. (1) and (2).
N cos q = mg ...(1)
Speed less than the correct speed
mv20
N sin q = ____ ...(2) If speed of vehicle is v < vo, then N sin q is higher than the
R required centripetal force. The vehicle has a tendency to slide
where R is the radius of curvature of the turning. Dividing inwards. Friction assumes an outward direction to prevent
(2) by (1) gives the vehicle from slipping.
v20 Equations are
tan q = ___
Rg mv2
_______ N sin q – f cos q = ____ ...(1)
fi vo = ÷Rg tan q R
Usually, R is decided by the space available for turning and Ncosq + f sin q = mg ...(2)
(e.g., on hills, R will be small). A civil engineer designs the
road for an expected speed by properly selecting a banking
angle (q).
In practice, a vehicle may negotiate a curve at a speed
which is slightly less or more than the correct speed. In
such cases, friction helps and adjusts the horizontal force to
correct the value of required centripetal force.
Speed larger than correct speed
_______
If v > vo (= ÷Rg tan q ), then the requirement of centripetal
For a given speed v < vo, we can find friction force by
force is higher than N sin q. To prevent skidding, friction
eliminating N between the above two equations. If banking
assumes the inward direction as shown in the figure.
angle is too high (which is usually not the case), then there
If the vehicle makes a safe turn, then is a minimum safe speed. Dividing (1) by (2) we get
mv2
N sin q + f cos q = ____ ...(1) v2
___ N sin q – f cos q
R = _____________
Rg N cos q + f sin q
And for vertical equilibrium
N cos q = mg + f sin q If v decreases, f must increase. When f is maximum (m N),
v is the minimum safe speed.
fi N cos q – f sin q = mg ...(2)
2
Dividing (1) by (2) vmin N sin q – m N cos q
____ = _______________
N cos + m N sin q
sin q + f cos q
_____________ v2
= ___
_____________

÷ (
...(3) tan q – m
N cos q – f sin q Rg vmin = Rg _________
1 + m tan q
Example 9 Maximum safe speed for a car to negotiate a
circular turn is 60 kmh–1 when the road is dry. It rains and
coefficient of friction between the tire and the road is reduced
to half its original value. Find the maximum safe speed of
the car on a rainy day. Road is flat and horizontal.

Solution
Concepts
____ __
Clearly, f increases as v is increased. But f cannot increase vmax = ÷m Rg fi vmax µ ÷m
beyond m N.
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.9

____
( vmax )wet mwet
_______
( vmax )dry ÷
= ____
mdry
__
__
÷
1 60
fi (vmax)wet = __ ◊ (vmax)dry = ___
__ = 30 ÷2 kmh–1
2 ÷2

Example 10 A road is in the shape of an arc of a circle

having a radius of 80 m and is banked at an angle of

()
1
tan–1 __ .
5
mv2
(i) Determine the speed at which a car can go around fi N sin q = ____ – f cos q ...(ii)
R
the road without any side thrust on tires.
(ii) Calculate the friction force acting on the car if it is (ii) divided by (i) gives
running at a speed of 72 kmh–1. Mass of the car is
1,000 kg. mv2
____ – f cos q
R
Solution tan q = ___________
f sin q + mg
Concepts
(i) No side thrust means no friction acting on tires.
(ii) Friction is inwards if the speed is greater than the
fi
1
__
5 [ 1
f × ____
___ + 1,000 × 10
÷26 ]
correct speed.
1,000 × 202 5
(i) When friction is zero, the car is negotiating the curve = __________ – f ____
___
80 ÷26
at correct speed given by

[ ]
__________
_______ 1 5
sin q = ____
___ ; cos q = ____
÷
1
vo = ÷Rg tan q = 80 × 10 × __ ÷26
___
÷26
5
= 12.65 ms–1

(ii) Given speed v = 72 kmh –1 –1

= 20 ms
fi
[ 5
1___ ____
f _____
]
+ ___ = 5,000 – 2,000
5 ÷26 ÷26

Since v > vo, friction is inwards. ___

3,000 × 5 × ÷26
N cos q = f sin q + mg ...(i) fi f = ______________ = 2,946 N
26
And
Note: We will take up few other special cases of circular
mv2
N sin q + f cos q = ____ motion in the chapter of work, energy and power.
R

Your Turn
__
Q.12 A car is negotiating a flat circular turn having radius ÷3
is ___. Find the ratio of maximum speed at which a car can
R = 40 m. Coefficient of friction between the tires and the 2
road is m = 1.0. negotiate the curve when friction is present and the speed
(i) Find the maximum safe speed for the car. when friction is absent.
(ii) Find the friction force acting on the car if it is moving Q.14 A road is in the shape of an arc of a circle of radius
uniformly at half the maximum safe speed. Mass of
the car is 1,500 kg.
1
()
80 m and is banked at an angle of tan–1 __ . Find the friction
5
force acting on the car when it is travelling at a speed of
Q.13 Corner of a motor-racing track is banked at an angle
of 30°. Coefficient of friction between tires and the track 36 kmh–1. Mass of car is 1,000 kg.
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12.10 Mechanics I

______
4.3 Conical Pendulum g
Consider a simple pendulum having a string of length l and
fi
÷
= _____
l cos q
bob of mass m. The bob is drawn aside and given a hori- Time period of rotation is given by
zontal velocity (v) as shown in the figure. The bob moves ______

÷
in a horizontal circle of radius r and the string traces out a 2p l cos q
T = ___ = 2p _____ ...(8)
cone of semivertical angle q. This arrangement is known as g
a conical pendulum. Using (7), we have
g
cos q = ___
2
l
For a conical pendulum to be viable q > 0°

fi cos q < 1
__
g g
fi ___
2
l
<1 fi
÷
__
l
<

A conical
__
pendulum is just not viable at an angular speed
g
_r = sin q
l
fi r = l sin q ...(1)
less than
÷
__
l
.

For the string to become horizontal (i.e., for q = 90°),

Only two forces are acting on the pendulum bob—its the bob must have an infinite speed.
weight (mg) and tension (T) in the string. Since there is no
vertical motion, we must have Example 11 Rod AB of length L is fixed to a vertical pole.
Rod is horizontal. A light string of length L is attached to
T cos q = mg ...(2) end B of the rod. Free end of the string carries a small ball.
Necessary centripetal force is provided by the horizontal The whole arrangement is rotated about the vertical pole
component of tension. with an angular speed = 8.8 rad s–1. The angle (q) made
by the string with vertical is 30°. Find L.
mv2
\ T sin q = ____
r ...(3)

Various important relations can be derived as follows.

Dividing (3) by (2)
v2
tan q = __
rg ...(4)

Squaring and adding (2) and (3) give tension in the

string
_______

÷
v4
T = mg 1 + ____ ...(5)
r2g2
If angular speed of rotation is , we can write Eq.
(3) as Solution
2 Concepts
T sin q = m r [ v= r]
2 The ball rotates in a horizontal circle of radius r =
fi T sin q = m l sin q [using (1)]
L + L sin q. Force equations are exactly same as in the
2
fi T=m l ...(6) case of a conical pendulum.
Eq. (4) can be written as
Radius of circular path of the ball is
2
____r = tan q r = L + L sin q ...(1)
g
For vertical equilibrium
g tan q ______
g tan q _____
g
fi 2
= ______
r = l sin q = l cos q ...(7) T cos q = mg ...(2)
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.11

In horizontal direction,
2
T sin q = m r ...(3)
Dividing (3) by (2) gives (i) FBD of the particle is shown in the figure
2
r
tan q = ____
g
T1 cos q = T2 cos q + mg

2 fi (T1 – T2) cos q = mg ...(1)

L (1 + sin q)
fi tan q = ____________
g And
–2
Putting q = 30°, = 8.8 and g = 10 ms T1 sin q + T2 sin q = m 2
r
2
___
÷3
=
(8.8)
1__ _____
10
1
(
1 + __ ◊ L
2 ) fi (T1 + T2) sin q = m 2
(1 ◊ tan q)

fi L = 0.05 m = 5 cm [ __r = tan q

1 ]
m 2
Example 12 A particle is attached to two light strings fi T1 + T2 = _____
of equal length. Two ends of the strings are fixed at two cos q
points A and B of a vertical pole. Distance between A and 2
B is 2 m. fi (T1 + T2) cos q = m ...(2)

Dividing (2) by (1) gives

___
1 + T2
T______ 2 (2 ÷10 )2
= ___
g = _______ ...(3)
T1 – T2 10

fi T1 + T2 = 4T1 – 4T2

fi 5T2 = 3T1

T1 __
__ 5
The particle is made to describe a horizontal circle as fi =
T2 3
shown in the figure with both strings being taut. ___
(i) Find the ratio of tensions in the string if = 2 ÷10 (ii) From (3), we have
rad s–1.
1 + T2
T______ 2
(ii) Find value of for which tension in lower string = ___
g
T1 – T2
will be zero.
Solution
If T2 = 0, then
Concepts 2 __ ___
Resolve all forces in vertical and horizontal direction. 1 = ___
g fi = ÷g = ÷10 rad s–1
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12.12 Mechanics I

Your Turn
O
Q.15 A conical pendulum has a bob of mass 0.1 kg Q.17 In a conical pendulum,
2
and string of length 1.0 m. The particle is making __ p
plane of the circle on which the
particle is moving is at a perpen-
revolution per second. Find the angle of inclination of the dicular distance h from the point
h
string with the vertical and linear speed of the bob, given of suspension (O). Find the time
cos 53° = 0.625. period of the pendulum.

Q.16 A man whirls a stone of mass m = 0.4 kg in a Q.18 Block B of mass m and a small
horizontal circle using a string of length l = 4 m. The string ball A of mass m are connected to the 
can bear a tension up to 8 N. Find the radius of the largest ends of a light string which passes
circle in which the stone can be rotated without breaking through a fixed smooth narrow vertical
the string. Find the speed of the stone when it is rotating in tube. The ball is moving in a horizon- A

the largest possible circle. tal circle around the tube and block B
remains stationary. Length of the string
between A and top of the tube is l. Find
frequency of revolution of A.
B

5. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE The pseudo force on the ball, as observed by the boy, has
two terms:
A boy is sitting on the edge of a _› -m ( r ) - 2m v
rotating horizontal platform. The Fpseudo =
Centrifugal Coriolis
platform is rotating about its verti-
cal axis with an angular speed [Here, we are not giving the derivation.]
and having a radius r. The first term is known as centrifugal force and the sec-
The boy drops a ball. For a ond term is called Coriolis force.
moment, forget about the vertical _›
Here, m is the mass of the ball, r is the position vector
__› of
motion of the ball. To an observer the ball with respect to the centre of the platform, is the
attached to the Earth, the ball goes _›
angular velocity vector of the platform and v is the velocity
in a straight line as shown in the of the ball as seen in the rotating frame.
figure.
The Coriolis force arises only when the ball has a velocity
At the time of release, the boy was at A and after same relative to the boy. Just after the ball is released, v = 0 and
time, when the ball is at C, the boy is at B. [The figure is there is no Coriolis force. But later, when v π 0, there will
top view of the situation. Actual path of the ball will be be a Coriolis force on the ball apart from the centrifugal
parabolic. It is even better if you can just think that there is force.
no gravity.]
We will be mostly dealing with situations where there is
Now the questions is, what path does the ball take no Coriolis force.
according to the boy? In the frame attached to the boy, he Let’s focus on the first
himself is at rest and the ball takes a curved path as shown. term of above expression.
You can imagine the path of the ball if you realise that the
_› __› __› _›
boy will have to keep turning his Fcentrifugal = – m ×( × r)
head, in order to keep seeing the
ball. In the present context,
A various unit vectors have
Actually, the reference frame
attached to the boy (or platform) been shown in the figure.
__›
is a non-inertial frame. All rotating =
frames are non-inertial. Newton’s _›
laws give correct results only r =r
__› _›
when we add pseudo forces while \ × r = ( r sin 90°) = ( r)
Top view in reference
observer is in a rotating frame. frame of platform
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.13

_›
\ Fcentrifugal = – m ×( r ) Solution
2 Concepts
= –m r( × )
2
(1) The problem can be solved in ground frame by
= –m r (– ) understanding that friction provides the necessary
= (m 2
r) centripetal force to the block.
(2) In reference frame of the platform, the block is
This is a force of magnitude m 2r directed radially
at rest till it starts to slip. Therefore, there is a
outwards. When the boy releases the ball (v = 0), it
centrifugal force acting on the block but there is
experiences an outward centrifugal force.
no Coriolis force ( v = 0). [Coriolis force will
Initial acceleration of the ball observed by the boy is 2r be there only after block slips and acquires some
which is radially outwards. Later when the ball picks up velocity relative to the platform.] In this frame,
speed (relative to the boy), Coriolis force deflects its path. friction balances the centrifugal force.
In Short Method I (in reference frame of ground)
(i) When analysing the statics of a particle of mass m FBD is as shown.
from a frame of reference which is rotating with
angular speed , we need to add a pseudo force, N = mg ...(1)
known as centrifugal force, apart from other real Observer on the ground finds that the block moves in a
forces acting on the particle. Centrifugal force acts circle of radius r with angular
in radially outward direction and has a magnitude speed . Friction provides cen-
of m 2r where r is distance of the particle from the tripetal force.
rotation axis. \ f=m 2
r
(ii) If a particle has velocity when observed from a rotat-
As increases, friction
ing frame, in general, there will be two pseudo forces
increases to prevent slipping.
acting on it—centrifugal force and Coriolis force.
But limiting value of friction is
m N.
When you are riding a car which takes a sharp turn, you \ For no slipping,
are pushed outwards. This is the centrifugal force that you 2
are experiencing. On a merry-go-round, you feel a similar m r £ mN
force. The dryer in a washing machine is able to separate fi m 2
r £ m mg
water drops from clothes due to centrifugal force. ___
mg
Example 13 A particle of mass M is rotating in xy plane
in a circle of radius R with its centre at the origin of the
fi ÷
£ ___
r
___
mg
= ÷___
coordinate system. It is viewed from a frame rotating about
z-axis with uniform angular speed o. Find centrifugal force max r
on the particle. Method II (in reference frame of platform)
2
Solution Answer is M o R. This is a non-inertial frame.
For writing centrifugal force, one has to consider the As long as the block is at rest
angular velocity of the reference frame. in this frame, centrifugal force
is the sufficient pseudo force.
Example 14 A platform can rotate about its central For equilibrium of the block
vertical axis. A small block is in this frame, we have
placed on it at a distance r from
the rotation axis. N = mg ...(1)
2
Coefficient of friction between and m r =f ...(2)
the block and the platform is m. f can acquire a maximum value of m mg, hence for no
Find the maximum angular speed acceleration
for which the block will not
m 2max r = m mg
slide on the platform.
___
mg
fi max = ÷
___
r
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12.14 Mechanics I

2
Example 15 (Effect of rotation of the Earth on free fall \ R 0.03 ms–2
acceleration)
Therefore, ( 2R cos q)2 is extremely small and we can
(1) Find the effective value of free fall acceleration at a
neglect it in our expression for geff.
place having latitude angle q. Take into account the
rotation of the Earth. Express your answer in terms of \ geff [g2 – 2g 2
R cos2q]1/2
radius (R) of the Earth, angular speed ( ) of rotation
of the Earth and value of acceleration due to gravity
(g) had there been no rotation. [ 2 2R
= g 1 – _____ 2
g cos q
1/2

(2) Find the percentage difference in value of g at Using binomial approximation (1 + x)n 1 + nx, if
poles and equator due to rotation of the Earth. R = |x| << 1
6,400 km.
Solution
Concepts
geff [ 2
g 1 – ____
R 2
g cos q
2
fi geff = g – R cos2q
(i) Latitude angle is the angle made by the position
vector of a place (with respect to centre of the (ii) At poles, q = 90°
Earth) with equatorial plane. fi gpole = g
(ii) A person standing on the surface of the Earth feels
At equator, q = 0°
a centrifugal force apart from the gravitational
2
force (mg). It is the sum of these two forces that geq = g – R
we effectively feel as gravity. 2
R
Percentage difference = ____
g × 100
(i) A man standing at latitude 0.03
____
q is rotating on a circle of × 100
10
Fcent
radius r = R cos q. r
= 0.3%
mg
Centrifugal force acting on q
him is Example 16 A pendulum having a bob of mass m hangs
2 from the ceiling of a car. The car moves with a constant
Fcent = m r speed v around a circular turning of radius R. The pendulum
2
=m R cos q is at rest relative to the car. Find the angle made by the string
where m is mass of the man. with the vertical and tension in the string. Assume that R is
large compared to length of the string.

Solution
Concepts
In reference frame of the car, there is a radially outward
centrifugal force on the bob. In this frame, the bob is in
equilibrium and sum of all forces acting on it is zero.

Vector sum of mg and Fcent is mgeff.

\ mgeff =

(mg )2 + (m 2
R cosq )2 + 2 ◊ (mg )(m 2
R cos q )cos(p - q )

fi geff = [g2 + ( 2
R cos q)2 – 2g 2
R cos2q]1/2
Forces on the bob in reference frame of the car has been
2p rad
For the Earth = _______ 7.3 × 10 –5 –1
rad s mv 2
86,400 s shown. ____ is the centrifugal force.
R
R = 6.4 × 10–6 m For equilibrium,
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.15

mv 2 Squaring and adding (1) and (2) gives tension

T sin q = ____ ...(1)

( )
R
v4
and T cos q = mg T2 = m2 ___2 + g2
R
_______

÷
Dividing (1) by (2) gives v4
fi T = m ___2 + g2
v2
tan q = ___
Rg ( )
v2
fi q = tan–1 ___
Rg
R
You are urged to solve the problem in reference frame
attached to ground.

Your Turn

Q.19 When a bucket full of water is spun Q.21 A coin placed on a turntable just begins to slip when
about its vertical axis, the water surface gets it is placed at a distance r from the
curved with a depression in the centre. Explain rotation axis. Angular speed of rota-
this qualitatively. tion of the platform is . Find the
maximum radius of the circle on
Q.20 A circular ring of radius R rotates which the coin can rotate without
about its vertical diameter with an angular slipping on the platform, if angular
speed . The ring has a small bead which can slide on speed of the platform is made 4 .
it without friction. Find the angular position (q) of the
bead where it stays motionless relative to the ring. Take Q.22 The Earth is a sphere of radius R and has an angular
___ speed about its rotation axis. Acceleration due to grav-

÷
2g
= ___ . Solve the problem by consider- ity at equator, if the Earth were not spinning, would have
R been g. Find value of if a man at equator were to feel
ing the bead in the reference frame of the weightlessness.
ring.

Miscellaneous Examples
Example 17 A rod is L shaped and is free to rotate in The figure shows the top
horizontal plane about a vertical view of the situation. The
axis passing through its one end O. sleeve rotates is a horizontal
A sleeve of mass m can slide freely circle of radius r (= OS).
on a smooth arm of the rod. The Velocity of the sleeve
sleeve is attached to a light spring is v = r which is perpen-
of force constant k. Other end of the dicular to OS.
spring is tied to the bend at A. The N is the horizontal component of normal force by the
rod is rotated with a constant angular rod. [Vertical component of normal force is mg which has
velocity . Find the elongation in the not been shown in the figure.]
spring assuming that sleeve is not oscillating and is motion-
less relative to the rod. Natural length of the spring is lo. kx is the spring force where x is the extension in the
spring.
Solution
Note that AS = lo + x
Concepts
Tangential force (force along velocity) must be zero.
One component of normal reaction by the rod on the sleeve
is vertical and balances the weight of the sleeve. The other \ kx cos q = N sin q …(1)
component of normal force is horizontal. Apart from this Force acting towards centre (O) of the circle is
spring force is the only horizontal force on the sleeve.
There shall not be a tangential force on the sleeve as it N cos q + kx sin q
rotates with constant angular speed. \ N cos q + kx sin q = m 2
r
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12.16 Mechanics I

3
Substituting for N from (1) Tangential force is Ft = kx sin q = 0.6 kR ◊ __
5
cos2 q 9
kx _____ + kx sin q = m 2
r = ___ kR
sin q 25
dv 9
2 fi m ___ = ___ kR
fi kx = m r sin q dt 25
2
fi kx = m (lo + x) [ r sin q = AS = lo + x] ___ 9 kR
dv ____
fi =
m lo 2 dt 25 m
fi x = _______2
k–m Example 19 A thin ring of mass m and radius R is rotating
about its vertical central axis lying on a smooth horizontal
Example 18 A bead of mass m moves along a smooth table. Find the tension in the ring if its angular velocity is .
fixed ring in a gravity free region. Solution
The ring has radius R. The bead is
Concepts
attached to a spring of force con-
stant k and natural length R. The Every small part of the ring requires a centripetal force for
other end of the spring is fixed to its circular motion. This is provided by the tension applied
a point A on the ring. At an instant by its neighbouring elements.
when length of the spring was
1.6 R, force applied by the ring on
the bead was zero.
(i) Find speed of the bead at this instant.
(ii) Find rate of change of speed of the bead at this
instant.

Solution
Concepts
When the ring applies no force on the bead, the only force
acting on it is spring force. Resolve the spring force into Consider a very small segment (AB) of the ring which
radial and tangential components. subtends a small angle (D q) at the centre. Mass of segment
AB
In the figure shown, O is the m
centre of the ring and P is the posi-
F sin q
P = ____ (R D q)
2p R
tion of the bead. F q
APB = 90°
AP A q F cos q
B
(
Dq
= m ___
2p
\ cos q = ___ O
AB Let the tension at two ends of the segment be T. There
1.6 R 4 is an absolute symmetry and there is no reason for tension
= _____ = __ to be different at two points on the ring.
2R 5
Extension in spring is x = 1.6 R – R = 0.6 R We have resolved T along tangent at C (midpoint of AB)
and along radius CO. Remember, it is a very small segment
Spring force is F = kx = 0.6 kR along PA and D q Æ 0.
Components of this force along radius and tangent are as The segment has no tangential acceleration, and rightly
shown.
If v is speed of the bead at this moment, then
( )
Dq
so, as the two T cos ___ components cancel out. Force on
2
the element AB towards centre O is
mv2
____ = F cos q
R
( )
Dq Dq
= T sin ___ + T sin ___
2 2 ( )
mv2
____ 4
fi = 0.6 k R ◊ __
= 2 T sin ( ___ )
R 5 Dq
_____ 2
÷
12 k
fi v = R ___ __
25 m TDq
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.17

[ For small D q, sin D q D q] outwards. To oppose this tendency, friction on m1 will

This force provides the necessary centripetal force. be radially inwards towards O.
For equilibrium of m2 (in reference frame of
\ (
Dq
T D q = m ___
2p
*

2
R. turntable), we must have
Tension T = m2 2
r2 = 88 N
2
m R
fi T = _____ For equilibrium of m1 (wrt table),
2p 2
T + f = m1 r1
Example 20 Two blocks of mass
fi f = 124 – 88 = 36 N
m1 = 10 kg and m2 = 5 kg are con-
nected to each other by a massless [Note that the limiting friction on m1 is m m1g = 0.5
inextensible string of length 0.3 m × 10 × 9.8 = 49 N.]
and placed along a diameter of a
(ii) In reference frame of table, consider the system of
turntable, coefficient of friction
two blocks. The system will slide if
between the table and m1 is 0.5 while there is no friction
between m2 and the table. The table is rotating with an angu- m1 2
r1 ≥ fmax + m2 2
r2
lar velocity of = 10 rad s–1 about a vertical axis passing
2
through its centre O. fi (m1r1 – m2r2) ≥ fmax
Masses are placed on either side of O such that m1 is at 2
fi (10 × 0.124 – 5 × 0.176) ≥ 49
a distance r1 = 0.124 m from O.
The masses remain at rest with respect to an observer on 49 4,900
fi 2
≥ ____ = _____
the turn table (g = 9.8 ms–2). 0.36 36
(i) Find the friction force on m1. 70
fi ≥ ___ = 11.67 rad s–1
(ii) Find the minimum angular speed of the table so that 6
masses slip from the given position.
\ Minimum at which slipping can take place is
(iii) How should the masses be placed with the string 11.67 rad s–1.
remaining taut so that there is no friction force acting
(iii) The system of blocks can stay in equilibrium (wrt
on m1?
table) without friction if
Solution m1 2
r1 = m2 2
r2
Concepts
fi m1r1 = m2r2
In reference frame of the table, centrifugal forces act on
the masses in radially outward direction. The system of r1 __
__ 1
fi r2 = 2
two masses has a tendency to slide in the direction of
larger of the two centrifugal forces and friction on m1 Since r1 + r1 = 0.3 m
opposes this tendency.
\ r1 = 0.1 m and r2 = 0.2 m
Given r1 + r2 = 0.3 m
fi r2 = 0.3 – 0.124 Example 21 An inclined plane
= 0.176 m is fixed on a circular turntable.
Inclination of the inclined sur-
face with horizontal table sur-
face is q = 37°. A small block is
placed on the inclined surface.
Coefficient of friction between
the block and the incline sur-
(i) Centrifugal forces on the two masses are
1
m1 2
r1 = 10 × 102 × 0.124 = 124 N face is m = __. The turntable is
4
2
m2 r2 = 5 × 102 × 0.176 = 88 N rotating about its vertical axis and the block does not slide
on the incline. Distance of the block from rotation axis
Since m1 2r1 > m2 2r2, the system of two blocks is r = 40 cm. Find the minimum angular speed ( ) of the
has a tendency to slide such that m1 moves radially turntable.
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12.18 Mechanics I

Solution sible deceleration of the car when its x coordinate is 2 km.

Concepts Coefficient of friction between car and the road is 0.5.

In reference frame attached to the turntable, the block is Solution

at rest. Centrifugal force is horizontal in radially outward Concepts
direction. To find the minimum , we must take friction
to be limiting friction which is directed up the incline. (i) Normal force should be calculated using equation
of centripetal force.
Force on the block has been shown in the figure. (ii) Retardation will be maximum when maximum
Centrifugal force is FC = m 2r. possible friction acts tangentially downward.

( 10
Equation of the circle is y – ___
3 )
2
( )
10
+ x2 = ___
3
2

10
fi Radius of circle R = ___ km
3

For no motion perpendicular to the incline, we have

2
N = mg cos q + m r sin q ...(1)
For no motion along the incline surface, we have

m 2
r cos q + f = mg sin q ...(2) ( 10
Centre of the circle is at 0, ___ km
3 )
Obviously, is minimum when f is maximum Position of car at x = 2 km in terms of angle q is given
1 by
fmax = m N = __ (mg cos q + m 2
r sin q)
4 2 3
sin q = __ = __
Putting in (2), R 5
1 Equation for centripetal force is
m 2
r cos q + __ (mg cos q + m 2
r sin q) = mg sin q
4 mv 2
N – mg cos q = ____
fi 2
(
4 1 3
5 4 5
3 1
5 4 ) 4
× 0.4 __ + __ × __ = 10 × __ – __ × 10 × __
5
fi
R
mv2
N = mg cos q + ____
2
R
fi = 10.5
4 302
= 1,000 × 10 × __ + 1,000 × ________
( )
–1
fi = 3.24 rad s 5 10,000
______
3

]
Example 22 A section of a road is part of a circle and
is concave in upward direction. The shape of the road can
be expressed as [ 10,000
R = ______ m and v = 108 kmh–1 = 30 ms–1
3

( y – 10___3 ) 2
+ x2 = ( 10___3 ) 2
y \ N = 8,000 + 270
= 8,270 N
where x and y are in km. The
coordinate system is shown Retardation will be maximum when hard brakes are
with x-axis horizontal and applied and friction is tangentially downward.
y-axis vertical. A car of mass If at = maximum retardation then
1,000 kg is moving on the road O x = 2 km
–1 mat = mg sin q + m N
at a constant speed of 108 kmh . Find the maximum pos-
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Dynamics of Circular Motion 12.19

3 So car will skid after its speed exceeds 10 ms–1 and if

fi 1,000 at = 1,000 × 10 × __ + 0.5 × 8270
5 it is still on the circular part of the road. Time needed for
fi at = 6 + 4.14 speed to reach 10 ms–1 can be calculated as

= 10.14 ms–2 v = u + at ◊ t
fi 10 = 6 + 5t fi t = 0.8 s
Example 23 A car enters a horizontal circular turning hav-
ing radius R = 25 m with a speed of 6 ms–1 and its speed is This time is much smaller than 2.47 s. Therefore, friction
increasing at a constant rate of 5 ms–2. Coefficient of friction attains its peak value at t = 0.8 s and car will skid after this.
between the tires and the road is m = 0.64. Curved length of Friction will fail to provide the necessary centripetal force
the circular turning is L = 30 m. Will the car skid? If yes, at if car keeps accelerating at same rate.
what time after entering the curve? [Take (6.4)2 = 41]
Example 24 Table shown in the figure given below
Solution is rotating about its vertical axis with an angular speed
Concepts = 2 rad s–1. Blocks A and B have masses of M = 45 kg
and m = 22.5 kg, respectively. String connecting them is
Friction is the only horizontal force on the car. It is
light and passes through a small hole in the table. Pulley
friction which provides the centripetal as well as tangential
shown is massless. Coefficient of friction at the contacts of
acceleration. With increasing speed, the radial component
A and B with the table is 0.4. Dimensions of the two blocks
of friction increases. The car will skid if friction attains its
are small. Find range of values of distance (x) of block A
limiting value while the car is still on the curved road.
from the rotation axis for which the blocks remain station-
Initial speed u = 6 ms–1. ary relative to the table. Distance of B from the rotation
axis is 0.6 m.
Rate of increase of speed at = 5 ms–2.
Time required to travel a distance of L = 30 m can be
easily calculated as
1
L = ut + __ at ◊ t2
2
1
fi 30 = 6t + __ × 5 × t2
2
fi 5t2 + 12t – 60 = 0 Solution
fi t = 2.47 s Concepts

Car will skid only if friction acquires We will solve the problem in the reference frame of the table.
its limiting value before this time. When x is small, the centrifugal force on A is small and due
to weight of B the block A will have a tendency to move to
Tangential force acting on the car is
left. Friction on A will be towards right and that on B will
constant which is equal to
be up. When x is small then the friction on both A and B is
dv limiting, so we get smallest value of x for equilibrium.
Ft = m ___ = 5 m.
dt When x is made large centrifugal force on A becomes
stronger. If A has a tendency to move to right (and B wants
Limiting value of friction is
to move up), the friction on A will be to left and that on
Fl = m mg = 0.64 × m × 10 B will be down. When this friction acquires its limiting
value, we get maximum limit of x for equilibrium.
= 6.4 m
Radial force (Fr) when friction is at it limiting value is To get the smallest value of x we will consider friction
_______ _________ at its limiting value on A and B. On A, friction is to right
Fr = ÷Fl2 – Ft2 = ÷(6.4)2 – 52 ◊ m = 4 m and on B it is upward. FBD of A and B in reference frame
of table has been shown.
v2 2
fi m __ = 4 m fi v2 = 4 × 25 For A: fA + M x =T
R 2
fi m Mg + M x =T ...(1)
fi v = 10 ms–1 [where M = 45 kg]
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12.20 Mechanics I

Example 25 A wooden bar has a smooth along its length.

It is rotated about a verti-
cal axis through its one end
with an angular speed . A
particle of mass m is placed
gently inside the groove at a
distance l from the axis of
For B: N2 = m 2
r rotation (shown as z-axis in
the figure). Find the speed
[where m = 22.5 kg and r = 0.6 m] of the particle with respect to the bar when its distance from
the axis increases to L.
and fB + T = mg
Solution
2
fi mg – m m r=T ...(2) Concepts
From (1) and (2) We will consider motion of the particle in a non-inertial
frame of the bar. In this frame, centrifugal force acts on the
2 2
m Mg + M x = mg – m m r particle which accelerates in its radial direction. As soon as
the particle acquires speed, another pseudo force–Coriolis
mg – m m 2r – m Mg force starts acting on it.
fi x = ___________________ ...(3) __› _›
m 2 This force is directed along – × v and is perpendicu-
lar to the length of the groove.
22.5 × 10 – 0.4 × 22.5 × 22 × 0.6 – 0.4 × 45 × 10
= ___________________________________________ It is balanced by the normal force applied by the groove
45 × 22 wall on the particle. Therefore, only force that accelerates
the particle is centrifugal force.
fi xmin = 0.13 m
When the particle is at a distance x from the rotation axis,
To find the maximum value of x, direction of friction on centrifugal force on it is m 2x along positive x-direction.
A and B must be reversed. Due to a strong centrifugal force dv
\ mv ___ = m 2x
A has had a tendency to move towards right and B wants to dx
go up.
v L
One can proceed along similar lines as above or can 2
fi Ú v dv = Ú xdx
simply put – m in Eq. (3). 0 l

[when x = l, v = 0 as particle is placed gently inside the

mg + m m 2r + m Mg groove]
xmax = __________________ 2
(L2 – l2)
m 2 v2
__
fi = __________
fi xmax = 2.37 m 2 2
______
\ 0.13 m £ x £ 2.37 m fi v = ÷L – l2
2
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Worksheet 1
1. A particle is moving in a circle with a constant on the car. Which of the other forces shown best
speed. Which of the followings is true regarding the represents the horizontal force of the road on the
particle car’s tires?
(a) It is acted upon by a constant force and its (a) FA (b) FB
acceleration remains constant. (c) FC (d) FD
(b) It is acted upon by a constant force but its 6. An unbanked circular highway curve on level ground
acceleration is variable. makes a turn of 90°. The highway carries traffic at
(c) The force experienced by the particle as well as 108 kmh–1, and the centripetal force on a vehicle is
its acceleration-both are variable. 1
not to exceed ___ of its weight. What is the approxi-
(d) Newton’s laws of motion are not applicable in 10
case of circular motion mate minimum length of the curve, in km?
2. You are sitting in a car which negotiates a curve of (a) 1.4 km (b) 1 km
radius 20 m with a uniform speed of 20 ms–1. Your (c) 0.6 km (d) None of these
mass is 60 kg and you are sitting upright on the seat 7. A simple pendulum is oscillating in a vertical plane.
with no side support. The horizontal component of For a position when the displacement of the bob is
_›
force applied by the seat on your body will be less than maximum, the acceleration vector a of the
(a) 1,000 N (b) 1,500 N bob may be correctly represented in which of the
(c) 1,800 N (d) 1,200 N following diagrams.
3. Shown here are the velocity and acceleration vectors
for an object in several different types of motion. In a
which case is the object slowing down and turning (a) (b)
to its right? a
v a

(a) a
(b)
(c) (d) .
v a
a a
a
v 8. Keeping the angle of banking of the road constant, the
(c) (d) correct speed of the vehicles plying on a road is to be
v
increased by 5 per cent. The radius of curvature of the
road will have to be changed from 20 m to _____.
4. A block of mass m is projected on a smooth horizon-
(a) 22 m (b) 40 m
tal circular track with a velocity v. What is the aver-
age normal force (define it as mass B (c) 24.2 m (d) 14.4 m
multiplied with average acceleration) 9. Water in a bucket is whirled in a vertical circle with
R
exerted by the circular walls on the a string attached to it. Dimension of the bucket is
block during its motion from A to B. v negligible with respect to the length (R) of the string
mv 2
mv 2 and the bucket is being moved with a constant speed
(a) ____ (b) ____ A v. Water does not fall down even when the bucket is
R pR
2mv2 2mv2 inverted at the top of its path. We conclude that-
(c) _____ (d) _____ mv2 mv2
R pR (a) mg = ____ (b) mg > ____
FD
R R
5. A car travels with a constant mv2
Fair (c) mg < ____ (d) None of these
speed on a circular road on a FC
R
level ground. In the diagram, 10. A motorcycle is going on an over bridge of radius R.
FA FB
Fair is the force of air resistance The driver maintains a constant speed. As the motor-
cycle is ascending on the over bridge, the normal
force on it would _____.

12.21
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
(a) Increase (b) Decrease (a) 0.2 N (b) 0.3 N
(c) Remains same (d) Fluctuate (c) 0.4 N (d) 0.5 N
11. Figure PQRS is a frictionless horizontal plane on 15. Two particles P and Q start their journey
which a particle A of mass m P Q
simultaneously from point A. P moves along a
moves in a circle of radius smooth horizontal wire AB. Q moves along the inner
r m
r with an angular velocity O A surface of a curved smooth track. Q has a suffi-
2
such that r = g/3. Another cient velocity at A to reach
particle B of mass m is tied S R B while always remaining
to A through an inextensible m in contact with the curved
massless string. O is a hole B track. At A, the horizontal
through which string passes down to B. B can move component of velocity of Q
only vertically. The tension in the string at this instant is same as the velocity of P along the wire. The plane
will be: of the figure is vertical. If t1, t2, are times taken by P
(a) mg/3 (b) 2 mg/3 and Q, respectively, to reach B then (assume velocity
of P is constant)
(c) mg/6 (d) None
12. A train is moving uniformly with a speed v on a (a) t1 = t2 (b) t1> t2
curved railway track of radius r. A spring balance (c) t1 < t2 (d) None of these
loaded with a block of mass m is suspended from 16. The diagram below shows a circular baggage car-
the roof of train. The block is at rest in the reference ousel at an airport. A conveyor keeps moving and
frame of the train. What is the reading of the spring baggages are kept on it. You can identify your bag-
balance in kgf? gage and pick it up. You notice that your bag has
mv2 not slid all the way down the slope and is going
(a) m (b) ____
rg around at a constant speed on a circle of radius

( )
___________ 625
÷ ( )
2 ____ cm as the
mv2 mv2
(c) m + ____
rg (d) m2 + ____
rg
8 q
carousel turns. The
13. A circular turn table of radius 0.5 m has a smooth coefficient of static
groove as shown in the figure. A ball of mass 90 g is friction between the
placed inside the groove along with a spring of spring suitcase and the car-
constant 102 N/cm. The ousel is 0.8, and the
ball is at a distance of angle q that the slant
0.1 m from the centre surface makes with the horizontal is 37°. How much
when the turn table is O time (in second) is required for your suitcase to go
at rest. On rotating the around once if limiting friction is acting on it. (Take
turn table with a con- p 2 = g)
0.1 m
stant angular velocity (a) 10 (b) 20
of 102 rad s–1 the ball moves away from the initial (b) 30 (d) 8
position by a distance nearly equal to
17. At a turn, a track is banked for an optimum speed
(a) 10–1 m (b) 10–2 m of 40 kmh–1. At the instant
–3
(c) 10 m (d) 2 × 10–1 m shown in the figure a car is
14. A small coin of mass 40 g is placed on the horizontal travelling out of the plane
surface of a rotating disc. The disc starts from rest of the figure. When the car
and is given a constant angu- is on the turn the driver
lar acceleration a = 2 rad s–2. Vertical realises that his speed is
The coefficient of static fric- reaching the maximum safe limit so he applies brakes
tion between the coin and the to reduce the speed.While he is applying the brake,
r
disc is ms = 3/4 and coefficient friction force acting on the car must be-
of kinetic friction is mk = 0.5. (a) Directed somewhere in between downward
The coin is placed at a distance along the slope of the track and into the plane
r = 1 m from the centre of the of the figure.
disc. The magnitude of the resultant force on the coin (b) Directed somewhere in between upward along
exerted by the disc just before it starts slipping on the slope of the track and into the plane of the
the disc is: (Take g = 10 ms–2) figure.

12.22
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
(c) Directed somewhere in between downward after its release is (assume the horizontal ring to be
along the slope of the track and out of the plane fixed and suspended in air)?
of the figure.
(d) Directed into the plane of the figure.
18. A simple pendulum is suspended from the ceiling
of a car taking a turn of radius 10 m at a speed of r
m
36 kmh–1. Find the angle made by the string of the
pendulum with the vertical if this angle does not v0
change during the turn. Take g = 10 ms–2.
(a) 45° (b) 15° v20
(a) mk g (b) mk __
r
(c) 30° (d) 60°
______ ______
19. An automobile enters a turn where radius is R. The
÷ ÷
v20 v04
road is banked at an angle q and the coefficient of (c) mk g + __
2
r (d) mk g2 + __2
friction between the wheels and the road is µ. Then r
the condition in which all speeds are possible is 21. A circular tube of radius R and cross-sectional radius
(a) Any value of m and q r (r << R) is filled completely with iron balls of
(b) q < 45°, m < 1 density r. Iron balls are just fitting into the tubes.
(c) q = 45°, m =1 Mass of the tube itself is negligible. The tension in the
tube when it is rotated about its axis perpendicular to
(d) q > 45°, m < 1
its plane with angular velocity is (ignore gravity)
20. A small sleeve of mass m is given an initial velocity
4 4
of magnitude v0 on the horizontal circular ring of (a) __ pr 2 3
rR (b) __ pr 2 2 2
rR
radius r. If the coefficient of kinetic friction is mk, 3 3
the tangential acceleration of the sleeve immediately 2 2
(c) __ pr 2 3
rR (d) __ pr 2 2 2
rR
3 3

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Worksheet 2
1. A ball of mass m is rotating in a circle of radius (a) A vehicle moving with a speed v0 is able to
r with speed v inside a smooth r negotiate the curve without calling friction into
fixed cone as shown in the figure. m
play.
Let N be the normal reaction on (b) A vehicle moving with any speed v > v0 is
the ball by the cone, then choose always able to negotiate the curve, with friction
the correct options. q q
called into play.
v2 (c) A vehicle moving with any speed v < v0 must
(a) N = mg cos q (b) gsin q = __
r cosq have the force of friction into play.
mv2 (d) The minimum value of the angle of banking
(c) N sinq – ____
r =0 (d) None of these
so that a vehicle parked on the road can stay
2. A child is swinging a ball there without slipping, is given by q = tan–1 m0
l where m0 = coefficient of static friction.
of mass M tied to a light q
elastic cord which has a M 5. Consider a Ferris wheel in an amusement park. The
force constant k. The ball wheel is turning in a anticlockwise manner in vertical
describes a horizontal circle h plane with a constant
at height h above the floor. angular speed.
The stretched cord has a (a) Force applied
length l and makes an angle q with the vertical as by the seat on a
shown. The acceleration due to gravity is g. Neglect person when her
air resistance. cabin reaches
(a) The magnitude of the force F that the cord position A is
Mg directed in second
exerts on the mass M is _____
cos q quadrant of the coordinate system.
Mg (b) Force applied by the seat on a person when
(b) The natural length l0 of the cord is l0= l – ______ her cabin reaches position A is directed in third
k cos q
________ quadrant of the coordinate system.

÷
gl sin2 q (c) Force applied by the seat on a person when her
(c) Speed v of the ball is v = _______ cabin reaches position B is directed in second
cos q
quadrant of the coordinate system.
(d) Speed of the ball is v and at some instant and (d) Force applied by the seat on a person when
the cord breaks. The ball moves a horizontal her cabin reaches position B is directed in first
__

÷
h
distance x = v __
g before it hits the floor.
quadrant of the coordinate system.
6. The system in the figure is rotated in a horizon-
tal circle with angular
3. A particle P of mass m is attached to velocity , about the
a vertical axis by two strings AP and vertical axis shown.
BP, each of length l. The separation Dimensions of the
AB = l. P rotates around the axis in two blocks are very
a horizontal circle with an angular small compared to dis-
velocity . The tensions in the two tance (R) of the blocks from fixed wall. The coef-
strings are T1 and T2 ficient of friction between the two masses is 0.1 and
(a) T1 = T2 there is no friction between m2 and ground. Take
(b) T1 + T2 = m 2l R = 10 m, m1 = 10 kg, m2 = 5 kg. Pulley and string
are massless.
(c) T1 – T2 = 2mg ___

÷
2g (a) Friction force on block of mass m1 is directed
(d) BP will remain taut only if ≥ ___ towards left.
4. Which of the following statements are true for a (b) The minimum value of to start relative motion
track of radius R, banked at angle q. Assume
curved_______ between the two blocks is nearly 0.63 rad s–1.
v0 = ÷Rg tan q

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(c) In a reference frame attached to m2 there is no the slope begins to decrease) and C is the top of the
centrifugal force on m1. hill. While moving from A to C, the athlete travels
(d) Tension in the string connecting the pulley to a horizontal distance of 150 m.
the axis is (m1 – m2) 2R when there is no slip- (a) The time taken by the athlete in going from A
ping between the blocks. to C is 5 s.
7. A bob of mass 2 kg is suspended O (b) The correct order of normal force experienced
from apex point O of a fixed cone q = 30° by athlete is NA > NB > NC.
q
with an__ inextensible string of (c) The magnitude of friction force experienced
length ÷3 m. It is moving in hori- v by the athlete increases continuously from
zontal circle over the surface of A to C.
cone as shown in the figure. Then: (d) The magnitude of friction force experienced
(g = 10 ms–2) by the athlete decreases continuously from
__
(a) Bob loses contact with cone if v > ÷5 ms–1. A to C.
(b) Normal force on bob is 19 N when v = 2 ms–1. 10. A small mass m1 lies on fixed, smooth cylinder. An
ideal cord attached to m1 passes over the cylinder
38
(c) Tension in string is _____ N when v = 2 ms–1. and is connected to mass m2 as shown in the figure.
÷3 The system is released from rest when q = 30°.
17
(d) Normal force on bob is ___ __ N when v = 2 ms–1.
÷3
8. A horizontal turn table of radius
R has a straight smooth groove
along its chord at a distance
__
÷3
___
of R from its centre. The
2
turn able is made to rotate with (a) Value of q (shown in diagram) for which the sys-
a constant angular speed of m2
tem is in equilibrium is given by sinq = ___
m1 .
about its vertical centre axis. A particle of mass m
is placed at the centre of the groove and it just fits (b) Given m1 = 5 kg, m2 = 4 kg. The magnitude of
well inside the groove. acceleration of mass m1 just after the system is
(a) The particle will be in equilibrium in reference 15
released is ___ ms–2.
frame attached to the ground. 9
(c) If m2 is made large it is possible that m1 leaves
(b) The particle will be in equilibrium in reference
the sphere before it reaches the top of the
frame attached to the table.
sphere.
(c) If the particle is given a gentle push it will begin
(d) It is not possible for m2 to leave the sphere.
to oscillate.
11. A hemispherical bowl of radius r = 0.1 m is rotat-
(d) If the particle is given a gentle push it will leave
ing about its axis (which is vertical) with an angu-
R
the table with a speed ___ with respect to the lar velocity . A particle of mass 10–2 kg on the
2
frictionless inner surface of the bowl is also rotating
table.
with the same . The particle is at a height h from
9. An athlete of mass 80 kg is running on a rough track the bottom of the bowl. It is desired to measure g
as shown below. The lower part AB of the track is using this setup by measuring h accurately. Assuming
a cylindrical valley of radius 100 m and upper part that r and are known precisely and that the least
BC is a cylindrical hill C count in the measurement of h is 10– 4 m.
of radius 200 m. The
[Take g = 9.8 ms–2]
two parts join such
that there is no sudden (a) Relation between h and is 2 = 2g/(r – h).
change of slope of the B (b) The minimum value of needed
__ in order to
track. The speed of the
A
have a nonzero value of h is 7÷2 rad s–1.
athlete on the track is (c) Error D g in the measured value of g is
–1
always 5 ms . A is the lowest point of the valley, B 9.8 × 10–3 ms–2.
is the point at which valley ends and hill starts (i.e., (d) Error Dg in the measured value of g is
0.8 × 10–3 ms–2.

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12. A smooth semicircular wire-track of radius R is 2g
fixed in a vertical plane. One end of a (b) At equilibrium, S = ____2 .
3
massless spring of natural length 3R/4
(c) The equilibrium is stable.
is attached to the lowest point O of
the wire-track. A small ring of mass P
(d) The equilibrium is unstable.
60°
m, which can slide on the track, is 15. A stone is tied to a string and moves uniformly in
attached to the other end of the spring. O a horizontal circle. The string breaks at time t = 0_
_› ›
The ring is held stationary at point P such that the and_›at a _time
›
t the stone is displaced by r = 3 i
spring makes an angle of 60° with the vertical. Spring + 4 j – 5 k m. (The positive z-axis is vertically up.)
constant is k = mg/R. Consider the instant when the Select the correct alternative.
ring is released. Which of the following statements (a) The time t is 1 s.
are correct?
(b) The time t is 0.5 s.
(a) Normal force will be towards the centre equal (c) The speed of the stone while in circular motion
3mg
to ____. is 5 ms–1.
8 __ (d) The speed of the stone while in circular motion
5÷3
____
(b) Tangential acceleration of the ring is g. is 7 ms–1.
8
16. A ball is fixed to a spring attached to a fixed axle
(c) Weight of the ring makes an angle of 60° with at the centre of a rotating wheel.
OP. The ball and spring are constrained
(d) None of these. to move in the groove shown in
13. A little boy is sitting on a seat of a merry-go-round the figure. Two observers one in
moving with a constant y rotating frame on the ball and one
angular velocity. At t = 0, v at t = 0 on the ground at rest observe its
the boy is at position A motion. Platform is rotating with
shown in the figure. Which x a constant angular velocity and spring has attained
A
of the graphs shown in the its stable configuration.
Top view of
answer are correct? All merry-go-round Choose the correct statement(s)
graphs are sinusoidal. Fy is
(a) Ground observer sees the ball being pulled radi-
the y-component of the force on the boy. x is the x
ally inward by spring and he attributes it as
co ordinate of the boy. q is the angle that the boy’s
centripetal force.
position vector makes with positive x-axis. vx is the
x component of boy’s velocity. (b) Observer on platform sees the ball being pulled
outward by centrifugal force that is being
balanced by spring force resulting in constant
speed of the ball.
(a) (b) (c) Newton’s first law is applicable on the ball with
respect to observer standing on platform with
only real forces taken into account
(d) Newton’s second law is applicable with respect
to both the observers with only real forces taken
into account.
17. A small sphere of mass m is connected by a string
(c) (d)
to a nail at O and moves in a circle of radius r on
the smooth plane inclined at an angle q with the
horizontal. The sphere has a velocity u at the top
position A. Mark the correct option(s).
14. A bead of mass m can slide
freely along a taut smooth string s g
m
as shown in the figure. Given 30°
that angular speed = constant,
select the correct alternatives.
2g
(a) At equilibrium, distance S = ___2 .

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(a) Minimum velocity at A so that string does not C
___

÷
3
get slack instantaneously is __ g r. B
5 D
(b) Tension at B will be larger than that at A.
A
(c) Tension at C will be smaller than at B.
(d) Rate of change of speed at B is 0.6 g. (a) In portion ‘AB’ including point A and B.
18. A car is moving along a circle with a constant speed (b) In portion ‘BC’.
on an inclined plane as shown in the diagram. Then
(c) In portion ‘CD’.
the friction force on car will be in horizontal direction
at least at one point: (d) In portion ‘DA’ including point D and A.

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Worksheet 3
1. A boy is cycling on a track which has the shape 5. Why does a coin rolling along a plane, while
shown in the figure. He remaining vertical, moves in a straight line whereas
maintains a constant speed. (i) the one that is tilted to vertical follows a curved
At which point (A, B or C) line?
is his acceleration maximum
6. A car of mass m = 1,000 kg is negotiating a circular
and where is the acceleration
curve of radius R = 20 m. At an instant its speed is
nearly zero? (ii) At which
v = 10 ms–1. The driver tries to increase the speed
point is friction acting on cycle maximum?
at a rate of 5 ms–2 and the car skids. What can you
2. A stone of mass 1 kg is tied to a string of length say about the coefficient of friction between the tires
1 m and rotates in a vertical circle. One end of the and the road?
string is fixed. At a certain instant when speed of
7. There is a rough circular ground of radius R. The
the stone is 4 ms–1, tension in the string is 6 N. What
footpath outside the ground is practically frictionless.
angle does the string make with upward vertical in
Coefficient of friction between ground and tires of a
this position?
3. A car moves with a constant speed on a circular ( x
)
motorcycle varies as m = m0 1 – __ where x is the
R
arc shaped bridge of radius R. The entire arc of the distance from the centre of the circle. Find the maxi-
bridge has length S and is symmetric on both sides
of vertical line passing through the top most point. mum possible speed of the motorcycle in a circular
path inside the ground. What is the radius of the path
for maximum speed?
8. A fan has three thin blades separated at 120° from
each other. Length of each
blade is R. Three elastic
strings each of mass m
has been glued to the tip of
the blades. The strings are
(i) Find the maximum speed (vo) for which contact just taut when the fan is
with road is not broken at highest point. stationary. At what angular
vo speed shall the fan be rotated so that the strings form
(ii) If the car goes with a speed v = ___
__ , where will
a complete circle of radius R. Assume that tension in
÷2
it lose contact with the road? each string is given by kx where k is a constant and
x is extension in the string.
(iii) What is the maximum uniform speed for
which it does not lose contact anywhere on the 9. Two small blocks of masses m1 = 6 kg and m2 = 9 kg
bridge? are connected by a spring and placed on a smooth
turntable. Masses are separated by a distance of
4. A light string of length l is passing through a smooth
0.25m and the spring
hole in a table. Two particles, each of mass m are
is stretched by 0.05 m
connected to two ends
in this position. The
of the string. One of the
blocks are prevented
particles rotates in a circle
from moving by two
on smooth surface of the
stops A and B as shown in the figure. Now the
table with angular speed
turntable is rotated about its vertical axis at 60 rpm.
1 and the other particle
Distance of the block of mass m1 is r1 = 0.1 m form
moves beneath the table
the rotation axis and the other block is at a distance r2
forming a conical pendulum. It has an angular speed
= 0.15 m from the axis. Force constant of the spring
2 and the system is stable.
is k = 2,500 N/m. What forces do the blocks exert
(i) Find the ratio of length of the string above and on the stops?
below the table.
10. A bead of mass m is free to slide on a smooth
1 1 l
(ii) Prove that ___2 + ___2 < __
g vertical ring of radius R.__ It is connected to a spring
1 2 (÷3 + 1) mg
of force constant k = __________ and natural length
R
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__
÷3 R. The other end of the which can slide freely along
spring is fixed to a point the rod. Mass of the sleeve is m
A on the ring. The bead is = 0.5 kg and angular speed of
released from the position the rod is = 10 rad s–1. Find
shown where the spring the distance (r) of the sleeve
(AB) makes a 60° angle from A so that it does not move
with radius AO. Just after relative to the rod.
the bead is released, find 13. A particle is moving along the
(i) the normal reaction of the ring on the bead. internal smooth wall of a vertical cylinder of radius
(ii) the rate of change of speed of the bead. R. At a certain instant, velocity of the particle has
11. A particle (P) of mass m is tied to two strings PB a magnitude u and is inclined at an angle q to the
and PA and revolves in a horizontal circle of radius horizontal.
R with speed v. The two strings are tied to points B (i) What is the force applied by the particle on the
and A lying vertically above centre O of the circular cylinder wall?
path. The strings make angles q1 = 45° and q2 = 30° (ii) What is the vertical displacement of the particle
with the vertical. in a time interval in which it completes one
revolution?
14. A small block is placed inside an inverted cone at
a horizontal distance r from its vertical axis. Semi
vertical angle of the cone is q and coefficient of fric-
tion between the cone wall and the particle is m. The
block, along with the cone, is rotating with angular
speed and the block does not slide on the cone
wall. Find range of possible values of .

(i) If speed of the particle increases, which string

is likely to lose its tension?
(ii) Find maximum speed (vo) of the particle for
which both the strings remain taut.
12. A smooth rod AB is hinged at its end A and is rotating
about a vertical axis AC so as to trace a cone of semi
vertical angle of 30°. The rod carries a sleeve (P)

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn
1 10 3 m 2L
1. 300 rpm 2. __ m 3. ___
__ rad s–1 4. _______
3 ÷3 __ 8
__
g
÷
÷3 1 12
5. 3.57 × 1021 N 6. (i) o = __ ; (ii) 2 mg 7. (i) ___ mg; (ii) __ g 8. ___
R 2 2 11
9. (i) 18,000 N; (ii) 17,200 N 10. 0.44
11. (i)__ T0 = 2.81 s (ii) Friction will not change. Normal force will increase. 12. (i) __20 ms–1___
; (ii) 3,750 N
13. ÷5 14. 737 N 15. 53°, 3.12 ms–1 16. 2 ÷3 m; ÷60 ms–1
__ __
÷h 1 ÷g
17. 2p ___
g 18. ___ ___ 20. 60°
2p l
__
g
÷__R
r
21. ___ 22.
16

Worksheet 1
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (c)
10. (a) 11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (a)
19. (c) 20. (d) 21. (d)

Worksheet 2
1. (b, c) 2. (a, b, c) 3. (b, c, d) 4. (a, c) 5. (a, d) 6. (a, b) 7. (a, c) 8. (b, d) 9. (b)
10. (a, b, c) 11. (b, c) 12. (a, b, c) 13. (a, c) 14. (b, d) 15. (a, c) 16. (a) 17. (a, b, d) 18. (b, c)

Worksheet 3
1. (i) A, B (ii) A 2. 0°

__________

÷ ( )
___ pR S
3. (i) ÷Rg (ii) At a distance ___ along the bridge from highest point (iii) gR cos ___
3 2R
2
1__
4. (i) ___2 5. Friction is perpendicular to direction of motion 6. m < ___
2

1 ÷2
_____________ __ __
1 _____ R
7. vmax= __ ÷m0 Rg , __
2 2
8.
÷ (
2p k __
____ 2p – ÷3
3m 3 ) 9. 101.3 N, 71.7 N (
2 – ÷3
) (
2 ÷3 – 1
10. (i) ______ mg (ii) _______ g
2 2 )
__
___ ÷3 mu2 cos2q 1 2p R
11. (i) AP (ii) vo = ÷Rg 12. ___ m 13. (i) ________ (ii) (u sin q) T ± __ gT2 where T = ______
5 R 2 u cos q
________________ _______________

÷( ÷(
g cos
__ q – m sin q
____________ g cos q + m sin q
14. r sin q + m cos q £ £ __ ____________
r sin q – m cos q

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CHAPTER 13

Miscellaneous Problems
Based on Chapters 10–12

MATCH THE COLUMNS 3. A long flat horizontal conveyor is moving with

a constant acceleration aBelt. A block is projected
Match the entries in column I with those in column II. An with an initial velocity vBlock on the conveyor belt
item in column I can match with any number of entries in (in the direction of motion of the belt). At this instant,
column II. It may also happen that an item in column I does the belt is moving with a velocity vBelt. Friction coef-
not match with any of the entries in column II. ficient between the block and the belt is m. Column
1. In the diagram shown here, all surfaces are friction- II gives the nature of friction force between the block
less and triangular wedge is free to move. In col- and the belt. Match the conditions in column I with
umn II, the direction of certain correct nature of friction after a long time.
vectors is given. Match the vector X
Column I Column II
quantities in column I with their q
possible direction/s in column II. (a) vBlock = 2vBelt and aBelt = 0 (p) Zero

Column I Column II (b) vBlock = 2vBelt and aBelt > mg (q) fS static friction
(0 < fS < fL)
(a) Acceleration of the block X (p) q
relative to ground (c) vBlock = 2vBelt and aBelt = mg (r) fL limiting friction

(b) Acceleration of the block X (q) (d) vBlock = 2vBelt and aBelt < mg (s) fK kinetic friction
relative to the wedge
4. The figure below shows a block pressed against a
(c) Normal force by the block (r) rough vertical wall with a force F as shown in side
on wedge view. Column I shows angle that force F makes with
the horizontal and column
q II gives information about
the corresponding friction F = 100 N
force. Match the values of m
(d) Net force on the wedge (s) m = 7.5 kg
q in column I with the cor- m = 0.1
2. A motorcycle moves in a vertical circle with a q
responding frictional force F
constant speed. Forces acting on it are the force of_
__› › in column II.
gravity w, friction between the wheel and the track f
and normal reaction between wheel and track. Column I Column II
Column I Column II (a) q = 37° (p) Friction by the wall on the block is
__›
upwards.
(a) Constant magnitude (p) N
__› _› (b) q = 45° (q) Friction by the wall on the block is
(b) Directed towards centre when value (q) N + f
downwards.
is non-zero
_› __› (c) q = 53° (r) Friction by the wall on the block is
(c) Total force by track on motorcycle (r) f + w
__› __› _› static.
(d) When motion is along vertical, the (s) N + w + f
(s) Friction by the wall on the block is
value is zero
kinetic.
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13.2 Mechanics I

5. Observe the diagrams carefully in column I and (c) (r) Speed of the ball
match each with the obeying relation (s) in column q
a with respect to
II. The strings are massless, inextensible and pulleys the ground is
are frictionless. Here a = g/3, m = mass of the block, constant.
T = tension in string, apulley = acceleration of the The car is moving with
movable pulley. Acceleration due to gravity is g. constant acceleration. The
ball is at rest with respect
Column I Column II to the car.

(a) a (p) ablock £ a (d) (s) Velocity of the

ball with respect
to the ground
T1
T is changing
continuously.
m

(b) (q) apulley £ a The car is moving with a

a
T1 constant velocity. The ball is
at rest with respect to car.
T
7. Column II shows some arrangements with light string
m
and frictionless, light pulley. Tension in string AB may
(c) T1 (r) T > mg be written as T = mg. Some values of are given
in column I. Match the values with arrangements in
column II. All the surfaces shown are smooth.
T
m
a
Column I Column II

(d) (s) Force on the fixed support 1

T1 (a) = __ (p)
T1 > (3/2)mg 2

T
m a
2
(b) = __ (q)
3
6. In all the four situations depicted in column I, a
ball of mass m is connected to a string. In each
case, tension in the string is denoted by T. Match
the situation given in column I with the appropriate
4
entries in column II. (c) = __ (r)
3

Column I Column II
(a) (p) T = mg cos q
(s)
q

Conical pendulum
(b) (q) T cos q = mg 8. A block is placed on a rough inclined plane. Angle
q of inclination q of the plane is increased gradually
starting from zero. The coefficient of static friction
and kinetic friction between the block and the plane
is ms and mk, respectively (ms > mk).
The pendulum is swinging. Column II shows the graphs which
Angular position q is the m
contain q on x-axis. Column I
extreme position. T is tension
in extreme position.
represents the quantities taken on
y-axis in graphs of column II. q
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 10–12 13.3

Match the quantities of column I with graphs in Column I Column II

column II.
Column I Column II
(a) Friction force between the (p)
block and the plane is 9
(a) (p) a = __ ms–2
2

(b) Normal force between the (q)

block and the plane is

(c) Total contact force (r)

40
between the block and the (b) (q) T = ___ N
plane is 7

(d) Acceleration of the block (s)

is (c) (r) a=0

(t)

(d) (s) T = 4N
9. Two blocks of mass m1 and m2 (m2 > m1) are placed
in contact with each other
on an inclined plane as
shown in the figure. The 11. The figure given below shows the path of an ice
coefficient of friction skater beginning from rest at A to rest at M. Radius
between m1 and the sur- of curvature in segment ABCD and JKLM are equal.
face is m1 and between The dots along the path indicate the position of the
m2 and the surface is m2 skater every 2 s. The arrows on the curved path are
(tan q = 0.25). showing approximate directions and magnitudes for
the tangential and centripetal acceleration at several
Column I Column II points. No arrow in the tangential direction (or nor-
(a) m1 = 0.3, m2 = 0.2 (p) Acceleration of both the mal direction) implies that there is zero tangential (or
blocks is different
(b) m1 = 0.2, m2 = 0.3 (q) Acceleration of both the
blocks is same
(c) m1 = 0.3, m2 = 0.3 (r) Normal reaction between
both the blocks is zero
(d) m1 = 0.3, m2 = 0.2 (s) Normal reaction between
The inclined both the blocks is non-zero
plane is moved
vertically up with
an acceleration
g/2

10. Column I shows some arrangements of blocks. The

string(s) is/are light and inextensible and pulley is
smooth. Column II contains acceleration and tension.
Take g = 10 m s–2. Match the entries in column I
with all the entries in column II.
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13.4 Mechanics I

normal) acceleration. Column II gives comparison of 13.

the first quantity with the second quantity in given Column I Column II
order.
(a) The system is pushed by a force F (p) 15
Assume that if tangential acceleration between as shown in figure. All surfaces are
successive dots on curve is zero, then it is zero in smooth except between B and C. Friction
the entire path between the two points. coefficient between B and C is m = 1.0
and mass m = 1 kg. Minimum value of
Column I Column II F (in N) to prevent block B from down-
(a) Greater (p) Segment length ABCD compared ward slipping is
with length DEFG
(b) Smaller (q) Magnitude of average tangen-
tial acceleration in segment
ABCD compared to tangential (b) A sphere of radius R is in contact with a (q) 75
acceleration in JKLM wedge. The point of contact is at height
R/5 from the ground as shown in the fig-
(c) Equal (r) Speed at point H compared to ure. Wedge is moving with a velocity 20
speed at J ms–1. The velocity (in metre per second)
(d) Cannot be (s) Radius of curvature at point D of the sphere at this instant will be
compared compared to E
(t) Acceleration at B compared
to that at E

12. Consider the situations given in the following figures

and match the columns I and II. Take coefficient of (c) The system starts from rest and A attains (r) 20
kinetic friction as 1 and g = 10 ms–2. External force a velocity of 5 ms–1 after it has moved
remains constant. Now match the quantities of col- 5 m towards right. Assuming the arrange-
umn I with column II. ment to be frictionless everywhere and
pulley and strings to be light, the value
Column I Column II of the constant force F (in N) applied
Among the four on A is
situations
(a) Force of friction is (p)
50 N in

(d) Two wedges, each of mass m = 10 kg, (s) 25

are placed next to each other on a flat
horizontal floor. A cube of mass M is
(b) Force of friction is (q) balanced on the wedges as shown in
maximum in figure. Assume no friction between the
cube and the wedges, but a coefficient
of static friction m = 0.5 between the
wedges and the floor. What is the largest
M (in kg) that can be balanced as shown
without motion of the wedges?
(c) External force is (r)
maximum in

(d) After sometime, (s) 14. In the arrangement shown in the figure given
force of friction below, each of the three plates has a mass of 10
will be 45 N in kg. Coefficients of static and kinetic friction at each
contact are ms = 0.3 and mk = 0.2, respectively.
Horizontal forces are applied on three plates as
shown in the figure (g = 10 m s–2). Match the entries
in two columns.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 10–12 13.5

Column I Column II

(a) Tension in the string X (p) 2 (m1 + m2) g

connected to m4 is

(b) Tension in the spring (q) (m1 + m2 – m3 – m4) g

between m 3 and m 4
Column I Column II immediately after the
string X is cut is
(a) The acceleration of plate B is (p) 4 ms–2
(b) The acceleration of block C is (q) 0.2 ms–2 (c) Acceleration of the (r) (m1 + m2 – m3) g
mass m4 immediately
(c) The acceleration of block D is (r) Zero after the lower thread
(d) Acceleration of D relative to C is (s) 3.8 ms–2 X is cut will be

15. Consider the arrangement shown in the figure given Force applied by the
below. Friction coefficients for all the surfaces are string connecting the
shown in the figure. Mass of each block is 2 kg.
Rod connecting the two upper blocks is massless and
(d)
pulley to the ceiling
immediately after the
(s) (_______________
m +m –m – m
1
m
2
4
)g
3 4

lower thread X is cut

horizontal. Match the correct quantities. will be

M
17. As shown in the figure, blocks of masses __ , M
2
M
and __ are connected using light string. Pulleys are
2
light. Friction is only between block C and floor
Column I Column II and the coefficient of friction is 1/2 (tan q). System
(a) A horizontal force (p) A slips over C is released from the rest.
F = 10 N is applied on D
towards the right
(b) A horizontal force (q) B slips over D
F = 10 N is applied on C
towards the right
(c) A horizontal force (r) No motion at all
F = 10 N is applied on B
towards right
(d) A horizontal force F =10 N (s) No slipping between
is applied on A towards A and C and between Column I Column II
right B and C
(a) Acceleration of A (p) 3/4 (g sin q)

(b) Acceleration of B (q) g sin q

16. The system shown in the
figure is in equilibrium (c) Acceleration of C (r) 1/2 (g sin q)
with all the springs and (d) Ratio of tension in the string and (s) 3/2 (g sin q)
strings taut. All strings and mass M
springs are massless.
18. When a block A of mass M is placed on a 30°
incline, it is on the verge of sliding. Another block
g
B of mass m accelerates down with an acceleration __
4
when placed on the same incline. Column I shows
various arrangements of the two blocks on the incline
and column II gives acceleration (a) of the blocks
and normal contact force (N) between them.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
13.6 Mechanics I

Column I Column II 20. A uniform rope of mass M is fixed at one end to

the ceiling of a room. Other end is pulled with a
(a) (p) a > 1 ms–2
B horizontal force F.
A
q
30°
M = 4 kg m = 2 kg F
–2
(b) (q) a < 1 ms
B Column I Column II
A
(a) If F is increased (p) Angle q decreases

30° (b) If the length of the rope is (q) Angle q does not
increased, its weight remain- change
M = 4kg M = 8kg
ing unchanged
(c) (r) N > 5 N (c) If the rope is detached from (r) Vertical compo-
the ceiling and connected to nent of tension
a wall increases as one
Horizontal moves up along
the rope
q

(d) (s) N < 5 N (d) If the rope is attached to the (s) Horizontal com-
A ceiling at both ends ponent of the ten-
B sion is same at all
q q points

30°
M = 4 kg M = 2 kg
A and B are PASSAGE - BASED PROBLEMS
glued together
Every passage is followed by a series of questions. Every
question has four options. Choose the most appropriate
19. A block of mass 1 kg is placed on a rough horizontal option for the questions.
surface of coefficient of friction m = 0.2. A force F
is applied on the block whose variation with time is Passage 1
shown. For 0 £ t £ 2 s, the force remains horizontal,
When two blocks, A and B, are suspended using a light string
and for t ≥ 2 s, it gets inclined to horizontal at an
passing over a frictionless pulley, they
angle of 37°.
stay in equilibrium. Now, a block C is
placed over B as shown in the figure.
Acceleration of A and B is found to
be 5 m s– 2 and tension in the massless
string connecting the pulley to the ceil-
ing was found to be 130 N. Mass of the
pulley is known to be 1 kg.
1. Mass of the block A is
(a) 1 kg (b) 2.5 kg
(c) 1.5 kg (d) 4 kg
Match column I with column II. 2. Normal reaction force applied by B on C is
Column I Column II (a) 40 N (b) 60 N
(c) 20 N (d) 18 N
(a) Velocity of the block is zero at (p) t = 0.9 s
3. While the system is accelerated, someone removes C
(b) Acceleration of the block is zero at (q) t = 1.02 s
without disturbing others:
(c) Friction is 1 N at (r) t = 4.0 s
(d) Power of the force is zero at (t) t = 6.0 s
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 10–12 13.7

(a) A and B will begin to slow down and stop after 7. The acceleration of the ball in shot putter’s hand is
__ __
some time. (a) 1 ÷2 ms–2 (b) 100 ÷2 ms–2
__ __
(b) A and B will reverse their direction of motion. (c) 90 ÷2 ms–2 (d) 9 ÷2 ms–2
(c) A and B will move with a constant speed. 8. The horizontal distance between the point of release
(d) Tension in the string will increase. and the point where the ball hits the ground is
Passage 2 (a) 16 m (b) 18 m
(c) 20 m (d) 22 m
A lift can move upwards or downwards. A light inextensible
9. The minimum value of the static coefficient of fric-
string, fixed from ceiling of the lift, carries a frictionless
tion, if the shot putter does not slip during the throw,
pulley. Tension in this string is T1. Two masses m1 and m2
is closest to
are connected with the inextensible light string which passes
over the pulley and the tension in this string is T2. Read the (a) 0.28 (b) 0.40
questions carefully and answer. (c) 0.68 (d) 0.58

Passage 4
Ram has just learnt driving and he is driving on a wet
straight road (mS = 0.1, mk = 0.05) with a speed of
108 km/h. He sees his friend Shyam travelling ahead of him
at a constant speed of 36 km/h in the same direction. He is at
a distance of 102 m from Shyam. He finds that his horns are
not working. He applies brakes just hard enough to prevent
slipping, yet providing maximum deceleration.
10. What is Ram’s speed at the time of hitting Shyam?
4. If m1 + m2 = m and the lift is moving with a constant (a) 24 ms–1 (b) 21 ms–1
velocity, then the value of T1 is (c) 18 ms–1 (d) 26 ms–1
(a) ≥ mg (b) = mg 11. If horn had worked and Shyam started accelerating,
(c) £ mg (d) > mg (a) accident could have been avoided only if Shyam
5. If m1 is very small as compared to m2 and lift is accelerated at maximum possible rate too.
moving with a constant velocity, then the value of (b) accident could not have been avoided.
T2 is nearly (c) accident could have been avoided even if Shyam
(a) m2g (b) 2m1g did not accelerate at maximum possible rate.
(c) (m1 + m2) g (d) Zero (d) accident could have been avoided even if Shyam
6. If m1 = m2 and m1 is moving at a certain instant did not accelerate at all but moved at same
with velocity v upwards with respect to lift and the speed as before.
lift is moving in upward direction with constant 12. If instead of braking Ram decides to take a turn, what
acceleration (a < g), then speed of m1 with respect is the minimum possible radius of the turn?
to lift (a) 400 m (b) 225 m
(a) increases (c) 900 m (d) 625 m
(b) decreases
(c) remains constant
Passage 5
(d) depend upon acceleration of lift Two racing cars ‘A’ and ‘B’ having masses ‘M’ and ‘2M’,
respectively, start running from the starting line on a
Passage 3 horizontal track. Both cars ‘A’ and ‘B’ have same speed ‘v’
which is constant throughout the journey. The track of the
A shot putter with a mass of 80 kg pushes an iron ball of
two cars are the arcs of concentric circle having centres at
mass 6 kg from a standing position. The ball is accelerated
O1 and O2 as shown in figure. The friction coefficient for
uniformly from rest at an angle of 45° with the horizontal.
the two cars with the road is same. There is a finishing line
This is done within a time interval of 0.1 s. The ball leaves
at the end of the arc. Using the information, solve the fol-
his hand when it is 2 m high above the ground level and hits
lowing questions.
the ground 2 s later.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
13.8 Mechanics I

(c) Frictional force has same magnitude for two

cars ‘A’ and ‘B’ during the trip.
(d) None of these.

Passage 6
In the figure given below, masses m1, m2 and M are 20 kg,
5 kg and 50 kg, respectively. The coefficient of friction
between M and ground is zero. The coefficient of friction
between m1 and M and that between m2 and ground is 0.3.
The pulleys and strings are
massless. The string is per-
fectly horizontal between P1
and m1 and also between P2
and m2. The string is perfectly
vertical between P1 and P2.
An external horizontal force F is applied to M.
Let the magnitude of force of friction between m1 and M
be f1 and that between m2 and ground be f2. For a particular
F, it is found that f1 = 2 f2.
13. Graph between the magnitude of relative velocity of
the two cars and time is 17. Values of F and tension in the string are:
(a) 60 N, 18 N (b) 40 N, 18 N
(c) 60 N, 28 N (d) 40 N, 8 N
18. Acceleration of m1 is
(a) (b)
(a) 0.3 m s– 2 (b) 0.5 m s– 2
–2
(c) 0.6 m s (d) 1.0 m s– 2

Passage 7
A body of mass m = 1.8 kg is placed on an inclined plane;
(c) (d) the angle of inclination is a = 37° and is attached to the
top end of the slope with a thread which
is parallel to the slope. Then the inclined
14. The magnitude of relative acceleration of two cars plane is moved with a horizontal accelera-
when car ‘A’ just reaches the end of circular arc of tion a. Friction is negligible.
radius ‘r’ is _______
19. The acceleration a, if the body pushes the slope with
__ v2
(a) 0 (b) ( ÷5 – 2 ÷2 ) __ 3
a force of __ mg, is
2r 4
__ v2 v2
__ __ 5
(c) ÷2 r (d) r (a) __ ms–2 (b) 0.5 ms–2
3
15. The time interval during which the two cars have 5
(c) 0.75 ms–2 (d) __ ms–2
same angular speed is 6
20. Tension in thread, if the body pushes the slope with
(a) always along the motion a force of (3/4) mg, is
(b) never
(a) 12 N (b) 10 N
pr
(c) ___ (c) 8 N (d) 4 N
2v
pr 21. At what acceleration will the body lose contact with
(d) ___ the plane?
4v
40
16. Which of the following statements is incorrect? (a) ___ ms–2 (b) 7.5 ms–2
3
(a) Both cars reach the finishing line at the same (c) 10 ms–2 (d) 5 ms–2
time.
(b) Frictional force acting on the cars is directed Passage 8
towards centre whenever it acts.
A small block of mass m (= 1 kg) is pulled on a frictionless
horizontal surface by means of a light rope passing over a
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 10–12 13.9

small pulley fixed at a height of 27. If the force F = 80 N is directed vertically as shown,
h = 9 m above the level of the the acceleration of the 10 kg block will be
block. The end of the rope is
pulled horizontally at a constant
speed of u = 10 ms–1. The block
was initially placed at a very large
distance from the pulley.
22. Acceleration of the block can be expressed as

( )
dq
(a) u sec q tan q ___
dt ( )
dq
(b) u sec2q tan q ___
dt

( )
dq
(c) u tan q ___
dt ( )
dq
(d) u tanq ___
dt (a) 2 ms–2, towards right
23. Angle q made by the rope with horizontal, when the (b) 2 ms–2, towards left
block leaves the surface, is
(c) 6 ms–2, towards left
(a) 45° (b) 30°
(d) 16/5 ms–2, towards right
(c) 75° (d) 60°
28. In the situation of the previous question, acceleration
Passage 9 of the 15-kg block will be
(a) 4 ms–2, towards right
A block of mass 15 kg is placed over a frictionless hori-
zontal surface. Another block of mass 10 kg is placed over (b) 16/5 ms–2, towards right
it which is connected with a light string passing over two (c) 2/3 ms–2, towards right
pulleys fastened to the 15 kg block. A force, F = 80 N, is (d) 4/3 ms–2, towards left
applied horizontally to the free end of the string. Friction
coefficient between two blocks is 0.6. The portion of the Passage 10
string between 10 kg block and the upper pulley is horizontal A bead of mass m is attached to one end of a spring of
__
as shown in figure. Pulley, string and connecting rods are ÷3 + 1) mg
(__________
massless (Take g = 10 ms–2). Using the above information, natural length R and spring constant k = . The
R
answer the following questions
bead can slide on a fixed vertical ring of radius R. The other
end of the spring is fixed at point A on the vertical ring
10 kg as shown in the figure. The bead does not slide when it is
released from this position.
m = 0.6

15 kg

F = 80 N

Smooth

24. The magnitude of acceleration of the 10 kg block

is
(a) 3.2 ms–2 (b) 2.0 ms–2 29. Minimum value of coefficient of friction between the
(c) 1.6 ms–2 (d) 0.8 ms–2 bead and the ring is
__
25. The magnitude of acceleration of the 15 kg block 1 __
______ ÷3 – 1
2_______
(a) (b) __
is 2 – ÷3 4 – ÷3
(a) 4.2 ms–2 (b) 3.2 ms–2 __ __
2 ÷3 – 1 2 ÷3 + 1
(c) 16/3 ms –2
(d) 2.0 ms–2 (c) _______ __ (d) _______ __
2 – ÷3 2 – ÷3
26. If applied force F = 120 N, then the magnitude of
30. The bead is moved to a position such that the length
acceleration of 15 kg block will be:
of the spring gets doubled from that shown in figure
(a) 8 ms–2 (b) 4 ms–2 above. It is released from this position. Acceleration
–2
(c) 3.2 ms (d) 4.8 ms–2 of the bead immediately after it is released is
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
13.10 Mechanics I

(a) g (b) g/4 33. If the block begins to slide at time t = t0, then the
(c) g/3 (d) none of the above relation between b and c is
M M c
Passage 11 (a) b = __ + c (b) b = ___ + __
t0 2t0 2
A conveyor belt is inclined at 30° to the horizontal. It is (c) b = M – ct0 (d) bt0 = M + ct0
running up at a constant speed of v0. A
34. If the block does not slide even after a long time, the
block of mass M = 1 kg is placed on the
relation between b and c will be
belt. The friction force between the block
c 3c
and the belt depends on relative speed (a) b £ __ (b) b £ ___
(vrel) between the block and belt. Friction 2 4
is f = 0.4 vrel. (c) b > c (d) b > 2c
31. Which of the followings is incorrect? 35. If relation between b and c is such that the block
(a) If the block remains at rest relative to the ground, does not slide even after a long time, then what is
the speed of belt must be v0 = 12.5 ms–1. the reading of the spring balance at t = t0?
1
(b) The block cannot remain at rest relative to the (a) __ bt0 g (b) (bt0 – m – ct0) g
belt. 2
(c) The block can move down the belt with a (c) (b – c) t0g (d) Zero
constant speed of 2.5 ms–1 (relative to ground)
if the speed of belt is v0 = 10 ms–1. Passage 13
(d) The block can remain at rest relative to the An ideal spring has length L = 40 cm and it has N = 200 turns.
belt. When it is extended, the distance between any two con-
32. Speed of the belt is v0 = 12.5 ms–1 and the initial secutive turns changes by the same amount. The spring
velocity imparted to the block is 2 ms–1 down the obeys Hooke’s law. The spring is placed on a horizontal
belt (relative to ground). Time after which the speed smooth surface with one of its ends fixed to a wall. Its free
of the block will reduce to 1 m s–1 is: end is pulled horizontally away from the wall with a force
(a) 2 ln (2) (b) 2.5 ln (2) F = 80 N. The n = 20th turn from the wall comes to a point
where m = 25th turn of relaxed spring was.
(c) 2 ln (2) (d) none

Passage 12
F
A large tank is mounted (fixed) on a block which is placed
on a horizontal surface. Mass of the block along with the
empty tank is M and the coefficient of friction between the
36. Force constant of the spring is
block and the horizontal surface is m = 0.5. The block is
connected to a spring balance. Other end of the spring bal- (a) 16 N/cm (b) 160 N/m
ance is connected to a string which passes over a pulley and (c) 8 N/cm (d) none
carries a large light bucket at its other end which is hanging 37. Half of the spring is cut away. Now, the above
vertically. Sand is added gently at a constant rate b kg/s to experiment is repeated with the left out spring having
the bucket starting at t = 0. At the same time, water is poured 100 turns. Same force F = 80 N is applied to the free
gently into the tank at a constant rate c kg/s. end of the spring. The n = 20th turn from the wall
comes to a point where Pth turn of relaxed spring
Tank
was. Value of P is
(a) 22 < P < 23 (b) 50
Block
(c) 49 < P < 50 (d) 25

Passage 14
A uniform rope has mass m = 3 kg and it rests straight on a
horizontal table. One end of the rope is pulled by a force of
Bucket __ 2
fixed magnitude F = 10 ÷2 N, such that = __ of length of
3
the rope remains at rest on the table. Coefficient of friction
Neglect the mass of the string and spring. between the rope and the table is m.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 10–12 13.11

F (b) Both the students must apply same force equal

to F = 2mg (m2 sin q + cos q).
(c) Both the students must apply same force equal
to F = 2mg (m2 sin q – cos q).
38. Value of m is (d) None of the above.
1 1 41. The students are moving the blocks up the hill at a
(a) m ≥ __ (b) m ≥ __ constant velocity without their shoes slipping on the
2 3
hill surface.
2 2
(c) m ≥ __ (d) m £ __ (a) The minimum angle at which A is able to move
3 3
39. The same rope is allowed to overhang from the edge
of the same table (m remains same as found above)
(
m1 – 2m2
)
the block is cot–1 _______ but B can move the
3
2 block at an angle even smaller.
with = __ of length on the table.
3 (b) The minimum angle at which B can move the

(
m1 – 2m2
block is cot–1 _______ .
3 )
(c) Both A and B are able to move the block if q
is greater than cot–1 (m1 – 2m2).
(a) The rope will begin to accelerate. (d) None of the above.
(b) The rope will stay in equilibrium.
Passage 16
(c) The minimum force required to pull the rope
back on table by horizontally pulling the end A wooden plank C has a stand and a smooth pulley fixed
mg to it. Mass of the plank along with the stand and the pulley
of the rope on the table is ___. is 12 kg. A block B, having mass 5 kg, is kept on the plank.
3
The block is connected to a
(d) Tension at the midpoint of overhanging part is ball A of mass of 4 kg by a
mg
less than ___. string passing over the pulley.
6 Coefficient of friction between
Passage 15 C and the floor is m = 0.2. A
A
horizontal force F is applied
Students A and B, each of mass m, are trying to push a to C so that it accelerates. The
block of mass 2m up a hill slope. Student A pushes the load B
ball is not oscillating and is
straight up by applying a force parallel to the hill slope. F
in equilibrium in frame of C. C
Student B pulls the load by running a massless rope through Friction between C and B is
a massless pulley fixed at the top of the hill and pulling the large enough to prevent slipping between them. The string
rope from other side. The coefficient of friction between the from pulley to B is vertical.
shoes of the students and the hill slope is m1 and that between 42. Maximum value of F for which B remains in contact
the blocks and the hill is m2. Assume m1 > 2m2. Hill slope is with C is
identical on both sides and the apex angle is 2q.
(a) 199.5 N (b) 125 N
(c) 90 N (d) Zero
B
A q q q q
43. With F = 119 N, the system is moving. Suddenly,
the string breaks. Find the magnitude of relative
acceleration of A and C immediately after the string
breaks.
(a) 10 ms–2 (b) 5 ms–2
__
–2
40. Both the students are moving the blocks with con- (c) 10.9 ms (d) 5 ÷3 ms–2
stant velocity:
Passage 17
(a) Student B has an advantage over A as he has
to apply a smaller force. In a given arrangement, three blocks A, B and C are of equal
mass; pulleys are light and frictionless and chord is also light
and inextensible. There is no friction between the blocks B
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
13.12 Mechanics I

and C as well as between the horizontal floor and block C.

The system is set free [g = 10 ms–2].

C
B A

48. Acceleration of the lift so as to make the lower spring

relaxed is
44. Which of the following is true? (a) 2 ms–2 ( ) (b) 1 ms–2 ( )
(a) The system will not move because both A and (c) 4 ms–2 ( ) (d) 2 ms–2 ( )
B have same mass. 49. Tension in the upper spring when the lift is going up
(b) Acceleration of B will be larger than accelera- with a constant acceleration of a = 1 ms–2 is
tion of A. (a) 172.5 N (b) 157.5 N
(c) Both A and B will have same acceleration. (c) 180 N (d) 150 N
(d) A will not move as B and C move. 50. Acceleration of the lift so as to make the tension in
45. Tension in the string will be (m = mass of each the upper spring equal to zero is
block) (a) 12 ms–2 ( ) (b) 8 ms–2 ( )
–2
(a) 10 m (b) 6 m (c) 22 ms ( ) (d) 15 ms–2 ( )
(c) 12 m (d) 8 m
Passage 20
Passage 18 Starting from rest, a car travels on a horizontal unbanked
A fixed thin vertical rod has an inextensible string attached circular track of radius R. The coefficient of friction between
to it. The string is wound completely the tires and the road is constant (m). The driver decides to
around the rod into a large number of Fixed rod achieve the maximum allowable speed by travelling through
closely spaced turns. A small ball is least possible distance (Smin) on the track and accelerates his
attached to the free end of the string. Ball String car accordingly.
When the ball is released, the string 51. The rate of change of speed of the car at an instant
gradually unwinds and the ball begins when its speed is v is

[ ] [ ]
to circle the rod. When the string 1
__ 1
__
v2 v4
unwinds completely, the ball is mov- (a) m g2 – __ 2 (b) m2 g2 – ___2 2
R R
ing with speed v and the string makes
an angle q with the rod.
[ ] [ ]
1
m2 g2 v2
______
__
v2
1
__
46. Value of tan q is (c) 4
(d) m2 g2 + __ 2
__ R R
(a) 2 (b) ÷3
__
(c) ÷2 (d) 1 52. Value of Smin is
47. If length of the string is l, then the value of v is pR pR
_____
(a) ___ (b) ___
4 2
2__ __
÷
2__
___
(a) gl (b) ___ ÷gl mpR mpR
÷3 ÷3 (c) _____ (d) _____
2 4

[ ]
__ 1 __
(c) ÷gl (d) __ ÷gl
2 dx x
Hint: Ú _______
a( )
______ = sin–1 __
Passage 19 ÷a – x
2 2

A block of mass m = 15 kg is suspended inside a lift with

Passage 21
the help of two identical springs. One of them is tied to the
ceiling and the other one is tied to the floor (see figure). A small disc is placed on a long and wide inclined plane
When the lift is at rest, tension in the lower spring is 15 N that makes an angle a with horizontal. Coefficient of fric-
and it is stretched. tion between the disc and the plane is m (> tan a). The disc
is suddenly imparted a velocity u on the incline making
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapters 10–12 13.13

an angle q0, with the line of greatest slope (x-direction in u (m + cos q)

figure). (c) ________________
g cos a (m2 – tan2a)
(d) None
u
qo
Passage 22
A large circular platform is rotating rapidly around its fixed
vertical axis. A small disc of mass m = 2 kg is tied to a
x a string of length l = 1.0 m whose other end is fixed at the
centre (O) of the platform. The disc is gently released on
the platform. The coefficient of friction between the disc and
the platform is m = 0.2.
53. After some time, the velocity (v) of the disc makes
an angle q with x-direction. At this instant, the speed Maximum tension that the string can sustain is
of the disc must be decreasing at a rate given by T0 = 50 N.
(a) m g cos a – g sin a cos q
(b) m g cos a ◊ cos q – g sin a ◊ cos q
(c) m g cos a
(d) m g cos a – g sin a
O
54. After some time, the x component of velocity of the


disc is vx. Which of the following is correct? q is

angle made by velocity with x-direction.
dvx
(a) ___ = g sin a – m g cos a ◊ cos q
dt
dvx 56. After the disc is placed on the platform the
(b) ___ = g sin a – m g cos a ◊ sin q
dt (a) friction provides the tangential as well as radial
force to it.
dvx
(c) ___ = g sin a – m g cos a (b) friction provides the tangential force and tension
dt
in the string provides the radial force to it.
dvx (c) tension will develop in the string only after fric-
(d) ___ = g sin a cos q – m g cos a
dt tion proves insufficient to provide the tangential
and radial acceleration.
55. Time after which the block stops is
(d) String will get tensed only after 10 s.
u (m – tan a cos q0)
(a) ________________ 57. The time when the string breaks is
g cos a (m2 – tan2a) (a) 5.0 s (b) 10.0 s
(c) 2.0 s (d) 2.5 s
u (m + tan q0 cos a)
(b) _________________
g cos a (m2 – tan2 q0)
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Answers Sheet
Match the Columns
1. (a) q; (b) p; (c) r; (d) s 2. (a) s; (b) p, s; (c) q; (d) r
3. (a) p; (b) s; (c) r; (d) q 4. (a) p, s; (b) p, r; (c) q, r
5. (a) q, r, s; (b) p, q, r; (c) p, q, r, s; (d) p, q 6. (a) q, r, s; (b) p, s; (c) q, s; (d) r
7. (a) p; (b) q; (c) r, s 8. (a) t; (b) r; (c) s; (d) q
9. (a) q, s; (b) p, r; (c) q, r; (d) q, s 10. (a) q; (b) p; (c) r, s; (d) r, s
11. (a) s; (b) p; (c) q, r; (d) t 12. (a) p, q, r; (b) p, q, r; (c) p; (d) r
13. (a) s; (b) p; (c) q; (d) r 14. (a) r; (b) p; (c) q; (d) s
15. (a) q; (b) p; (c) s; (d) s 16. (a) q ; (b) r ; (c) s ; (d) p
17. (a) p; (b) q; (c) p; (d) r 18. (a) q, s; (b) p, r; (c) q, r; (d) p, r
19. (a) p, q; (b) p, q; (c) p; (d) p, q 20. (a) p, r, s; (b) q, r, s; (c) q, r, s; (d) r, s

Passage-based Problems
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (b)
10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (c)
19. (d) 20. (a) 21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (d) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (a)
28. (d) 29. (c) 30. (d) 31. (d) 32. (b) 33. (b) 34. (a) 35. (a) 36. (c)
37. (d) 38. (a) 39. (b) 40. (b) 41. (a) 42. (a) 43. (d) 44. (b) 45. (d)
46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (d) 49. (a) 50. (c) 51. (b) 52. (a) 53. (a) 54. (a)
55. (a) 56. (b) 57. (d)

13.14
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CHAPTER 14

Work, Energy and Power

The law of conservation of energy tells us we can’t get something for nothing, but we refuse to believe it.
— Issac Asimov.

1. INTRODUCTION 2.1 Work Done by a Constant Force

After studying the Newton’s laws of motion, we are in a A force is said to be constant if its magnitude and direction
position to predict the motion of a body if forces acting on both remain constant. For example, when you move a book
it are known. However, in many real-life situations, where inside your room – up and down, left or right, on a straight
forces are variable and dependent on position, we may find path or on a curved path – the weight of the book remains
mathematics to be tedious while attempting to relate the fixed in magnitude as well as direction. Weight (mg) is a
speed and position of a body. The mathematics gets simpli- constant force in this example.
_›
fied in many situations, if not all, by introduction of two Consider a constant force F acting on a body __› which gets
new concepts – work and energy. displaced from point A (having position
__› vector r1) to another
In this chapter, we will define new terms – work and point B (having position rector r2). The work done by the
energy. Using these definitions, we shall formulate the laws force is equal to sum of the work done in each infinitesimal
to simplify many problems in dynamics; particularly those displacement while moving from A to B.
which require us to relate position and speed of a particle. r2
W= Ú F ◊ dr
2. WORK r1
y
We can say that you have done a lot of work if you solved Path
50 problems from this book or when you held a weight on A
your head for a long time. But in the physics, ‘work’ is a F
physical quantity which has got a very different meaning.
Work is done by a force. A force does work only when r
its point of application gets displaced and the displacement r1 B
is not perpendicular to the direction of the
_› force.
When a point of application
__› of force F gets displaced by
an infinitesimal amount dr, then the work done by the force r2
is defined as _› __› x
dW = F ◊ dr O

Work is a scalar quantity and its unit is N–m, commonly _› _›

known as joule (J). We can write F outside the integral sign since F is a
constant (vector algebra allows this). Therefore,
In a short while, we will learn how to write the work
done by a force for a finite displacement of its point of _› r2 _› __ __› _› _
W = F ◊ Ú dr = F ◊ (r2 – r1) = F ◊ r
› ›
application. We will take up the cases of the work done by \ …(1)
a constant force and the work done by a variable force. r1
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14.2 Mechanics I

_› __› __› _› _›
where r = r2 – r1 = displacement of the body as it moves When F and r are perpendicular, W = 0 since cos 90° = 0.
from A to B. It means no work is done if there is no component of
If the path taken from A to B was different (from the displacement along the line of action of the force.
one shown in figure), then also the work done by the force r r
would have been same. Work done by a constant force does
not depend on path; it depends on displacement.
q
Consider a block being pulled on a horizontal surface (see
_›
90°
F
figure).
___› It is moved from A to B and its displacement is r W is negative F
W=0
(= AB). _› Given below are some special cases which are worth
All
_› the while a pulling force F acted on it, the work done remembering
by F on the block is
_› _ (1) When q = 0°
›
W = F◊ r
When displacement is parallel to the force, the work done
= F ◊ r cos q is given by W = Fr cos 0° = F ◊ r
F
F F F
(2) When q = 90° r
W = Fr cos 90° = 0 W = Fr
q
When a block is being pulled
A r B on a horizontal surface, the work
_›
done by its weight and normal
where q is the angle between force (F) and displacement reaction is zero.
_›
( r ). WN = Wmg = 0
It is important to notice that there are other forces which (3) When q = 180°
are acting on the block (mg, normal reaction, friction), but
they should not distract us. Our objective here is to find W = Fr cos 180° = – Fr
_›
the work done by the applied force F. If we need to know Friction force acting on a block sliding on a surface
the work done by friction, we will have to calculate it is opposite to displacement. Hence the
separately. work done by friction on the block is,
Let us interpret the expression of the work done by a Wf = – f ◊ r
force in slightly different manner.
F 2.1.2 Work done in Cartesian System
F __›
q Let the
__› initial and final position vectors of a particle_›be r1
q r and r2, respectively, which is acted upon by a force F.
r F cos q
_› _ __›
›
W = F ◊ r = r (F cos q) r1 = x1 + y1 + z1
__›
= displacement × component of force in the r2 = x2 + y2 + z2
direction of displacement _›
or, W = F (r cos q) F = Fx + Fy + Fz
= Force × component of displacement in the Displacement
direction of force _› __› __›
r = r2 – r1 = (x2 – x1) + ( y2 – y1) + (z2 – z1)
2.1.1 Positive and Negative Work \ the work done by the force is:
_› _› _› _
When the angle between F and r is acute (q < 90°), the work ›
W = F ◊ r = Fx(x2 – x1) + Fy(y2 – y1) + Fz (z2 – z1)
done by the force is positive since cos q is positive. It actu-
ally means that when there is a component of displacement
2.1.3 Work done by Gravity
in the direction of the force,
_› its work done is positive.
_›
When angle between F and r Consider a body of mass m that is moved from point A (x1,
r y1, z1) to another point B (x2, y2, z2). z-direction is verti-
is obtuse (q > 90°), the work
done by the force is negative cal and gravitational force (mg) is in negative z-direction.
as cos q is negative. It means q Displacement of the body is
F
that the work done is negative W is positive _›
r = (x2 – x1) + (y2 – y1) + (z2 – z1)
when there is a component of displacement opposite to the
force.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.3

_›
Gravitational force is Fg = – mg you will apply an equal horizontal force on
the bag. But unless your speed is too high, this F
z
force is negligible. It means you apply a verti-
B cal force on the bag which moves horizontally.
(x2, y2, z2)
Force and displacement are perpendicular. You
h do zero work on the bag.
A However, while walking and holding the mg
(x1, y1, z1) bag, your limbs and joints move. Your mus-
mg
O y
cles stretch and relax. They do a lot of work. For example,
your biceps do perform work in moving your arms. This
x makes you feel exhausted.

The work done by gravitational force will be Example 2 A block of mass m is pulled along a horizontal
_› _
›
surface through a distance r by applying a constant force F
W Ag Æ B = Fg ◊ r = – mg (z2 – z1) = – mgh as shown in figure below. Coefficient of friction is m. Find
where h is the vertical height of B above A. (i) The work done by normal reaction on the block.
One can easily verify that work done by gravity will be (ii) The work done by gravitational force on the block.
positive if the body is moved in downward direction from (iii) The work done by applied force F on the block.
B to A. (iv) The work done by fric-
F
tion force acting on the
W Bg Æ A = mgh. block. q

If a body is moved such that there is no change in height, (v) Sum of the work done by
then work done by gravity will be zero. all forces on the block.
It is important to note that the work done by gravity (a Solution
constant force) will not depend on the path between A and
B; it just depends on the component of displacement in the Concepts
direction of force (i.e., vertical direction). While calculating work done by a particular force, don’t
In the discussion above, we have assumed that change in pay attention to other forces.
height is small and there is no appreciable change in value
of g. (i) Normal force (N) is perpendicular to the displace-
ment (r).
In Short
\ WN = 0
(i) The work done by a constant force does not depend
on path. It is given N
_› by
_›
dot product of force and
F
displacement. W = F ◊ r _› q
_›
(ii) The work done is positive if angle between_› F and
_› r
is acute. It is negative if angle between F and r is f r
obtuse. No work is done if force is perpendicular to
the displacement. mg
(iii) The work done by gravity is Wg = mgh if a body of (ii) For the same reason
mass m gains height equal to h and it is Wg = – mgh
if body falls through a height h. Wg = 0
_› _
(iv) The work done by an agent means work done by ‘the ›
(iii) WF = F ◊ r = Fr cos q
force’ applied by the agent.
(iv) From FBD of the block, it is easy to see that
Example 1 You walk slowly to your house from market, N + F sin q = mg
carrying a bag of mass 10 kg in your hand. Distance of your fi N = mg – F sin q
house from the market is 2 km. How much work has been
done on the bag? Why do you feel exhausted? Hence, kinetic friction acting on the block is
Solution You apply a vertically upward force (F) on the F = mN = m (mg – F sin q)
bag so as to balance its weight. While walking, there may be Angle between friction and displacement is 180°.
a small air resistance force on the bag and to overcome this
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14.4 Mechanics I

\ Wf = f ◊ r cos 180° = – fr Vertical fall of m between initial and

final positions is
= – m (mg – F sin q) ◊ r m
h = h1 + h2
(v) WN + Wg + WF + Wf = Fr cos q – m (mg – F sin q) r. h1 qo L
= L cos q0 + L cos (p – q)
Example 3 A particle moves from origin to a point A O
_›
(4 m, 3 m). A force F = (2 + 3 ) N was acting on the = L (cos q0 – cos q ) h2
p–q
particle all the while. Find the work done by the force on
\ Wg = mgh
the particle if path is
y = mgL (cos q0 – cos q)

Example 5 A block of mass m is kept on a rough inclined

A
(4, 3) surface of inclination q fixed to an elevator floor. The eleva-
tor goes up with a uniform velocity v and the block does
not slide on the wedge. Find the work done by gravity and
friction on the block in a time interval t.
O B X

(i) OA (ii) O Æ B Æ A

Solution
Concepts
The work done by a constant force is path independent.

In both the cases work done by force is same. Solution

_›
Displacement r = (4 + 3 ) m Concepts
_›
Force F = (2 + 3 ) N (i) Friction can be calculated by knowing that the
_› _
\ work
›
W = F ◊ r = 8 + 9 = 17 J. block does not slide.
(ii) Both friction and mg are constant forces and their
Example 4 A pendulum consist of a light rigid rod of work done can be obtained by dot product of force
length L. It is pivoted at the end O and carries a particle of and displacement.
mass m at its other end. The pendulum is released from a (iii) Displacement of block is vertically up.
position marked by angle q0 (< 90°). Find the work done by
gravity on the pendulum by the time it reaches a position
Block does not slide on the incline
marked by q (> 90°).
and the incline moves up with con-
stant velocity v.
\ displacement of block in time t is
= vt in upward direction

Friction f = mg sin q. r = vt

Wg = (mg) (vt) cos 180° = – mgvt

90 – q f
Wf = f ◊ (vt) cos (90 – q)

= mgvt sin q ◊ sin q

Solution q
2
Concepts = mgvt sin q. mg

Work done by gravitational force is mgh, where h is the You must note that the work done
vertical height through which the particle falls. The work by normal reaction on the block is not
done does not depend on path. zero in this example.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.5

mg sin q

Static friction between two blocks is

mg cos q
mg fs = mA ◊ a = 2 × 4 = 8 N
Work done by static friction on A is
Example 6 In the arrangement shown below, masses of the WA = fs ◊ r = 8 × 2 = 16 J
two blocks are mA = 2 kg and mB = 4 kg. There is no fric- Work done by static friction on B is
tion between block B and the floor. Coefficient of friction WB = – fs ◊ r = – 8 × 2 = – 16 J
between A and B is m = 0.5. A horizontal force F is applied Work done by static friction on (A + B) system is
on B. Find the work done by friction force on A, on B and
WA + WB = 0
on the system (A + B) as a whole in 1 s after the force starts
acting. Give your answer for the following two cases: Note: In general, static friction does not perform
any work on the system (consisting of two bodies
(i) F = 24 N (ii) F = 34 N
between which there is friction) as a whole.
Assume that B is sufficiently long. (ii) When F = 34 N, if we assume that both blocks are
moving together, common acceleration will be
34
a = ___ = 5.7 ms–2
6
This is not possible as block A cannot have an
acceleration higher than 5 ms–2. It means, there is
Solution slipping and friction between the blocks is kinetic.
Concepts fK = m mAg = 10 N
Accelerations of the two blocks are
If there is no slipping between A and B, both will undergo
fK 10
same displacement. Friction acting on them will be in aA = ___ ___
mA = 2 = 5 ms
–2

opposite direction and hence will perform positive work

on A and same amount of negative work on B. F – fK 34 – 10
aB = _____mB =
_______ = 6 ms–2.
However, if there is slipping the displacement of two 4
blocks will be different.

Maximum possible friction that can act on A is

fmax = mmAg = 0.5 × 2 × 10 = 10 N

Maximum possible acceleration of A is

fmax ___
10
amax = ____
mA = 2 = 5 ms
–2
Displacements of the two blocks in 1 s will be:
1 1
rA = __ aA t2 = __ × 5 × 12 = 2.5 m
(i) Let’s assume that the two blocks move together 2 2
without slipping when F = 24 N. The common 1 1
rB = __ aB t2 = __ × 6 × 12 = 3.0 m
acceleration will be 2 2
Work done by kinetic friction on two blocks are:
F 24
a = _______ = ___ = 4 ms–2 WA = fK ◊ rA = 10 × 2.5 = 25 J
mA + mB 6
Since a < amax, the two blocks will move together WB = – fK ◊ rB = – 10 × 3.0 = – 30 J
with an acceleration of 4 ms–2. Total work by friction on the system of blocks is:
Displacement of both the blocks in 1 s is W = WA + WB = – 5 J
1 1 Note: Kinetic friction, in general, will do negative
r = __ at2 = __ × 4 × 12 = 2 m.
2 2 work on a system as a whole.
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14.6 Mechanics I

Your Turn
Q.1 A bucket of mass M is pulled up from Q.5 A block of mass M is placed on a smooth horizontal
a well of depth h. Find the work done by ten-
surface connected to a string–pulley system, as shown in the
sion of the rope on the bucket if it is pulled
figure. String and pulley are massless. The pulley is pulled
up with a constant acceleration of g/4.
by an external agent by applying a horizontal force F on
Q.2 A block of mass 2.0 kg is pulled up M it. Find the work done by the external agent and the work
along a smooth incline of inclination angle done by the string tension on the block as the block moves
30°. Block moves with a constant acceleration of 1.0 ms–2. through a distance x.
Find the work done by the pulling force on the block in a
time interval of 4.0 s after the block begins to move. Give
your answer for the following two cases: F
(i) the force is applied parallel to the incline.
M
(ii) the force is applied in a direction making an angle
of 10° with the incline.
Q.3 A particle_› gets displaced from (2, 4) m to (4, 6) m Q.6 A pendulum has a string of length L and a bob of
while a force F = (3 + Fy ) N acted on it. Find Fy if the mass m. It is pulled by a constant horizontal force F. Find
work done by the force is zero. the work done by the force (F) and the work done by gravity
by the time the pendulum deflects through an angle q.
Q.4 A block of mass m = 6 kg is kept on a horizontal
surface. Coefficient of friction is m = 0.2. A boy pulls the
block at an angle of q = 45° to the horizontal so as to slowly q
displace it through r = 6 m.
L
F F

q
m
M
Q.7 A car of mass M = 1, 200 kg is travelling downhill on
an inclined road which has an inclination angle q as 37°.
(i) Find the work done by the boy on the block. Hard brakes are applied so that tires stop rotating and the
(ii) Find the work done by friction on the block. car comes to rest after travelling through a distance of 20 m.
Coefficient of friction is m = 0.8. Find the work done by
(iii) Find the sum of the work done by all forces acting
gravity and friction.
on the block.

2.2 Work Done by a Variable Force In Cartesian co-ordinate system we can write
A force is variable if its magnitude changes, or direction _›
changes or both magnitude and direction keep changing. F = Fx + Fy + Fz
The work done by such a force is calculated by summing __›
up all the work done by the force along many infinitesimal dr = (dx) + (dy) + (dz)
displacements of its point of application. __›
If point of application gets displaced from \ F ◊ dr = Fx dx + Fy dy + Fz dz
_› _› _›
position r 1 to r 2, the work done by force F is
x2 , y2 , z2

r2
\ W= Ú (F x ++
(Fx dx dx + F+z dFz z)dz)
FyFdy dy
x1 , y1 , z1
W= Ú F ◊ dr
r1 If the point of application moves along a fixed line, say
x-axis, we can write
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Work, Energy and Power 14.7

x2 (i) When spring is stretched from x1 = 0 to x2 = x,

W = Ú Fx xdxdx since dy = dz = 0. 1
Ws = – __ kx2.
x1 2
It means that the work done by the spring in stretch-
= Area bounded by a graph of Fx versus x and the x-axis.
1
Fx ing it by x from its natural position is – __ kx2.
2
(ii) One can also show that the work done by spring
when it is compressed by x starting from its natural
1
A1 length is Ws = – __ kx2.
x3 2
x1 x2
x (iii) When a spring moves from extreme position (stretched
A2
or compressed) to its natural length position, it
performs positive work. The work done by it is
1 2
__ kx if it moves from a position where deformation
2
was x to its natural position.
If Fx varies with position (x) as shown in the figure, then (iv) If the block is moved slowly while stretching the spring,
the work done by the force is then the force applied by external agent is always
(i) equal to area A1 when point of application moves equal to spring force in magnitude. The work done by
from x1 to x2. the agent in stretching the spring by x will be
1
(ii) equal to – (area A2) when point of application moves Wext = + __ kx2.
from x2 to x3. 2
(v) The work done by spring force is path independent.
(iii) equal to A1 – A2 when displacement is from x1 to x3. If you started from x = 0, stretched the spring to x1
then compressed it to x2 and finally stretched it to
2.2.1 Work done by Spring Force an extension of x3, then the work done by the spring
1
Consider a block attached to a spring and kept on a horizontal force in the entire process is – __ kx23.
2
table. One end of the spring is fixed to a wall.
Example 7 A particle moves in a circle of radius R. It is
x = 0 is the position of the block when spring is
acted upon by a force which always remains tangential to the
relaxed.
path and has a constant magnitude of F0. Find the work done
The block is moved to right so as to stretch the spring. by the force during one full revolution of the particle.
When stretch is x, the spring force on the block is
Solution
Concepts
_› _
›
A force is variable if its direction is changing. W = F ◊ r
is correct only if the force is constant.
__›
Consider a small displacement dr of the particle. It is
along the tangent.

F0
Fs = kx (towards left).
Work done by Fs in a further displacement of dx to right is dr

dWs = Fs ◊ dx ◊ cos 180° = – kx dx

Work done by spring force when the block moves from
x1 to x2 is
x2
1 1
Ws = – k Ú x dx = __ kx21 – __ kx22.
2 2
x1
Force is also along the tangent. The work done by force
It is important to note the following points: in small displacement is
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14.8 Mechanics I

_› __›
F ◊ dr = F0 dr cos 0° = F0 dr Solution

The work done in one revolution is Concepts

2p R 2p R Coefficient of friction can be calculated by the fact that
W = Ú F0 dr = F0 ◊ Ú dr = F0 ◊ 2p R chain begins to slide when half its length overhangs.
0 0
Example 8 A pendulum bob of mass As the chain moves, normal force by table on it decreases.
m swings from vertical position to its Therefore, friction force on the chain is a variable force.
q
extreme position marked by angle q. T When half the chain
Find the work done by string tension T is overhanging, limiting
on the bob. m friction on it is just equal
to weight of overhanging
Solution String tension is a variable part.
force. Its direction (as well as magni- m
Mg
tude) changes. At any instant a small displacement is tangen- \ mN = ___
tial but the tension force is radial. The two are perpendicular. 2
Hence the work done by tension is zero. mMg Mg
____ = ___ fi
fi m = 1.0
In fact, a radial force never performs any work in circular 2 2
motion. In general, a force that always remains perpendicular
to the path will not do any work. Normal force will not do
L
Consider the chain in a position where its length x > __
2 ( )
any work when a body slides down a hill slope. is overhanging. Length on table is L – x. Mass of chain on
table is
Example 9 A particle is constrained to move along x-axis.
M
m = __ (L – x)
It is acted upon by a force Fx = F0 __
x
(
x0 – 1 where F0 and ) L
Normal force by table is
x0 are constants. Find the work done by the force when the
particle moves from x = 0 to x = 3x0. Mg
N = ___ (L – x)
L m Mg
Solution Friction force on chain is f = mN = _____ (L – x)
L
Concepts The work done by friction as the chain moves further by
x2
dx is
m Mg
W= Ú Fx
Fx dx
dx dW = – f ◊ dx = – _____ (L – x) dx
L
x1
L
m Mg
33xx00 33xx00
x \ W = Ú dW = – _____
L Ú ( L – x ) dx
W= Ú Fx
Fx dx = F00 Ú
x00
– 1 dx
x=
L
00 00 2

[ ] m Mg
[ ]
2 3x0 L
x x2
= F0 ___ – x = – _____ L ◊ x – __ L
__
2x0 0 L 2 2

= F0 ___
2x0[
9x20 3
– 3x0 = __ F0 x0
2 ] m Mg L2
L 8
m MgL
8
MgL
= – _____ ◊ __ = – ______ = – ____
8
2.2.2 Work done by a Force Along a Given Path
[ m = 1]

Example 10 A uniform chain of mass M and length L

rests on a rough horizontal table such that one of its ends The work done by a force as its point of application moves
hangs over the edge. The chain begins to slide if length of from A to B is
xB yB
overhanging part is at least equal to half the length of the B
chain. Chain is released from a W= Ú F ◊ dr = Ú Fx dx + Ú Fy dy
position where half its length A xA yA
is overhanging. Find the work In general, if Fx depends on y and Fy depends on x, the
done by the friction force acting integrals cannot be evaluated without knowing the path. Path
on the chain by the moment it equation can be used to write y in terms of x in first integral
completely slides off the table. and x in terms of y in the second integral. The process will
become clear from the following example.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.9

Example 11 A particle experiences a force given (i) using path equation y = x we can write
_›
by F = (yx ) + (xy2) as it moves in xy plane. Find the
2 a a
a4 a4 a4
Ú x dx + Ú y dy = __4 + __4 = __2
3 3
work done by the force as the particle moves from (0, 0) W=
0 0
to (a, a)
2
x ___
(i) along straight line y = x (ii) If this case y = __
a. (fi x = ÷ay )
x2
(ii) along a parabola y = __
a
a
x4
a

Ú a dx + a Ú y dy
5/2
\ W=
a a 0 0
Solution W= Ú Fx dx + Ú Fy dy a4 2a4 17a4
= __ + ___ = ____
x=0 y=0 5 7 35
x=a y=a
You must note that the work done is different for different
Ú Ú
2
= yx dx + xy 2 dy
paths.
x=0 y=0

Your Turn
Q.8 A particle of mass m moves in a circle of radius R the force as the particle moves from x = – 6 m to x =
with a constant tangential acceleration a. Find the sum of +9m
the work done by all the forces acting on the particle in
one revolution. Q.13 A particle is moved from its origin_ (O) to a point A
›
(0, 1) while being acted upon by a force F = k (xy + y2 ).
Q.9 Two springs which have force constants k1 and k2 are Find the work done by the force if the particle is displaced
connected in series. The system of two springs is stretched
along
by x.
(i) O Æ P Æ Q Æ A
Find the work done by the external agent in the
process. (ii) O Æ A

Q.10 A block of mass m is suspended using

spring of force constant K. Initially, the block
is in equilibrium at A. Find the work done by
the spring force
(i) when the block is moved from position
mg
A to B, where AB = ___.
K
(ii) when the block is moved from position B to C where
C is the position of the block when the spring is in
its natural length.
Q.11 A particle moves along x-axis from x = 0 to x = 3 m, Q.14 A ring is constrained to move along a wire frame
2
while a force Fx = (2x – 3x) N acted on it. Find the work in shape of a circle of radius
done by the force. 6
R = __
p m. The ring is moved
Q.12 A particle from A to B over quar-
is constrained to ter of the circle by apply-
move along x-axis. ing a force (F) that always
x component of remains tangential to the path.
force acting on Magnitude of force varies
it varies accord- with distance travelled (s) as
ing to the graph F = 12 – 4 s. Find the work
shown. Find the done by the force as the ring moves from position A to B.
work done by
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14.10 Mechanics I

2.3 Dependence of Work on Reference Frame Let tension in the string, at the T T
instance shown, be T and speeds of
The work done by a force may be different in different q
A and B be u and v, respectively. In A
reference frames. This is because the point of application xB
a small interval D t, displacements of
may have different displacements in different frames of
two blocks will be xA
reference.
Consider a heavy box placed on an accelerating railroad xA = uD t ( )
car. The box does not slip and moves with the car. In a xB = vDt ( )
reference frame attached to the The work done by tension on two blocks are
car displacement of the box is f
WA = T xA cos 180° = – Tu t
zero, but in a frame attached
to the ground a finite dispalce- WB = T xB cos q = Tv Dt cos q
ment occurs. Work done by friction force acting on the box WA + WB = 0 fi – Tu Dt + Tv Dt cos q = 0
in frame attached to the car is zero but it is positive work for fi u = v cos q
an observer on ground and goes on increasing with time.
2.5 Work Done by Central Forces
2.4 Work Done by Constraining Forces
A force which is always directed towards (or away from)
By the terms ‘constrained motion’, we mean motion in a fixed point and has a magnitude that depends only on
which external constraints act to keep a particle on a pre- distance (r) from the fixed point is known as a central
determined trajectory. force.
When a block slides down a hill slope, normal reaction is Gravitational force by the Sun on the Earth is an example.
the constraining force. Its work done is zero. String tension It is directed towards the centre of the Sun and depends only
is a constraining force in case of a stone moving is a circle on the Earth–Sun distance. _
›
tied to a string. Tension does no work. In case of a conical Consider a central force F which is directed radially with
pendulum, once again tension is the constraining force. In respect to the fixed point O. Its magnitude depends only
case of an Atwood machine, the string tension does performs on r.
work on individual blocks but the sum of its work done on
both blocks is zero. You can verify that sum of the work done dr
by string tensions on A and B in figure (d) is also zero. qˆ F
rˆ
N
r
T
O
A A small displacement of point of application of the force
(a) (b) (c) (d)
B can be written in polar co-ordinate system as
__›
In fact one can use this fact to write constraint relations dr = (dr) r̂ + (rdq) q̂
_›
in many cases. Given below is an example. Force is F = (F) r̂
_› __›
Example 12 Relate the speed of two blocks shown in the \ dW = F ◊ dr = F ◊ dr
figure at the instant string connected to B makes an angle This does not depends on q. Work done when r changes
q with horizontal. from r1 to r2 is
r2
W= Ú F dr
r1

Therefore, the work done by a central force is path

independent and depends only on initial and final distances
(r1 and r2) from O.
Solution
Example 13 The Earth goes around the Sun in an elliptical
Concepts
orbit. Find the work done by the gravitational pull of the
Sum of the work done by string tension on both blocks, Sun on the Earth when the Earth moves from position 1 to
in an interval of time, will be zero. position 2 indicated in the figure.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.11

r0
W1 = Ú F1 ◊ dr ; W2 = Ú F 2 ◊ dr ; W3 = Ú F 3 ◊ dr ...

Sum of the work done by all forces is:

r0
2
W= Ú F1 ◊ dr + Ú F 2 ◊ dr + Ú F 3 ◊ dr ...
k
Force applied by the Sun on the Earth is F = __2 where k
= Ú (F1 + F 2 + F 3 + ...)◊ dr
r
is a constant and r is the distance between the Sun and the = Ú F net ◊ dr
Earth.
It means we can choose to find the resultant of all the
Solution forces acting on a particle and calculate its work done rather
Concepts r2
than calculating the work done by individual forces and
summing their works.
The work done by the central force is Ú Fdr.
r1
Example 14 A block of mass m is placed on an inclined
surface of a wedge. The wedge is moved horizontally at a
We need not even perform the integration. Since constant speed v and the block does not slide on it. Find
r1 = r2 = r0, the value of integration will be zero. the sum of the work done by all forces acting on the block
in a time interval t.
r2

W = Ú Fdr = 0
r1

Whatever be the path of the Earth from 1 to 2, the work

done by gravitational force is zero if initial and final dis-
tances from the Sun are equal.

2.6 Work Done by Several Forces Solution Block has no acceleration.

A particle is acted upon by a number of forces and undergoes \ sum of all forces on the block (Fnet) = 0.
a displacement. The work done by individual forces are: Sum of the work done by all forces = work done by
Fnet = 0.

Your Turn

Q.15 A pendulum, having bob of k is a constant. Find the work done by this force on q when
mass m is suspended inside an eleva- it moves from point A to B along an indicated path. Distances
tor car. of A and B from Q are r1 and r2, respectively.
(i) The elevator car moves up with
q
constant speed v for a time
interval t. Find the work done A
Path
by string tension on the bob in
reference frame attached to the ground. r1

(ii) Starting from rest, the elevator moves up with a

constant acceleration a. Find the sum of the work B
Q r2
done by all forces acting on the bob in reference
frame of elevator and reference frame of ground.
Q.17 A block of mass m lies on a smooth inclined surface
Q.16 A fixed charge (Q) applies repulsive force on another of a wedge with an inclination angle q. The wedge is moved
Qq
charge (q), magnitude of which is given by F = k ____ where with a constant acceleration towards right such that the block
r2
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14.12 Mechanics I

does not slide on it. Consider an interval of time t from the Q.18 A ring is constrained to move along a wire frame
start of the motion to answer the following questions: which is in the shape of a quarter circle of radius R. The
ring is tied to a light string which passes over a small smooth
m pulley at B. The string is pulled by a constant force F so
as to move the ring from A to B. Find the work done by
string on the ring.

(i) Find the work done by force applied by the wedge

on the block.
(ii) Find the work done by force applied by the wedge
on the block in reference frame of wedge.
(iii) Find the sum of the work done by all forces acting [Hint: Force on the ring is always
on the block in reference frame of the wedge. directed towards point B.]

3. POWER of the force if it takes 10 s for the body to move from

x = 0 to x = 5 m.
The rate at which a force performs work is known as its
power.
If a force performs DW amount of work in time interval
D t, then its average power is defined as
DW
Pav = ____
Dt
Instantaneous power developed by the force can be
defined as
DW dW
P = limit ____ = ___
Dt Æ 0 Dt dt Solution
_› __›
If a point of application of force F gets displaced by dr Concepts
in interval dt, then the instantaneous power can be written W = area under Fx versus x graph.
as
__›
dW _› dr _› _› 1
P = ___ = F ◊ __ = F ◊ v W = area under graph = __ × 5 × 20 = 50 J.
_›
dt dt 2
_› dr
where v = ___ = velocity of the point of application. Unit of W 50
Average power, P = __ = ___ = 5 W
dt t 10
–1
power is J s also known as Watt (W). Common units are:
Kilowatt (kW) = 103 W, and Example 16 A block of mass m is released from the top of
Horsepower (HP) = 746 W. a smooth incline plane of inclination angle q. Length of the
It is important to note that the power of a force will be incline is l. Find the power of the gravitational force acting
zero if it is directed in perpendicular direction to the velocity on the block just before it reaches the horizontal ground.
of point of application. In circular motion, radial force has
no power. m

Example 15 A force (Fx) pushes a body along x-axis. 

The body moves from x = 0 to x = 5 m and Fx varies with
the position as per the given graph. Find the average power q
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Work, Energy and Power 14.13

Solution Solution
Concepts Concepts
_› _
›
Power of a force is P = F ◊ v . We need to find the velocity F ◊ v = P = constant.
of the block just before it hits the ground. This is a differential equation which can be solved to get
Acceleration of the block, a = g sin q. Speed of the block v as a function of time.
after travelling through a distance is given by (i) Fv = P = constant
2 2
v = 0 + 2al
fi
_______
v = ÷2gl sin q
fi ( )
dv
m ___ v = P
dt
_› P
Velocity vector and force (m g ) are as shown in the figure fi vdv = __
m dt
below. Angle between them is a = (90 – q).
v t
\ power of gravitational force is P
fi Ú vdv = __
m Ú dt
P = mg ◊ v ◊ cos (90 – q) 0 0
_______ ____
2
= mg ÷2gl sin q ◊ sin q fi
v
__
2
Pt
= __
m fi
2Pt
v = ___
m ÷
dx
(ii) Since v = ___ where x is distance travelled.
dt
____
\
dx
___
dt
2Pt
= ___
m ÷
ss ___ t t
2rr
ÚÚddxx== ÷___
22P
fi
mmm ÚÚ t tddt t
00 00
Example 17 A block is accelerated on a smooth horizon- ___
tal surface, starting from rest, by a horizontal force which
imparts a constant power P to the block. Find
fi ÷
2P __
x = ___
2 3/2
m 3 t
(i) the velocity of block as a function of time, and ___

÷
8P
(ii) the distance travelled by the block as a function of fi x = ___ t 3/2
9m
time.

Your Turn
Q.19 A man lifts a 60 kg mass to a height of 20 m in Q.22 A block is constrained to move on a horizontal
5 min. What is the average power supplied by the man to surface. A constant power P is applied to it starting from
the mass? the rest so as to move it on a straight line.
Q.20 A stone is projected at a time, t = 0, with a speed u (i) Acceleration of the block at any time t is proportional
at an angle q to the horizontal. Power of gravitational force to t n. Find n.
acting on the stone is P. Plot P vs time t. (ii) Kinetic energy of the block is proportional to xk,
Q.21 Work done by a W (J ) where x is the distance travelled. Find k.
force is plotted with time.
The plot is as shown in 100
figure. Is the power of
the force increasing or
decreasing with time?
Find power of the force O t(s)
10
at t = 2.0 s.
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14.14 Mechanics I

4. CONSERVATIVE FORCES f f f

You move a body from point A to B inside your room. Work

W = Ú F ◊ dr = Ú Fx dx + Ú Fy dy
i i i
done by gravity remains same irrespective of the path taken x2 y2
from A to B. If you bring the body back to A, total work = a Ú x dx + b Ú y dy
done by the gravity becomes zero. x1 y1

a b
= __ (x22 – x21) + __ (y22 – y21)
2 2
Whatever be the path, work done will remain the same.
This is a conservative force. If Fx depends only on x and Fy
depends only on_ y, force is always conservative.
›
Note that if F = ax + bxy then
x2 y2

Any force whose work done is path independent is said W = a Ú x dx + b Ú xy dy

x1 y1
to be conservative. Work done by a conservative force in a
closed path is zero. We cannot find second integration without knowing
A constant force (like weight of a body inside your room) x in terms of y (i.e., path equation). This force is non-
is always conservative. conservative.
Spring force is also conservative. All central forces are
conservative. Example 19 Is the following force conservative?
A force which has done different work for different paths _›
F = 2xy + x2
between two points in non-conservative. Work done by such
a force will not be zero in a closed path. Consider a block x2 y2
sliding on a surface from A to B and then back to A. While
moving from A to B, friction is acting to left and its work
Solution W= Ú (2 xy dx + x 2 dy)
x1 y1
is negative. When a block is made to move from B to A,
friction is towards the right. Its work done is again nega- Let t = x2y
tive. In a round trip A Æ B Æ A work done by friction is
dt
___ dy
negative. Friction is a non-conservative force. fi = 2x ◊ y + x2 ___
dx dx

A B fi dt = 2xydx + x2dy
Example 18 Consider a force which changes with position x2 y2
_›
as F = ax + by ; where a and b are constants. Is the force \ W= Ú dt
x1 y1
conservative?
Solution = [t]xx21yy21 = [x2y]xx21yy21
Concepts
If work done by the force between two points (x1, y1) and = x22 y2 – x21 y1
(x2, y2) can be calculated without knowing the path, the We have successfully calculated work done without know-
force must be conservative. ing the path. Force is conservative.

Your Turn
_›
Q.23 _Which of the following
_ forces are conservative? Q.24 A particle is acted upon by a force F = (3x2 + 2y ) N.
› ›
(a) _F = 3 + 2 (b) F = 3x2 + 2y Find work__› done by the force
__› as the particle moves from
›
(c) F = y + x position r1 = (2 + 3 ) m to r2 = (4 + 6 ) m.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.15

5. ENERGY 5.1.1 Work–energy theorem for a system of

particles
The amount of work that a body or a system can perform
is known as its energy. A well fed young man can do more Consider a system of two or more interacting particles. Work
work than an old man, before both of them get completely done by internal forces (forces applied by the particles on
exhausted. We say that the young man has more energy. each other) may not be zero. For example, consider two
Energy has many forms, viz. kinetic energy, thermal energy, particle A and B moving under their mutual gravitational
chemical energy, nuclear energy, light energy, etc. Energy attraction.
can neither be created nor destroyed. However, it can be FAB (force on A due to B) does positive work as A moves
converted from one form to another. to right and FBA does positive work on B as B moves to
In this section, we are concerned mainly about kinetic wards left. Sum of the work done by internal forces is not
energy and potential energy. Sum of kinetic and potential zero. In fact, it is the work done by internal forces which
energy is known as the mechanical energy. causes the kinetic energy of this system to increase.
Unit of energy is joule (J). Therefore, work done by all the forces (internal and exter-
nal) on a system is equal to the change in kinetic energy of
5.1 Kinetic Energy and the system.
FBA
Work – Energy Theorem In a non-inertial frame,
_›
F is the sum of all the forces acting on a particle which pseudo forces may also perform A FAB B

moves work.
_› from point a to b. If m is the mass of the particle
and v is its instantaneous velocity, we can write Work–energy theorem can now be written as:
_› _›
dv Wexternal + Winternal + Wpseudo = Dk
F = m ___
dt
_› __› _› fi WALL = Dk
d v _›
fi F ◊ dr = m ___ ◊ d r
dt In Short
_› _›
d r = v dt is small displacement in time dt (1) Energy possessed by the virtue of motion is called
_› __› _› 1
fi
d v _›
F ◊ dr = m ___ ◊ v dt kinetic energy k = __ mv2
dt 2
_› __› (2) Work done by all the forces (internal, external as well
1 d m
fi F ◊ dr = __ m __ (v2) dt = __ d(v2) as pseudo forces) on a particle or a system is equal
2 dt 2
to the change in kinetic energy of the particle or the
b _› __ b
system.
› m
__
Ú d(F ◊vdr) = 2 Ú d(v
2
fi 2 )
a a (3) If WALL is positive, kinetic energy of the system will
increase. If WALL < 0, kinetic energy will decrease.
Left side of this equation is the work done by all the
forces acting on the particle.
m Example 20 A block of mass m = 2 kg is resting on a
Wa Æ b = __ (v2b – v2a)
2 horizontal surface. Coefficient of friction is m = 0.5. A force
1 1 F = 15 N is applied on the block in horizontal direction.
Wa Æ b = __ mv 2b – __ mv 2a ...(A)
2 2 Find the speed of the block after it has travelled through a
where va and vb are the speeds of the particle at a and b, distance of 4 m.
respectively. m F
1
The quantity __ mv 2 is known as the kinetic energy of a
2 1
particle. A body of mass m having speed v can perform __ mv 2 Solution
2
amount of work before coming to rest. Kinetic energy of a Concepts
body is its ability to perform work by the virtue of its One can find acceleration by the use of F = ma. Then by
motion. using v2 = u2 + 2ax, speed can be calculated. For the sake
Equation (A) is work–energy theorem which says that the of learning, we will solve the problem using work–energy
change in kinetic energy of a particle is sum of work done theorem.
by all forces on it (which is same as work done by resultant
force on it). If work done by the resultant of all forces on Forces acting on the block have been shown in figure
a particle is positive, its kinetic energy will increase. If the below.
work done is negative, kinetic energy of the particle will WN = 0; Wmg = 0
decrease.
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14.16 Mechanics I

WF = F ◊ r = 15 × 4 = 60 J
Wf = – f ◊ r = – mmg ◊ r = – 0.5 × 2 × 10 × 4 = – 40 J Solution
Work–energy theorem: Concepts
WALL = kf – ki In a non-inertial frame of the wedge, there is a pseudo
force on the block. We must write work done by this force
1
fi 60 – 40 = __ mv 2f – 0 while using work–energy theorem, in this reference frame.
2
One can also solve the problem using Newton’s laws and
1
fi 20 = __ × 2 × v 2f kinematical equations.
2
___ __
fi vf = ÷20 = 2÷5 ms–1

Example 21 A ball of mass m = 2 kg is dropped from

a height of 20 m. Just before hitting the ground, speed of
the ball is found to be 15 ms–1. Find the work done by air
resistance on the ball during its course of flight.
Solution
Concepts In the reference frame of the wedge, forces acting on the
block are:
Had there been no air resistance,
____ speed acquired by the Normal reaction (N), Weight (mg), and pseudo force (ma).
ball would have been v0 = ÷2gh = 20 ms–1. Air resistance
N is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the block
must have performed negative work which decreased the
(in reference frame of the wedge). Hence work done by N
kinetic energy.
is zero. mg and ma are constant forces and work done by
Without knowing the exact nature of the air resis- them will be:
tance force we can find its work done using work–energy
Wg = mg ◊ h; Wp = – ma x = – mah cot q
theorem.
Using work– energy theorem
Work done by gravity as the ball falls 1 1
from A to B is Wg + Wp = __ m v2B – __ mv2A
2 2
Wg = mgh = 2 × 10 × 20 = 400 J. 1
fi mgh – mah cot q = __ mv2 – 0
Air resistance (FR) is the only other 2
4 1
force acting on the ball. fi 10 × 1 – 2 × 1 × __ = __ × v2
3 2
___ ___
\ WR + Wg = kB – kA
÷ ÷
44 11
fi v = ___ = 2 ___ ms–1
3 3
1
fi WR + 400 = __ × 2 × (15)2 – 0 Example 23 In the arrangement shown in the figure,
2
blocks A and B have masses 500 kg and 200 kg, respectively.
fi WR = – 175 J Coefficient of friction
between A and horizontal
surface is m = 0.4. A con-
Example 22 A small block of mass m = 4 kg lies at the stant force F = 10, 000 N is
top of inclined face of a wedge having an inclination angle applied horizontally to A.
q = 37°. Height of the wedge is h = 1.0 m. The block is If the system starts from
released and at the same instant the wedge is imparted a rest, what distance does
constant horizontal acceleration a = 2 ms–2 towards right. B ascend before it has a
Find the speed of the block relative to the wedge when it speed of 2 ms–1. Pulley and
reaches the foot (B) of the wedge. strings are light.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.17

Solution 1 1
\ WF + Wf + Wg = __ mB v 2B + __ mA v 2A
Concepts 2 2
fi 10, 000 ◊ (2x) – 0.4 × 500 × 10 (2x) – 200 × 10 × (x)
We will apply work–energy theorem on the entire system.
1 1
Constraining force, tension does not perform any work on = __ × 200 × 22 + __ × 500 × 42
2 2
the system as a whole.
fi 200x – 40x – 20x = 4 + 40
If B ascends by x, A will move to the left by 2x. When fi 140x = 44
speed of B is 2 ms–1, speed of A will be 4 ms–1.
fi x = 0.31 m
Work is done by an applied force F, friction ( f ) on A
and gravity on B.

Your Turn
Q.25 A hovering helicopter lifts an 80 kg man to a height (i) Find the work done by air resistance force on the
of 15 m by means of a cable. Man moves up at a constant ball during ascent.
g
acceleration of ___. Calculate (ii) Find total work done by the air resistance force on
10
(i) Work done on the man by the tension force of the the ball during the complete journey.
cable. Q.30 A small block lies on the top of a smooth sphere
(ii) Work done on the man by gravity. of radius R. The sphere is moved horizontally to right with
(iii) Speed of the man just before reaching the an acceleration a. Find the speed of the block relative to
helicopter. the sphere when it slides to position P as indicated by
angle q.
Q.26 A long conveyor belt is moving at a constant speed
of v. A block of mass m is gently placed on it. After slipping
for some time, the block stops slipping.
(i) Find work done by friction force on the block.
(ii) In reference frame of the conveyor, what is the
change in kinetic energy of the block? Explain chain
in kinetic energy in terms of work–energy theorem.
(iii) If coefficient of friction is m, find the distance
travelled by the block (with respect to ground) before
slipping ceases.
Q.27 A small block of mass m is released from a point A Q.31 A 2 kg block is at rest on a smooth horizontal surface.
inside a trough. It travels through the trough and comes to A horizontal force F begins to act on it and changes with
rest at point B. Find work done by friction on the block if the displacement as shown in the figure below. Force does not
heights of A and B above ground are h1 and h2, respectively act for x > 10 m.
(h1 > h2).
A
B
h2 h1

Q.28 A block of mass m = 2 kg is imparted using a velocity

of u = 10 ms–1 at the bottom of
a 30° incline. The block climbs
on the incline and moves a dis-
tance of = 8 m before coming
to rest. Calculate work done by (i) Find the speed of the block when its acceleration is
friction force on the block. zero.
Q.29 A ball of mass 1 kg is projected up with a speed of (ii) Speed of the block at x = 10 m is v0. Speed of the
20 ms–1. It reaches a maximum height of 10 m and then falls block is v0 for x = x0 (0 < x0 < 10 m) also. Find v0
back to reach the ground at a speed of 8 ms–1. and x0.
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14.18 Mechanics I

5.2 Potential Energy We say its potential energy has changed.

A ball of mass m is placed on ground at point A. It is raised If the system changes its position and work done by the
to a height h at point B. When the ball is moved from point conservative force is WC, then change in potential energy of
A to B it experiences gravitational pull of the Earth. This the system is defined as
force performs work (W = – mgh) on the ball. The ball also
DU = Uf – Ui = – WC
pulls the Earth with an equal force but this force does no
work as displacement of the Earth is nearly zero owing to where Uf and Ui are potential energies in the final and initial
its very large mass. Total work done by the gravitational states, respectively.
interaction between the ball and the Earth is W (= – mgh). In solving a problem we are interested in change in poten-
If the ball is allowed to move back to the point A the total tial energy between the two positions of a system. However,
work done by the gravitational force between the ball and we can assign a value to potential energy in a particular
the Earth (in round trip from A to B to A) must be zero as position by choosing a reference position where we assign a
the gravitational force is a conservative force. It means, as value Zero to the potential energy. The following discussions
the ball moves from B to A, gravity performs a work equal will clarify this point further.
to – W (= mgh). When the ball is at B, the system of the ball
and the Earth has a higher capacity to do work as compared 5.2.1 Gravitational Potential Energy
to the case when the ball is at A. We say that in position B
the system has higher potential energy compared to position If a block of mass m is moved up from A to B near the
A. If the potential energy at A and B is denoted by UA and surface of the Earth, then the gravitational force performs
UB, respectively, then work.

ÆB
W Agravity = – mgh ...(i)
UB – UA = Amount of work the system can perform if There is an equal force on the Earth but it does not move
it moves from position B to A and work done on it is zero.
= –W
\ total work done by gravity is given by equation (i).
= – Work done by conservative force (here
gravity) when system moves from A to B. As per our definition, change in potential energy is nega-
tive of work done by gravitational force.
In strict sense, the potential energy in above example is
possessed by the Earth – ball system. But, in practice, we \ UB – UA = – (–mgh) = mgh
can call it the potential energy which is possessed by the
ball; as any change in potential energy of the system will Thus, the potential energy of the Earth plus the potential
affect the ball only. When potential energy changes, speed energy of the block system has increased by mgh when the
and position of the ball will also change. The Earth, however, block is lifted by a distance h. We will call this as potential
remains fixed. energy of the block only. It means we will say that potential
Potential energy is always defined for a conservative energy of the block has increased by mgh.
internal force. If work done by gravity is not same for If we take A as reference level, i.e., consider UA = 0,
different paths between A and B, we would not get a unique then
value of UB – UA. We have gravitational potential energy, UB = mgh
spring potential energy but there is nothing like frictional
potential energy. Friction is not a conservative force. If the block is moved to a point C that is h below the
From above discussion, we can define potential energy point A, then its potential energy will be
as energy possessed by a system by virtue of its position
or configuration. Whenever there is an internal conservative UC = – mgh
force in a system and the system changes its position or
If you decide to take UB = 0 then UA = – mgh and
configuration, there is a change in capacity of the system
UC = – 2mgh.
to do work.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.19

The difference (UB – UA), (UC – UA), (UB – UC) remains M

same wherever we choose our reference point to be.
h
5.2.2 Spring Potential Energy
U=0
Spring force is conservative. We shall define a potential
energy for it.
Solution Each particle of the rod is at a height h above
When a spring is stretched or compressed by x (starting
the reference level.
from its natural length position), then the work done by the
spring force is, \ U = Mgh
1
W = – __ kx2 Example 25 Find the gravitational potential energy of a
2
uniform rod of mass M and length L placed vertically on the
Ux – U0 = – W ground. Take ground level as the reference level.

where Ux is potential energy when the spring is elongated or Solution

compressed and U0 is potential energy in natural state. Concepts
We consider potential energy to be zero when the spring Each point mass in the rod is at a different height from
is relaxed, i.e., U0 = 0 the ground surface.
1
\ Ux = – W = __ kx2 Consider an element of length dx at a height x.
2
M
5.2.3 Work Done by an External Agent and Potential Mass of the element dm = __ dx
L
Energy Therefore, the potential energy of the element is
Gravitational potential energy of a book kept on a table will
never increase on its own. Some external B
agency has to move the book up for increas- dx
Fext
ing its potential energy. Assume that a book
of mass m is moved from A to B without
accelerating it (i.e., the book is moved very x
slowly).
Force exerted by external agent must be mg U=0
equal and opposite to mg. Therefore, A
ÆB AÆB Mg
– W Agravity = Wext Agt slowly dU = (dm) gx = ___ x dx
L
We can write, To find the potential energy of the rod we must add
energy of each small element.
ÆB
UB – UA = – W Agravity AÆB
= Wext Mg L
Agt slowly \ U = Ú dU = ___ Ú x dx
L
Work done by the agent in slowly moving the book 0
Mg __
___ L 2
1
__
against the gravitational force is sometimes called as work = = MgL
done against the gravity. Work done against the gravity gets L 2 2
stored as potential energy of the book. This shows that for the purpose of writing the gravita-
In case of a spring, one can similarly argue that tional potential energy, we can consider the entire mass of
Æx 0Æx the rod to be located at its centre point. We will learn later
Ux = – W 0Spring = Wext Agt slowly that this point is centre of gravity of the rod.
Work done against the spring force gets stored as potential
Example 26 A uniform chain of mass M and length L
energy in the spring.
is placed on a table with half its length overhanging. Write
Example 24 A rod of mass M and length L is kept hori- the potential energy of the chain
zontal at a height h above the ground surface. Write the considering table surface to be
gravitational potential energy of the rod considering the the reference level.
ground surface as reference level.
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14.20 Mechanics I

Solution Example 28 A spring of length 2R and force constant k

Concepts is stretched and placed on the circumference of a half ring
Hanging part of the chain is just like the vertical rod in of radius R, as shown in the figure.
last example. Find work done in stretching the spring.

U=0
L
4

M/2

M Solution
The part of chain on the table has __ mass and its potential
2 Concepts
energy is zero as it is at the reference level.
The entire mass of the hanging part can be considered Potential energy in a spring depends on extension (or
to be located at its mid point. This follows from the last compression). It makes no difference if the spring is not
example. straight and is in the shape of an arc of a circle.
M L
\ __ mass is at a depth __ from the reference level. Extension: x = pR – 2R = 1.14R
2 4
MgL 1
\
M L
U = – __ g __ = – ____ Wext Agt = Ux = __ k (1.14R)2 = 0.65kR2
2 4 8 2
Example 27 A spring of force constant k is compressed
In Short
by x. Find work done by the spring force and work done by
external agent in increasing the compression in the spring 1. In a problem, in mechanics, one can choose any
from x to 2x. horizontal level as reference level for gravitational
potential energy.
Solution 2. If a particle of mass m is at a height h above the
Concepts reference level its potential energy is mgh and when
Change in the potential energy is equal to the negative a particle is at a depth h from the reference level then
of work done by spring force which is equal to the work its potential energy is – mgh.
done by an external agent. 3. For objects like uniform rod, ring, disc, sphere, cube
etc., we can consider the entire mass to be located at
– W xs Æ 2x = Wext
x Æ 2x
Agt
= U2x – Ux the geometrical centre.
1 1 4. Work done against the spring force while stretch-
= __ k(2x)2 – __ kx2 ing (or compressing) gets stored as potential energy
2 2
in the spring. If stretch (or compression) is x then
3
= __ kx2 1
2 U = __ kx2.
3 2
\ Wsx Æ 2x
= – __ kx2
2 5. Work done against a particular force = – Work done
3 by that particular force.
x Æ 2x
Wext Agt
= __ kx2
2

Your Turn

Q.32 A simple pendulum has a bob of mass m and a Q.33 A rod of mass M and length L
string of length L. It is released from a position where the is hinged about its lower end A. Find the
L
string makes an angle q = 60° with vertical. Find the change change in potential energy of the rod as it
in gravitational potential energy as the bob swings to its rotates from vertical position to a position q

lowest position. where it makes an angle q with vertical.

A
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Work, Energy and Power 14.21

Q.34 A hemisphere of radius R is fixed on a horizontal Q.37 One end of a spring of force constant k is fixed at
table. Rope AB of mass m lies on the hemisphere with its the top of a vertical ring at A. Another end is attached to a
end A at the top of the hemisphere. Circular arc of the rope bead (P) which can slide on the ring. When the bead is in
subtends an angle q0 at the centre (O) of the hemisphere. the position shown below in the figure the spring is relaxed.
Write the potential energy of the rope considering the table Radius of the ring is R and mass of the bead is m. The bead
surface as reference level. slides from P to C. Find change in the potential energy of
the spring-bead and Earth system.

P
60°
R
O

Q.35 Two springs s1 and s2 have force constants k and 2k, Fixed
ring
respectively. They are connected in series and free end of s2 C
is pulled to stretch the combination by x. Find the potential
energy stored in s1.
Q.38 In the arrangement shown in the figure below m1 > m2.
K 2K All string, pulley, and springs are light. Force constant of
both springs is k. Find the total potential energy stored in
S1 S2
the two springs, when the system is in equilibrium.
Q.36 A light platform is supported by springs as shown.
Find work done against spring forces in lowering the platform
by 1.2 m. Take k = 40 N/m. K

0.6 m

K
K K m1 m2
2K 2K String

5.3 Alternate form of Work–Energy Theorem and = (kf – ki) + (Uf – Ui) [Since – Wc = DU]
the Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy \ Wothers = (kf + Uf) – (ki + Ui)
A mechanical system may experience one or more conser- = Ef – Ei …(A)
vative internal forces, some non conservative internal forces
where E = k + U = mechanical energy of the system.
and some external forces. When the system changes position
or configuration these forces may perform work. Therefore, we can say that work done on a system by
forces other than internal conservative forces is equal to
Let Wc = Work done by the conservative internal forces
change in mechanical energy of the system. This is alternate
as system moves from initial position (i) to
form of work–energy theorem.
the final position (f).
If we have a system in which Wothers = 0, i.e., only internal
Wothers = Work done by all the other forces (internal
conservative forces perform work then from Eq. (A) we
and external) as system moves from i to f.
have
WALL = kf – ki Ef = Ei
fi Wc + Wothers = kf – ki fi k f + Uf = ki + Ui
fi Wothers = (kf – ki) + (– Wc)
This is known as the law of conservation of mechanical
energy.
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14.22 Mechanics I

In Short F

(1) While analysing a mechanical system, list all the L

2
forces which perform work. If there is no force doing
work apart from conservative forces (like gravity and
spring force) then apply the law of conservation of Solution
mechanical energy. Concepts
(2) If there are other forces (like friction or an externally Gravitational force on the rope is conservative but there is
applied force) performing work, then use alternate an external applied force. Hence we cannot apply CME.
form or original form of work–energy theorem. We will use work–energy theorem.
Henceforth, we will mostly use the alternate form.
(3) If Wothers is negative then mechanical energy of the WF = DU + Dk …(i)
system decreases. If Wothers is positive then mechanical DU = Uf – Ui
energy increases.
(4) Sometimes it is quite helpful to write the law of
conservation of mechanical energy in slightly different
(m L
) mgL
= 0 – – __ g __ = ____
2 4 8
form as where we have assumed the table surface to be the
Loss in kinetic energy (or, potential energy) reference level. The final potential energy of the rope is
m
= Gain in potential energy (or, kinetic energy) zero. Initially, __ mass is on table having zero potential
2 m L
energy and hanging part has a mass __ located __ below the
Example 29 A ball is projected with a speed of u = 20 ms–1 2 4
table surface.
making an angle of 60° with the horizontal. Find its speed
1
when it is at a height of H = 4 m. Dk = kf – ki = __ mv2 – 0
2
Solution
mgL 1
Concepts \ from (i) WF = ____ + __ mv2
8 2
Only force that is performing work is gravitational force. It
is conservative. Hence we can use the law of conservation
of mechanical energy.
It is worth noting that the potential energy involved
in this problem belongs to the Earth plus ball system.
However, we can associate it completely with the ball
as there is no effect on the Earth if this potential energy
changes.
Example 31 An ideal spring of force constant k is fixed
Using the law of conservation of above a horizontal surface as shown. A block of mass m
mechanical energy (CME) we can hits the free end of the spring and compresses it. The block
write: has speed u at the instant it hits the spring and coefficient
kB + UB = kA + UA of friction between the block and the surface is m. How far
will the block compress the spring?
1
__ 1
mv 2 + mgH = __ mu2 + 0
2 2
where we have assumed the reference level at ground
surface.
\ v2 = u2 – 2gH = 202 – 2 × 10 × 4
____ __ Solution
fi v = ÷320 = 8÷5 ms–1
Concepts
Example 30 A uniform rope of mass m and length L Maximum compression occurs when the block comes to
rests on a smooth table with half its length overhanging. rest. Apart from conservative spring force there is non
A horizontal force pulls the rope upon the table. When the conservative friction. Hence we will use work–energy
complete rope is transferred on the table, its velocity is v. theorem.
Find the work performed by the applied force.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.23

Work–energy theorem: Solution

Concepts
Wfriction = (kf + Uf) – (ki + Ui)
The system is conservative. Only gravity and spring force
1 1 do work. We can use conservation of mechanical energy
– mmg ◊ x = 0 + __ kx2 – __ mu2 – 0 (CME). It is important to understand that the block initially
2 2
has gravitational potential energy only. As it slides down its
where x is the maximum compression. gravitational PE falls and kinetic energy increases by same
amount to keep the total mechanical energy at a constant.
2mmg m At the bottom of the track KE will be maximum.
fi x2 + _____ ◊ x – __ u2 = 0.
k k As the block rises on the hump, a part of its KE gets
_____________
converted into gravitational potential energy. Then again

÷( ____k )
mmg mmg 2 m it falls and before hitting the spring all of its energy is
fi x = – ____ ± + __ u2 converted into kinetic. Now as the block compresses the
k k
spring, its KE decreases and spring PE increases. When it
Since x > 0 we will retain + sign only. stops the entire energy has been converted into spring PE.
The spring pushes back, block regains its KE and finally
_____________ rises to the starting point, with all its energy once again
fi x= (÷ ____
k )
mmg 2 m mmg
+ __ u2 – ____
k k
in form of gravitational PE. The process is repeated again
and again and the energy remains constant.
Note:
(i) When the block comes to rest, the spring has maxi-
(1) One can write the equation as follows: loss in KE mum compression.
= work done against friction + work done against
spring force. Loss in gravitational PE = Gain in spring PE
1
(2) Negative work done by friction causes loss in the fi mgH = __ kx20
2______
mechanical energy. This is dissipated as heat.

÷
2mgH
In the present example, heat dissipated = mmg x. fi x0 = ______
k
x0
Example 32 A smooth track has the shape as shown in the (ii) When spring has compression __, energy is a part
figure below. Its right end is horizontal over which there is a 2
kinetic and a part spring PE.
fixed spring of force constant k. A small block of mass m is
released on the track at a height H from the horizontal sec-
tion of the track. The block slides down, rises over a height
\
2 ( )
1 x0 2 1
mgH = __ k __ + __ mv 2
2 2
h and then again slides down compressing the spring. fi
1
2 ( )
mgH
2k
1
mgH = __ k _____ + __ mv 2
2
____

÷
3gH
fi v = ____
2
(iii) Total energy of the block is part kinetic and part
gravitational PE. But the total sum of all form of
energies remains constant at mgH.
1
\ mgH = mgh + __ mv 2
2
________
(i) Find the maximum compression in the spring. fi v = ÷2g(H – h)
(ii) Find the speed of the block at the instant compression
in the spring is half its maximum value.
Example 33 In the arrangement shown in the figure, masses
(iii) After some time the block is found to be moving
of the two blocks are mA = 1 kg and
towards left. Find its speed when it is at the top of
mB = 2 kg. String and pulley are mass- A
the hump.
less and there is no friction. System is B
released from rest. Find the speed of 30°
B when it has descended by 1 m.
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14.24 Mechanics I

Solution Solution
Concepts Concepts
Mechanical energy is conserved. As B falls down, its gravi- Friction is a non conservative force which performs work.
tational PE decreases which goes to increase the gravita- We will use work–energy theorem.
tional PE of A and also increases KE of both the blocks.
As B falls through 1 m, A also moves up along the incline Friction force on A is: f = mN = mmg cos 30°
by the same distance. __
2__ ÷3
Gain in vertical height of A is = ___ × 1 × 10 × ___ = 10 N
÷3 2
1
h = 1 ◊ sin 30° = __ m
2 Work done by friction on A as it moves a distance of 1 m
is:
Wf = – 10 × 1 = – 10 J.

Work–energy theorem can be written as

Wf = change in PE(DU) + change in kinetic

energy (Dk)

= (gain in PE of A) – (loss in PE of B)
+ gain in KE of A and B
Let the speed of both the blocks be v at this instant.
1 1
Loss in PE of B = gain in PE of A + gain in KE of A fi – 10 = 1 × 10 × __ – 2 × 10 × 1 + __ × 2 × v2
and B 2 2
1
()
1 1 1
2 × g × (1) = 1 × g × __ + __ × 2 × v2 + __ × 1 × v2
2 2 2
__
+ ×1×v
2
2

3 3
fi 20 – 5 = __ v2 fi – 10 = 5 – 20 + __ v2
2 2
___ ___
fi v = ÷10 ms–1.
÷
10
fi v = ___ ms–1.
3
Example 34 Imagine that in the previous problem the
Note: Friction dissipates 10 J of mechanical energy as
incline is rough and the coefficient of friction between A
heat.
2__
and the incline is ___ . Solve the problem again.
÷3

Your Turn

Q.39 A uniform rod of mass M = 0.5 kg and length Q.41 A small object of mass m is pulled over a smooth
L = 2 m is hanging vertically with its half cylinder of radius R with the help of a light string as
upper end hinged. The other end of the shown in figure below. As the mass moves along the cylinder
rod is now pulled so as to slowly raise surface from A to the top point B, its speed increases from
60°
it to a position where the rod makes zero to v. Find the work done by the pulling force in raising
an angle of 60° with vertical. Find the the mass from A to B.
work done by the pulling force on the
rod [g = 9.8 ms–2]
Q.40 An ideal spring with a force constant k is hung
from the ceiling and a block of mass M is attached to its
lower end. The mass is released with the spring initially
being unstretched. Find the maximum speed of the block
during the fall.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.25

Q.42 One end of an ideal spring of relaxed length d and Q.45 Two bodies slide with-
force constant k is fixed at O. Other end of the spring is out friction and without an initial
1
attached to a ring of mass m which can slide without friction speed down the inclined planes
on a fixed vertical rod. The rod is at a distance d from O. The 1 and 2. Both bodies start from 2
system is released from a position where the spring makes the top.
an angle of 37° with the horizontal as shown in figure. Find (i) Compare the speeds v1 and v2 of the bodies at the
the speed of the ring when the spring becomes horizontal end of sliding.

[ tan 37° = __43 ]. (ii) Are the sliding time t1 and t2 the same?
Q.46 A body falls with an initial velocity of v0 = 14 ms–1
from a height h = 240 m and penetrates into sand up to a
depth s = 0.2 m. Assume that the resistive force applied by
the sand remains constant and calculate it. Mass of the body
is m = 1 kg. Solve the problem in two different ways: with
the aid of Newton’s laws and on the basis of work–energy
37° principle.
O

d Rod
Q.47 A block of mass m is moving on a smooth horizontal
surface with speed u. It hits a spring of force constant k.
The spring gets compressed and then pushes the block back
Q.43 A smooth narrow tube is in the shape of quarter of
to get relaxed.
a circle of radius r. It is fixed so that its one end is verti-
cally above the centre O and other end is at a horizontal
distance r from O. Two small balls A and B of mass m and
2 m, respectively, are connected to each other with a light
pr
string of length ___. The balls are placed as shown in the
2
figure below and released from rest. Find the speed of the (i) Find the maximum compression in the spring.
balls when A reaches other end of the tube.
(ii) Find the speed of the block when potential energy
stored in the spring is half the maximum value. What
is acceleration of the block at this instant?
Q.48 A bullet loses one fifth of its velocity while penetrat-
ing through a wooden plank of thickness x1. Immediately
after coming out of the plank it penetrates through another
plank of thickness x2 and just manages to come out.
Assuming that the bullet experiences same resistance force
x1
inside the plank calculate the ratio __
x2 .
Q.44 The Charpy Impact Test is a way to measure the work
needed in fracturing a material. It consists of a pendulum, Q.49 A spring gun is designed to shoot a small ball of
which swings down from a prescribed initial angle (q1) to mass m. The spring has force constant k and it is compressed
strike a specimen. The pendulum fractures the specimen, by a length x0 when the gun is loaded. When fired, the spring
and then continues to swing to a new, smaller angle (q2) on opens up and imparts 90% of its energy to the ball. The gun
the other side of the vertical. If mass of the pendulum bob is inclined at 37° to the horizontal and mouth of the gun
is m = 4 kg, length is l = 1.0 m, find the work needed to is at negligible height from the ground. Apply conservation
fracture a specimen when the two angles are measured to of mechanical energy to find the maximum height attained
be q1 = 60° and q2 = 37°. by the ball.

q2 q1 

m

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14.26 Mechanics I

6. MOTION IN VERTICAL CIRCLE

A particle may be constrained to move in a vertical circle
in many different ways. A pendulum bob is constrained by
string tension whereas a particle moving inside a cylindrical
pipe is constrained by normal reaction force. If tension in
the string becomes zero or normal force by the pipe wall
on the particle becomes zero, the particle will leave the
vertical circle.

6.1 Particle Tied to a String Using (1)

m
T = __ [u2 – 2gl (1 – cos q)] + mg cos q
Consider a particle of mass m moving in a vertical circle, tied l
to a string of length l. One end of the string is fixed at O. At m
the lowest position (A) the speed of the particle is u. String fi T = __ [u2 – lg (2 – 3 cos q)] ...(3)
l
tension is always perpendicular to the instantaneous velocity With an increase in q from 0° to 180°, tension (T)
and therefore does not perform any work. Gravitational force decreases. Tension is maximum at lowest position A and
is conservative. It means that the mechanical energy of the minimum at highest position B.
particle remains constant as it goes around the circle. We
will calculate speed (v), tension (T) and tangential accelera- Tangential acceleration (at)
tion (at) at any position (P) of the particle where the string
Force in tangential direction = mg sin q
makes an angle q with the downward vertical.
\ at = g sin q ...(4)
This acceleration is retarding when the particle is moving
up. When the particle is moving down the circle, the
tangential acceleration speeds it up.
It is good enough to analyse the motion over a semicircle
from A to B. In the other half of the circle, motion just
repeats itself.

6.1.1 Condition for Completing the Circle

Speed (v) The particle will complete the circle if the string remains
Taking potential energy at A to be zero we apply law of con- taut throughout. We have seen that tension is least when the
servation of mechanical energy between points A and P. particle is at the top. Therefore, the necessary condition for
UA + kA = UP + kP the particle to complete the circle is TB ≥ O.

1 1
fi 0 + __ mu2 = mgh + __ mv2
2 2
From above figure h = l – l cos q
\ v2 = u2 – 2gl (1 – cos q)
________________
fi v = ÷u2 – 2gl (1 – cos q) ...(1)
As q increases from 0° to 180°, cos q decreases and hence
v decreases. Speed is smallest at the topmost point B.
Radial force on the particle at top point (B) is
Tension (T ) mv2
TB + mg = ____
When a particle is at P, force acting on it towards the centre l
of the circle is T – mg cos q. mv2
fi TB = ____ – mg
mv 2 l
\ T – mg cos q = ____
l For completing the circle, TB ≥ 0
mv2
fi T = ____ + mg cos q ...(2) mv2
____
__
l \ ≥ mg fi v ≥ ÷gl ...(5)
l
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Work, Energy and Power 14.27

Relation between u and v can be obtained by applying 6.2 Particle Inside a Cylindrical Pipe
mechanical energy conservation between A and B or by
A particle is moving in a vertical circle inside a fixed cylin-
directly using Eq. (1) with q = 180°
___________________ _______ drical pipe with its axis horizontal. The entire description
v = ÷u2 – 2gl (1 – cos 180°) = ÷u2 – 4gl of motion remains same as above with normal force (N)
replacing the string tension (T).
\ condition for completing the circle becomes
u2 – 4gl ≥ gl
___
fi u ≥ ÷5gl ...(6)

6.1.2 Condition for Oscillation

Equation (2) suggests that tension cannot become zero if
q < 90°. It means there is no question of leaving the circle
unless speed imparted to the particle is large enough to take
it beyond point C. Condition for completing the circle, leaving the circle and
oscillations remains same as above.

6.3 Particle Tied to a Light Rigid Rod

If the string is replaced with a light rigid rod, there is no
possibility of the particle leaving the circular path. A rod
cannot get loose. The particle will complete the circle if it
has sufficient energy to carry it to the top point.

If the speed imparted is small and the particle cannot

cross C, it will oscillate about A forming a pendulum.
Speed (u) required at A to carry the particle just upto C
is calculated using energy conservation as
UA + kA = UC + kC
1
O + __ mu2 = mgl + 0 [velocity at C = 0]
2 ___
fi u = ÷2gl For particle to be able to just reach B (with vB = 0), the
___
speed required at A can be calculated as
Hence the condition for oscillation will be 0 < u £ ÷2gl
kA + UA = kB + UB
6.1.3 Condition for Leaving the Circular Path
1
__ mu2 + 0 = 0 + mg ◊ (2l)
Our earlier discussion shows that the particle will oscillate fi
2 ___
(remain on circular path) if the speed at lowest point is
___ fi u = ÷4gl
u £ ÷ 2gl and it will successfully complete the circle if ___
___
Hence particle will complete the circle if u ≥ ÷4gl .
u ≥ ÷5gl .
___ ___ A similar situation prevails if a small particle is constrained
If ÷2gl < u < ÷5gl , then the particle will definitely cross to move inside a smooth vertical circular tube with the par-
C but the string tension will become zero before it can reach ticle just fitting inside the tube. Normal force applied by
the top point B. The particle will leave the circle (in absence the tube wall replaces the force applied by the rod on the
of any constraining force) and move on a parabolic path like particle.
a projectile.

u
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14.28 Mechanics I

6.4 Particle Released from Top of a Example 35 A pendulum is string___has length l. Bob of
Smooth Sphere the pendulum is given a speed u = ÷4gl when it is at low-
est position. Will the bob complete the circle? If no, where
A fixed smooth sphere has radius R. A small object placed
will it leave the circle? Find the maximum height (measured
at the top of the sphere is given a gentle push and begins to
from its initial position) attained by the bob.
slide along the sphere. When it reaches P we can calculate
its speed using energy conservation Solution
kP + UP = kB + UB Concepts
___ ___
Since ÷2gl < u < ÷5gl , the particle will leave the circle at
some point. We will calculate the position where it leaves
the circle by using conservation of mechanical energy and
writing the equation for centripetal force.
After leaving the circle, the string is slack and particle
takes a parabolic path.
Let the particle have speed v at position P as shown in
figure below. Using the conservation of energy between point
Consider potential energy to be zero at centre (O) of the P and A.
sphere.
1
__ mv 2 + mgR cos q = 0 + mgR [ vB = 0]
2
2
mv
____
fi = 2mg (1 – cos q) ...(1)
R
Equation for centripetal force at P is
mv2
mg cos q – N = ____
R
fi N = mg cos q – 2 mg (1 – cos q) kP + UP = kA + UA
= 3 mg cos q – 2 mg. 1
__ 1
fi mv2 + mgl (1 + cos q) = __ mu2 + 0
Particle will lose contact with the sphere if N = 0 2 2
fi 3 cos q = 2 fi v2 = u2 – 2gl (1 + cos q)
2 = 4gl – 2gl – 2gl cos q
fi cos q = __
3 2
fi v = 2gl – 2gl cos q ...(1)
After this, the particle will take parabolic path (like a
projectile) to hit the ground. Radial force on the particle is T + mg cos q
mv2
In Short \ T + mg cos q = ____
l
1. If speed of the particle moving in a vertical circle is Particle will leave the circular path at P if the tension at
known at a point, we can find its speed at any other P becomes zero.
point using conservation of mechanical energy. mv2
fi mg cos q = ____
2. Once the speed is known, tension can be calculated l
using the equation for centripetal force. fi gl cos q = 2gl – 2gl cos q [using (1)]
2
3. A string tied to a particle can complete the ___circle fi cos q = __
only if its speed at lowest position is u ≥ ÷5gl . 3
___ Therefore, the particle will leave the circle at
4. For u £ ÷2gl , the particle oscillates about its lowest
position.
___ ___
5. For ÷2gl < u < ÷5gl the particle leaves the vertical
()
2
q = cos–1 __
3
5
Height of P from A is h = l + l cos q = __ l
circle somewhere above the horizontal position of the 3
string. Speed of particle at P is given by (1)
6. If the string is replaced with a light___
rod, the condition
for completing the circle is u ≥ ÷4gl . For u < ÷4gl
___ 2
()2
v2 = 2gl – 2gl __ = __ gl
___ 3 3

÷
the particle oscillates. 2gl
v = ___
3
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Work, Energy and Power 14.29

After point P, the particle is like a projectile projected Solution

at an angle q to the horizontal. Maximum height attained Concepts
above point P is
The radius of circular path of the bob reduces after hit-
ting the nail. Energy of the bob is not sufficient to take it
around a circle of radius l but it is just sufficient to take
it around a circle of smaller radius around the nail.

v2sin2q
H = ______
2g
Let the distance of the nail from point of suspension be
2gl 1 5 5 2
= ___ ◊ ___ ◊ __ = ___ l cos q = __ x. After hitting the nail, radius of circular path (with nail as
3 2g 9 27 3
__ centre) becomes
÷5
fi sin q = ___ R=l–x
3
Hence maximum height above A is When the string is about to hit the nail, speed of the bob
5l 5l 50
= h + H = __ + ___ = ___ l can be calculated using energy conservation as
3 27 27 1
__ mv2 = mgl
2
Example 36 A particle is suspended using a string of length ___
l. The particle is drawn aside so that the string becomes hori- fi v = ÷2gl
____
zontal and taut. The bob is released from this position and The bob will just complete the circle if this speed is ÷5gR .
the string hits a thin nail located vertically below the point ____ ___
of suspension. The bob just manages to complete a verti- fi ÷5gR = ÷2gl
cal circle around the nail. Assume that there is no loss of
2
energy in string hitting the nail and while going around the fi R = __ l = 0.4 l
nail the bob does not interfere 5
with string. Find the distance fi x = l – 0.4 l = 0.6 l
of the nail from the point of
suspension.

Your Turn

Q.50 A pendulum bob is projected from ___ its lowest position (i) Find the speed of the bob when it reaches a position
in a horizontal direction with speed u = ÷3gl where l is the where q = 60°.
length of the string.
(ii) Find tension in the string when q = 60°. Mass of bob
is m.
q (iii) Find the rate of change of speed of the bob when
q = 60°

Q.51 A vertical smooth track has a circular portion of

radius R. A body of mass M is released from point P as
shown in the figure below.
u
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14.30 Mechanics I

Q.55 In a water park, a boy begins to slide from point

A on the top of a smooth slide and after moving along
ABCDE, he leaves the track at E with a horizontal velocity
and falls into a water pool. The radius of curvature of the
track at E is R.
(i) Find the minimum height (call it h0) of point A above
E.

(i) Find the minimum height (h0) so that the body

A
successfully completes the loop.
(ii) For h = h0, find the force applied by the body on the
track when it is at A and B. C
E
Q.52 In the last problem find the value of h for which the
body will apply a force 4 times its weight when it reaches B
D
the top point C of the circular track. Water

Q.53 A small particle of mass m is tied to one end of a

light stiff rod of length l. The other end of the rod is fixed (ii) Assume that the height of A above E is 4h0 and height
and the rod can rotate freely in vertical plane about
____ its fixed R
of E above D is __. Radius of curvature of the track at
÷
7 2
end. The particle is projected with speed u = __ gl from its
2 D is also R and velocity of the boy when he reached
lowest position. Will the particle oscillate? If yes, find the point D was horizontal. Find the force applied by the
maximum angular displacement of the particle on either side boy on the track at D.
of its lowest position.
Q.56 A light rigid rod of length 2l can rotate in vertical
Q.54 A particle of mass m makes a complete revolution plane about a horizontal axis passing through
inside a smooth circular tube fixed in a vertical plane. Its one of its ends. Two particles, each of mass m,
greatest speed is k times its least speed. Find the force are stuck to the rod as shown in the figure.
it exerts on the tube wall when its velocity is directed (i) Find the minimum angular speed ( 0)
vertically. that must be given to the rod in the
position shown so that it completes the
vertical circle.
(ii) Find the tension in the rod when it
rotates through 180°, if initial angular speed given is
0.

dU
7. POTENTIAL ENERGY FUNCTION fi Fx = – ___
dx
AND CONSERVATIVE FORCE dU
If ___ is positive then force acting on the particle is
We know, by now, that the potential energy is defined cor- dx
dU
responding to an internal conservative force. in negative x-direction. And when ___ is negative, force is
dx
For simplicity, consider a particle constrained to move acting on the particle in positive x-direction.
in one dimension along x-axis with a conservative force Fx In general, in three dimensions, the components of the
acting on it. It the particle displaces by dx, then change in conservative force are given by
its potential energy is:
U U U
Fx = – ___; Fy = – ___; Fz = – ___
dU = – Fx dx x y z
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Work, Energy and Power 14.31

U
The expression ___ is the partial differentiation of U with
7.1 Equilibrium and Potential Energy Curve
x Consider a particle free to move along x-axis, being acted
respect to x. It means differentiating U with respect to x
upon by a conservative force F. Assume that the variation of
thereby keeping y and z as constants.
U with x is known. Plot of U versus x is known as potential
The expressions are easy to understand. Assume that the energy curve.
particle undergoes a small displacement along x-direction.
Particle is in equilibrium when force acting on it is zero. It
Work done on it by the conservative force is dU
means, particle is in equilibrium at points where ___ = 0.
dW = Fx dx + Fy dy + Fx dz dx
but dy and dz are zero Consider a potential energy curve shown in figure. The
dU graph shows how potential energy changes as the particle
fi dW = Fx dx fi – dU = Fx dx fi Fx = – ___
dx moves along x-axis.
Note that y and z have not changed. To indicate this we
U
write Fx = – ___
x
Example 37 Potential energy of a particle constrained to
move along x-axis is given by U = (– 3x2 + 2x) joule, where
x is in meter.
(i) Find the conservative force acting on the particle
when it is at x = 2 m.
(ii) At which point is the force acting on the particle
zero?
dU At positions x1, x2, and x3
Solution F = – ___ = – [– 6x + 2] = (6x – 2) Newton.
dx dU
___ =0 fi F=0
(i) At x = 2 m dx
F = 6 × 2 – 2 = 10 N At these positions, the particle is in equilibrium. Keep the
Force is positive. It means force is acting along the particle at x1, x2 or x3 and leave it undisturbed. The particle
positive x-direction. will not go anywhere as there is no force on it.
(ii) F = 0 However, nature of equilibrium are different at the three
1
6x – 2 = 0 fi x = __ m locations x1, x2 and x3.
3
First consider the equilibrium at x = x1. If the particle is
Example 38 Potential energy of a particle moving in xy displaced slightly to right (say at point a) and released, it will
plane is given by (a and b are constants) be pushed back to its original position x1 by the conservative
U = ax2 + by2 force. Slope of the potential energy curve at a is positive
Find the force when particle is at (a, b). (i.e., ___
dU
dx )
> 0 . It means, when at a, force on the particle is
Solution negative (i.e., towards left).
Concepts dU
Since F = – ___
x and y components of the force shall be calculated dx
separately.
U U
Fx = – ___; Fy = – ___.
x y
While finding Fx, differentiate U with respect to x assuming
y to be a constant. For Fy, differentiate U with x as a
constant.
U = ax2 + by2
U
Fx = – ___ = – 2ax + 0 [y is taken as a constant]
x
U
Fy = – ___ = 0 – 2by Similarly, if you push the particle to point b and release
y it, it will be pushed back to its original position. Slope of
_›
\ F = – 2ax – 2by U – x graph at b is negative hence force is positive (i.e.,
at point (a, b) towards right).
_›
F = – 2a2 – 2b2
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14.32 Mechanics I

Overall, we can say that there is always a restoring force will stay at e itself. Such equilibrium is known as neutral
pushing the particle back to the equilibrium if it is displaced equilibrium.
slightly from position x1. Such equilibrium positions are A position where potential energy is constant and does
called stable equilibrium positions. not change with x is a position of neutral equilibrium.
A position where potential energy function forms a local dU
___ =0
minima is a position of stable equilibrium. dx Condition for
dU
___ 2
d___U neutral equilibrium
= 0 condition for equilibrium And =0
dx Condition for
2 dx2
d U stable equilibrium
and ____ >0
dx 2 A block connected to a spring, and placed on a horizontal
surface, is in stable equilibrium when the spring is relaxed.
Now consider the equilibrium of the particle at x = x2. Potential energy is minimum in this position. If you disturb
If the particle is displaced to a position d, then the force the block from its equilibrium, the (conservative) spring
dU force which is a restoring force, tries to push the particle
acting on it will be towards right since ___ is negative
dx back to the equilibrium.

!"#$ !%&' ( %)

Fs

Consider another example. Stones A, B and C are lying

on a hill top, in a valley and on a flat surface, respectively.
Stone A is in unstable equilibrium. If you disturb it, the
Similarly, one can argue that if the particle is pushed to (conservative) gravity will push it far away from this
the left of x2 (say at c), force acting on it will be towards left. position. Potential energy of the stone is locally maximum
Therefore, if you disturb the particle at x2, the conservative at this location. Stone B is in a stable equilibrium. If it is
force acting on it will push the particle far away from disturbed slightly, gravity provides the restoring force bring-
the position of equilibrium. Such equilibrium is known as ing it back to equilibrium. Note that the potential energy
unstable equilibrium. is locally smallest at this
A position where potential energy function forms a local position. Stone C is in a
maxima is a position of unstable equilibrium. neutral equilibrium. If it
dU is moved a little bit to
___ =0 the left or right it will
dx Condition for
2
stay there in a new posi-
d U
____ < 0 unstable equilibrium tion. Potential energy is
And
dx2 constant in the nearby
regions.

Example 39 Three massless rods have a particle of mass

m attached to their ends and they can rotate freely about
their other end (O). Positions of the rods have been shown
in the figure. Identify the nature of equilibrium in the three
cases.

Now, consider the equilibrium at x = x3. If a particle is

dU
pushed to e or f, still there is no force on it as ___ = 0. If
dx
you move the particle from x3 to point e and release it, it
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Work, Energy and Power 14.33

Solution Potential energy is minimum in figure (A). The dF

Force is maximum when ___ = 0.
system is in stable equilibrium. If one disturbs this pendulum dr
it will swing back to its equilibrium position. 24 __
___ 4
fi – 4 + 3=0
Potential energy is maximum in (B). This is unstable r r
equilibrium position. fi r = 6 unit
If the rod rotates in a horizontal position, its potential 8 2 1
energy does not change. It remains in equilibrium in any Fmax = __3 – __2 = – ___ unit
6 6 54
new position. This is an example of neutral equilibrium.
1
Example 40 The potential energy of a particle in a certain magnitude is |Fmax| = ___ unit.
54
force field has the form
4 2 Example 41 A particle moves under the influence of a con-
U = __2 – __r
r servative force only along the x-axis. The potential energy
where r is the distance of the particle from a fixed point. U(x) of the particle is given by
Find the following U(x) = 20 (x – 4)2 J, where x is in metres. At x = 2 m,
(i) The value of r is corresponding to the equilibrium the kinetic energy of the particle is 100 J.
and examine whether the equilibrium is stable. (a) Find the total mechanical energy of the particle.
(ii) The maximum magnitude of the attraction force. (b) Plot U(x) versus x.
(c) From the graph find the values of x between which
Solution
the particle moves.
Concepts
(d) What is the maximum kinetic energy of the
(i) Particle is in equilibrium at a position where particle?
dU
___ (e) For what value of x, particle is in the equilibrium?
= 0.
dr
Solution
Nature of the equilibrium can be judged by finding (a) Since the particle moves under the influence of a
d 2U
____ conservative force only, its mechanical energy is
.
dr2 conserved.
dU
(ii) If F = – ___ is negative, it indicates that the force is \ total energy = sum of kinetic and potential
dr
energy at any point
attractive (directed towards the fixed point).
= (KE at x = 2) + (PE at x = 2)
4 2
(i) U = __2 – __r = 100 + 20 (2 – 4)2
r
= 180 J
dU
___ 8 2
= – __3 + __2 (b) U(x) = 20 (x – 4)2
dr r r
The plot is parabolic as shown in figure below.
dU 8 2
\ F = – ___ = __3 – __2 ...(i)
dr r r
In equilibrium F = 0
8 __
__ 2
fi = fi r = 4 unit
r3 r2
Check for the nature of equilibrium

d 2U ___
____ 24 4
2
= 4 – __3
dr r r

d 2U
____
| 24 4
dr2 r = 4 44 43 32
1
= ___ – __ = ___ > 0.
Note that U(x) = 0 at x = 4 and at x = 0, U =
320 J
The dotted line in the figure represents the total
\ equilibrium is stable. energy of 180 J.
8 2 (c) The total energy line intersects the potential energy
(ii) F = __3 – __2
r r curve at points A and B. Since, the potential energy
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14.34 Mechanics I

of a particle cannot exceed its total energy, particle \ equilibrium correspond to x = 4 m.

cannot move to the left of A or right of B. The particle, in fact, oscillates between the points
\ Particle can move only between the co-ordinates x = 1 m and x = 7 m. It has a maximum velocity at
x1 and x2. x = 4 m and zero velocity at x = 1 and x = 7 m.
These co-ordinates can be found by substituting What happens if the total energy of the particle is
U = 180 J in the expression of PE. more than 180 J, say 300 J?

180 = 20 (x – 4)2 In Short

__
fi ± ÷9 = x – 4 (i) Component of a conservative force in any direction is
equal to the negative of its potential energy gradient
fi x = 1, 7 in that direction.
U U U
x1 = 1 m Fx = – ___; Fy = – ___; Fz = – ___
x y z
x2 = 7 m
(ii) A particle is in equilibrium when the net force on it
\ Particle moves on x-axis between the points is zero. There are the three kinds of equilibrium.
x = 1 m and x = 7 m. (a) Stable equilibrium: If a particle is disturbed
Note: At these extreme positions, the total from equilibrium, conservative force acts as a
mechanical energy of the particle is its potential restoring force. A position of local minimum
energy. Its kinetic energy is 0 and the particle is at of potential energy is the position of stable
momentary rest at these positions. equilibrium.
(d) Kinetic energy of the particle is maximum when its (b) Unstable equilibrium: If disturbed from
potential energy is minimum. equilibrium, the conservative force pushes the
particle away from the equilibrium. A position
U is minimum at x = 4 m and Umin = 0
of local maxima of potential energy is a position
[see graph] of unstable equilibrium.
\ (KE)max = Total energy – Umin (c) Neutral equilibrium: If disturbed from the
= 180 – 0 = 180 J equilibrium, the particle is still in equilibrium. A
position where U is locally constant is position
(e) It is obvious from the graph that potential energy is of neutral equilibrium.
minimum for x = 4 m

Your Turn
Q.57 A potential energy function is given by U = – 2x2 (ii) Indicate positions of stable, unstable and neutral
where x is the distance from a fixed point along a straight equilibrium.
line. Write the corresponding force as a function of x.
(iii) Draw a graph showing variation of Fx with x.
Q.58 In a two dimensional plane, a potential energy func-
tion is given as U = – 2x2y + a where a is a constant. Write
the corresponding force as a function of x and y.
Q.59 Potential energy of a particle moving along x-axis
varies as shown in the graph. Seven positions x1, x2, x3 …
x7 of the particle have been marked in the graph.
(i) At which of the seven points, the force Fx is positive,
negative or zero.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.35

Miscellaneous Examples
Example 42 Work done by friction while walking. Fnet
A man walks on a horizontal surface with some acceleration.
However, his feet does not slip. Estimate the work done by mg
friction on the man as he travels through a distance l.
q
Solution Contact point of man’s feet
O y
does not move. It always has zero veloc- yo y1
ity. (If the contact point moves it will fs
mean that there is rubbing.)
So the point of application of friction is at rest. Friction
does no work. It is the work done by internal forces (muscle
forces) which result in gain in kinetic energy. The body is at the top when its speed is 0. It means that
the work done on the body by Fnet is 0. This is possible if
Example 43 A body of mass m is _› hauled up from the the area in the graph above the horizontal axis = area below
Earth’s surface by_ applying a force F varying with height
› _› the horizontal axis
(y) of ascent as F = 2(ay – 1) m g where a is a positive 1
fi y1 = 2y0 = __
a [maximum height attained]
constant. Find the work performed by the force over the _›
first half of ascent. The question asks us to calculate the work done by F as

Solution ( )
the body moves from y = 0 to y = y0 = ___ .
1
2a
_›
Concepts With upward direction positive, force F can be written
_› as
(i) Initially (at y = 0), the applied force is – 2m g . _› _›
F = 2(ay – 1) m g fi F = – 2 (ay – 1) mg
It means that the force is upward. Therefore, the
body accelerates. fi F = 2mg(1 – ay) = 2mg – (2mga) y
1
At y = __ a , the force becomes zero and thereafter
it is directed downwards. The body will definitely
stop after travelling through some distance.
_› _›
(ii) Only two forces are acting on the body, F and m g .
(iii) We will use area under F-y graph to calculate the
work done.
(iv) Initial velocity = 0. Final velocity at the end of
ascent is also 0. Hence the work done by all forces
Graph of F versus y is as shown. Work done by F as the
is 0.
body climbs to height y0 is given by shaded area.
1 1
Net force on the body is \ W = __ y0 (mg + 2mg) = ___ (3mg)
_› 2 4a
_› _› _›
Fnet = 2 (ay – 1) m g + m g = (2ay – 1) m g 3mg
= ____
4a
If we take vertically upward direction as positive then Note: One can use integration for the calculation of work.
However, use of graph when force is changing linearly with
Fnet = – (2ay – 1) mg = (1 – 2ay) mg = mg – (2amg) y
displacement can be useful for calculation of work.
_›
[ g is vertically down and hence negative.]
Example 44 Work done by friction on a curved hill.
Plot of Fnet versus y is a straight line as shown in the
A body of mass m is slowly pulled up along a hill slope from
graph.
A to B by applying a force that always remains tangential
tan q = 2amg to the path. The coefficient
of friction between the
mg
___ body and the hill slope is
fi y0 = 2amg m. The horizontal and ver-
1
fi y0 = ___ ...(i) tical separations between
2a point A and B are l and h,
respectively.
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14.36 Mechanics I

(i) Calculate the work done by friction on the body. (ii) Work–energy theorem (alternate form):
(ii) Calculate the work done by the applied force F on WF + Wf = k + U
the body. WF – m mgl = 0 + mgh
(iii) Will the work done by the friction change if the body fi WF = mg (h + ml)
is moved with some acceleration?
(iii) If the body accelerates and acquires speed, the nor-
Solution mal force, in general, will not be equal to mg cos q
Concepts and will vary. It will depend on speed and radius of
the curvature of the path. Thus, friction will vary with
(i) Slope of the hill is variable. Therefore, the normal N and hence the work done may be different from
force varies and hence the friction varies. what we have obtained earlier.
(ii) To keep the body moving with zero acceleration,
the applied force must always be equal to the sum Example 45 A small body A slides down a hill (starting
of friction and the component of mg down the hill from rest) of height H. The part of the hill near its end B is
slope. horizontal. Height of B is h. Hill is smooth. The body flies
off the hill at B to hit the ground at C. Find h, in terms of
(iii) Since Dk = 0 (body moves slowly without gaining
H, so that the horizontal distance x is maximum. What is
speed), work done by F and friction must be equal
maximum value of x?
to DU.
A
(i) Consider the body at location where the inclination
of the hill is q.

H B

O C
x

Solution
dl is a small displacement along the hill slope. The
Concepts
components of dl in horizontal and vertical directions
are (i) Velocity of the body at B is horizontal. We can
dx = dl cos q calculate this velocity by applying conservation of
mechanical energy between A and B.
dy = dl sin q …(i)
(ii) After leaving the hill at B, the body moves on
Normal force on the body is
a parabolic path. It is just like a body thrown
N = mg cos q horizontally from a height h. We can find the range
(x) of this projectile.
F
dx
N (iii) x will be maximum when ___ = 0.
dh
q
Let the speed at B be v.
f
mg cos q
mg Gain in KE = Loss in PE
1
__
Friction force is f = mN = mmg cos q. fi mv2 = mg (H – h)
2
________
Work done by the friction in small displacement dl fi v = ÷2g(H – h)
is
dWf = – f ◊ dl = – mmg dl cos q
= – mmg dx [using (i)]
Work done by the friction in moving from A to B
is
l
Wf = – mmg Ú dx = – mmgl
o
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Work, Energy and Power 14.37

Considering the motion in y-direction from B to C. dK __

___ 1
= mk2r2 (2t) = mk2r2t
1 dt 2
y = uy t + __ ay t2
2 According to the work–energy theorem
1 2
__
fi h = 0 + gt WALL = DK
___ 2 dK
fi Rate of work done by all the forces = ___
÷
2h
fi t = ___
g = time of the flight from B to C dt
dK
\ power = ___ = mk2r2t
Throughout B to C, the horizontal component of velocity dt
does not change.
Example 47 A ball of mass m is attached to a light string
\ x = ux t = vt
___ and is rotating in a horizontal frictionless plane. In the figure
________ 2h _______
fi x = ÷2g(H – h) ___
÷
g = 2÷h(H – h) ...(i) (a) the other end of the string passes through a hole in a
vertical cylinder. The end of the string is gradually drawn so
x is maximum when h(H – h) is maximum as to shorten the horizontal part of the string. In the figure
d_________
(h(H – h) (b) the string wraps around a vertical pole of finite radius as
fi =0 the ball revolves. In which of the two cases does the kinetic
dh
energy of the ball remains constant? Neglect the gravity.
fi H – 2h = 0
H
fi h = __
2
Substituting in (i) we get
_________

÷ ( )
H H
xmax = 2 __ H – __ = H
2 2
Example 46 A particle of mass m moves in a circle of (a) (b)
radius R and its centripetal acceleration changes with time
Solution
as ar = k2rt2. Find the power of all the forces acting on the
particle as a function of time. Concepts
Solution Kinetic energy of the ball will change if there is some
Concepts force which performs work on it.

We can think in two different ways: In Figure (a) a small displacement of the ball has a
radially inward component. Hence, the work done by string
(i) Only the tangential force performs work in circular
tension is not zero. Kinetic energy of the ball will change.
motion. Therefore, finding the tangential force and
taking dot product with velocity will give result.
(ii) Power is the rate of work done by all forces which
is equal to the rate of change of kinetic energy
(using work-energy theorem).

v2 v2
ar = __
r fi k2rt2 = __
r
In Figure (b), a small displacement
fi v = krt ...(i) of the ball is always perpendicular to
dv the string since at each instant the ball
\ at = ___ = kr
dt is undergoing a circular motion about
Tangential force Ft = mat = mkr. the string contact point with the pole.
Work done by the tension is zero and
Power of tangential force is P = Ft ◊ v
the kinetic energy remains constant. Ball is rotating about A
= (mkr) (krt) = mk2r2t.
Example 48 In the arrangement shown in figure block has
Alternative Method a mass M and spring, string and pulley are massless. Ball A
Kinetic energy of a particle at time t is is released from a position where the spring is relaxed.
1 1 (i) Find the minimum mass of A that will ensure that
K = __ mv2 = __ mk2r2t2
2 2 B leaves the contact with ground. Force constant of
Rate of change of kinetic energy is the spring is k.
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
14.38 Mechanics I

(ii) A boy supports a ball A in his palm and allows it to

move down very slowly. what shall be the minimum
mass of A that will ensure that B leaves contact with
ground?
m
x
U=0

1 2
__
\ kx + 0 + 0 = 0 + mgx + 0
2
2mg
fi x = ____ …(ii)
k
Solution With the help of simple observations you can arrive
Concepts at the above equation, more quickly. Ball A starts
from the rest and finally comes to rest. There is
(i) Block B will leave the surface only when the spring
no change in kinetic energy. Loss in the gravita-
force exceeds its weight.
tional PE (= mgx) has been converted into the spring
(ii) Assume that B is fixed. If A is released it will not
stop at equilibrium position where the spring force
equals its weight. In fact, weight of A was larger
( 1
PE = __ kx2 .
2 )
Block B will leave the surface if x given by (ii) is
than the spring force till it reaches equilibrium. A equal to or greater than xo given by (i).
was accelerated and therefore it has a speed at the
equilibrium. As soon as it crosses the equilibrium, 2mg ___
____ Mg
\ ≥
it begins to retard as the spring force exceeds the k k
weight. Hence A will stop somewhere below the M
equilibrium. fi m ≥ __
2
(iii) When A is supported, it cannot accelerate. It will
M
always have near zero speed. It will stop going Minimum m is __
2
down at its equilibrium position.
(ii) In this case, the ball is not allowed to accelerate. It will
Block B will leave contact with the surface stop coming down when it reaches equilibrium.
if the extension in the spring is such that \ maximum extension in spring (assuming that B
kx ≥ Mg does not move) is
mg
Mg kx = mg fi x = ___ …(iii)
fi x ≥ ___ k
k
Mg B will leave the surface if x given by (iii) is at least
In a limiting case xo = ___ …(i) equal to xo given by (i)
k
(i) Assuming that B does not move, let A fall through a mg ___
___ Mg
\ = fi m=M
distance x before coming to rest. [It means that the k k
maximum extension is x] Example 49 A narrow smooth tube is in the shape of a
Work performing forces are spring force and grav- fixed vertical circle of radius R. Two identical balls A and
ity. Both are conservative forces. Hence we can use B are kept at the position shown,
B
CME. connected with a light string of
pR
We will consider gravitational potential energy to length ___. The system of the balls
be zero at the final position of A where it comes to 2 R
rest. is released from rest. Find the
speed of the two balls just before O A
U spring
f
+ U gravity
f
+ kf = U spring
i + U gravity
i + ki the string loses tension.
[Note that there are two types of potential energy—
spring and gravitational. i and f refer to the initial
and final state, respectively]
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Work, Energy and Power 14.39

Solution Volume of the water ejected per unit time = Av

Concepts Dm
Mass of the water ejected per unit time ___ = Av ◊ r
If the two balls were not connected, initial acceleration of Dt
A would have been g whereas the acceleration of B would Potential energy imparted to water per unit time is
be nearly zero. It means A will try to run away and the
string will get tensed so as to pull B. Both the balls will Dmgh
DU _____
___
maintain same speed. After rotating through 45°, the tan- = = Avrgh
Dt Dt
gential force on B will be higher than the tangential force
on A. Just after this B will have a higher speed than A and Kinetic energy imparted to the water per unit time is
the string will get lose.
Dk __
___ 1 Dm 1
String will get lose at q = 45°. = ___ v2 = __ Arv3
Dt 2 Dt 2
Vertical fall in height of two balls is
Total energy imparted to the water per unit time is

R__
( 1__
h1 = R – R cos q = R 1 – ___
÷2 ) DE
___ 1
= Arghv + __ Arv3 = Puseful
h2 = R sin q = ___ Dt 2
÷2
If the rate of mechanical work output (i.e., power) of the
motor is Pmech, then

Puseful = 0.9 Pmech

Puseful
fi Pmech = _____
0.9
If Pelect is the electric power consumed then
Applying the law of conservation of mechanical energy Pmech Puseful
Pelect = _____ = ________
to the system comprising of the two balls: 0.9 0.9 × 0.9
Gain in kinetic energy = Loss in gravitational potential
1
energy Arghv + __ Arv3
2
= ______________
1
__
2
1
(1__
mv2 + __ mv2 = mgR 1 – ___
2 ÷2 )
+ mgR ___( )
1__
÷2
0.81
fi v2 = gR Putting the numerical values
___
fi v = ÷gR 1
0.2 × 103 × 10 × 20 × 5 + __ × 0.2 × 103 × 53
2
_______________________________________
Example 50 Power of a water pump. Pelect =
0.81
A motor lifts water from a depth of h = 20 m. Water comes
out of the pipe with a cross sectional area of A = 0.2 m2 at = 2.623 × 105 W
a speed of v = 5 ms–1. Assume that 10% of the work done
by the motor is lost in overcoming friction and the motor = 262.3 kW
itself is 90% efficient in converting electrical energy into
mechanical energy. Find the electric power consumed by the Example 51 Foam packaging
motor. Density of the water r = 1,0 00 kg/m3 A sensitive instrument is packed inside a foam packaging.
Thickness of the foam is d and it behaves like an ideal spring
Solution
which can be fully compressed. Mass of the foam is negli-
Concepts gible. The instrument shall not
(i) Volume of water ejected per second is Av. be subjected to an acceleration
(ii) Mechanical energy imparted to the water is the final greater than 15 g. Find the value
useful energy and it is 90% of the work output of the of d if the instrument is desired
to be safe if it is dropped from Instrument
motor. Work output of motor is 90% of the electricity
consumed. a height of h = 1.5 m. Assume
useful energy or work output that the foam does not bounce
Efficiency = _______________________ . and sticks to the floor on hittng d
energy or work consumed
it. Also assume that d << h.
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14.40 Mechanics I

Solution Solution
Concepts Concepts
Initially, the entire packet falls with an acceleration g. (i) Mechanical energy of the system is conserved.
On hitting the floor, the instrument keeps moving down (ii) We need to find the relationship between the speeds
and compresses the form. Velocity of the instrument must of two blocks.
become zero before the compression in foam (x) becomes
equal to d. Acceleration of the instrument is maximum at Let the distance travelled by B be x when A moves down
the instant when the foam has maximum compression. by (l – y).
Maximum acceleration should not exceed 15 g.
Let the mass of the instrument be m and force constant
of the foam be k.
Potential energy of the system just before the package is
dropped = mgh.
Potential energy of the system when the foam is com-
1
pressed by d is = __ kd2.
2
By this time the instrument must have zero speed.
1 2
__ y2 + x2 = l2
\ kd = mgh ...(1)
2 dy dx
Acceleration of the instrument at maxi-
kd
\ 2y ___ + 2x ___ =0
dt dt
mum compression is given by a
dy dx
ma = kd – mg fi – y ___ = x ___
dt dt
Since a £ 15g dy dx
mg – ___ = v1 and ___ = v2
\ kd – mg £ 15mg dt dt
kd \ yv1 = xv2 ...(1)
fi ___
m £ 16g ...(2)
When A falls by 0.025 m,
Dividing (1) by (2)
y = 0.3 – 0.025
h 1.5
d ≥ __ = ___ = 0.188 m
8 8 = 0.275 m
= 18.8 cm
Once again using x2 + y2 = l2 we get
Example 52 Two small blocks, A and B, each of mass x2 = 0.32 – 0.2752
m = 75 kg are constrained to move in frictionless slots as
shown in the figure. They are connected by a light rod of fi x = 0.12 m.
length l = 0.3 m. The rod can rotate freely about the pins Putting the values of x and y in (1) we get
connecting it to the blocks. Block B is connected to ideal
springs, each having force constant k = 900 N/m. Springs are 0.275 v1 = 0.12 v2 ...(2)
unstretched when the rod
connecting the blocks The principle of conservation of energy can be used by
is vertical as shown. A thinking that the loss in gravitational potential energy of A
slight jerk sets the sys- is partly converted into spring potential energy and partly
tem in motion. B moves into kinetic energy.
to right as A falls down. 1 1 1 1
Find speeds of A and B \ mg × 0.025 = __ mv21 + __ mv22 + __ kx2 + __ kx2 ...(3)
2 2 2 2
after A has descended by
a distance of 0.025 m. After substituting for values of m, k and x, we can solve
Neglect friction. Channel (2) and (3) to find v1 and v2.
walls do not interfere v1 = 0.15 ms–1
with the rod.
v2 = 0.35 ms–1
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Work, Energy and Power 14.41

Example 53 A mass of 20 kg is released from rest and Example 54 The ends of a spring are
it slides between the two vertical rails. It attached to two blocks of masses 3 kg and
compresses a vertical spring which is placed 2 kg. The 3 kg block rests on a horizon-
at a depth of h = 1.0 m below the initial tal surface and the 2 kg block which is
position of the mass. The rails offer a con- vertically above it is in equilibrium with
50
stant frictional force of ___ N opposing the the spring compressed by 1 cm. The 2 kg
3 mass is pushed down further by x cm and
motion of the mass. After rebounding from
released. Find the minimum value of x so
the spring, the mass rises back but could
that the 3 kg block may be lifted off the ground during the
only reach a position Dh below its starting
subsequent motion.
position. If Dh = 0.2 m. Find the maximum
compression caused in the spring. Solution
Concepts
Solution
Concepts (i) Force constant of the spring can be calculated using
the fact that 1 kg block is in equilibrium when the
There is a loss in the mechanical energy due to fric- compression in spring is 1 cm.
tion. Loss in the mechanical energy = – work done by
(ii) 3 kg block will just manage to leave the contact
the friction
with the floor if the extension (x1) in the spring
Let x = maximum compression in the spring.
becomes large enough so that spring force becomes
Total distance travelled by the mass is equal to weight (kx1 = 3 g). Just when the 2 kg
S = 2(h + x) – D h block stops moving up, the extension in spring
must become x1 for 3 kg block to bounce off the
= 2(1 + x) – 0.2 floor.
= 1.8 + 2x

Figure (A) shows the equilibrium position. Figure (B)

shows the compressed position from which 2 kg block is
released and figure (C) shows the position where 2 kg block
Friction force always acts opposite to the motion. Work comes to rest after stretching the spring by x1.
done by friction; For equilibrium k(1 cm) = 2 g …(1)
50
Wf = – f ◊ s = – (1.8 + 2x) ___ 3 kg block will just move up (when 2 kg block stops) if
3
3
Loss in the mechanical energy = mgDh = 20 × 10 × 0.2 kx1 = 3 g fi x1 = __ cm
2
= 40 J
Law of conservation of energy can be used as only gravity
Loss in the mechanical energy = work done against and spring force perform work. Let the reference level for
friction gravitational PE be the compressed position of 2 kg block
50 from where it is released.
fi 40 = (1.8 + 2x) ___
3 U spring + U gravity + kf = U spring + U gravity + ki
f f f i
fi x = 0.3 m
1 2
__ 1
kx + mg (x + 1 + x1) + 0 = __ k(x +1)2 + 0 + 0
2 1 2
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
14.42 Mechanics I

1 2g 3
(
fi __ ______ __ cm
2 (1 cm) 2 )2
( 5
+ 2g x + __ cm
2 ) Negative sign is unacceptable as x cannot be negative.

Example 56 A 0.5 kg block slides on a horizontal surface

1 2g
= __ ______ (x + 1 cm)2 with an initial speed of 3 ms–1 (at A). The surface is smooth
2 (1 cm)
from A to B but is rough afterwards. Coefficient of friction
Value of x that we get from this equation will be in between the block and the surface (from B to C) is m = 0.2.
cm. A light spring CD is fixed at
C and has a force constant
9
__
fi + 2x + 5 = (x + 1)2 of k = 2 N/m. Length of the
4
path from B to D is 2.14 m.
29
___ 25
fi = x2 + 1 fi x2 = ___ Calculate the total distance travelled by the block, after it
4 4 enters the rough path, before it comes to rest permanently.
5
\ x = __ = 2.5 cm Solution
2
Concepts
Example 55 A smooth rubber cord of length l has a There are three possibilities:
force constant k. It is suspended vertically at O.
(a) The block compresses the spring, comes to rest,
The other end is fitted with a small stopper S.
and never rebounds as the spring force is insuf-
A small sleeve (A) of mass m can slide freely
ficient to overcome static friction. In this case,
along the cord. The sleeve is released from the
mechanical energy is not lost completely and a
top (at O) and falls to hit the stopper. The stop-
part of it remains stored as the spring potential
per prevents the sleeve from leaving the cord.
energy.
Neglect the mass of the cord and the stopper
and find the maximum elongation produced in (b) The block rebounds from the spring but stops
the cord. somewhere in the region DB losing all its
mechanical energy.
Solution
(c) The block rebounds and is able to cross the rough
Concepts
patch with some speed. In this case it will continue
Mechanical energy is conserved. As the cord elongates, it to move towards left with a reduced speed.
exerts an upward force on the sleeve (through the stop-
per). Extension is maximum when the speed of the sleeve Initial kinetic energy of the block is:
becomes zero. 1 1
ki = __ mu2 = __ × 0.5 × 32 = 2.25 J
Let the maximum extension be x. If we apply conservation 2 2
of mechanical energy between the initial and the final posi- Path AB is smooth and there is no energy loss in crossing
tions, it is easy to see that this region.
Let the compression in the spring be x when the block
comes to rest.
Work done by friction: Wf = – m mg (2.14 + x)
Using work–energy theorem gives:

Wf = (Uf + Kf) – (Ui + Ki)

1
( )
fi – mmg (2.14 + x) = __ kx2 + 0 – (0 + 2.25)
2
Loss in the gravitational PE of sleeve = Gain in the elastic 1
fi – 0.2 × 0.5 × 10 (2.14 + x) = __ × 2 × x2 – 2.25
PE of cord 2
1
\ mg(l + x) = __ kx2 fi x2 + x – 0.11 = 0
2
fi kx2 – 2mgx – 2mgl = 0 Solving x = 0.1 m
_____________ The compressed spring exerts a force Fs = kx = 2 × 0.1
2mg ± ÷4m2g2 + 8mgkl = 0.2 N.
fi x = ____________________
2k Limiting friction force on the block is fl = mmg
___________

÷
mg m2g2 _____
2mgl fi
fi x = ___ + _____ + fl = 0.2 × 0.5 × 10 = 1 N
k k2 k
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Work, Energy and Power 14.43

Spring force is far less than the limiting friction. Hence, fi Fs cos q = mg
the spring will not be able to push the block back into fi kl0 (sec q – 1) cos q = mg
motion.
\ the total distance travelled after B is fi 40 × 0.4 (1 – cos q) = 0.32 × 10
4
S = 2.14 + 0.1 = 2.24 m fi cos q = __
5
Example 57 Figure for the question shows two blocks A
and B, each having mass m = 0.32 kg. They are connected
4
5 ()
At q = cos–1 __ the contact is lost. We are supposed to

by a light string passing over a light pulley. The horizontal find the speed of the two blocks at this instant.
surface on which A can slide is smooth. Block A is connected 3
From the figure x = l0 tan q = 0.4 × __ = 0.3 m
to a spring having force con- 4
stant k = 40 N/m and relaxed Extension in the spring Dl = l0 (sec q – 1)
length l0 = 0.4 m.
5
( )
o
Initially the spring is verti- = 0.4 __ –1 = 0.1 m.
cal and unstretched and the 4
system is released. Find the A Mechanical energy conservation can be applied as:
speed of block A at the instant Loss in the gravitational potential energy of B = gain in
it breaks off the horizontal spring PE + gain in kinetic energy of (A + B)
m B
surface. 1 1 1
fi mgx = __ k ( l)2 + __ mv2 + __ mv2
Solution 2 2 2
Concepts 1
fi 0.32 × 10 × 0.3 = __ × 40 × (0.1)2 + 0.32 × v2
2
(i) As the block A moves towards right, the spring
stretches. A point comes where the vertical com- fi v = 1.54 ms–1
ponent of the spring force becomes equal to the
weight of A. At this point the normal contact force Example 58 A block of mass m rests on an inclined face
between A and the horizontal surface vanishes and of a triangular wedge. Inclination angle is q. The block is
block leaves the table. connected to a spring with a force constant k. In equilibrium
the spring is compressed by . The wedge is made to move
(ii) Law of conservation of mechanical energy can be towards left with a constant
used to find the speed of the blocks. acceleration a. The block m
Consider the situation after A has moved by a distance x begins to move up the a

and the spring makes an angle q with the vertical. Length plane. The block comes to
rest exactly when the spring q
of spring in this position is
gets relaxed. Find the coef-
ficient of friction between the block and the wedge.
Solution
Concepts
(i) In reference frame of the wedge, there is a pseudo
force on the block. The component of this force
up the plane causes the block to move which was
earlier in equilibrium.
(ii) In the reference frame of the wedge initial and final
kinetic energy of the block is zero and work done
by the friction and pseudo force must be equal to
the change in the total potential energy.
l = l0 sec q
Extension in the spring is
Dl = l – l0 = l0(sec q – 1)
Spring force on block A is
Fs = kDl = kl0 (sec q – 1)
The block leaves the surface when N = 0.
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14.44 Mechanics I

As the block moves a distance l along the incline, com- (i) Let the velocity of B when it is below the pulley be
ponents of its displacement along horizontal and vertical v. Speed of A at this instant = 0.
directions are l cos q and l sin q, respectively. (In the reference Distance through which A has fallen by this time is
frame of wedge.) _______
Forces acting on the block in the frame of wedge are S = ÷h2 + x20 – h
shown in the figure. Spring force (Fs) and mg are conservative Using the conservation of energy we have
forces for which we know the potential energy function.
_______
We use alternate form of work–energy theorem. 1
__ (2m) v2 = mg [÷h2 + x20 – h]
2
Wf + Wpseudo = U spring
final
– U spring
initial
+ U gravity
final
– U gravity
initial
1
fi – mN ◊ l + ma (l cos q) = 0 – __ kl 2 + mg (l sin q) – 0
2
1
fi mN = ma cos q – mg sin q + __ kl
2
Normal force is N = mg cos q + ma sin q
kl
ma cos q – mg sin q + __
____________________ 2
\ m=
mg cos q + ma sin q
______
kl
a cos q – g sin q + ___
2m
fi {[
v = g ÷h2 + x20 – h ]} 1/2

m = __________________ x0 h
g cos q + a sin q (ii) When B has moved through __ = __, we have
2 2
h
__
Example 59 Blocks A and B have masses m and 2 m, tan q = = 2
h
__
respectively. They are connected
2
by a massless cord passing over
a massless pulley as shown in the For the string to be taut:
figure. Block B is on a smooth v cos q = v0
horizontal surface. The system is 1__
released from rest as shown in the fi v ___ = v0 …(i)
÷5
figure.
(i) Find the speed of B when it
reaches exactly below the pulley.
(ii) Take x0 = h and find the speed of B when it has
x0
moved through a distance __.
2
Solution
Concepts
(i) Tension in the thread cannot be larger than weight
of B (= 2 mg). B cannot be lifted up the horizontal
surface. Energy conservation:
(ii) Due to the horizontal component of tension, B
Gain in the kinetic energy = Loss in the potential
speeds up. When it reaches exactly below the pulley,
energy of A
its velocity (which is horizontal) has no component
_________

[÷ ÷ ( )]
along the length of the string. ______ x0
1
__ 1 2
Hence the velocity of A must (2m) v2 + __ mv20 = mg h +2
x02 – h2 + __
2 2 2
also be zero. In general, vB cos q
__

[ ]
= vA. __
1 v2 ÷5
When q = 90° fi mv2 + __ m __ = mgh ÷2 – ___
2 5 2
vA = 0.
_____________
__ __
(iii) Mechanical energy of the
÷
5gh( 2÷2 – ÷5 )
_____________
system of two blocks is fi v=
11
conserved.
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Work, Energy and Power 14.45

1 1
Example 60 A particle is suspended vertically from a fi sin3 q = __ fi sin q = __ fi q = 30°.
point O by an inextensible massless string of 8 2
______
__

÷
length L. A vertical line AB is at a distance ÷3
L/8 from O as shown. The object is given Putting q = 30° in (1) gives v = ___ gL
2
a horizontal velocity u. At some point, its Now to get u, we apply the conservation of energy
motion ceases to be circular and eventually between P and Q.
the object passes through the line AB. At the
instant of crossing AB, its velocity is hori- KP + UP = KQ + UQ
zontal. Find u. 1
__ 1
mv2 + mgL (1 + cos q) = __ mu2 + 0
Solution 2 2
Concepts fi u2 = v2 + 2gL (1 + cos q)
__ __
After leaving the circular path, the particle will follow
a parabolic trajectory. At the top point of this trajectory
÷3
2
___________
__
÷3
= ___ gL + 2gL 1 + ___
2 ( )
÷ ( )
(where its velocity is horizontal) it crosses the line AB. 3÷3
u = gL ____ + 2
At the point where the particle leaves the circle, tension 2
in the string vanishes. This gives us one equation. At the
top point of projectile motion, particle is at a horizontal Example 61 A spherical ball of mass m is kept at the high-
L
distance __ from O; this gives another equation. Solving est point in the space between two fixed, concentric spheres
8 A and B (see figure). The smaller sphere A has a radius R
these equations we get speed and position of the particle
where it leaves the circle. Now using the energy conserva- and the space between the two spheres has a width d. The
tion we get u. ball has a diameter slightly
less than d. All surfaces are
A frictionless. The ball is given
V
a gentle push (towards right
in the figure). The angle made
R q
S P by the radius vector of the
parabolic
path L ball with the upward vertical
q
O mg
is denoted by q (shown in the
figure).
L (a) Express the total normal reaction force exerted by
8 the spheres on the ball as a function of angle q.
(b) Let NA and NB denote the magnitudes of the normal
Q uB reaction force on the ball which is exerted by the
spheres A and B, respectively. Sketch the variations
Let the particle leave the circle at P at the position denoted of NA and NB as functions of cos q in the range
by q. Let its speed at P be v. Tension at this point = 0 0 £ q £ p by drawing two separate graphs in your
answer book, taking cos q on the horizontal axes.
mv2
\ mg cos q = ____ …(1)
L Solution
After P, the particle is like a projectile thrown with a Concepts
speed v at an angle q to the horizontal (string is loose and Using energy conservation we write the speed of the ball
exerts no force). It crosses line AB while moving horizon- at position q. Then using the equation of centripetal force
tally. It means that the length PR is half the range of pro- we write the normal force on the ball. Initially, the ball
jectile [see figure]. will be in contact with the inner sphere. At a certain point
1 v2 sin2 q it will try to fly off the sphere. If the outer sphere was not
fi PS – SR = __ _______
g
2 there the ball would simply leave the circular path.
L v2 sin q ◊ cos q
fi L sin q – __ = ___________
g using (1) (a) First we will find the speed at position q using energy
8
conservation.
( 1
)
L sin q – __ = L ◊ cos2 q ◊ sin q
8
The centre of the ball moves in a circle of radius
d
1 r = R + __.
fi sin q (1 – cos2 q) = __ 2
8
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14.46 Mechanics I

Gain in KE = Loss in PE
1
__ mv2 = mgr (1 – cos q)
2
fi v2 = 2gr (1 – cos q) …(1)
N

r cos q V Solution
q
s
co
g mg
m Concepts

A
We will write that the normal force on the particle at
any position is q. Vertical component of normal force
plus mg is the net vertical force on the particle. Vertical
Writing the equation for the centripetal force, we acceleration will be maximum when this vertical force is
get maximum.
mv2
____ At position q, the particle descends by a vertical height
r = mg cos q – N 2
mv h = R(1 – cos q)
fi N = mg cos q – ____
r Let the speed at position q be v.
= mg cos q – 2mg (1 – cos q) [using (1)] Gain in KE = Loss in gravitational PE
fi N = mg (3 cos q – 2) ...(2) 1
__ 1 ____
mv2 – __ m (÷2gR )2 = mgR (1 – cos q)
(b) From Eq. (2): 2 2
2 fi v2 = 2gR (2 – cos q)
N is positive if cos q > __
3 Writing the equation for centripetal force
It means N is in the indicated direction and the ball
mv2
is in contact with the sphere A. N + mg cos q = ____
R
2
For cos q = __, N = 0 fi N + mg cos q = 2mg (2 – cos q)
3
It means that the ball leaves the sphere A.
2 h
For cos q < __; N is negative.
3
q N q V
Negative N means that the required N is in a direction s
co mg
opposite to that shown in the figure. The ball flies off mg
A and moves into contact with sphere B. B exerts a
radially inward force on the ball.
2
\ for cos q < __ fi N = mg (4 – 3 cos q)
3
|N| = mg (2 – 3 cos q) Total vertical force on the particle is
At q = p; |N| = mg (2 – 3 cos p) = 5 mg. Fv = N cos q + mg
Graphs are shown below. fi Fv = mg (4 cos q – 3 cos2 q + 1)
dFv
This force is maximum when ____ = 0
dq
fi – 4 sin q + 6 sin q ◊ cos q = 0

fi sin q (– 4 + 6 cos q) = 0

fi sin q = 0 Or, – 4 + 6 cos q = 0

Example 62 A small particle can move inside a smooth sin q = 0 is not acceptable in context of the problem.
vertical tube. Mean radius of the tube is____
R. The particle starts 2
from the highest point with a velocity ÷2gR . Find the angular fi cos q = __
3
position q (see figure) at which the vertical acceleration of
the particle is maximum.
fi
2
q = cos–1 __
3 ()
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Work, Energy and Power 14.47

Example 63 Two particles have masses m and 2 m and are

connected by a rigid massless rod. They are constrained to
move on a vertical circle.
__ Radius of the circle is R and the
length of the rod is ÷2 R. System q
q R sin q
is released from a position where
q = 0° (see the figure). Find
R (1 – cos q)
(i) the speed of particles q
when the rod becomes q
2m
horizontal. m
2
(ii) the maximum speed of the fi v2 = __ gR (2 sin q + cos q – 1) ...(1)
3
particles. When v is maximum, v2 is also maximum. This

[ 1__
(iii) the maximum value of angle q take sin–1 ___
÷5 ( ) ]
= 27° . d(v2)
happens when _____ = 0
dq
Solution fi 2 cos q – sin q = 0 fi tan q = 2
Concepts
(i) Both the particles move in the same circle with a
\
2
3
___
(2__ ___
v2max = __ gR 2 ◊ ___
÷5
1
+ __ – 1
÷5 )
fixed separation between them. It means they will fi vmax = 0.91 ÷gR
always have the same speed.
(iii) q is maximum when v = 0. putting v = 0 in (1) we
(ii) Mechanical energy is conserved. get
(iii) After observing carefully, one can make a guess 2 sin q + cos q – 1 = 0. Solving this will give qmax.
that maximum value of q will be greater than 90°.
2__
___ 1__ 1__
When q = 90°, loss in the potential energy of 2 m sin q + ___ cos q = ___
is 2 mgR whereas gain in the potential energy of ÷5 ÷5 ÷5
mass m is mgR. Therefore, the system still has KE 1__ 2__
Let ___ = sin a fi ___ = cos a.
and will go further before stopping. ÷5 ÷5
1__
(i) Initial and final positions are as shown in the figures \ sin q ◊ cos a + cos q sin a = ___
÷5
below. 1__
fi sin (q + a) = ___
÷5
fi (q + 27°) = 27° or (180 – 27°)
O 2m V O Clearly q π 0 and hence
R R
h 45° q + 27° = 180 – 27° fi q = 126°
m 2m
V Example 64 Bungee jumping
m
In a bungee jump event a man of height h0 (2 m) jumps
By the law of conservation of mechanical energy, we from a platform located at a height h (25 m) above the water
have surface in a lake. One end of an elastic rope (which follows
Decrease in PE of 2 m = gain in PE of m + Gain in Hook’s law) is attached to his foot and the other is fixed to
KE the platform. He starts falling from the rest in a vertical posi-
tion. The length and force constant of the rope are chosen
1 1
fi 2mgh = mg (R – h) + __ (2m) v2 + __ mv2 so that his speed is reduced to zero
2 2
at the instant his head touches water.
From the figure h = R cos 45° = 0.707 R.
After oscillating a few times, ulti-
\ 2g × 0.707 R = g × 0.293 R + 1.5v2 mately, he hangs with his head 8 m
___ above the water surface. Assuming
fi v = 0.864 ÷gR that the mass of the man is concen-
trated at the centre of the body at
(ii) At any angle q, we can similarly write h0
a distance of __ from his head and
3 2
2mgR sin q = mgR (1 – cos q) + __ mv2 that the rope is massless, find the
2
following.
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14.48 Mechanics I

(i) the relaxed length of the rope.

(ii) the maximum speed of the man during the jump.
(iii) the maximum acceleration during the fall.
Solution
Concepts
(i) Initially, the man falls with an acceleration g. As
the rope stretches it exerts an upward force on the
man. This force goes on increasing as the extension Dividing (1) by (2) we get
increases. The man is eventually retarded to rest. (l – l0)2
(ii) Acceleration of the man becomes zero when the h = ________
2(15 – l0)
elastic force of rope becomes equal to the weight
of the man. At this point, the man has maximum fi 2 × 25 × (15 – l0) = (23 – l0)2
speed. After this the elastic force exceeds the
fi 750 – 50 l0 = 529 – 46 l0 + l 20
weight and the man slows down.
(iii) Mechanical energy can be assumed to be conserved fi l 20 + 4l0 – 221 = 0
during the fall as the air resistance is quite small.
Solving this gives l0 = 13 m.
But over a period of time, this air resistance will
perform substantial negative work as the man oscil- (ii) Man accelerates till the position of equilibrium is
lates. This decreases the mechanical energy and the attained. At the position of equilibrium his speed is
man comes to rest in an equilibrium position. maximum.
Extension in equilibrium is x = 15 – l0 = 2 m
(i) Let l0 = unstretched length of the rope
Let the speed at this instant be v.
k = force constant of the rope
Using the conservation of energy:
Length of the rope when the head of the man touches
1
__ 1
water is mv2 + __ kx2 = mg (15 + h0)
l = h – h0 = 25 – 2 = 23 m 2 2
1
__ 1
fi mv2 + __ k (2)2 = mg (15 + 2)
2 2
1 __
__ m 2 m
fi v + 2 = (17g) __
2 k k
m
__ 15 – 13 __ 2
From (2) = _______
g = g
k
1 __
__ 2 2
\ × v2 + 2 = 17g × __
2 g g
Change in KE of the man is kf – ki = 0 – 0 = 0.
v2
__
\ loss in gravitational PE = gain in elastic PE of fi g = 32 fi v2 = 320
the rope ____
1 fi v = ÷320 18 ms–1
fi mgh = __ k (l – l0)2 ...(1)
2 (iii) Maximum acceleration during the fall is obviously
[Note that the centre of the man falls through a dis- g. However, maximum retardation occurs when the
tance h.] rope is stretched to maximum at the time when the
The question says that in equilibrium the man hangs head touches the water surface.
with his head 8 m above the water surface. Extension in this position is = 23 – 13 = 10 m
Let l¢ be length of rope in this position. Net force on the man = k × 10 – mg
10k – mg k
l¢ = h – 8 – 2 = 25 – 10 = 15 m Maximum retardation = ________m = 10 __
m –g
Extension is l¢ – l0 = (15 – l0) g
= 10 __ – g = 4g
For equilibrium: 2

k(15 – l0) = mg ...(2)

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Work, Energy and Power 14.49

Example 65 Inter atomic force in a molecule

The potential energy corresponding to the force between
(ii) [ ( ) – ( __x ) ]
U = k __
x
12 6

[ ]
two atoms in a molecule is given by the Lennard Jones
dU
___ – 12 12 _____
–6 6
equation: = k _______ –
dx
[( ) ( ) ] x7
13
U = k __
12
– __
6 x
x x
where x is the separation between the atoms and and k
are the positive constants. Graphical plot of U versus x is
dU
dx x13[
12 12 ____
F = – ___ = k _____ –
6 6
x7 ]
given below.
At x = x0; F=0

12 12 ____
_____ 6 6
fi = fi x60 = 2 6
x13
0
x70

fi x0 = (2)1/6

Slope of U versus x graph is negative for x < x0 and

positive for x > x0. At x = x0 and at large values of
(i) What is the significance of separation x0? x, slope is zero.
(ii) Write the force (F) that one atom exerts on the other \ F is positive for x < x0; F = 0 for x = x0; F is
as function of separation (x) and plot the graph of negative for x > x0 and F approaches zero for x Æ •.
F versus x. Find the value of x0. Graph is as shown below.
(iii) Separation between the atoms is reduced to less than
x1 by some means and the atoms are released. What
will happen?
Solution
Concepts
dU
(i) The force between the atoms is given by F = – ___.
dx
(ii) When the potential energy of the system is mini-
mum, it is in stable equilibrium.
(iii) Positive value of F indicates a repulsive force
whereas a negative value of F indicates an attrac- (iii) For x < x1, the potential energy is positive and force
tive force. is repulsive. If atoms are released, they will move to
dU infinity since total energy > 0. The repulsive force
(i) At x = x0, ___ = 0. between x1 to x0 will impart so much of kinetic
dx
It means that the force between the atoms is zero energy that the attractive force (for x > x0) will not
when separation between them is x0. This is the posi- be able to hold the atoms. Bond between the atoms
tion of stable equilibrium and x0 is the most likely will break.
separation between the atoms.
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Worksheet 1
1. A block of mass m is kept on the floor of an elevator. (c) the force is zero
The elevator is accelerating upward with a uniform (d) the force is perpendicular to the velocity at
acceleration a. The work done by the elevator floor every instant
on the block during t seconds is: 8. When a conservative force does positive work on a
m m body then
(a) __ (g + a) at2 (b) __ (g – a) at 2
2 2 (a) the potential energy increases
m
__ 2
(c) g at (d) 0 (b) the potential energy decreases
2
2. A particle moves along x axis under the effect of a (c) total energy increases
force F = Cx from x = 0 to x = x1. The ratio of work (d) total energy decreases
done by this force in first half of distpacement to the 9. An electric motor creates a tension of 4, 500 N in
work done in later half is: hoisting cable and reels it at the rate of 2 ms–1. What
(a) 1:1 (b) 1:3 is the power of electric motor?
(c) 1:2 (d) 2:3 (a) 9 W (b) 9 kW
3. A body moves a distance of 10 m along a straight line (c) 225 W (d) 9, 000 HP
under the action of a constant force of magnitude 5 N. 10. A car of mass m is moving against an external force
If the work done is 25 J, the angle which the force R with acceleration a on a plane road. When speed
makes with the direction of motion of the body is: of car is v, then rate of work done by engine of the
(a) will depend on mass of the body car will be:
(b) 30° (a) Rv (b) mv
(c) 60° (c) (R + ma) v (d) (ma – R) v
(d) 90° 11. In the arrangement shown, the spring is relaxed and
4. A force F = 6 + 2 – 3 _ acts on a particle and the two identical blocks are made to move always
›
produces a displacement of s = 2 – 3 + x . If the with constant speed v in opposite directions. If the
work done is zero, then the value of x is: magnitude of work done by the spring force in first
(a) – 2 (b) 1/2 second is 1 J then work done by the spring force in
(c) 6 (d) 2 next second will be
5. A ball is released from the top of a tower. The ratio
of work done by force of gravity in first, second and
third second of the motion of the ball is:
(a) 1:2:3 (b) 1:4:9
(c) 1:3:5 (d) 1:5:3
(a) 3 J (b) 4 J
6. In a region of space a particle
experiences only gravitational (c) 6 J (d) 1 J
force due to a fixed mass ‘M’. 12. If a man increases his speed by 2 ms–1, his KE is
The particle is shifted from A doubled. The original speed of the man is:
__ __
to B via three different paths in (a) (2 + ÷2 ) ms–1 (b) (2 + 2÷2 ) ms–1
the figure. The work done in __
different paths are W1, W2, W3, (c) 4 ms–1 (d) (1 + ÷2 ) ms–1
respectively, then 13. A heavy stone is thrown from a cliff of height h
(a) W1 = W2 = W3 (b) W1 = W2 > W3 with a speed v. The stone will hit the ground with
(c) W1 > W2 = W3 (b) W1 > W2 > W3 maximum speed if it is thrown:
7. The work done in one revolution on a particle (a) vertically downward,
performing uniform circular motion is zero because (b) vertically upward,
(a) the net displacement is zero (c) horizontally, or
(b) the force is not real (d) the speed does not depend on the initial
direction.

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14. A stone projected vertically up with a velocity u
reaches a maximum height h. When it is at a height
of 3 h/4 from the ground, the ratio of KE and PE
at that point is: (consider PE = 0 at the point of
projection)
(a) 1:1 (b) 1:2
(c) 1:3 (d) 3:1
15. A body moving at 2 ms–1 can be stopped over a
distance x. If its kinetic energy is doubled, how long
will it go before coming to rest, if the retarding force (a) zero (b) 1 ms–1
remains unchanged? (c) 2 ms –1
(d) 3 ms–1
(a) x (b) 2 x 20. A ring of mass m can slide over a smooth vertical rod.
(c) 4 x (d) 8 x The ring is connected to
16. A rope of length l and mass ‘m’ is con- an ideal spring of natural
nected to a chain of length l and mass length 2 R. The other end
2 m and hung vertically as shown in fig- of the spring is fixed at
ure. What is the change in gravitational a point A at a horizon-
potential energy if the system is inverted tal distance 2 R from the
and hung from same point? rod. The mass is released
at a height of 1.5 R from
(a) mg l
the ground. The ring will
(b) 4 mg l come to rest for the first
(c) 3 mg l time at a distance
(d) 2 mg l (a) 3 R from the starting point;
17. In the figure shown all the surfaces are friction- (b) 1.5 R from the starting point;
less, and mass of the block is m = 1 kg. The block
(c) less than 3 R from the starting point;
and wedge are initially held at rest. Now wedge is
given a horizontal accelera- (d) greater than 3 R from the starting point.
tion of 10 ms–1, by apply- 21. A man is working in a library, reshelving books. He
ing a force on the wedge, so lifts a book from the floor to the top shelf. The kinetic
that the block does not slip energy of the book on the floor was zero, and the
on the wedge. Then work kinetic energy of the book on the top shelf is zero, so
done by the normal force in there is no change in kinetic energy of the book.
ground
__ frame on the block (a) According to work–energy theorem total work
in ÷3 seconds is done on the book is zero.
(a) 30 J (b) 60 J __ (b) The man has performed work on the book but
(c) 150 J (d) 100 ÷3 J work–energy theorem cannot be applied in its
18. Force acting on a body of mass m accelerates it usual form in this case.
uniformly from rest to a speed v0 in time t0. The (c) Man has not performed any work on the book.
work done on the body in the interval t0/2 to t0 is All the work done by his muscles is lost as
heat.
1 3
(a) __ mv02 (b) __ mv02 (d) None of the above.
2 4
22. A boy jumps on a floor and his body rises by 1 ft.
3
(c) __ mv02 (d) None (a) Floor does work on the boy to raise his potential
8
energy.
19. A body with mass 2 kg moves in one direction in (b) Floor does no work on the boy.
the presence of a force which is described by the
(c) Potential energy of the Earth decreases and
adjoining potential energy graph. If the body is
hence potential energy of the boy increases.
released from rest at x = 2 m, then what would be
its speed when it crosses x = 5 m ? (d) None of the above.

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______
23. A liquid of density d is filled up to a height h in each (a) zero (b) ÷3gh/17
of the two arms of a U shaped tube of cross-section _______
(c) ÷6 gh/17 (d) none of the above
are a. A pump P is used to slowly pump the entire
liquid in left arm into the right arm. Neglect the 29. A 5.0 kg block is thrust up a 30° incline with an
volume of liquid in horizontal part of the tube and initial speed v of 6.0 ms–1. It is found to travel a
also neglect friction. Work done by the pump is distance d = 2.0 m up the plane as its speed gradually
decreases to zero, then the loss in mechanical energy
of the block due to friction in this process is-
(a) 8 J (b) 40 J
(c) 49 J (d) 90 J
30. A disc of mass 50 g slides with the zero initial veloc-
ity down an inclined plane set at an angle of 30° to
the horizontal. Having traversed a distance of 50 cm
along the horizontal plane the disc stops. Find the
(a) 2 hdg (b) hdga work performed by the friction forces over the whole
2
(c) 2 h dga (d) h2dga distance, assuming that the friction coefficient is 0.15
24. An object of mass m = 0.5 kg when attached to for both inclined and horizontal planes.
a vertical spring and lowered very slowly to its (a) 5 J (b) – 5 J
equilibrium position stretches the spring by 10 cm. If (c) 0.05 J (d) – 0.05 J
the same object is attached to the same vertical spring 31. A man pulls a bucket of water from a well of depth
but permitted to fall instead, then the maximum speed h. Mass of the uniform rope is m and bucket full of
of the mass will be (take g = 10 ms–2)
__ water has mass M. What would be the work done
–1
(a) 1 ms__
(b) ÷2 ms–1 by the man?
(c) 1/÷2 ms–1 (d) 1/2 ms–1
25. A locomotive of mass m starts moving so that its
_
(a) (m + M) gh ( m
(b) __ + M gh
2 )
velocity varies according to the law v = k ÷s where
k is constant and s is the distance covered. Find the
(c) ( m +M
______
2 )gh (d) None of the above
total work performed by all the forces acting on the 32. A uniform rope is half hanging over the edge of a
locomotive during the first t seconds. frictionless table. The rope has a mass per unit length
(a) W = 1/8 (mk4 t2) (b) W = 1/8 (m2k4 t2) of l kg/m. How much work is done by a force that
slowly pulls the entire rope up onto the table?
(c) W = 1/4 (mk4 t4) (d) W = 1/8 (mk4 t4) (a) L2 gl
26. A small block of mass m is kept on a rough surface
of inclination q fixed in an elevator. The elevator goes L2 gl
(b) _____
up with a uniform velocity v and the block does not 8
2
slide on the wedge. The work done by the force of L gl
friction on the block in time t will be- (c) _____
4
(a) zero (b) mgvt cos2 q (d) None
2
(c) mgvt sin q (d) mgvt sin 2q
33. Two worms have equal mass. Both of them climb on
27. An engine pumps a liquid of density ‘d’ continuously
two separate walls. The walls have height equal to
through a pipe of area of cross section A. If the speed
L and are very thin. One
with which the liquid passes through a pipe is v, then
worm has a length of 2 L
the rate at which the kinetic energy is being imparted
and length of other is L.
to the liquid is-
What is the ratio of the
(a) Adv3/2 (b) 1/2 (Adv) potential energy (w.r.t. the
2
(c) Adv /2 (d) Adv2 base of wall) of the thin
28. A ball loses 15% of its kinetic energy when it worm as compared to that
bounces back from a concrete floor. When it is of the fat worm when each
thrown vertically downward with a speed v0 from a is half way over the top of
certain height h, it bounces back to the same height. the wall as shown?
Then, if we neglect air resistance, the speed v0 should
be-

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(a) 1:1 (b) 2:1 38. A man holds a vertical chain (of mass ‘m’ and
(c) 2:3 (d) 1:2 lenght ‘l’) over a table with its lower end just touching
the table. The man slowly lowers the chain on the
34. The blocks A and B shown in the figure have masses
table. The pile of chain on the table has negligible
MA = 5 kg and MB = 4 kg. There is no friction and
height. Work done by the man by the time half of
string and pulley are light. The system is released
the chain is in vertical position is
from rest. What is the speed of B after A has travelled
a distance 1 m along the incline? l mg l
(a) – mg __ (b) – ____
2 4
mg l mg l
(c) – 3 ____ (d) – ____
8 8
39. A car’s engine can deliver 90 kW of power. The car’s
mass is 1, 000 kg. Total resistive force is proportional
to the velocity given by |Fresistance| = a v. The drag
coefficient is a = 100 Ns/m. What is the maximum
__ __
speed that the car can maintain on a level road?
÷3 __
(a) ___ ÷g
÷3 __
(b) ___ ÷g (a) 30 ms–1 (b) 20 ms–1
2 4 (c) 15 ms–1 (d) 40 ms–1
__ __
÷g
____ ÷g
___ 40. Two identical trains of equal masses are drawn along
(c) __ (d)
2÷3 2 smooth level lines. First train is pulled by an engine
that exerts a constant force on it while the other is
35. For a particle moving on a straight line, the varia-
pulled by an engine that works at a constant rate.
tion of acceleration with time is given by the graph
Both start from rest and after a time t both again
as shown. Initially the particle was at rest. Then the
have the same velocity v. What is the ratio of distance
corresponding kinetic energy of the particle versus
travelled during the interval?
time graph is best represented by which graph.
(a) 3/1 (b) 3/4
(b) 1/5 (d) 1/4
41. Assume that the aerodynamic drag force on a car is
proportional to its speed. If the power output from the
engine is doubled, then what would be the maximum
speed of the car?
(a) (b) (a) It is unchanged. __
(b) It increases by a factor of ÷2 .
(c) It is also doubled.
(d) It increases by a factor of four.
(c) (d) 42. A block attached with a spring is kept on a smooth
horizontal surface. Now the free end of the spring
is pulled horizontally with a constant velocity u.
36. A body is moving uni-directionally under the The maximum energy stored in the spring during
influence of a source of constant power. If the body subsequent motion is:
started from rest at time t = 0, its displacement in
time t is proportional to:
(a) t1/2 (b) t
3/2
(c) t (d) t2
1
37. A particle of mass m is at rest. A force is applied (a) __ mu2 (b) mu 2
2
which delivers a constant power P. What is the (c) 2 mu2 (d) 4 mu2
distance travelled by the particle when its velocity
43. A bob attached to a string is held hor-
increases from v1 to v2?
izontaly and then released. The ten-
3P 2 m
m ( v2 – v1 )
(a) ___ (b) ___ (v2 – v1)
2 sion and vertical distance from point
3P of suspension can be represented by
m m
(c) ___ ( v32 – v31 ) (d) ___ ( v22 – v21 ) which graph.
3P 3P

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The maximum speed of the block during the course
of ascent?
(a) (b)
P
(a) v = ________________
mg sin q + m m g cos q
P
(b) v = ________________
(c) (d) mg sin q – m m g cos q
2P
(c) v = _________________
mg sin q – m m g cos q
44. In the arrangement below two masses m1 and m2
3P
are attached by a massless, inextensible cord passing (d) v = __________________
over a massless, frictionless pulley. When the masses mg sin q – m m g cos q
are released, they are observed to accelerate. There 47. A particle of mass m is attached to a massless string
is friction between the hori- of length l and is oscillating in a vertical plane with
zontal surface and m1. Which the other end of the string fixed to a rigid support. The
of the following graphs could tension in the string at a certain instant is T = kmg.
represent the total mechanical (a) k can never be greater than 1;
energy of the system of two (b) k can never be less than 1;
masses as a function of time?
(c) k can never be equal to 1; or
(d) k can never be greater than 3.
(a) (b) 48. The potential energy (in SI units) of a particle of
mass 2 kg in a conservative field is_ U = 6x – 8y. If
›
the initial velocity of the particle is u = (– 1.5 + 2 )
–1
ms then what would be the total distance travelled
(c) (d) by the particle in first two seconds?
(a) 10 m (b) 12 m
(c) 15 m (d) 18 m
45. A molecule has two interacting atoms. Potential 10
energy U (x) (in some suitable unit) corresponding 49. A particle A of mass ___ kg is moving in the posi-
7
to the interaction force between the atoms change tive x direction. Its initial
with separation x as shown position is x = 0 and ini-
in the graph. The oscillat- tial velocity is 1 ms–1. A
ing atoms have a combined force exerts power on the
kinetic energy of 1.03 unit particle which changes
when separation between with position x as shown
them is x1. Which of the in the figure. What is the
following is a correct state- velocity at x = 10 m (use
ment about the separation the graph given)?
between the atoms?
(a) 4 ms–1 (b) 2 ms–1
(a) The atoms oscillate with maximum separation __
x2 and minimum separation x0. (c) 3÷2 ms–1 (d) 100/3 ms–1
(b) The bond between the atoms is likely to break 50. A particle is projected vertically upwards with a
and atoms will move away from each other. speed of 16 ms–1. After some time, when it again
passes through the point of projection, its speed is
(c) Both atoms come to rest when separation is
found to be 8 ms–1. It is known that the work done by
either x0 or x2.
air resistance is same during upward and downward
(d) Separation can never reach either x0 or x2. motion. Then, the maximum height attained by the
46. A block of mass m is being pulled up the rough particle is (Take g = 10 ms–2 ):
incline by an agent deliv-
(a) 8 m (b) 4.8 m
ering constant power P.
The coefficient of friction (c) 17.6 m (d) 12.8 m
between the block and the 51. An engine can pull 4 coaches at a maximum speed
incline is m. What would be of 20 ms–1. Mass of the engine is twice the mass of

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every coach. Assuming resistive forces to be propor- (c) There is no position of unstable equilibrium of
tional to the weight, approximate maximum speed the ball.
when the engine pulls 6 coaches is (power of engine (d) All the above are true.
remains constant): 56. A particle of mass m is projected with velocity u at an
(a) 15 ms–1 (b) 6.5 ms–1 angle a with horizontal. During the period when the
–1
(c) 8.5 ms (d) 13 ms–1 particle descends from highest point to the position
52. A particle of mass m moving along a straight line where its velocity vector makes an angle a/2 with
experiences force F which horizontal, what would be the work done by gravity
varies with the distance force?
x travelled as shown in (a) 1/2 mu2 tan2 a
the figure. If the velocity (b) 1/2 mu2 tan2 (a/2)
of the particle at x0 is
______ (c) 1/2 mu2 cos2 a tan2 (a/2)

÷______
2 F0 x0 (d) 1/2 mu2 cos2 (a/2) sin2 a
m , then velocity at 57. An object of mass m slides down a fixed incline of
4 x0 is: ______ _____ height h, and after travelling a certain horizontal path

÷ ÷
2 F0 x0 F0 x0 stops. The friction coefficient is different for different
(a) 2 ______
m (b) 2 ____
m
_____
segments for the entire path but is independent of
the velocity and direction of motion. The work that
÷____
F0 x0
(c) m (d) none of these a force must perform to return the object to its initial
position along the same path is-
53. A particle moves along a circle of a fixed radius with
a variable centripetal acceleration ar = ktn, where k (a) mgh (b) 2 mgh
is a constant and time is t. If (c) 4 mgh (d) – mgh
slope of power (P) versus time 58. A particle initially at rest starts moving from point
(t) graph on log–log scale is 2 A on the surface of a fixed smooth hemisphere. The
then the value of n is (here P particle loses its contact with hemisphere at point B.
is instantaneous power) C is centre of the hemisphere. The radius CA and
(a) 1 (b) 2 CB make angle a and b, respectively, with vertical.
(c) –1 (d) 3 What would be the equation relating a and b?
54. A man at rest is supplying an instantaneous power of (a) 3 sin a = 2 cos b (b) 2 sin a = 3 cos b
500 J/s by pulling the free end of a massless string (c) 3 cos b = 2 cos a (d) 2 sin b = 3 cos a
at an instanta- 59. The force exerted by a compression device is given
neous speed of 10 by F (x) = kx (x – l) for 0 < x < l, where l is the
ms–1 as shown. maximum possible compression, x is the compression
It is known that and k is a constant. The work required to compress
kinetic energy the device by a distance d will be maximum when:
of the block is l l__
increasing at a (a) d = __ (b) d = ___
4 ÷2
rate of 100 J/s at
l
that instant. Then (c) d = __ (d) d = l
what would be 2
the mass of the 60. A particle of mass 15 kg is moving with 5 ms–1 along
block? a straight line and a force of 30 N is acting on it
(a) 5 kg (b) 3 kg opposite to the direction of its velocity. What is the
work done by the force during the third second of
(c) 10 kg (d) 4 kg
motion of the particle?
55. Consider a ball fixed to one end of a light rigid rod
(a) 5 J (b) 0 J
whose other end pivots on a horizontal axis so that
the rod can rotate in a vertical plane. (c) 6 J (d) 75 J
(a) There is no position of stable equilibrium of the 61. A rigid ball of mass m moves with speed v and strikes
ball in this case. a wall having infinite mass and it returns with same
(b) There are no positions of neutral equilibrium of speed, then the work done by the wall on the ball
the ball. is:

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(a) Zero (b) mv J
(c) m/v J (d) v/m J (a) (b)

62. The potential energy of a 1 kg particle free to move

along the x-axis is given by
(c) (d)

(
x4 x2
V (x) = __ – __ J
4 2 ) 66. A particle, which is constrained to move along the
The total mechanical energy of the particle is 2 J. x-axis, is subjected to a force in the same direction
Then, the maximum speed (in ms–1) is which varies with the distance x of the particle from
3__ __ the origin as F (x) = – kx + ax2. Here k and a are
(a) ___ (b) 3 ÷2 positive constants. For x ≥ 0, the functional form of
÷2
the potential energy U (x) of the particle is
9
__
(c) (d) 2
2
(a) (b)
63. A small block of mass 100 g is pressed against a
horizontal spring fixed at one end to compress the
spring through 5.0 cm (figure). The spring constant is
100 N/m. When released, (c) (d)
the block moves hori-
zontally till it leaves the
spring. Where will it hit 67. A bob is attached to one end of a string. Other end
the ground 2 m below the of the string is fixed at peg A. The bob is taken to
spring? a position where string makes an angle of 30° with
(a) At a horizontal distance of 3/2 m from the free the horizontal and given a velocity perpendicular
end of the spring. to the string. On the circular path of the bob, in
(b) At a horizontal distance of 1/2 m from the free vertical plane, there is a peg ‘B’ at a symmetrical
end of the spring. position with respect to the
position of release as shown
(c) At a horizontal distance of 2 m from the free
in the figure. If vc and va
end of the spring.
be the minimum speeds in
(d) At a horizontal distance of 1 m from the free clockwise and anticlock-
end of the spring. wise directions, respectively,
64. A particle having mass m is tied to a string having given to the bob in order to
length 2 a at one end and other end is tied to at a hit the peg ‘B’ then the ratio
point P as shown in figure. The particle is thrown of vc:va is equal to:
__
with speed v from bottom horizontally. When it (a) 1:1 (b) 1:÷2
reaches the horizontal
(c) 1:2 (d) 1:4
plane containing the point
of suspension, the string is 68. Two smooth tracks of equal lengths are in vertical
suddenly fixed at a point plane. Track A has a circular ‘bump’ and track B has
Q which is at a distance a circular depression of the same size (see figure).
a from point P. Find mini- Two balls start simultaneously from identical posi-
mum speed v if the parti- tions with the same initial speed and move along the
cle completes the vertical tracks. The ball which first completes the journey to
circle about Q the end of the track is on
____ ____
(a) ÷5 ag (b) ÷7 ag
____
(c) ÷9 ag (d) none of these
65. A small block is shot into each of the four tracks as
shown in the next column. Each of the tracks rises (a) Track A
to the same height. The speed with which the block
(b) Track B
enters the track is the same in all cases. At the highest
point of the track, the normal reaction is maximum (c) Both take the same time
in (d) It depends on how big the bumps are

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Worksheet 2
1. A body of mass 1 kg starts moving from rest at t = 0, (b) The particle cannot reach the top of the loop.
in a circular path of radius 8 m. Its kinetic energy (c) The particle breaks off at a height H = R from
varies with time as k = 2t2 joules, where t is in sec- the base of the loop.
ond. Then which of the followings are incorrect. (d) The particle break off at a height R < H <
(a) tangential acceleration = 4 ms–2; 2R.
(b) power of all forces at t = 2 s is 8 W; 6. In the last question if q is instantaneous angle which
(c) first round is completed in 2 s; or the line joining the particle and the centre of the
(d) tangential force at t = 2 s is 4 N. loop makes with the vertical, Identify the correct
statement(s) related to the normal reaction N between
2. A particle with a constant total energy E moves in
the block and the surface.
one dimension in a region where the potential energy
is U (x). The speed of the particle is zero where (a) The maximum value of N occurs at q = 0.
(b) The minimum value of N occurs at q = p for
(a) U (x) = E (b) U (x) = 0
H > 5R/2.
dU (x) d2 U (x) (c) The value of N becomes negative for p/2 < q <
(c) ______ = 0 (d) _______ =0
dx dx2 3p/2.
3. A block of mass m is attached to the lower end of (d) The value of N can become zero only when
light vertical spring of force constant k. The upper q ≥ p/2.
end of the spring is fixed. The block is released from 7. A particle of mass m is attached to a massless rod
rest with the spring at its normal (unstretched) length of length l and is moving in a vertical plane with
and comes to rest again after descending through a the other end of the rod fixed to a rigid support. The
distance x. tension in the rod is always less than 5 mg.
(a) x = mg/k (a) Motion of the particle is oscillatory.
(b) x = 2 mg/k (b) Particle may complete the vertical circle.
(c) The block will have no acceleration at the (c) For some part of motion the rod may feel
position where it has descended through x/2. compression and for some part it may feel
(d) The block will have an upward acceleration tension.
equal to g at its lowermost position. (d) Rod is always tensed.
4. An escalator is moving down with a constant speed. 8. A block of mass m is tied A 
O
You are moving on it such that you remain at rest to an inextensible light
with respect to ground. Choose correct statements string of length l. One
from ground frame: end of the string is fixed at
(a) work done by you is zero, point O. Block is released
(b) work done by escalator on you is zero, from rest at A with the
string horizontal and fully
(c) work done by gravity on you is zero, or
stretched.
(d) work done by escalator on you is negative.
(a) At the highest point acceleration of the block is
5. A particle of mass vertically downwards.
m is released from
(b) At the lowest point acceleration is vertically
a height H on a
upwards.
smooth curved sur-
face which ends into (c) At the instant
__ the string rotates through an angle
a vertical loop of q = tan–1 (÷3 ) acceleration has both horizontal
radius R, as shown and vertical components.
in the figure. (d) After the __string rotates through an angle
Choose the correct alternative (s) if H = 2R q = tan–1 (÷3 ) acceleration is horizontal.
9. A particle of mass 1.0 kg moves along x-axis. Its
(a) The particles reaches the top of the loop with
potential energy is given by U (x) = 20 + (x – 2)2
zero velocity.
where x is in meters. At x = 5.0 m the particle has

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_›
a kinetic energy of 20 J. No force apart from the (c) Magnitude of work done by F2 will be equal in
conservative force is acting on the particle. magnitude to the sum of work done by all other
(a) Mechanical energy of the particle is 69 J. forces
_› if speed of particle remains constant.
(b) The particle moves between x = – 3.38 m and (d) If F2 is a conservative force, then the work done
x = 7.38 m. by all other forces will be equal _›to change in
(c) The maximum kinetic energy of the particle potential energy corresponding to F2 if speed of
is 29 J. the particle remains constant.
(d) The value of x at which kinetic energy is 14. A man is standing on a plank which is placed on
maximum occurs at x = 1.5 m. smooth horizontal surface. There is sufficient fric-
tion between feet of
10. A block is suspended using a spring of force constant
man and plank. Now
k. It is slowly lowered from natural length position of
the man starts run-
spring by an external agent to equilibrium position.
ning over plank. His
The extension in the spring in equilibrium position
shoes never slip on the
is x.
1 plank. Correct statement is/are:
(a) Gain in spring potential energy is __ kx2 and loss (a) Work done by friction on man with respect to
2
ground is negative.
in gravitational potential energy is kx2.
(b) Work done by friction on man with respect to
(b) Gain in spring potential energy must be equal
ground is positive.
to loss in gravitational potential energy.
(c) Work done by friction on plank with respect to
(c) Gain in spring potential energy must be less
ground is positive.
than loss in gravitational potential energy.
(d) Work done by friction on man with respect to
(d) All are incorrect.
plank is zero.
11. A block of mass 1kg kept on a rough horizontal
15. A block of mass m is attached with a massless spring
surface (m = 0.4) is attached to a light spring (force
of force constant k. The block is placed over a fixed
constant = 200 N/m) whose other end is attached to
inclined surface. The other end of the spring is
a vertical wall. The block is pushed to compress the
connected to a vertically
spring by a distance d and released. Find the value of
hanging block of mass M.
‘d’ for which (spring + block) system loses its entire
The blocks are released
mechanical energy in the form of heat.
from rest with spring in
(a) 4 cm (b) 1 cm unstretched state. (Neglect
(c) 1.5 cm (d) 3 cm mass of string and pulley
12. A particle is being and friction in pulley.)
acted upon by one (a) The minimum value of M required to move
dimensional conserva- 3
tive force. In F–x curve the block up the plane is __ m if coefficient
5
shown, four points of friction between the block and incline is
A, B, C, D are marked 3
on the curve. For these m = __.
4
points.
(b) m will initially move down the incline if there
(a) A and D are equilibrium points.
is no friction between the block and incline.
(b) B and C are equilibrium points.
(c) A is stable and D is unstable equilibrium (c) Both blocks will have same initial acceleration
point. if M = m.
(d) B is unstable and C is stable equilibrium (d) Whatever be the value of m, block of mass M
point. cannot go up immediately after release.
_›
13. _A› moving particle is acted by several forces F 1, 16. A spring lies along horixontal x axis, attached to
F2...., etc. Which a wall at one end and a block at the other end.
_› of the following statements about
work done by F2 will The block rests on a frictionless surface at x = 0. A
_› be true? force of constant magnitude F is applied to the block
(a) Work done by F2 can be negative if the speed
that begins to compress the spring. The maximum
of the particle is_ decreasing.
› compression caused is xmax.
(b) Work done by F2 will be positive if the speed
of the particle is increasing.

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(c) Maximum energy stored in the spring is four
times that of maximum kinetic energy of the
system.
(d) The spring will never get compressed.
19. A heavy particle is attached to one end of a string 1 m
long whose other end is fixed. It is projected from
its lowest position horizontally with a velocity V.
(a) If V2 < 5 g the particle will describe complete
(a) During the displacement, curve 3 shown in the circular motion in the vertical plane.
graph best represents the kinetic energy of the (b) If V2 = 4 g the tension in the string will become
block. zero after the string has turned through 120°.
(b) During the displacement, curve 1 shown in the (c) If V2 = 2 g, when the tension in the string
graph best represents the work done on the becomes zero the velocity of the particle also
spring block system by the applied force. becomes zero.
(c) During the first half of the displacement, applied (d) If V2 = g the radial acceleration of the particle
force transfers equal energy to kinetic and poten- becomes zero after the string turns through
tial component of total energy. 60°.
(d) During the first half of the displacement, more 20. ABC is a chain of length
than half of work done by the applied force is L and mass m placed
potential energy upon a smooth surface as
17. A small ball of mass m is released from rest at a shown. Inclination angle
height h1 above the ground at time t = 0. At time of incline is q. Length
t = t0, the ball again comes to rest at a height h2 above BC > AB. Length of the
the ground. Consider the ground to be perfectly rigid chain on the inclined part
and neglect the air friction. For the time interval from is b. Chain is released from this position.
t = 0 to t = t0, pick up the correct statements. (a) After the chain is released its speed increases
(a) Work done by gravity on ball is mg (h1 – h2). but acceleration does not increase.
(b) Work done by ground on ball for duration of (b) Tension at the mid point of the chain decreases
contact is mg (h2 – h1). and later becomes constant after the complete
(c) Average acceleration of the ball is zero. chain is on incline.
(d) Net work done on the ball by all forces except (c) Speed of the chain just after its acceleration
_____________
gravity is mg (h2 – h1).
÷
g sin q
18. Two blocks, of masses M and 2 M, are connected to stops increasing is ______ (L2 – b2) .
L
a light spring of spring constant k that has one end
fixed, as shown in figure. The horizontal surface and (d) Speed of the chain just after its acceleration
_____________

÷
the pulley are frictionless. The blocks are released g sin q
from the rest when the spring is relaxed. The string stops deceasing is ______ (L2 – b2) .
L
is light. 21. A ball is raised slowly by a boy above the ground
surface. Which of the followings are true regarding
the event?
(a) The mechanical energy of the Earth-ball system
increases.
(b) The energy of the boy decreases.
(c) The Earth-ball system has performed negative
work on the hand of the boy.
(d) In practice, the muscles of the boy perform
more work than the gain in potential energy of
4 Mg the Earth-boy system.
(a) Maximum extension in the spring is _____.
k 22. A light elastic string of natural length l is extended
(b) Maximum kinetic energy of the system is by an amount F l/l when subjected to a tension F.
2 M2 g2
______ One end of the string is fixed at a point O on a
. smooth horizontal table. The other end is attached to
k

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a particle of mass m. The particle moves in a hori- (a) The ball will reach the top point E of the
zontal orbit of constant radius (5l/4) with centre at O hemispherical cut.
with a speed v. Find the value of v and calculate the (b) Speed of the ball at D will be same as the speed
ratio of kinetic energy to the elastic stored energy- of the ball at B.

( )
5ll
(a) value of v is ____
16 m
1/2
.
(c) Force exerted by the vertical wall OM on wedge,
__
15 ÷3
when the ball is in position B is _____ N.
(b) value of v is ( ____ )
16 m 1/2 2
. (d) Path of the ball is circular.
5ll
25. A 500 kg elevator starts from rest. It moves upward
(c) the ratio of kinetic energy of the particle to the
for 3.0 s with a constant acceleration until it reaches
elastic stored energy in the string is 1.5.
its cruising speed of 3 ms–1. Neglect the friction.
(d) the ratio of kinetic energy of the particle to the
(a) Average power of the elevator motor during the
elastic stored energy in the string is 5:1.
period of acceleration is 24.75 kW.
23. As shown in figure a body of mass 1 kg is slowly
(b) Power of the motor when it moves at its cruising
shifted from A to D on inclined planes by applying
speed is 15 kW.
a force so that the block is always in contact with
the plane surfaces. Neglect any energy loss at sharp (c) Power of gravity remains constant throughout
bends at B and C. the motion.
(d) Sum of the work done by all the forces on
the elevator during first 4 s of its motion is
2.25 kW.
26. A block of mass m placed on a smooth horizontal
surface is attached to a spring and is held at rest by
a force P as shown in the figure.
At time t = 0 the force P reverses
its direction without changing its
magnitude.
(a) The block first accelerates and then retards.
(b) The block will return back to its starting
position.
(c) The maximum extension l2 in the spring is
2 times the initial compression l1?
(d) The maximum extension l2 in the spring is
(a) Work done by the applied force is 90 J. 3 times the initial compression l1?
(b) Work done by friction will not change if the path 27. In the figure shown, a spring of spring constant k
from A to D is replaced with another straight is fixed at one end and the
path having a single incline plane with friction other end is attached to the
coefficient 0.2. mass ‘m’. The coefficient of
(c) Work done by friction will not change if the path friction between block and the
from A to D is replaced with another straight inclined plane is m. The block
path having a single incline plane with friction is released when the spring is
coefficient 0.3. in its natural length. Assume
(d) Work done by applied force will not change if that tan q > m, then the
the path from A to D is replaced with another (a) speed of the block during the motion is
straight path having a single incline plane with maximum when spring force is equal to
friction coefficient 0.3. m m g cos q + mg sin q.
24. A ball of mass 1 kg is released from position A inside (b) speed of the block during the motion is
a wedge with a hemispherical maximum when spring force is equal to
cut of radius 0.5 m as shown mg sin q – m mg cos q.
in the figure. B and D are (c) The block may not climb back after it comes to
two points on same horizontal rest for the first time.
level. The wedge can move (d) The block will definitely climb back after it
on horizontal surface. Neglect comes to rest.
the friction everywhere.
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28. The drawing shows a skateboarder moving at 7.0 (c) The change in magnitude of its acceleration as it
ms–1 along a horizontal section of a track that is reaches a position where the string is horizontal
slanted upward by 45° above the horizontal at its is 2 g.
end, which is 0.45 m above the ground. Ignore the (d) The magnitude of the change in its velocity as it
friction and air resistance. reaches a position where the string is horizontal
_________
is ÷2 (u2 – gL) .
_›
31. A force F = – K (y + x ) (where K is a positive
constant) acts on a particle moving in the xy-plane.
Starting from the origin, the particle is taken along
the positive x-axis to the point (a, 0) and then parallel
to the y-axis to the point (a, a). Now
(a) The total work done by the force F on the
particles is – Ka2.
(a) After she leaves the track, her minimum kinetic
(b) The work done by the force F on the particle in
energy will be zero.
moving along x axis is 0.
(b) The maximum height H to which she rises
(c) The total work done by the force F on the
above the end of the track is 1.425 m.
particle is – Ka2.
(c) The track applies a force on the skateboarder
(d) The work done by the force F on the particle
hence her mechanical energy is not conserved
while moving parallel to y axis is Ka2
till she leaves the track.
32. A particle of mass m starts from the top most point
(d) Tangential acceleration of the skateboarder
from rest and slides down the surface
increases as she climbs the track and then it
of frictionless fixed solid sphere of
decreases as she moves up in the air.
radius r as shown in figure. Position
29. A particle slides down at a track which has a of the particle is indicated by an
horizontal mid part of length l = 2 m. The curved angle q measured from the vertical
part of the track is fric- and the reference of potential energy
tionless and coefficient of is assumed to be at the top of the
friction for horizontal part sphere.
is mk = 0.20. A particle is (a) The change in potential energy of the particle
released from a height h = with angle will be – mgr (1 – cos q).
1.0 m from A as shown in figure. (b) The angle at which the mass files off the sphere
(a) The particle comes to rest for the first time at is given by cos q = 2/3 but if there is friction
0.6 m height then the particle will leave the sphere at a smaller
(b) The particle comes to permanent rest at midpoint angle.
of the horizontal part. (c) The radial and tangential accelerations as a func-
(c) The particle comes to permanent rest at the foot tion of angle will be 2 g (1 + cos q) and g sin q.
of the curved part. (d) The angle at which the mass files off the sphere
(d) The curvature of the curved part must be known is given by cos q = 2/3 but if there is friction
to find where the particle will come to rest then the particle will leave the sphere at a larger
angle.
30. A stone tied to a string of length L is moving in a
vertical circle with the other end of the string at the 33. A chain of length l and mass m lies on the surface
centre. At a certain instant of time, the stone is at its of a smooth sphere of radius R > l with one end held
lowest position, and has a speed u. at the top of the sphere. The chain is released from
this position. Immediately after its release
(a) The magnitude of the change in its velocity as it
(a) The power of gravitational force on the chain
reaches a position where the string is horizontal
________ is not equal to rate of increase of its kinetic
is ÷u2 – 2 gL . energy.
(b) The change in magnitude of its speed as it (b) The tension in the chain increases from the
reaches a position where the string is horizontal bottom to the top.
________
(c) The chain loses its potential energy more quickly
is u – ÷u2 – 2 gL .
than it gains kinetic energy.
(d) None of the above.

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Worksheet 3
1. A man is wearing skating shoes. He pushes a wall 6. A body of mass m = 1 kg travelling at speed
to set himself in motion. He interacts with the wall v0 = 1.5 ms–1 enters a rough horizontal surface with
for a time interval Dt, applying a constant force F on coefficient of friction m = 0.27. It stops after travel-
the wall. Find the work done by the contact force of ling a certain distance. Find the mean power of the
the wall on the man. friction force acting on the body. Is it safe to assume
that friction exerts constant power?
7. A block of mass m is stationary with respect to the
wedge of mass M when
the later is moving with
uniform speed v on hori-
zontal surface. Find work
done by friction force on
the block in time t.
8. Two identical particles are released from the top of
2. Many people count calories or joules of energy that two roughly inclined surfaces of height h each. The
they consume while being on a diet. Human body inclination angles of the two inclines are 30° and
is only about 25% efficient in converting stored 60°. Coefficient of friction is same in both cases. In
energy from body fat to actual mechanical energy, which of the two inclines, the particle will gain more
such as the gravitational potential energy required to kinetic energy by the time it reaches the bottom of
lift weights during a workout. Where does the other the inclines?
75% of the stored energy goes? 9. A block of mass m is attached to two springs of
3. Two blocks A and B of masses M and m, respectively, force constants k1 and k2 as shown in figure below.
are placed as shown. The block is initially in a position where both springs
Initially, the blocks are at are relaxed. It is moved to right by a distance x and
rest. A constant force F released. Friction coefficient is m.
applied to A in horizontal
F
direction produces an acceleration of ________ with
2(M + m)
both blocks moving together. Find the sum of work (i) Find the work done by each spring by the time
done by all the forces on B in time t. the block reaches the initial mean position.
4. A body slides down a hill with a constant slope and (ii) Find the speed of the block when it reaches the
then slides on horizontal surface. The body starts initial mean position.
from D and comes to rest at B. Height of the hill
10. Two identical beads A and B, each of mass m = 0.1 kg,
is h and the horizontal distance AB is S. Assume no
are connected by an inextensible string of length
energy is lost due to impact at C. Find the friction
0.5 m. Bead A can
coefficient between the body and the track. Assume
slide on a horizon-
that the friction coefficient is same throughout from
tal bar and bead B
A to B.
can slide on a verti-
cal bar. There is no
friction. The system
is released from the
shown position. Find speed of bead A when B has
fallen through a distance of 0.1 m.
11. A Block A of mass 6 kg is resting on a horizontal
surface. It is connected to a light vertical string which
5. A car of mass 500 kg moving with a speed 36 kph passes over smooth pulleys P1 and P2 and carries a
on a straight road doubles its speed in 1 min. Find small ball (B) of mass 3 kg at its other end. The ball
the average power delivered by the engine. (B) swings like a pendulum with length l. Find the

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angle q measured from vertical, from where B must 0.1 N. Find the speed of the sleeve when it returns
be released in order to just lift the block A off the back to point A at a distance of 3 m from the free
horizontal surface. Neglect the dimension of pulleys end of the spring.
and take l = 1.2 m. 16. A smooth narrow tube
of radius R is fixed in
a vertical plane. There
is an ideal spring fixed
at the lower point C
of the tube. The end
A of the spring is free
and radius OA makes
60° with OC. A ball B
of mass m is released
inside the tube from the top. B slides due to gravity
12. A force of constant magnitude F acts on a particle and compresses the spring. The ball stops when line
of mass m mov- OA makes an angle of 30° with OC. Find the force
ing in a circle. The constant of the spring.
force always makes 17. The system shown in the figure is released from
an angle of 45° to rest with the spring initially stretched
the velocity of the by 7.6 cm. Find the speed of the
body. For a quarter block after it has fallen through a
of the circle from A distance of 1.2 cm. Force constant of
to B the force was spring is k = 1, 000 N/m and pulley
directed out of the is massless.
circle as shown and
18. A pump lifts 1000 L water per minute from a 20 m
for quarter of the
deep well and ejects it at a speed of 20 ms–1. Find
circle from B to C
the horse power of the motor required for the pump.
it was directed into the circle (see the figure above).
If efficiency of the motor is 80% find the electric
Apart from this force all other forces on the particle
power that it consumes?
have radial direction. Speed of the particle at A was
u. Find its speed at C after completing the semicircle 19. A uniform rectangular parallelepiped has side lengths
ABC. of a, b and c with a > b > c. It is to be kept with one
of its face touching the floor. Find its maximum pos-
13. A person decides to use his bath tub water to gener-
sible gravitational potential energy taking the floor to
ate electric power to run a 40 W-bulb. The bath tub is
be the reference level. Mass is M.
located at a height of 10 m from the ground and holds
200 liter of water. He installs a water driven wheel 20. A smooth track in vertical plane is in the shape of a
generator on the ground. At what rate should the quarter of a circle of radius R with its centre at O.
water drain from the bath tub to light the bulb? How A small block is released at end A of the track and
long can he light the bulb, if the tub was full initially? it slides along the track to leave it at end C. Find
Efficiency of generator is 90% and g = 9.8 ms–2. the maximum height attained by the block above C
after it leaves the track.
14. A railway car of mass m accelerates from rest at a
constant rate to acquire a speed v0 in time t0. The
resistance force is given by kv2 where k is a constant
and v is speed. Find the power developed by the
engine as a function of time for interval 0 £ t £ t0.
15. A horizontal rod has fixed spring coiled over it as
shown. The spring constant is k = 30 N/m. A sleeve of
mass m = 0.5 kg is mov-
ing on the rod towards the
spring. When the sleeve
is at a distance of 3 m
from the spring its speed is 1.6 ms–1. Friction force
between the sleeve and the rod is constant equal to

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21. A pendulum having a bob (ii) The tension in the string when the particle is
of mass m and string of at B.
length l is suspended from 27. A smooth ring of radius 5R is fixed in a vertical
the ceiling of a compartment plane. A small bead of mass m is free to slide on the
in a train. The train begins ring. One end of an elastic string of relaxed length
to move with a constant acceleration a. Find the 6R and force constant k is fixed to the top of the ring
maximum deflection angle of the pendulum from the and the other end is connected to the bead. The bead
vertical. is released from a position where the string is just
22. Two discs of masses m and 3 m are taut. Show that the bead can reach the lowest point
connected by a spring of force con- of the ring only if kR £ 0.8 mg.
stant K. A disc of mass 3 m rests 28. A small ball is moving in a vertical circle, attached
on floor and the other disc is in to one end of an inextensible string. The ratio of
equilibrium above it. Disc of mass maximum to minimum speed of the ball is 2:1. Find
m is depressed from its equilibrium the ratio of tension in the string to weight of the ball
position by a distance Dx = 5 mg/k and magnitude of acceleration of the ball when the
and released. Find the speed of m when normal reac- velocity of the ball is vertically downward. What will
tion by the floor on dics of mass 3m is mg. be your answers at a point where velocity of the ball
23. A massless platform is kept on a light elastic spring as is vertically upward?
shown in the figure. When a particle 29. A small ball tied to a string of length 0.9 m is describ-
of mass m = 0.1 kg is dropped on ing a vertical circle so that the maximum and mini-
the pan from a height of h = 0.24 m, mum tensions in the strings are in ratio of 3:1. Fixed
the particle sticks to the pan and the end of the string is at a height of 5 m above the
spring suffers a maximum compres- ground.
sion of 0.01 m. From what height (a) Find the speed of the ball at the lowest
should the particle be dropped to position.
cause a compression of 0.04 m?
(b) The string suddenly breaks when the ball is
24. AB is a smooth rod inclined at 30° to the horizontal. at its lowest position. How much horizontal
A collar C has mass m = 5 kg and can slide with- distance will the ball travel before hitting the
out friction on the rod. It ground?
is connected to a spring
30. A particle of mass m moves in a conservative force
having force constant
field along x axis where the potential energy U varies
k = 2, 000 N/m and relaxed
with position x as U = U0 (1 – cos ax), U0 and a are
length of 0.2 m. The collar
positive constants. Total energy of the particle is U0,
is released from position
and initially it is at x = 0.
where the spring is relaxed
and vertical. Find its speed (i) At what value of x, speed of the particle is
when it has moved through maximum?
5 cm. (ii) Find maximum x co-ordinate of the particle.
25. A particle is lying on the top of a smooth sphere (iii) Find maximum kinetic energy of the particle.
___ of

÷
gR 31. A ring of mass m = 0.2 kg is attached to one end of
radius R. It is given a horizontal velocity of ___ . At a spring of force constant k = 100 N/m and natural
2
which point does it leave the sphere? length l = 10 cm. The ring is constrained to move
26. A particle of mass m is on a rough vertical wire in shape of an ellipse of
suspended from a fixed major axis 24 cm
point O with the help of and minor axis
a light string of length l. 16 cm with its
It is drawn aside and held centre at origin
with a string horizontal and (O). Initially the
taut. It is released from this ring is at top
position (A). Find point A with other
(i) The acceleration of the particle when it reaches end of the spring
B where the string makes an angle a with the being fixed to the
vertical. origin. Normal

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reaction of the wire on the ring is zero at A. The (i) Find the final energy of the system.
ring is given a horizontal velocity v = 10 ms–1 towards (ii) Find the work done by the centrifugal force on
right so that it just reaches point B. the sleeve in the reference frame attached to the
(i) Find the work done by friction on the ring as it rod.
moves from A to B. 36. Potential energy of a particle of mass m = 2 kg varies
(ii) Is the work done by spring force positive when with its x co-ordinate as shown in the figure below.
the ring moves from A to B?
32. A uniform rod of mass M and length L has been
placed on a hori-
zontal surface.
Friction is present
only in the region from x = 0 to x = L and the coef-
ficient of friction varies according to relation m = kx,
where k is a positive constant. A constant force F is
applied to pull the rod. Initial acceleration of the rod
is nearly zero. Find the total heat generated in the
time where the rod crosses the rough region.
_› (i) In which direction will the particle move if it is
33. A block of mass 1 kg is given a velocity v = 3 ms–1
released at origin?
and released on a horizontal platform _› which is
being moved at a constant velocity of u = 3 ms–1. (ii) Find the maximum speed of the particle if it
Coefficient of friction between the block and the is released from a position just to the right of
platform is m = 0.3. Find the displacement of the x = 2.0 m.
block which is relative to the ground by the time the (iii) Write two unstable equilibrium positions of the
block comes to rest relative to the platform. particle.
34. Two blocks, stuck to each other, are (iv) Find the minimum velocity that should be
suspended to a spring of force con- imparted to the particle in positive x direction
stant k as shown in the figure. The at x = 5 m, so that it can eventually cross to left
blocks are in equilibrium. Suddenly, of x = – 10 m.
the bonding between the two blocks 37. A smooth wire CD has a length 2L and is stretched
breaks and the block of mass 4 m falls horizontally between two fixed walls. An inextensible
down. How much will the mass m rise string, also of length 2L, is fastened at D and a bead
after this. A is attached to it at the other end. The bead has a
35. A smooth light rod (AB) can rotate about a vertical mass m and slides along the wire. Another mass B
axis passing through its end A. The rod is fitted with with the same mass as A is attached to the string at
a small sleeve of mass m. The sleeve is attached to midpoint. The bead A is kept at infinitesimal distance
two springs as, shown in the figure. The spring hav- from point C at the end of the wire and released
ing its end fixed at A has a relaxed length l0 and its from rest. Find the velocity and acceleration of bead
force constant is 2k. The other spring is fixed at B A after moving a distance x = L along the wire.
and has a force constant k. Initially both the springs
were relaxed and the system was at rest. The system
is now rotated about the vertical axis with its angular
speed being slowly increased from 0 to .

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Answers Sheet
Your Turn
5
1. __ Mgh 2. (i) 96 J, (ii) 96 J 3. Fy = – 3 4. (i) 60 J, (ii) – 60 J, (iii) zero
4
Fx
5. Both works are ___ 6. WF = FL sin q ; Wg = – mgL (1 – cos q)
2
1 k1k2
7. Wg = 144, 000 J, Wf = – 153, 600 J 8. 2p maR 9. __ ______ x2
2 k1 + k2
3m2g2 2m2g2
10. (i) – ______, (ii) ______ 11. 4.5 J 12. – 5 J
2k k
k k
13. (i) – __, (ii) __ 14. 18 J
6 3
1
15. (i) WTelevator = 0; WT ground = mg ◊ vt (ii) WALL elevator = 0; WALL ground = __ m a2t2
2

[ ]
1 __ 1 1 __
16. KQq __
r1 – r2 17. (i) __ mg2 tan2 q ◊ t 2, (ii) zero, (iii) zero 18. ÷2 FR
2

19. 40 W 20. 21. Power is constant. P = 10 W

1 2
22. (i) n = – __, (ii) k = __ 23. ALL 24. 83 J
2 3
25. (i) 13.2 kJ, (ii) – 12 kJ, (iii) 5.47 ms–1

1 1
26. (i) __ mv2, (ii) – __ mv2, friction has performed negative work on the block in reference frame of the conveyor.
2 2
v2
____
(iii)
2mg

27. – mg(h1 – h2) 28. – 20 J 29. (i) – 100 J, (ii) – 168 J

______________________ ___ __
30. V = ÷2gR(1 – cos q) + 2aR sin q 31. (i) ÷50 ms–1; (ii) v0 = 2÷5 ms–1; x0 = 4 m

L L mgR sin q0 2
32. – mg __ 33. – Mg __ (1 – cos q) 34. _________ 35. __ kx2
2 2 q0 9

m2 g2
38. __ ____
1 3 5 1
36. 43.2 J 37. __ kR2 – __ mgR 39. 2.45 J
2 2 2 k
___ _________ __________

÷ ÷ _______
3g 2(1 + p)
÷
M
__ 1 k
40. ◊g 41. mgR + __ mv 2 42. v = d ___ + ____ 43. v = gr
K 2 2d 16 m 3
m
44. 12 J 45. (i) v1 = v2 (ii) t1 > t2 46. __ (v20 + 2gh) = 12, 500 N
2s

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___
__ kx20
÷
m u__ k 9 81 ___
÷
47. (i) __ ◊ u (ii) v = ___ ; a = u ___ 48. ___ 49. H = ____
k ÷2 2m 16 500 mg
__
___ 5 ÷3 5
50. (i) ÷2gl (ii) __ mg (iii) ___ g 51. (i) __ R (ii) NA = 6mg, NB = 3mg
2 2 2

52. 4.5R
____
3
53. p – cos– 1 __
4 () (
k2 + 1
54. 2mg _____
k2 – 1 ) R
55. (i) h0 = __ (ii) 4 mg
2

÷
12g
56. (i) ____ (ii) Tension is mg in segment of the rod between the two particles. Tension is 2 mg in the other half of
5l
the rod
_›
57. F = 4x 58. F = (4xy) + (2x2)

59. (i) Fx is zero at x1, x4 and x7. Fx is positive at x2, x3. Fx is negative at x5, x6.
(ii) x4 is position of stable equilibrium. x1 and x7 are positions of unstable equilibrium.

Worksheet 1
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (b) 9. (b)
10. (c) 11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (c) 18. (c)
19. (c) 20. (d) 21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (d) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (a)
28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (d) 31. (b) 32. (b) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (c)
37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (a) 40. (b) 41. (b) 42. (a) 43. (a) 44. (c) 45. (d)
46. (a) 47. (d) 48. (c) 49. (a) 50. (a) 51. (a) 52. (d) 53. (d) 54. (d)
55. (b) 56. (c) 57. (b) 58. (c) 59. (d) 60. (b) 61. (a) 52. (a) 63. (d)
64. (b) 65. (a) 66. (d) 67. (c) 68. (b)

Worksheet 2
1. (a,c,d) 2. (a) 3. (b,c,d) 4. (c,d) 5. (b,d) 6. (a,b.d) 7. (a,c) 8. (a,b,c) 9. (b,c)
10. (a,c) 11. (a) 12. (b,d) 13. (a,c,d) 14. (a,c,d) 15. (a,b) 16. (a,b,c) 17. (a,b,c,d) 18. (a,b,c,d)
19. (a,c,d) 20. (b,c) 21. (a,b,c,d) 22. (a,d) 23. (a,b) 24. (c) 25. (a,b,d) 26. (a,b,d) 27. (b.c)
28. (b.d) 29. (b) 30. (b,d) 31. (b,c) 32. (a,d) 33. (d)

Worksheet 3
F 2t2m h
1. zero 3. _________2 4. m = __ 5. 1, 250 W
8(M + m) 5
mmgv0 mgvt
6. Pav = – ______ = – 2.02 W 7. – _____ sin 2q 8.60° incline
2 2
________________

÷( ______
m )x
1 1 k +k
9. (i) __ k1x2 and __ k2x2 (ii)
1 2 2
– 2mgx 10. 0.85 ms–1
2 2
__________
__
11. q = 60° 12. ÷u 2 ÷2 pFR
+ ______
m 13. 0.454 lit/s; 441 s
__
v0 2
( )
v0
14. P = m __ t + k __ t
t0 t0 ( )3
15. 0.2 ms –1 36mg (2 + ÷3 )
16. ____________
p 2R
a 9R
17. 0.37 ms–1 18. 8.9 H.P; 11.1 H.P 19. Mg __ 20. ____
2 125

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__
()
a
21. 2 tan–1 __
g
m
÷
22. 4g __
k
23. 3.96 m 24. 0.37 ms–1
__________
5
()
25. q = cos–1 __ with vertical
6
26. (i) g ÷1 + 3 cos2 a , (ii) 2mg cos a

10 g ____
28. ___, __ ÷109 , Answer is unchanged 29. (a) 8 ms–1, (b) 8 m
3 3
p KMgL2
30. (i) x = 0; (ii) ___; (iii) U0 31. (i) – 10.16 J, (ii) No 32. ______
2a 3
8mg
33. 3 m 34. ____
k
3 (3 + 1) k 3 kl 20
35. (i) __ m 2 2
l0 _________ where = ____2 , (ii) __ ________2
2 (3 – 1)2 m 2 (3 – 1)
___
36. (i) Negative x direction, (ii) 5 ms–1, (iii) x = – 10 m, x = 2 m, (iv) ÷30 ms–1)
___
37. V = 1.14 ÷Lg ; a = 0.32 g

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CHAPTER 15

Miscellaneous Problems
Based on Chapter 14

MATCH THE COLUMNS (B) An object undergoing a (q)

free fall.
Match the entries in column I with those in column II. An
item in column I can match with any number of entries in
column II. It may also happen that an item in column I does
not match with any of the entries in column II. (C) An object is being pulled (r)
1. A body of mass m kg gets displaced from one given on a level, frictionless sur-
face by a constant force in
point to another given point under the action of sev-
the horizontal direction.
eral conservative and non-conservative forces. Now
match the following.
(s)

Column I Column II
(A) Displacement of the (p) Path dependent
body
(B) Work done by a conser- (q) Path independent 3. A smooth wedge is fixed inside a box. A small block
vative force of mass ‘m’ is released from the rest with respect
(C) Work done by a (r) Frame dependent to wedge as shown in figure. Figures show how the
non-conservative force box is moving with a constant velocity. The block
is released on the wedge from a height h as shown.
(D) Angular displacement (s) Frame independent
Column II shows work done by normal reaction
(t) Dependent on location on the block with respect to an observer who is
of the observer in a
stationary on the ground, till the block reaches at
given frame
the bottom of inclined wedge. Match the appropriate
answers.
2. Some physical situations have been described in
column I. Match the physical situations with the Column I Column II
graphs given in column II. The graphs depict the (A) (p) Positive
variation of total energy (E), potential energy (U),
and kinetic energy (KE) with time. h v = 2gh

45°
Column I Column II
(A) A mass is attached to an (p) (B) v = 2gh (q) Negative
unstretched ideal spring.
It is released in vertical
plane from the rest until h
it reaches its maximum
extension. 45°
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15.2 Mechanics I

(C) (r) Equal to mgh in 5. A small ball is suspended from the roof of a car,
magnitude moving with a constant velocity, with the help of
h a light inextensible string. Suddenly, the car begins
to accelerate at a constant rate of 3 g/4, where g is
45°
the acceleration due to gravity. Take this moment as
45°
t = 0.
v = 2gh
The entries in column I list the parameters related to
(D) (s) Equal to zero motion of bob with respect to the car and column II
list their values. Match appropriately.
h
v = 2gh Column I Column II
45°
(A) Initial acceleration (p) Zero
(B) Acceleration, when the speed of bob (q) 3 g/4
4. In the situations depicted in Column I, all diagrams is maximum
are in vertical plane. The surfaces are frictionless. (C) Acceleration, when speed is zero (r) 7 g/10
Match with appropriate entries in column II.
(s) g

Column I Column II 6.
(A) Bead is threaded on a (p) Normal force is zero Column I Column II
circular fixed wire and is at the topmost point
projected from the lowest of its trajectory. (A) A particle of mass m moves along a (p) 1
point. straight line on a smooth horizontal
plane, acted upon by a force delivering
a constant power P. If the initial veloc-
ity of the particle is zero, then its
displacement depends on time as tn.
Value of n is
(B) A locomotive of mass m starts moving (q) 2
(B) Block just fits inside the (q) Velocity of the body is so that its velocity varies according to
fixed tube and is projected zero at topmost point _
the law, = a ÷s , where a is a con-
from the lowest point. of its trajectory. stant and s is the distance covered.
Total work done by all the forces acting
on the locomotive during the first t
seconds after the beginning of motion
is proportional to tn. Value of n is
(C) The kinetic energy of a particle moving (r) 3/2
(C) Block projected hori- (r) Acceleration of the along a circle of radius R depends on
zontally from the lowest body is zero at the the distance covered s as T = a s2, where
point of a smooth fixed top most point of its a is a constant. Centripetal acceleration
cylinder. trajectory. is proportional to sn. Value of n is
(D) The kinetic energy of a particle mov- (s) 5/2
ing along a circle of radius R depends
on the distance covered s as T = a s2,
where a is a constant. Tangential accel-
eration is proportional to sn. Value of
(D) Block is projected on the (s) Normal force is radi- n is
outer surface of a fixed ally outward at top
hemisphere from an most point of the 7. A block, suspended from a spring, is released from
angular position q. trajectory.
rest when the spring is
unstretched. ‘x’ represents
the stretch in the spring.
Select the appropriate graph
taking quantities in column I
on y-axis.
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapter 14 15.3

Column I Column II 10. Assume that the potential energy of a mass m depends
on the x-coordinate only. Then
(A) The KE of block (p) 1
(B) The work done on the block by (q) 2 U = (x – 3)2 (2 – x)
gravity For the position of mass indicated in column I, com-
(C) The magnitude of work done on the (r) 3 ment on the situation from column II.
block by spring
(D) The total mechanical energy of (s) 4 Column I Column II
block–earth–spring system (A) x = 7/3 (p) Stable equilibrium
(B) x = 2 (q) Unstable equilibrium
8. Initially, springs shown in the figure are in natural
(C) x = 3 (r) Neutral equilibrium
length. A varying external force F causes the block
to move slowly a distance x towards the wall on the (s) Not in equilibrium
smooth floor. Match the options given in the two
columns. 11. A particle is attached to a long inextensible string.
The string is fixed to a vertical cylinder which is
standing fixed on a smooth horizontal surface. The
particle is projected with a velocity v, perpendicular
to the string keeping the string taut. The string wraps
up on the cylinder and the particle moves on a spi-
ral path of decreasing radius till it hits the cylinder.
Column I Column II Consider the period when the particle moves on a
spiral path.
Work done by S2 on the Zero
(A) (p)
block

(B) Work done by S2 on S1 (q)

(
1 k1 k2
– __ ______ x2
2 k1 + k2 )
(C) Work done by F on the
block (r) __
(
k1 k2
1 ______
2 k1 + k2
x2
)
(D) Work done by S1 on the k1 k22 x2 Column I Column II
wall 1 _______
__
(s)
2 (k1 + k2)2 (A) Tension in the string (p) Will remain
constant

9. A particle of mass m is released (B) Work done by tension on the (q) Will increase
particle
from a height H on a smooth
curved surface which ends into (C) Speed of the particle (r) Will decrease
a vertical circular loop of radius (D) Acceleration of the particle (s) Zero
R as shown in the figure.
H = 2.5 R· N is a normal reac- 12. A particle of mass m = 1 kg can move along x-axis
tion force by the track on the particle. with a conservative force acting on it. The potential
energy of the particle (in joule) changes with its x
Column I Column II co-ordinate (in metre) as shown in the graph.
(A) The rate of change of (p) When N = 6 mg
speed of the particle is
maximum.
(B) The rate of change of (q) When N = 3 mg
speed of the particle is
zero.
(C) Speed of the particle is (r) When 3mg < N
maximum. < 6 mg
(D) Acceleration of the (s) When acceleration is
particle is horizontal. maximum
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15.4 Mechanics I

Column I Column II Column I Column II

(A) Particle at x = 3 m is (p) Will escape to (A) x1, x2 and x3 and time needed (p) x1 > x2 > x3
given at a velocity just infinity in experiments I, II and III, re-
less than 10 ms–1 in the spectively
negative x-direction.
(B) x1, x2 and x3 are kinetic energy (q) x1 = x2 = x3
(B) Particle at x = – 2 m is (q) Will oscillate of the boat in experiments I,
given at a velocity
__ just II and III, respectively, with
higher than 4 ÷5 ms–1 in respect to the river bank
the positive x-direction.
(C) x1, x2 and x3 are mechanical (r) x1 > x3 > x2.
(C) Particle is released at (r) Initial acceleration is work expended by the boy in
x = 2. in positive x-direction experiments I, II and III
(D) Particle is pushed gently (s) Initial acceleration is in
in the positive x-direction negative x-direction (s) x1 < x3 < x2
at x = 0.
15. Four identical blocks slide along four different smooth
13. Two boys move identical boxes kept on a rough incline planes. Inclines 1, 2 and 3 have same height
floor. The first boy pushes the box by applying a but height of plane 4 is higher.
force inclined at angle q to the horizontal and the
other one pulls his box by applying a force making 4
an angle q with the horizontal. Both the boys apply
1 3
force of same magnitude and move the box through h h
same distance. Match the correct options. 2

Incline 3 and 4 form chords of a circle with their

lowest points coinciding with the bottom of the circle.
Assume that the u1, u2, u3 and u4 are velocities given
to the four blocks at the top of the respective inclines
and v1, v2, v3 and v4 are velocities with which they
reach at the bottom. Similarly t1, t2, t3 and t4 are the
Column I Column II travel times of blocks from top to bottom.
(A) Work done by boy 1 is (p) Equal to that of
other boy Column I Column II
(B) Power delivered by the (q) Higher (A) All the blocks are released at (p) v1 = v2 = v3 = v4
boy 2 is the top of their respective in-
clines with u1 = u2 = u3 = u4
(C) Acceleration produced by (r) Lower = 0.
the boy 1 is
(B) All the blocks projected down (q) v1 = v2 = v3 < v4
(D) Kinetic energy imparted to (s) Depends on q
the inclines from the top with
the block by second boy is
non-zero velocities u1 = u2 = u3
= u 4.
14. A boy is in a paddle boat which is floating alongside
a wooden raft in a river. The boy performs three (C) Blocks 1 and 2 are released (r) t3 = t4
simultaneously and 3 and 4
experiments. He rows with a constant speed relative
are released after some time.
to the water.
u1 = u2 = u3 = u4.
(I) He rows his boat downstream so as to get 40 m
(s) t1 > t2
ahead of the raft.
(II) He rows his boat upstream so that the wooden
16. A string-tied stone is moving in a vertical circle. At
raft goes 40 m downstream, ahead of the boat.
the lowest point A, the stone is given a speed u. C
(III) He rows his boat 40 m towards the river bank is the top most position and B is the position of the
while moving together with the raft along with stone when the string is horizontal.
the current.
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapter 14 15.5

C 18. A particle which is free to move along x-axis has a

potential energy U. The particle is acted upon by a
conservative force (F) only.

O B Column I Column II
2
(A) U = ax – bx (p) Stable equilibrium
b
At x = _
a
1
(B) U = x + _
u
A (q) Equilibrium is not
x
Possible equilibrium is possible
Column I Column II (C) F = 2x – 1 (r) Unstable equilibrium
(A) Tension in the string when the (p) Is never zero Possible equilibrium is
stone is between A and B (ex- (D) Graph of U versus x is as (s) Stable and
cluding A and B). shown: unstable both
U equilibrium
(B) Horizontal component of accel- (q) Can be zero
eration when the stone is between
B and C (excluding points B and
C) and is moving towards C. x

(C) Magnitude of the vertical com- (r) Decreases then

ponent of acceleration when the increases
stone is between A and B (ex- Possible equilibrium is
cluding A and B) and is moving
towards B.
(D) Magnitude of the tangential (s) Increases then PASSAGE-BASED PROBLEMS
acceleration from A to C (exclud- decreases
Every passage is followed by a series of questions. Every
ing A and C).
question has four options. Choose the most appropriate
option for the questions.
17. A block of mass m is placed on an inclined surface
of a wedge of mass M. Wedge lies on a horizontal Passage 1
surface. Friction is absent everywhere. The system is
released from the rest. Match the two columns for A vertical, frictionless, semi-circular track of radius R is
an interval in which the block undergoes a vertical fixed on the edge of trolley as shown in the figure given
displacement h. below. Initially, the system is at rest and a mass m is kept
at the top of the track. The trolley begins to move towards
m 2g
right with a horizontal acceleration a = ___. The mass slides
9
down the track and after some time it eventually loses con-
tact with the track and drops to the floor. Floor is h below
M the trolley.

Column I Column II
(A) Work done by the force applied (p) Positive
by the block on the wedge is
(B) Work done by the force applied (q) Negative
by the wedge on the block is
(C) Sum of the work done by nor- (r) Zero
mal reaction of the wedge on the 1. The angle q with the vertical, at which it loses contact
block and work done by the nor-
with the trolley, is
mal reaction of the block on the
wedge is (a) 37° (b) 53°
(D) Net work done by all the forces (s) Less than mgh
acting on the block is in magnitude ()
2
(c) cos–1 __
3 ()
1
(d) cos–1 __
3
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15.6 Mechanics I

2. The height from the floor where the mass m loses being released from P. Find the friction coefficient
contact is m between particle and the surface if mass of particle
is 0.8 kg, K = 1000 Nm–1, length L = 1.2 m and the
6 17
(a) __ R (b) ___ R distance x = 0.5 m.
5 15
(a) 0.4 (b) 0.8
32
(c) 2 R (d) ___ R (c) 2.5 (d) 5
15
3. The time taken by the mass to drop on the floor, after
losing contact, is Passage 3
___ ___ A 0.5 kg block slides from point A on a horizontal track

÷ ÷
2R
___ 2R
___ with an initial speed of 3 ms–1 towards a weightless spring
(a) (b) g
3g of length 1 m and having a force constant 2 Nm–1 as shown
___

÷3 g
2R in the figure. The part AB of the track is frictionless and the
(c) ___
2
(d) Can't be determined
part BC has a co-efficient of static and kinetic friction as
0.22 and 0.20, respectively. The distance AB and BD are 2
Passage 2 m and 2.14 m, respectively.
A particle is attached between two ideal identical springs
each having a force constant K. Other ends of the springs
are kept fixed at points A and B. The springs and the particle
lie on a horizontal plane. Initially, the particle is at point
O, and in this position, both the springs are unstretched. 7. After the block stops for the first time
The particle is pulled very slowly in the horizontal plane, (a) it will again start to move
perpendicular to the initial straight line AOB. The particle (b) it will never move again
is pulled up to a point P such that OP = x. The particle is
(c) it will come back to its position at A
then released from this position.
(d) it will come back to rest at B
8. The total distance through which the block moves
before it comes to rest completely is
(a) 824 cm (b) 600 cm
(c) 400 cm (d) 424 cm

Passage 4
A U-shaped smooth wire has a semi-circular bend of radius
R between A and B. It is held fixed in a vertical plane. A
bead of mass m is released from height h (above A) and
slides smoothly along the wire to reach the same height on
4. Work done by the external agent to move the particle other side of the wire. It is given that h >> R.
from point O to P is
(a) W = Kx2
______
(b) W = Kx2 + 2 Kx [ x – ÷L2 + x2 ]
_______
[
(c) W = Kx2 + 2 KL ÷L2 + x2 ]
______
(d) W = Kx2 + 2 KL [ L – ÷L2 + x2 ]
5. If the horizontal surface is frictionless, mass of parti-
cle is 0.8 kg, spring constant K = 1000 Nm–1, natural 9. Consider the motion of the bead between A and the
length of each spring L = 1.2 m and x = 0.5 m, then lowest point C of the wire. The ratio of change in
speed of particle when it reaches point O is magnitude of velocity of the particle to the magnitude
(a) 4 ms–1 (b) 5 ms–1 of change in its velocity is nearly equal to
__
–1 (a) 1 (b) ÷2
(c) 2 ms (d) None of these
6. In one experiment, the horizontal surface is rough (c) 2 (d) Zero
and the particle just reaches O and stops after
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Miscellaneous Problems Based on Chapter 14 15.7

10. Time taken by the bead to move from A to B is (a) In arrangements A and B, the potential energy
approximately: of the system of two balls will increase.
p____
R p____
R (b) In B, the potential energy of the system of
(a) _____ (b) ______
÷ 2gh 2 ÷2gh the two balls will increase and in C it will
__ decrease.
÷2 pR
______ R___
(c) ___ (d) _____ . (c) In A and C, the potential energy of the system
÷gh p ÷gh will increase and in B it will decrease.
Passage 5 (d) Potential energy will not change in all the three
arrangements.
One end of a spring is fixed to a wall and the other end is
connected to a block of mass 1 kg. Coefficient of friction 14. The arrangement which is in stable equilibrium is:
between the block and the floor is m = 0.2. (a) A and B (b) B
The block is pushed to compress the spring by 10 cm (c) A and C (d) C
and released. Force constant of the spring is K = 50 Nm–1.
The block oscillates a few times and comes to rest. Passage 7
‘Super guns’ with a long barrel can launch big artillery
shells to hundreds of kilometres. One such gun has a barrel
of length 30 m and can launch 10 kg shells up to a distance
of 100 km. The expanding gases exert a force on the shell
11. Which of the following is true? (inside the barrel) which decreases linearly from F0, at start,
(a) Finally, the block must come to rest at the to zero at the exit of the barrel. Neglect the air resistance
position where the spring is relaxed. during the motion of the shell in atmosphere and assume
(b) The spring will get relaxed more than once that the gun is placed on ground.
before the block finally stops. 15. The reason for using long barrel in super gun is
(c) The spring will get relaxed only once before the (a) to increase the force of expanding gases on the
block finally stops. shell
(d) Accelerration of the block is zero when the (b) to launch the shell from a suitable position by
spring is relaxed for the first time. changing the angle of the long barrel
12. Total distance travelled by the block before it finally (c) to allow the force of expanding gases to act for
comes to rest is: longer distance
(a) 12 cm (b) 18 cm (d) to ensure that the barrel is not heated much
(c) 28 cm (d) 16 cm 16. Value of F0 is
(a) 3.33 × 105 N (b) 1.6 × 104 N
Passage 6 8
(c) 6.8 × 10 N (d) 6.8 × 105 N
In the arrangements shown below, all the balls are identical
and strings are light. There is no friction. In each of the three Passage 8
arrangements A, B and C, the system is in equilibrium.
An incline plane has a flat surface but it is non-uniform in
the sense that the coefficient of friction between a block of
mass M and the incline varies arbitrarily along the length
of the incline. The difference in height between the top and
the bottom of the plane is h. The block is projected up the
incline at a speed v and it reaches the top with a speed v0.
It was found that when the same block was projected down
the incline at speed v0, it reached the bottom at an unchanged
speed (= v0).

The hill slopes are identical on the two sides in each of

the arrangements.
13. One of the balls in each arrangement is pulled down
a little along the hill slope.
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15.8 Mechanics I

h
(a) 10 cm (b) 18 cm
17. If inclination angle of the incline is 45°, then Ú f dh
0 (c) 6 cm (d) 2 cm
will be equal to [here f = magnitude of friction force
acting on the block and dh = infinitesimally small Passage 10
change in height of the block] A block of mass 2 kg is given a velocity v = 10 ms–1 towards
mgh __ left and is gently placed on a conveyor belt that is mov-
(a) ____
__ (b) ÷2 mgh ing towards right with a constant velocity of u = 10 ms–1.
÷2
Coefficient of friction between the block and the belt is
(c) mgh (d) 2 mgh m = 0.5. A is an observer moving along with the conveyor
18. Value of v0 is: belt and B is another observer who is at rest on ground. Both
_______ _______ the observers record the event till the block stops slipping
(a) ÷v2 – 4gh (b) ÷v2 – 2gh on the conveyor.
_______
(c) ÷v2 – 8gh (d) None

Passage 9
A small sleeve with a mass m = 0.3 kg can slide along an
elastic cord, one end of which is fixed to a ceiling. The con-
stant friction between the sleeve and the cord is f = 0.294 N.
Length of the undeformed cord is l0 = 1.0
m and its force constant is k = 560 Nm–1.
There is a catch at the lower end of the
cord which prevents the sleeve from mov- 22. Work done by friction force on the block as reported
Sleeve by B is:
ing out of the cord. Mass and the catch
is negligible. The sleeve is lifted to its (a) 20 J (b) 60 J
extreme top position (cord is relaxed) and (c) 0 (d) – 10 J
released. Disregard any internal friction in 23. Work done by friction on the block as reported by A
the cord. Catch
is:
19. The elongation x of the cord at the instant when the (a) 40 J (b) 200 J
sleeve reaches the stop is
(c) – 400 J (d) – 40 J
(a) 0.2 cm (b) 0.53 cm
24. Observer B finds that the power of the motor driving
(c) 0.2 cm (d) 1.06 cm the belt must be increased by D p to keep the belt
20. The speed of the sleeve at the instant when it is moving with a constant velocity after the block was
about to hit the catch is placed and till it slipped on the belt. Value of D p
(a) 2.2 ms–1 (b) 1.2 ms–1 is:
(c) 5 ms–1 (d) 4.25 ms–1 (a) 100 W (b) 200 W
21. Maximum elongation x0 caused in the cord is (c) 40 W (d) 80 W
nearly:
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Answers Sheet
Match the Column
1. (A) q, r; (B) q, r; (C) p, r; (D) p, r, t 2. (A) q; (B) r; (C) p
3. (A) – p; (B) – p; (C) – s; (D) – q 4. (A) – q, s; (B) – p, q; (C) – p; (D) – q, r, s
5. (A) q; (B) r; (C) q 6. (A) – r; (B) – q; (C) – q; (D) – p
7. (A) r; (B) p; (C) q; (D) s 8. (A) q; (B) s; (C) r; (D) p
9. (A) q; (B) p, s; (C) p, s; (D) r 10. (A) p; (B) s; (C) q
11. (A) q; (B) s; (C) p; (D) q 12. (A) q, r; (B) p, s; (C) q, r; (D) p, r
13. (A) p, s; (B) q, s; (C) r, s; (D) q, s 14. (A) q; (B) r; (C) q
15. (A) q, r, s; (B) q, s; (C) q, r, s 16. (A) p; (B) p; (C) q, r; (D) s
17. (A) p, s; (B) q, s; (C) r, s; (D) p, s 18. (A) q; (B) s; (C) r; (D) p

Passage-based Problems
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (d)
10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (a)
19. (b) 20. (d) 21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (a)

15.9
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CHAPTER 16

Past Year JEE Problems

VECTORS, UNITS AND DIMENSIONS, 6. Let [ 0] denote the dimensional formula of the
permittivity of vacuum. If M = mass, L = length,
AND BASIC MATHEMATICS T = time and A = electric current, then:
AIEEE/JEE MAIN PROBLEMS [JEE Main 2013]
_› _› _› _› [ –1 –3 2
(a) [ 0] = M L T A ]
1. If A × B = B × A, then the angle between A and B
is: [AIEEE 2005] (b) [ 0] = [ M–1 L–3 T 4 A2]
(c) [ 0] = [ M–1 L2 T –1 A–2]
(a) p /2 (b) p /3
(d) [ 0] = [ M–1 L2 T –1 A ]
(c) p (d) p /4
2. Out of the following pairs, which one does not have IIT JEE/JEE ADVANCED PROBLEMS
identical dimensions? [AIEEE 2005]
7. Which of the following sets has different dimen-
(a) Angular momentum and Planck’s constant sions? [IIT-JEE 2005]
(b) Impulse and momentum
(a) Pressure, Young’s modulus, stress
(c) Moment of inertia and moment of a force
(b) Emf, potential difference, electric potential
(d) Work and torque
(c) Heat, work done, energy
3. Which of the following units denotes the dimensions
(d) Dipole moment, electric flux, electric field
[ML2/Q2], where Q denotes the electric charge?
8. Some physical quantities are given in column I and
[AIEEE 2006] some possible SI units in which these quantities may
2
(a) Wb/m (b) henry (H) be expressed are given in column II. Match the
2
(c) H/m (d) Weber (Wb) physical quantities in column I with the units in
4. The ‘rad’ is the correct unit used to report the column II. [JEE Adv 2007]
measurement of: [AIEEE 2006] Column I Column II
(a) the ability of a beam of gamma ray photons to
produce ions in a target (a) GMeMs (p) (Volt) (coulomb)
(b) the energy delivered by radiation to a target G – universal gravitational (metre)
constant
(c) the biological effect of radiation
Me – mass of the earth
(d) the rate of decay of a radioactive source Ms – mass of the sun
5. The dimension of magnetic field in M, L, T and C
(Colulomb) is given as: [AIEEE 2008] (q) (Kilogram) (metre)3
(b) 3RT
____ (second)–2
(a) MLT –1C–1 (b) MT2C–2 M
(c) MT –1C–1 (d) MT –2C–1 R – universal gas constant
T – absolute temperature
M – molar mass
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16.2 Mechanics I

_› __›
F2
(c) ____ (r) (Metre)2 (second)–2 (a) S = (1 – b) P + bQ
_› __›
q2B2 (b) S = (b – 1) P + bQ
F – force, q – charge _› _› __›
B – magnetic field (c) S = (1 – b2) P + bQ
_› _› __›
GMe (s) (Farad) (Volt)2 (d) S = (1 – b) P + b2 Q
____
(d) Re (kilogram)–1 _› _› _›
G – universal gravitational 13. Two
_› vectors A and B are defined as A aî and
constant B = a (cos t ˆi + sin _t jˆ ), where
_› a__is_ a constant
_› and
› ›
Me – mass of the earth = p / 6 rad s–1. If |A + B| = ÷3 |A – B| at time
Re – radius of the earth t = for the first time, the value of , in seconds, is
_____. [JEE Adv. 2018]
9. Planck’s constant h, speed of light c, and gravitational PARTICLE KINEMATICS
constant G are used to form a unit of length L and a
unit of mass M. Then the correct option(s) is(are) AIEEE/JEE MAIN PROBLEMS
[JEE Adv 2015] 1. A parachutist after bailing out falls 50 m without fric-
__ __
(a) M µ ÷__c (b) M µ ÷G
__
tion. When parachute opens, it decelerates at 2 ms–2.
(c) L µ ÷h (d) L µ ÷G He reaches the ground with a speed of 3 ms–1. At
10. A length scale (l ) depends on the permittivity ( ) what height did he bail out? [AIEEE 2005]
of a dielectric material, Boltzmann constant (kB), (a) 293 m (b) 111 m
the absolute temperature (T ), the number per unit (c) 91 m (d) 182 m
volume (n) of certain charged particles and the charge 2. A car, starting from rest, accelerates at the rate f
(q) carried by each of the particles. Which of the through a distance S, then continues at a constant
following expression(s) for (l) is(are) dimensionally speed for time t and then decelerates at the rate f /2
correct? [JEE Adv 2016] to come to rest. If the total distance traversed is 15S,
_______ _______

÷( )
[AIEEE 2005]

÷( )
then:
nq2
_____ kBT
_____
(a) l = (b) l = 1 2
__ 1 2
__
kBT (a) S = ft (b) S = ft
nq2 2 4
_________ _________ 1 2 1

÷( ) ÷( )
(c) S = ___ ft __
(d) S = ft 2
q2 q2 72 6
(c) l = _______ (d) l = _______
n2/3kBT n1/3kBT 3. A bullet is fired into a fixed target loses half of its
11. Consider an expanding sphere of instantaneous radius velocity after penetrating 3 cm. How much further it
R whose total mass remains constant. The expansion will penetrate before coming to rest assuming that it
is such that the instantaneous density r remains uni- faces a constant resistance to motion?
form throughout the volume. The rate of fractional [AIEEE 2005]

( )
1 dr
change in density __ ___ is constant. The velocity v
r dt
(a) 1.5 cm
(c) 3.0 cm
(b) 1.0 cm
(d) 2.0 cm
of any point on the surface of the expanding sphere 4. The relation between time and distance is t = a x 2
is proportional to: [JEE Adv 2017] + b x, where a and b are constants. The retarda-
3
(a) R (b) R 1 tion is
1
__ [AIEEE 2005]
(c) (d) R 2/3
R __ __ (a) 2a 3
(b) 2b 3
12. Three __ vectors P, Q, (c) 2ab 3 (d) 2b 2 3
and R are shown in the
figure. Let S be any 5. A particle moves along a straight line OX. At a time
_› t (in seconds), the distance x (in metres) of the particle
point on the vector R.
from O is given by x = 40 + 12 t – t3. How long
The distance between
would the particle travel before coming to rest?
the_ points P and S is
› [AIEEE 2006]
b |R|. The general rela-
(a) 16 m (b) 24 m
tion _among the
_› vec-
› __› (c) 40 m (d) 56 m
tors P, Q and S is
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Past Year JEE Problems 16.3

6. A particle is located at x = 0 which starts moving along 11. A particle has an initial velocity of 3 + 4 and an
the positive x-direction with a velocity v that varies as acceleration of 0.4 + 0.3 . What is its speed after
__
v = a ÷x . The displacement of the particle varies with 10 s? [AIEEE 2009]
time as follows [AIEEE 2006] __
(a) 10 units (b) 7÷2 units
3 2
(a) t (b) t (c) 0.7 units (d) 8.5 units
(c) t (d) t1/2 _›
12. A particle is moving with velocity v = K ( yiˆ + x jˆ),
7. A particle is projected at 60° to the horizontal with where K is a constant. The general equation for its
a kinetic energy K. What is the kinetic energy at the path is [AIEEE 2010]
highest point? [AIEEE 2007]
(a) y2 = x2 + Constant (b) y = x2 + Constant
(a) K /2 (b) K (c) y2 = x + Constant (d) xy = Constant
(c) zero (d) K /4 13. For a particle in uniform circular motion, the accel-
_›
8. The velocity of a particle is v = v0 + gt + ft 2. If its eration a at a point P (R, q ) on the circle of radius
position is x = 0 at t = 0, then its displacement after R is (here, q is measured from the x - axis)
unit time (t = 1) is [AIEEE 2007] [AIEEE 2010]
2 2
(a) v0 + g /2 + f (b) v0 + 2g + 3 f (a) ___ + ___
(c) v0 + g /2 + f /3 (d) v0 + g + f R R
2 2
9. An athlete in the Olympic Games covers a distance (b) – ___ cos q + ___ sin q
of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated R R
2 2
to be in the range [AIEEE 2008] (c) – ___ sin q + ___ cos q
(a) 200J – 500 J R R
2 2
(b) 2 × 105 J – 3 × 105 J (d) – ___ cos q – ___ sin q
(c) 20,000 J – 50,000 J R R
(d) 2,000 J – 5,000 J 14. A point P moves in a coun-
10. A body is at x = 0. At t = 0, it starts moving in the ter-clockwise direction on a
positive x-direction with a constant acceleration. At circular path as shown in the
the same instant, another body passes through x = 0 figure. The movement of ‘P ’
moving in the positive x-direction with a constant is such that it sweeps out a
speed. The position of the first body is given by x1 (t) length s = t 3 + 5, where s
after time ‘t ’ and that of the second body by x2 (t) is in metres and t is in sec-
after the same time interval. Which of the following onds. The radius of the path
graphs correctly describes (x1 – x2) as a function of is 20 m. The acceleration of ‘P ’ when t = 2 s is
time ‘t ’? [AIEEE 2008] nearly: [AIEEE 2010]
–2 –2
(a) 14 ms (b) 13 ms
(c) 12 ms–2 (d) 7.2 ms–2
15. An object, moving with a speed of 6.25 ms–1, is
dv __
(a) (b) decelerated at a rate given by ___ = – 2.5÷v , where v
dt
is the instantaneous speed. What would be the time
taken by the object, to come to rest? [AIEEE 2011]
(a) 4 s (b) 8 s
(c) 1 s (d) 2 s
16. A boy can throw a stone up to a maximum height
of 10 m. The maximum horizontal distance that the
boy can throw the same stone up to will be
(c) (d)
[AIEEE 2012]
__
(a) 20 m (b) 20 ÷m
__
(c) 10 m (d) 10 ÷m
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
16.4 Mechanics I

17. A projectile is given an initial velocity of ( + 2 )

ms–1, where is along the ground and is along the
vertical. If g = 10 ms–2, the equation of its trajectory (a) (b)
is [JEE Main 2013]
2
(a) y = 2x – 5x (b) 4y = 2x – 5x2
2
(c) 4y = 2x – 25x (d) y = x – 5x2
18. From a tower of height H, a particle is thrown verti-
cally upwards with a speed u. The time taken by the
particle, to hit the ground, is n times that taken by
it to reach the highest point of its path. What is the (c) (d)
relation between H, u and n? [JEE Main 2014]
2 2
(a) 2gH = n u (b) gH = (n – 2)2u2
(c) 2gH = nu (n – 2) (d) gH = (n – 2)u2
2
IIT JEE/JEE ADVANCED PROBLEMS
19. Two stones are thrown up simultaneously from the
edge of a cliff 240 m high with an initial speed 21. The velocity displacement graph of a particle moving
of 10 ms–1 and 40 ms–1, respectively. Which of the along a straight line is shown in the figure below.
following graph best represents the time variation The most suitable acceleration-displacement graph
of the relative position of the second stone with will be:
respect to the first (assume stones do not rebound
after hitting the ground and neglect air resistance,
take g = 10 ms–2)?
(The figures are schematic and not drawn to scale.)
[JEE Main 2015]

(a)
[IIT-JEE 2005]

(a) (b)
(b)

(c) (d)
(c)

22. Statement 1: For an observer looking out through

the window of a fast-moving train, the nearby objects
appear to move in the opposite direction to the train,
(d) while the distant objects appear to be stationary.
Statement 2: If the observer and the object are
_› _›
moving at velocities v 1 and v 2 respectively, with
20. A body is thrown vertically upwards. Which one of reference to a laboratory frame, the velocity
_› _› of the
the following graphs correctly represents the velocity object with respect to the observer is v 2 – v 1.
versus time? [JEE Main 2017] [IIT-JEE 2008]
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Past Year JEE Problems 16.5

(a) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true; Statement 25. A rocket is moving in a gravity-free space with a
2 is a correct explanation for Statement 1. constant acceleration of 2 ms–2 along + x direction
(b) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true; (see figure). The length of a chamber inside the
Statement 2 is NOT a correct explanation for rocket is 4 m. A ball is thrown from the left end of
Statement 1. the chamber in + x direction with a speed of 0.3 m s–1
(c) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false. relative to the rocket. At the same time, another ball
is thrown in – x direction with a speed of 0.2 m s–1
(d) Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 is true.
from its right end relative to the rocket. Find the time
23. A train is moving along a straight line with a constant in seconds when the two balls hit each other.
acceleration ‘a’. A boy standing in the train throws [JEE Adv. 2014]
a ball forward with a speed of 10 ms–1, at angle of
60° to the horizontal. The boy has to move forward
by 1.15 m inside the train to catch the ball back at a = 2 ms
–2

initial height. Find the acceleration of the train, in 0.3 ms

–1
0.2 ms
–1
x
ms–2. [IIT-JEE 2011]
24. Two identical discs of same radius R are rotating
A
about their axes in opposite directions with the same 4m
constant angular speed . The discs are in the same
horizontal plane. At time t = 0, the points Q and P 26. Aeroplanes A and B are flying with constant veloc-
are facing each other as shown in the figure. ity in the same vertical plane at angle 30° and 60°
with respect to
the horizontal,
respectively, as
shown in figure.
The speed __
of A
is 100 ÷ 3 m s–1.
At time t = 0 s,
The relative speed between the two points P and Q an observer in A
is v. In one time period T of rotation of the discs, v finds B at a distance of 500 m. This observer sees B
as a function of time is best represented by moving with a constant velocity perpendicular to the
[IIT-JEE 2012] line of motion of A. If at t = t0, A just escapes being
hit by B, find t0 in seconds.
[JEE Adv. 2014]
(a)
27. A ball is projected from the ground at an angle of 45°
with the horizontal surface. It reaches a maximum
height of 120 m and returns to the ground. Upon
hitting the ground for the first time, it loses half of
its kinetic energy. Immediately after the bounce, the
(b) velocity of the ball makes an angle of 30° with the
horizontal surface. The maximum height it reaches
after the bounce, in metres, is ___________.
[JEE Adv. 2018]

(c)
NEWTON’S LAWS, FRICTION, AND
CIRCULAR MOTION
AIEEE/JEE MAIN PROBLEMS
1. A particle of mass 0.3 kg is subjected to a force
F = – kx with k = 15 N/m–1. What will be its initial
(d) acceleration, if it is released from a point 20 cm away
from the origin? [AIEEE 2005]
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
16.6 Mechanics I

(a) 5 ms–2 (b) 10 ms–2 8. Two fixed frictionless

(c) 3 ms–2 (d) 15 ms–2 inclined planes making
2. Consider a car moving on a straight road with a speed an angle 30° and 60°
of 100 ms–1. What is the distance at which car can with the vertical are
be stopped [ mk = 0.5]? [AIEEE 2005] shown in the figure.
Two blocks A and B
(a) 800 m (b) 1,000 m
are placed on the two
(c) 100 m (d) 400 m planes. What is the relative vertical acceleration of
3. A smooth block is released at rest on a 45° incline A with respect to B? [AIEEE 2010]
and then slides a distance d. The time taken to slide –2
(a) 4.9 ms in vertical direction
is n times as much to slide on rough incline than on (b) 4.9 ms–2 in horizontal direction
a smooth incline. The coefficient of friction is:
(c) 9.8 ms–2 in vertical direction
[AIEEE 2005]
______ (d) Zero

÷
1 1 9. A particle of mass m is at rest at the origin at time
(a) mk = 1 + __2 (b) mk = 1 + __2
n n t = 0. It is subjected to a force F (t) = F0e– bt in the
______ x -direction. Its speed (t) is depicted by which of

÷ n
1 1
(c) ms = 1 – __2 (d) m = 1 – __
s 2
the following curves? [AIEEE 2012]
n
4. The upper half of an inclined plane with inclination
is perfectly smooth, while the lower half is rough. (a) (b)
A body starting from rest at the top will again come
to rest at the bottom, if the coefficient of friction for
the lower half is given by [AIEEE 2005]
(a) 2 sin (b) 2 cos
(c) 2 tan (d) tan (c) (d)
5. A ball of mass 0.2 kg is thrown vertically upwards
by applying a force by hand. If the hand moves
0.2 m while applying the force and the ball goes upto 10. A block of mass m is placed on a surface with a ver-
2 m height further, find the magnitude of the force. x3
tical cross-section given by y = __. If the coefficient
Consider g = 10 ms–2: [AIEEE 2006] 6
(a) 4 N (b) 16 N of friction is 0.5, the maximum height above the
ground at which the block can be placed without
(c) 20 N (d) 22 N
slipping is [JEE Main 2014]
6. A player has caught a cricket ball of mass 150 g
1 2
moving at a rate of 20 ms–2. If the catching process is (a) __ m (b) __ m
completed in 0.1 s, then the force of the blow exerted 6 3
by the ball on the hand of the player is equal to 1 1
[AIEEE 2006] (c) __ m (d) __ m
3 2
(a) 150 N (b) 3 N 11. In the figure, there are there two blocks A and B
(c) 30 N (d) 300 N of weight 20 N and 100 N, respec-
7. A block of mass m is connected to another block tively. These are being pressed
of mass M by a spring (massless) of spring con- against a wall by a force F as
stant k. The blocks are kept on a smooth horizontal shown. If the coefficient of fric-
plane. Initially, the blocks are at rest and the spring tion between the blocks is 0.1 and
is unstretched. Then, a constant force F starts acting between block B and the wall is
on the block of mass M to pull it. Find the force on 0.15, the frictional force applied
the block of mass m. [AIEEE 2007] by the wall on block B is [JEE Main 2015]
MF mF (a) 150 N (b) 100 N
(a) _______ (b) ___
(m + M ) M (c) 80 N (d) 120 N
(M + m)F mF 12. Two masses m1 = 5 kg and m2 = 10 kg, connected
(c) ________
m (d) _______ by an inextensible string over a frictionless pulley, are
(m + M )
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Past Year JEE Problems 16.7

moving as shown in the but constant force F. As a result, the particles move
figure. The coefficient towards each other on the surface. The magnitude
of friction of horizon- of acceleration, when the separation between them
tal surface is 0.15. The becomes 2x, is [IIT-JEE 2007]
minimum weight m that
F ______a F ______x
should be put on top of (a) ___ ◊ _______ (b) ___ ◊ _______
2m ÷a2 – x2 2m ÷a2 – x2
m2 to stop the motion
______
is:
F x F ÷a2 – x2
[JEE Main 2018] (c) ___ ◊ __ (d) ___ ◊ _______
2m a 2m x
(a) 10.3 kg (b) 18.3 kg
17. A piece of wire is bent in the shape of a parabola
(c) 27.3 kg (d) 43.3 kg y = kx2 (y-axis vertical) with a bead of mass m on
13. A particle is moving with a uniform speed in a cir- it. The bead can slide on the wire without friction.
cular orbit of radius R in a central force inversely It stays at the lowest point of the parabola when the
proportional to the nth power of R. If the period of wire is at rest. The wire is now accelerated parallel to
rotation of the particle is T, then: [JEE Main 2018] the x-axis with a constant acceleration a. The distance
(a) T µ Rn/2 (b) T µ R3/2 for any n. of the new equilibrium position of the bead, where
n
__
(c) T µ R 2
+1
(d) T µ R (n + 1)/2 the bead can stay at rest with respect to the wire,
from the y-axis is [IIT-JEE 2009]
IIT JEE/JEE ADVANCED PROBLEMS a
(a) ___
a
(b) ____
gk 2gk
14. System shown in the figure is in equilib-
2a a
rium and at rest. The spring and string (c) ___ (d) ____
are massless, now the string is cut. The gk 4gk
acceleration of mass 2m and m just after 18. A block of mass m is on an inclined plane of angle q.
the string is cut will be: The coefficient of friction between the block and the
[IIT-JEE 2006] plane is m and tan q > m.
The block is held station-
(a) g/2 upwards, g downwards
ary by applying a force P
(b) g upwards, 2g downwards parallel to the plane. The
(c) g upwards, g/2 downwards direction of force pointing
(d) 2g upwards, g downwards up the plane is taken to be
15. A circular disc with positive. As P is varied from P1 = mg (sin q – m cos q )
a groove along its to P2 = mg (sin q + m cos q ), the frictional force f
diameter is placed versus P graph will look like: [IIT-JEE 2010]
horizontally. A block
of mass of 1 kg is
placed as shown. The
co-efficient of friction (a) (b)
between the block and
all surfaces of groove in contact is m = 2/5. The disc
has an acceleration of 25 ms–2. Find the acceleration
of the block with respect to the disc.
[IIT-JEE 2006] (c) (d)
16. Two particles of
mass m are tied at
the ends of a light 19. A block is moving on an inclined plane making an
string of length 2a. angle 45° with the horizontal and the coefficient of
The whole system friction is m. The force required to just push it up the
is kept on a fric- inclined plane is 3 times the force required to just
tionless horizontal surface with the string held tight prevent it from sliding down. If we define N = 10 m,
so that each mass is at a distance a from the centre then N is: [IIT-JEE 2011]
P (as shown in the figure). Now, the mid-point of 20. A small block of mass of 0.1 kg lies on a fixed
the string is pulled vertically upwards with a small inclined plane PQ which makes an angle q with
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
16.8 Mechanics I

the horizontal. A horizon- Code:

tal force of 1 N acts on the (a) P – 1, Q – 1, R – 1, S – 3
block through its centre of (b) P – 2, Q – 2, R – 2, S – 3
mass as shown in the figure. (c) P – 2, Q – 2, R – 2, S – 4
The block remains stationary (d) P – 2, Q – 2, R – 3, S – 3
if (take g = 10 ms–2) [IIT-JEE 2012]
(a) q = 45°. WORK ENERGY AND POWER
(b) q > 45° and a frictional force acts on the block
towards P. AIEEE/JEE MAIN PROBLEMS
(c) q > 45° and a frictional force acts on the block 1. A body of mass m is accelerated uniformly from rest
towards Q. to a speed in a time T. The instantaneous power
(d) q < 45° and a frictional force acts on the block delivered to the body as a function of time is given
towards Q. by [AIEEE 2005]
21. A wire, which passes through the mv 2 mv 2 2
hole in a small bead, is bent in the (a) ____ t (b) ____ t
form of quarter of a circle. The T2 T2
1 mv 2 1 mv 2 2
wire is fixed vertically on ground (c) __ ____ t (d) __ ____ t
as shown in the figure. The bead 2 T2 2 T2
is released from near the top of
2. A ball of mass 0.2 kg is thrown vertically upwards by
the wire and it slides along the wire without friction.
applying a force by hand. If the hand moves 0.2 m
As the bead moves from A to B, the force it applies
while applying the force and the ball goes up to
on the wire is [JEE Adv. 2014]
2 m height further, find the magnitude of the force.
(a) always radially outwards Consider g = 10 ms–2: [AIEEE 2006]
(b) always radially inwards
(a) 4 N (b) 16 N
(c) radially outwards initially and radially inwards
later (c) 20 N (d) 22 N
(d) radially inwards initially and radially outwards 3. The potential energy of a 1 kg particle free to move
later.
22. A block of mass m1 = 1 kg and
x4 x2
along the x-axis is given by V(x) = __ – __ J. The
4 2 ( )
another mass m2 = 2 kg are placed total mechanical energy of the particle is 2 J. Then,
together (see figure) on an inclined the maximum speed (in ms–1) is [AIEEE 2006]
__ __
plane with angle of inclination q. (a) 3/ ÷__2 (b) ÷2
Various values of q are given in List (c) 1/ ÷2 (d) 2
I. The coefficient of friction between 4. A particle of mass 100 g is thrown vertically upwards
the block m1 and the plane is always zero. The coef- with a speed of 5 ms–1. The work done by gravity
ficient of static and dynamic friction between the during the time the particle moves up is
block m2 and the plane are equal to m = 0.3. [AIEEE 2006]
In List II, expressions for the friction on block m2 (a) 1.25 J (b) 0.5 J
are given. Match the correct expression of the friction (c) – 0.5 J (d) – 1.25 J
in List II with the angles given in List I and choose
5. A mass M is suspended by a massless string. The
the correct option. The acceleration due to gravity is
constant horizontal force that is required to displace
denoted by g. [JEE-Adv. 2014]
it till the string makes an angle of 45° with the initial
[Useful information: tan(5.5°) ª 0.1; tan(11.5°) vertical direction is [AIEEE 2006]
ª 0.2; tan(16.5°) ª 0.3] __ __
(a) Mg/÷2__ (b) Mg(÷__2 – 1)
List I List II (c) Mg(÷2 + 1) (d) Mg ÷2
P. q = 5° 1. m2 g sin q 6. A particle is projected at 60° to the horizontal with
a kinetic energy K. The kinetic energy at the highest
Q. q = 10° 2. (m1 + m2)g sin q
point is [AIEEE 2007]
R. q = 15° 3. m m2 g cos q
(a) K (b) zero
S. q = 20° 4. m (m1 + m2)g cos q (c) K/4 (d) K/2
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Past Year JEE Problems 16.9

7. A 2 kg block slides on a horizontal floor with a 12. A body of mass m = 10–2 kg is moving in a medium
speed of 4 ms–1. It strikes a uncompressed spring and experiences a frictional force F = – kv2. Its
and compresses it till the block is motionless. The initial speed is v0 = 10 m s–1. If, after 10 s, its energy is
kinetic friction force is 15 N and spring constant is 1 2
__
10,000 N/m. The spring compresses by mv , the value of k will be [JEE Main 2017]
8 0
[AIEEE 2007] (a) 10 – 3 kg m –1 (b) 10 – 3 kg s –1
(a) 8.5 cm (b) 5.5 cm
(c) 10 – 4 kg m –1 (d) 10 – 1 kg m –1 s –1
(c) 2.5 cm (d) 11.0 cm
13. A time-dependent force F = 6t acts on a particle of
8. An athlete in the Olympic Games covers a distance
mass of 1 kg. If the particle starts from rest, the work
of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated
done by the force during the first 1 s will be
to be in the range [AIEEE 2008]
[JEE Main 2017]
(a) 200 J – 500 J (b) 2 × 105 J – 3 × 105 J
(a) 4.5 J (b) 22 J
(c) 20,000 J – 50,000 J (d) 2,000 J – 5,000 J
(c) 9 J (d) 18 J
9. When a rubber band is stretched by a distance x,
it exerts a restoring force of magnitude F = ax 14. A particle is moving in a circular path of radius a
+ bx2 where a and b are constants. The work done k
under the action of an attractive potential U = – ___2 .
in stretching the unstretched rubber band by L is 2r
[JEE Main 2014] Its total energy is: [JEE Main 2018]
1
(a) aL2 + bL3 (b) __ ( aL2 + bL3) 3 k
(a) – __ __2 k
(b) – ___
2 2 a 4a2
aL
2
2
(c) ___ + ___
bL
3
3
(
1 aL2 bL3
(d) __ ___ + ___
2 2 3) k
(c) ___2
2a
(d) Zero
10. A point particle of mass m moves along the uni-
formly rough track PQR as shown in the figure. IIT JEE / JEE ADVANCED PROBLEMS
The coefficient of friction between the particle 15. A bob of mass M is suspended by
and the rough track a massless string of length L. The
equals m. The particle horizontal velocity v at position A
is released, from rest is just sufficient to make it reach
from the point P, and the point B. The angle q at which
it comes to rest at a the speed of the bob is half of that
point R. The energies, at A satisfies
lost by the ball, over [IIT-JEE 2008]
the parts, PQ and QR,
p p p
of the track, are equal to each other, and no energy (a) q = __ (b) __ < q < __
is lost when particle changes direction from PQ to 4 4 2
QR. The values of the coefficient of friction m and p 3p 3p
(c) __ < q < ___ (d) ___ < q < p
the distance x (= QR) are, respectively, close to 2 4 4
[JEE Main 2016] 16. A block of mass
(a) 0.2 m and 6.5 m (b) 0.2 m and 3.5 m of 2 kg is free to
(c) 0.29 m and 3.5 m (d) 2.2 m and 6.5 m move along the
x-axis. It is at rest
11. A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts
and from t = 0
a mass of 10 kg up to a height of 1 m 1,000 times.
onwards it is sub-
Assume that the potential energy lost each time he
jected to a time-
lowers the mass is dissipated. How much fat will
dependent force
he use up considering the work done only when the
F(t) in the x-direction. The force F(t) varies with t
weight is lifted up? Fat supplies 3.8 × 107 J of energy
as shown in the figure. What is the kinetic energy of
per kg which is converted to mechanical energy with
the block after 4.5 s? [IIT-JEE 2010]
a 20% efficiency rate. Given g = 9.8 m s–2.
[JEE Main 2016] (a) 4.50 J (b) 7.50 J
(a) 2.45 × 10 kg–3
(b) 6.45 × 10– 3 kg (c) 5.06 J (d) 14.06 J
–3
(c) 9.89 × 10 kg (d) 12.89 × 10– 3 kg 17. A block of mass of 0.18 kg is attached to a spring
of force constant 2 N/m. The coefficient of friction
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
16.10 Mechanics I

between the block 20. A particle of mass of 0.2 kg is moving in one dimen-
and the floor is 0.1. sion under a force that delivers a constant power
Initially, the block is 0.5 W to the particle. If the initial speed (in ms–1)
at rest and the spring of the particle is zero, then find speed (in ms –1)
is un-stretched. An after 5 s. [JEE Adv 2013]
impulse is given to the block in the figure. The block 21. A tennis ball is dropped on a horizontal smooth
slides a distance of 0.06 m and comes to rest for the surface. It bounces back to its original position after
first time. The initial velocity of the block in ms–1 is hitting the surface. The force on the ball during the
V = N/10. Then N is [IIT-JEE 2011] collision is proportional to the length of compression
of the ball. Which one of the following sketches
18. The work done on a particle of mass m by a force

[ ]
x y describes the variation of its kinetic energy K with
K _________
2 2 3/2
+ _________ (K being a constant time t most appropriately? The figures are only
(x + y ) (x + y2)3/2
2
illustrative and not to the scale. [JEE Adv 2014]
of appropriate dimension), when the particle is taken
from the point (a, 0) to the point (0, a) along a
circular path of radius a about the origin in the x – y
plane, is [JEE Adv 2013] (a)

2Kp Kp
(a) ____ (b) ___
a a
Kp
(c) ___ (d) 0
2a
(b)
19. Questions (i) and (ii) are based on the following
passage:
A small block of mass of 1 kg is released from rest
at the top of a rough track. The track is a circular
arc of radius 40 m. The block slides along the track
without toppling and a frictional force acts on it in (c)
the direction opposite to the instantaneous velocity.
The work done in overcoming the friction up to the
point Q, as shown in the figure below, is 150 J. (Take
the acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 ms–2.)
[JEE Adv 2013]
(i) The magnitude of the normal reaction that acts (d)
on the block at the point Q is

22. Consider an ellipti- Q

cally shaped rail PQ in
the vertical plane with
OP = 3 m and OQ = 4 m.
A block of mass 1 kg is
pulled along the rail from
P to Q with a force of 18 N, 4m
which is always parallel
to line PQ (see the figure
(a) 7.5 N (b) 8.6 N given). Assuming no fric-
90°
(c) 11.5 N (d) 22.5 N tional losses, the kinetic P
energy of the block when O 3m
(ii) The speed of the block when it reaches the point
Q is it reaches Q is (n × 10) J.
Find the value of n. (Take acceleration due to gravity
(a) 5 ms__–1 (b) 10 ms–1
= 10 m s–2). [JEE Adv 2014]
(c) 10 ÷3 ms–1 (d) 20 ms–1
 Telegram @unacademyplusdiscounts
Past Year JEE Problems 16.11

23. A particle of unit mass is moving along the x-axis (t) The particle with
under the influence of a force and its total energy U0
is conserved. Four possible forms of the poten- total energy ___
4
tial energy of the particle are given in column I can oscillate about
(a and U0 are constants). Match the potential ener- the point x = – a.
gies in column I to the corresponding statement(s)
in column II. [JEE Adv 2015] 24. A particle of mass m is initially at rest at the origin.
It is subjected to a force and starts moving along
the x-axis. Its kinetic energy K changes with time as
Column I Column II dK/dt = t, where is a positive constant of appropri-
(p) The force acting ate dimensions. Which of the following statements is
1
U
2
[ ( )]
x
(A) U (x) = ___0 1 – __
a
2 2
on the particle is
zero at x = a.
(are) true? [JEE Adv. 2018]
(a) The force applied on the particle is constant
(q) The force acting
U0 x (b) The speed of the particle is proportional to
(B) U2(x) = ___ __
2 a
( ) 2 on the particle is
zero at x = 0.
time
(c) The distance of the particle from the origin
(C) U3(x) (r) The force acting increases linearly with time
U0 x
( )
= ___ __
2 a
2
[ ( )]
x
exp – __
a
2
on the particle is
zero at x = – a.
(d) The force is conservative

U x __
(D) U4(x) = ___0 __
[
2 a 3 a
1 x
– __ ( ) 3
] (s) The particle expe-
riences an attrac-
tive force towards
x = 0 in the region
|x| < a.
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Answers Sheet
Vectors, Units and Dimensions and Basic Mathematics
1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (d)
8. (a) p, q; (b) r, s; (c) r, s; (d) r, s 9. (a, c, d) 10. (b, d) 11. (a) 12. (a) 13. (2s)

Particle Kinematics
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (d)
10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (d) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (c)
19. (d) 20. (c) 21. (d) 22. (b) 23. (5) 24. (a) 25. (2 or 8) 26. (5)
27. (30 m)

Newton’s Laws, Friction and Circular Motion

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (d)
–2
10. (a) 11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (10 ms ) 16. (b) 17. (b)
18. (a) 19. (5) 20. (a, c) 21. (d) 22. (d)

Work Energy and Power

1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (c)
10. (c) 11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (c) 17. (4) 18. (d)
19. (i) a, (ii) b 20. (5) 21. (b) 22. (5) 23. (a) p, q, r, t; (b) q, s; (c) p, q, r, s; (d) p, r ;
24. (a, b, d)

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