Motion in a straight line

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Among the four graph shown in the figure there is only one graph for which average velocity over the time interval (0,T) can vanish for a suitably chosen T. Which one is it?

(c)

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Thinking Process

In this problem, we have to locate the graph which is having same displacement for two timings. When there are two timings for same displacement the corresponding velocities will be in opposite directions.

Answer (b) In graph (b) for one value of displacement there are two different points of time. Hence, for one time, the average velocity is positive and for other time is equivalent negative.

As there are opposite velocities in the interval 0 to T hence average velocity can vanish in (b). This can be seen in the figure given below

Here, OA=BT (same displacement) for two different points of time.

  • Graph (a): In graph (a), the displacement is always increasing or decreasing monotonically over time. This means that the velocity does not change sign, and thus the average velocity over any interval cannot be zero.

  • Graph (c): In graph (c), the displacement is a straight line with a constant slope, indicating a constant velocity. Since the velocity does not change, the average velocity over any interval will be equal to this constant velocity and cannot be zero.

  • Graph (d): In graph (d), the displacement is also a straight line with a constant slope, similar to graph (c). This indicates a constant velocity, and thus the average velocity over any interval will be equal to this constant velocity and cannot be zero.

2. A lift is coming from 8th floor and is just about to reach 4th floor. Taking ground floor as origin and positive direction upwards for all quantities, which one of the following is correct?

(a) x<0,v<0,a>0

(b) x>0,v<0,a<0

(c) x>0,v<0,a>0

(d) x>0,v>0,a<0

Show Answer

Answer (a) As the lift is coming in downward directions displacement will be negative. We have to see whether the motion is accelerating or retarding

We know that due to downward motion displacement will be negative. When the lift reaches 4th floor is about to stop hence, motion is retarding in nature hence, x<0;a>0.

As displacement is in negative direction, velocity will also be negative i.e., v<0.

This can be shown on the adjacent graph.

  • Option (b): x>0,v<0,a<0

    • Reason: The displacement x should be negative because the lift is moving downward from the 8th floor to the 4th floor. Therefore, x>0 is incorrect. Additionally, if the lift is about to stop, it is decelerating, which means the acceleration a should be positive, not negative.
  • Option (c): x>0,v<0,a>0

    • Reason: The displacement x should be negative because the lift is moving downward from the 8th floor to the 4th floor. Therefore, x>0 is incorrect.
  • Option (d): x>0,v>0,a<0

    • Reason: The displacement x should be negative because the lift is moving downward from the 8th floor to the 4th floor. Therefore, x>0 is incorrect. Additionally, the velocity v should be negative because the lift is moving downward, not upward.

3. In one dimensional motion, instantaneous speed v satisfies 0v<v0.

(a) The displacement in time T must always take non-negative values

(b) The displacement x in time T satisfies v0T<x<v0T

(c) The acceleration is always a non-negative number

(d) The motion has no turning points

Show Answer

Answer (b) For maximum and minimum displacement we have to keep in mind the magnitude and direction of maximum velocity.

As maximum velocity in positive direction is v0 maximum velocity in opposite direction is also v0.

Maximum displacement in one direction =v0T

Maximum displacement in opposite directions =v0T

Hence, v0T<x<v0T

Note We should not confuse with direction of velocities i.e., in one direction it is taken as positive and in another direction is taken as negative.

  • (a) The displacement in time ( T ) can take negative values if the motion is in the opposite direction. Therefore, it is not always non-negative.

  • (c) The acceleration can be negative if the object is decelerating. Hence, it is not always a non-negative number.

  • (d) The motion can have turning points if the object changes direction. Therefore, the motion does not necessarily have no turning points.

4. A vehicle travels half the distance l with speed v1 and the other half with speed v2, then its average speed is

(a) v1+v22

(b) 2v1+v2v1+v2

(c) 2v1v2v1+v2

(d) L(v1+v2)v1v2

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To calculate average speed we will calculate total distance covered and will divide by total time taken.

Answer (c) Time taken to travel first half distance t1=l/2v1=l2v1

Time taken to travel second half distance t2=l2v2

Total time =t1+t2

=l2v1+l2v2=l2[1v1+1v2]

We know that,

Vav= Average speed = total distance  total time =ll2[1v1+1v2]=2v1v2v1+v2

Note We should not confuse with distance and displacement. Distance displacement.

  • Option (a) v1+v22: This option represents the arithmetic mean of the two speeds. However, the average speed for a journey where different segments are traveled at different speeds is not simply the arithmetic mean of those speeds. The average speed must take into account the time spent traveling at each speed, which is not done in this option.

  • Option (b) 2v1+v2v1+v2: This option does not correctly account for the relationship between distance, speed, and time. The formula for average speed must consider the harmonic mean of the speeds when the distance is divided equally, which this option does not.

  • Option (d) L(v1+v2)v1v2: This option incorrectly uses the total distance L in the numerator and does not correctly represent the harmonic mean of the speeds. The correct formula for average speed when traveling equal distances at different speeds involves the harmonic mean, not this expression.

5. The displacement of a particle is given by x=(t2)2 where x is in metre and t in second. The distance covered by the particle in first 4 seconds is

(a) 4m

(b) 8m

(c) 12m

(d) 16m

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Thinking Process

In such type of problems we have to see whether the motion is accelerating or retarding. During retarding journey particle will stop in between.

Answer (b) Given,

x=(t2)2

Velocity,

v=dxdt=ddt(t2)2=2(t2)m/s

Acceleration,

a=dvdt=ddt[2(t2)]

=2[10]=2m/s2

When,

t=0;v=4m/st=2s;v=0m/st=4s;v=4m/s

v - t graph is shown in adjacent diagram.

Distance travelled = area of the graph

= area OAC+ area ABD=4×22+12×2×4=8m

  • Option (a) 4m: This option is incorrect because the calculation of the distance covered by the particle in the first 4 seconds, based on the given displacement function and the velocity-time graph, shows that the total distance is 8 meters. The area under the velocity-time graph, which represents the distance, is calculated as 8 meters, not 4 meters.

  • Option (c) 12m: This option is incorrect because the total distance covered by the particle, as derived from the velocity-time graph, is 8 meters. The calculation involves summing the areas of two triangles formed in the velocity-time graph, which results in 8 meters, not 12 meters.

  • Option (d) 16m: This option is incorrect because the total distance covered by the particle in the first 4 seconds is 8 meters, as determined by the area under the velocity-time graph. The correct calculation of the areas of the triangles in the graph gives a total distance of 8 meters, not 16 meters.

6. At a metro station, a girl walks up a stationary escalator in time t1. If she remains stationary on the escalator, then the escalator take her up in time t2. The time taken by her to walk up on the moving escalator will be

(a) (t1+t2)/2

(b) t1t2/(t2t1)

(c) t1t2/(t2+t1)

(d) t1t2

Show Answer

Answer (c) In this question, we have to find net velocity with respect to the Earth that will be equal to velocity of the girl plus velocity of escalator.

Let displacement is L,then

 velocity of girl vg=Lt1

velocity of escalator ve=Lt2

Net velocity of the girl =vg+ve=Lt1+Lt2

If t is total time taken in covering distance L, then

Lt=Lt1+Lt2t=t1t2t1+t2

  • Option (a): (t1+t2)/2 is incorrect because it represents the arithmetic mean of the two times, which does not account for the combined effect of the girl’s walking speed and the escalator’s speed. The correct formula involves the harmonic mean, not the arithmetic mean.

  • Option (b): t1t2/(t2t1) is incorrect because it suggests a relationship where the time taken is inversely proportional to the difference between the two times. This does not correctly represent the combined effect of the girl’s walking speed and the escalator’s speed. The correct relationship involves the sum of the times, not the difference.

  • Option (d): t1t2 is incorrect because it implies that the time taken is simply the difference between the two times, which does not take into account the combined velocities of the girl and the escalator. The correct formula involves the harmonic mean of the two times, not their difference.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

7. The variation of quantity A with quantity B, plotted in figure. Describes the motion of a particle in a straight line.

(a) Quantity B may represent time

(b) Quantity A is velocity if motion is uniform

(c) Quantity A is displacement if motion is uniform

(d) Quantity A is velocity if motion is uniformly accelerated

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Answer (a,c,d)

When we are calculating velocity of a displacement-time graph we have to take slope similarly we have to take slope of velocity-time graph to calculate acceleration. When slope is constant motion will be uniform.

When we are representing motion by a graph it may be displacement-time, velocity-time or acceleration-time hence, B may represent time. For uniform motion velocity-time graph should be a straight line parallel to time axis. For uniform motion velocity is constant hence, slope will be positive. Hence quantity A is displacement.

For uniformly accelerated motion slope will be positive and A will represent velocity.

  • Option (b) is incorrect: Quantity A cannot be velocity if the motion is uniform because, in uniform motion, the velocity is constant and does not vary with time. The graph would show a horizontal line if A were velocity and B were time, which is not depicted in the given graph.

8. A graph of x versus t is shown in figure. Choose correct alternatives given below

(a) The particle was released from rest at t=0

(b) At B, the acceleration a>0

(c) Average velocity for the motion between A and D is positive

(d) The speed at D exceeds that at E

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem, we have to apply formula for slope =dxdt for the graph and velocity

v=dxdt.

Answer (a,c,d)

As per the diagram, at point A the graph is parallel to time axis hence, v=dxdt=0. As the starting point is A hence, we can say that the particle is starting from rest.

At C, the graph changes slope, hence, velocity also changes. As graph at C is almost parallel to time axis hence, we can say that velocity vanishes.

As direction of acceleration changes hence, we can say that it may be zero in between.

From the graph it is clear that

 slope at D|>| slope at E

Hence, speed at D will be more than at E.

Note We should be very clear about magnitude of slope. Negative slope does not mean less value. It represents change in direction of velocity.

  • Option (b): At point B, the graph is concave downwards, indicating that the slope of the graph (velocity) is decreasing. This implies that the acceleration is negative, not positive. Therefore, the statement that the acceleration a>0 at B is incorrect.

9. For the one-dimensional motion, described by x=tsint

(a) x(t)>0 for all t>0

(b) v(t)>0 for all t>0

(c) a(t)>0 for all t>0

(d) v(t) lies between 0 and 2

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Answer (a,d)

Given,

x=tsint

 velocity v=dxdt=ddt[tsint]

=1cost

 Acceleration a=dvdt=ddt[1cost]=sint

a>0 for all t>0

x(t)>0 for all t>0

 Velocity v=1cost

cost=1, velocity v=0

vmax=1(cost)min=1(1)=2

vmin=1(cost)max=11=0

As acceleration

Hence,

When,

Hence, v lies between 0 and 2

 Acceleration a=dvdt=sint

When t=0;x=0,x=+1,a=0

When t=π2;x=1,v=0,a=1

When t=π;x=0,x=1,a=1

When t=2π;x=0,x=0,a=0

Note (i) When sinusoidal function is involved in an expression we should be careful about sine and cosine functions.

(ii) We should be very careful when calculating maximum and minimum value of velocity because it involves inverse relation with cost in the given expression.

  • Option (b) is incorrect: The velocity ( v(t) = 1 - \cos t ) is not greater than 0 for all ( t > 0 ). For example, when ( t = 2n\pi ) (where ( n ) is an integer), ( \cos t = 1 ) and thus ( v(t) = 0 ). Therefore, ( v(t) ) is not always positive.

  • Option (c) is incorrect: The acceleration ( a(t) = \sin t ) is not greater than 0 for all ( t > 0 ). The sine function oscillates between -1 and 1, so there are intervals where ( \sin t ) is negative, making ( a(t) ) negative during those intervals. Therefore, ( a(t) ) is not always positive.

10. A spring with one end attached to a mass and the other to a rigid support is stretched and released.

(a) Magnitude of acceleration, when just released is maximum

(b) Magnitude of acceleration, when at equilibrium position, is maximum

(c) Speed is maximum when mass is at equilibrium position

(d) Magnitude of displacement is always maximum whenever speed is minimum

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Answer (a, c)

When spring is stretched by x, restoring force will be F=kx

Potential energy of the stretched spring =PE=12kx2

The restoring force is central hence, when particle released it will execute SHM about equilibrium position.

Acceleration will be

a=Fm=kxm

 At equilibrium position, x=0a=0 Hence, when just released x=xmax

Hence, acceleration is maximum. Thus option (a) is correct.

At equilibrium whole PE will be converted to KE hence, KE will be maximum and hence, speed will be maximum.

  • (b) Magnitude of acceleration, when at equilibrium position, is maximum: This is incorrect because at the equilibrium position, the displacement ( x ) is zero. Since acceleration ( a ) is given by ( a = \frac{-kx}{m} ), when ( x = 0 ), ( a ) will also be zero. Therefore, the magnitude of acceleration is not maximum at the equilibrium position; it is actually zero.

  • (d) Magnitude of displacement is always maximum whenever speed is minimum: This is incorrect because the magnitude of displacement is maximum at the extreme positions of the oscillation, where the speed is indeed zero. However, the statement “always” implies that whenever the speed is minimum, the displacement is maximum, which is not true. The speed is also zero at the turning points, but it is not necessarily minimum at all other points where the displacement is not maximum. Therefore, the statement is not universally true.

11. A ball is bouncing elastically with a speed 1m/s between walls of a railway compartment of size 10m in a direction perpendicular to walls. The train is moving at a constant velocity of 10m/s parallel to the direction of motion of the ball. As seen from the ground.

(a) The direction of motion of the ball changes every 10 .

(b) Speed of ball changes every 10

(c) Average speed of ball over any 20 interval is fixed.

(d) The acceleration of ball is the same as from the train

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Answer (b,c,d)

In this problem, we have to keep in mind the frame of the observer. Here we must be clear that we are considering the motion from the ground. Compare to velocity of trains (10m/s) speed of ball is less (1m/s).

The speed of the ball before collision with side of train is 10+1=11m/s.

Speed after collision with side of train =101=9m/s.

As speed is changing after travelling 10m and speed is 1m/s hence, time duration of the changing speed is 10 .

Since, the collision of the ball is perfectly elastic there is no dissipation of energy hence, total momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Since, the train is moving with constant velocity hence, it will act as inertial frame of reference as that of Earth and acceleration will be same in both frames.

We should not confuse with non-inertial and inertial frame of reference. A frame of reference that is not accelerating will be inertial.

  • (a) The direction of motion of the ball changes every 10: This option is incorrect because the direction of motion of the ball changes every time it collides with the walls of the railway compartment. Given that the ball is bouncing elastically between the walls and the compartment is 10 meters wide, the ball will change direction every 10 seconds in the frame of reference of the train. However, from the ground frame of reference, the ball’s speed changes due to the relative motion of the train, but the direction change is not strictly every 10 seconds due to the combined motion of the train and the ball.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

12. Refer to the graph in figure. Match the following

Graph Characteristics
(a) (i) has v>0 and a<0 throughout
(b) (ii) has x>0 throughout and has a point with
v=0 and a point with a=0
(c) (iii) has a point with zero displacement fort >0
(d) (iv) has v<0 and a>0
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Show Answer

Answer We have to analyse slope of each curve i.e., dxdt. For peak points dxdt will be zero as x is maximum at peak points.

For graph (a), there is a point (B) for which displacement is zero. So, a matches with (iii) In graph (b), x is positive ( >0 ) throughout and at point B1,V=dxdt=0. since, at point of curvature changes a=0, So b matches with (ii) In graph (c), slope V=dxdt is negative hence, velocity will be negative. so matches wth (iv) In graph (d), as slope V=dxdt is positive hence, V>0 Hence, d matches with (i)

13. A uniformly moving cricket ball is turned back by hitting it with a bat for a very short time interval. Show the variation of its acceleration with time (Take acceleration in the backward direction as positive).

Show Answer

Answer If gravity effect is neglected then ball moving uniformly turned back with same speed when a bat hit it. Acceleration of the ball is zero just before it strikes the bat. When the ball strikes the bat, it gets accelerated due to the applied impulsive force by the bat.

The variation of acceleration with time is shown in graph

14. Give examples of a one-dimensional motion where

(a) the particle moving along positive x-direction comes to rest periodically and moves forward.

(b) the particle moving along positive x-direction comes to rest periodically and moves backward.

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Answer When we are writing an equation belonging to periodic nature it will involve sine or cosine function.

(a) The particle will be moving along positive x-direction only if t>sint

Hence,

x(t)=1sint Velocity v(t)=dx(1)dt=1cost Acceleration a(t)=dvdt=sint

When t=0;x(t)=0

When t=π;x(t)=π>0

When t=0;x(t)=2π>0

(b) Equation can be represented by

x(t)=sintv=ddtx(t)=cost

As displacement and velocity is involving sint and cost hence these equations represent periodic.

15. Give example of a motion where x>0,v<0,a>0 at a particular instant.

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Answer Let the motion is represented by

x(t) =A+Beγt
Let A >B and γ>0
Now velocity x(t) =dxdt=Bγeγt
Acceleration a(t) =dxdt=Bγ2eγt

Suppose we are considering any instant t, then from Eq. (i), we can say that

x(t)>0;v(t)<0 and a>0

16. An object falling through a fluid is observed to have acceleration given by a=gbv where g= gravitational acceleration and b is constant. After a long time of release, it is observed to fall with constant speed. What must be the value of constant speed?

Show Answer

Answer When speed becomes constant acceleration a=dvdt=0

Given acceleration

a=gbv

where, g = gravitational acceleration

Clearly, from above equation as speed increases acceleration will decrease. At a certain speed say v0, acceleration will be zero and speed will remain constant.

Hence,

a=gbv0=0

v0=g/b

Short Answer Type Questions

17. A ball is dropped and its displacement versus time graph is as shown (Displacement x from ground and all quantities are positive upwards).

(a) Plot qualitatively velocity versus time graph

(b) Plot qualitatively acceleration versus time graph

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Thinking Process

To calculate velocity we will find slope dxdt for displacement-time curve and to find

acceleration we will find slope dVdt of velocity-time curve.

Answer It is clear from the graph that displacement x is positive throughout. Ball is dropped from a height and its velocity increases in downward direction due to gravity pull. In this condition v is negative but acceleration of the ball is equal to acceleration due to gravity i.e., a=g. When ball rebounds in upward direction its velocity is positive but acceleration is a=g.

(a) The velocity-time graph of the ball is shown in fig. (i).

(i)

(b) The acceleration-time graph of the ball is shown in fig. (ii).

18. A particle executes the motion described by x(t)=x0(1eγt);t0, x0>0.

(a) Where does the particle start and with what velocity?

(b) Find maximum and minimum values of x(t),v(t),a(t). Show that x(t) and a(t) increase with time and v(t) decreases with time.

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Thinking Process

First we have to calculate velocity and acceleration and then we can determine the maximum or minimum value accordingly.

Answer Given,

x(t)=x0(1eγt)v(t)=dx(t)dt=x0γeγta(t)=dv(t)dt=x0γ2eγt

(a) Whent =0;x(t)=x0(1e0)=x0(11)=0

x(t=0)=x0γe0=x0γ(1)=γx0

(b) x(t) is maximum when t=

[x(t)]max=x0

x(t) is minimum when t=0[x(t)]min =0

v(t) is maximum when t=0;v(0)=x0γ

v(t) is minimum when t=;v()=0

a(t) is maximum when t=;a()=0

a(t) is minimum when t=0;a(0)=x0γ2

Note We should be careful about nature of variation of the curve and maximum and minimum value will be decided accordingly.

19. A bird is tossing (flying to and fro) between two cars moving towards each other on a straight road. One car has a speed of 18km/h while the other has the speed of 27km/h. The bird starts moving from first car towards the other and is moving with the speed of 36km/h and when the two cars were separated by 36km. What is the total distance covered by the bird?

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem we have to use the concept of relative velocity it will be subtracted for velocities in same direction and added for velocities in opposite directions.

Answer Given, Speed of first car =18km/h

Speed of second car =27km/h

Relative speed of each car w.r.t. each other

=18+27=45km/h

Distance between the cars =36km

Time of meeting the cars (t)= Distance between the cars  Relative speed of cars =3645=45h=0.8h

Speed of the bird (vb)=36km/h

Distance covered by the bird =vb×t=36×0.8=28.8km

20. A man runs across the roof, top of a tall building and jumps horizontally with the hope of landing on the roof of the next building which is at a lower height than the first. If his speed is 9m/s, the (horizontal) distance between the two buildings is 10m and the height difference is 9m, will be able to land on the next building? (Take g=10m/s2 )

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Thinking Process

When the man runs on the roof-top the velocity will be horizontal. Then, acceleration will be vertically down ward taken as g and then equations of kinematies will be applied.

Answer Given, horizontal speed of the man (ux)=9m/s

Horizontal distance between the two buildings =10m

Height difference between the two buildings =9m and

g=10m/s2

Let the man jumps from point A and land on the roof of the next building at point B. Taking motion in vertical direction,

or

y=ut+12at29=0×t+12×10×t29=5t2t=95=35

Horizontal distance travelled =ux×t=9×35=275m

12m

Horizontal distance travelled by the man is greater than 10m, therefore, he will land on the next building.

21. A ball is dropped from a building of height 45m. Simultaneously another ball is thrown up with a speed 40m/s. Calculate the relative speed of the balls as a function of time.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem as ball is dropped, initial velocity will be taken as zero. We will apply equations involving one dimensional motion.

Answer For the ball dropped from the building, u1=0,u2=40m/s

Velocity of the dropped ball after time t,

v1=u1+gtv1=gt

(downward)

For the ball thrown up, u2=40m/s

Velocity of the ball after time t

v2=u2gt=(40gt)

(upward)

Relative velocity of one ball w.r.t. another ball

=v1v2=gt[(40gt)]=40m/s

Note When we are applying equations for rectilinear motion we should carefully put up the signs for the physical quantities.

22. The velocity- displacement graph of a particle is shown in figure.

(a) Write the relation between v and x.

(b) Obtain the relation between acceleration and displacement and plot it.

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Thinking Process

In this problems we will use the concept of slope. Suppose the slope is m then equation will come out to bey =mx+c.

Answer Given, initial velocity =v0

Let the distance travelled in time t=x0.

For the graph

tanθ=v0x0=v0vx

where, v is velocity and x is displacement at any instant of time t.

 From Eq. (i) v0v=v0x0xv=v0x0x+v0

We know that

 Acceleration a=dvdt=v0x0dxdt+0a=v0x0(v)=v0x0(v0x0x+v0)=v02x02xv02x0

Graph of a versus x is given above.

Long Answer Type Questions

23. It is a common observation that rain clouds can be at about a kilometer altitude above the ground.

(a) If a rain drop falls from such a height freely under gravity, what will be its speed? Also calculate in km/h(g=10m/s2).

(b) A typical rain drop is about 4mm diameter. Momentum is mass × speed in magnitude. Estimate its momentum when it hits ground.

(c) Estimate the time required to flatten the drop.

(d) Rate of change of momentum is force. Estimate how much force such a drop would exert on you.

(e) Estimate the order of magnitude force on umbrella. Typical lateral separation between two rain drops is 5cm.

(Assume that umbrella is circular and has a diameter of 1m and cloth is not pierced through.)

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem equation of motion and Newton’s seconds law that is Fext =dpdt will be used. where dp is change in momentum over timedt.

Answer Given, height (h)=1km=1000m

g=10m/s2

(a) Velocity attained by the rain drop in freely falling through a height h.

V=2gh=2×10×1000=1002m/s=1002×60×601000km/h=3602km/h510km/h

(b) Diameter of the drop (d)=2r=4mm

Radius of the drop (r)=2mm=2×103m

Mass of a rain drop (m)=V×ρ

=43πr3ρ=43×227×(2×103)3×103( Density of water =103kg/m3)3.4×105kg

Momentum of the rain drop(p)=mv

=3.4×105×1002=4.7×103kgm/s5×103kgm/s

(c) Time required to flatten the drop = time taken by the drop to travel the distance equal to the diameter of the drop near the ground

t=dV=4×1031002=0.028×103s=2.8×105s30ms

(d) Force exerted by a rain drop

F= Change in momentum  Time =p0t=4.7×1032.8×105168N

(e) Radius of the umbrella (R)=12m

Area of the umbrella (A)=πR2=227×(12)2=2228=11140.8m2

Number of drops striking the umbrella simultaneously with average separation of 5cm =5×102m.

=0.8(5×102)2=320

Net force exerted on umbrella =320×168=53760N54000N

Note In practice, the velocity of the drops decreases due to air friction.

24. A motor car moving at a speed of 72km/h cannot come to a stop in less than 3.0s while for a truck this time interval is 5.0s. On a highway, the car is behind the truck both moving at 72km/h. The truck gives a signal that it is going to stop at emergency. At what distance the car should be from the truck so that it does not bump onto (collide with) the truck. Human response time is 0.5s.

Show Answer

Answer In this problem equations related to one dimensional motion will be applied for acceleration positive sign will be used and for retardation negative sign will be used.

Given, speed of car as well as truck =72km/h

Retarded motion for truck v=u+att

=72×518m/s=20m/s

or

0=20+at×5

at=4m/s2

Retarded motion for the car

v=u+act0=20+ac×3ac=203m/s2

 or 

Let car be at a distance x from truck, when truck gives the signal and t be the time taken to cover this distance.

As human response time is 0.5s, therefore, time of retarded motion of car is (t0.5)s.

Velocity of car after time t,

vc=uat=20(203)(t0.5)

Velocity of truck after time t

vt=204t

To avoid the car bump onto the truck,

vc=vt20203(t0.5)=204t4t=203(t0.5)t=53(t0.5)3t=5t2.5t=2.52=54s

Distance travelled by the truck in time t,

st=utt+12att2=20×54+12×(4)×(54)2=21.875m

Distance travelled by car in time t= Distance travelled by car in 0.5s (without retardation)

  • Distance travelled by car in (t0.5)s (with retardation)

sc=(20×0.5)+20(540.5)12(203)(540.5)2=23.125mscst=23.12521.875=1.250m

Therefore, to avoid the bump onto the truck, the car must maintain a distance from the truck more than 1.250m.

25. A monkey climbs up a slippery pole for 3 and subsequently slips for 3 . Its velocity at time t is given by v(t)=2t(3st);0<t<3 and v(t)=(t3)(6t) for 3<t<6s in m/s. It repeats this cycle till it reaches the height of 20m.

(a) At what time is its velocity maximum?

(b) At what time is its average velocity maximum?

(c) At what time is its acceleration maximum in magnitude?

(d) How many cycles (counting fractions) are required to reach the top?

Show Answer

Answer It this problem to calculate maximum velocity we will use dvdt=0, then the time corresponding to maximum velocity will be obtained.

Given velocity

v(t)=2t(3t)=6t2t2

(a) For maximum velocity dv(t)dt=0

ddt(6t2t2)=064t=0t=64=32s=1.5s

(b) From Eq. (i) v=6t2t2

dsdt=6t2t2ds=(6t2t2)dt

where, s is displacement

Distance travelled in time interval 0 to 3s.

S=03(6t2t2)dt=[6t222t33]03=[3t223t3]03=3×923×3×3×3=2718=9m. Average velocity = Distance travelled  Time =93=3m/sx=6t2t23=6t2t22t26t3=0t=6±624×2×32×2=6±36244=6±124=3±232

Considering positive sign only

t=3+232=3+2×1.7322=94s

(c) In a periodic motion when velocity is zero acceleration will be maximum putting v=0 in Eq. (i)

0=6t2t2

0=t(62t)

⇒=t×2(3t)=0

t=0 or 3 s

(d) Distance covered in 0 to 3s=9m

Distance covered in 3 to 6s=36(189t+t2)dt

=(18t9t22+t33)36=18×692×62+633(18×39×322+333)=1089×18+63318×3+92×9273=10818×9+216354+4.5×99=4.5m

Total distance travelled in one cycle =s1+s2=94.5=4.5m

Number of cycles covered in total distance to be covered =204.54.445.

26. A man is standing on top of a building 100m high. He throws two balls vertically, one at t=0 and after a time interval (less than 2 seconds). The later ball is thrown at a velocity of half the first. The vertical gap between first and second ball is +15m at t=2s. The gap is found to remain constant. Calculate the velocity with which the balls were thrown and the exact time interval between their throw.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this question equation of kinematics will be applied with proper sign and to calculate time interval we will take difference of displacements.

Answer Let the speeds of the two balls ( 1 and 2 ) be v1 and v2 where

if v1=2v,v2=v

if y1 and y2 and the distance covered by

the balls 1 and 2 , respectively, before coming to rest, then

y1=v122g=4v22g and y2=v222g=v22g

Since,

or

y1y2=15m,4v22gv22g=15m or 3v22g=15m

or v=10m/s

Clearly, v1=20m/s and v2=10m/s

y1=v122g=(20m)22×10m15=20my2=y115m=5m

If t2 is the time taken by the ball 2 toner

a distance of 5m, then from y2=v2t12gt22

5=10t25t22 or t222t2+1=0

where t2=15

Since t1 (time taken by ball 1 to cover distance of 20m ) is 2s, time interval between the two thrvws

=t1t2=2s1s=1s

Note We should be very careful, when we are applying the equation of rectilinear motion.