Laws of motion

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. A ball is travelling with uniform translatory motion. This means that

(a) it is at rest

(b) the path can be a straight line or circular and the ball travels with uniform speed

(c) all parts of the ball have the same velocity (magnitude and direction) and the velocity is constant

(d) the centre of the ball moves with constant velocity and the ball spins about its centre uniformly

Show Answer

Answer (c) In a uniform translatory motion, all parts of the ball have the same velocity in magnitude and direction and this velocity is constant.

The situation is shown in adjacent diagram where a body

A is in uniform translatory motion.

  • Option (a) is incorrect: If the ball were at rest, it would not be in motion at all, let alone in uniform translatory motion. Uniform translatory motion implies movement with a constant velocity, not a state of rest.

  • Option (b) is incorrect: While the path can indeed be straight or circular, uniform translatory motion specifically requires that all parts of the ball have the same velocity in both magnitude and direction. This option does not address the requirement for all parts of the ball to have the same velocity.

  • Option (d) is incorrect: This option describes a scenario where the center of the ball moves with constant velocity while the ball spins about its center. This is not uniform translatory motion but rather a combination of translatory and rotational motion. In uniform translatory motion, there is no spinning; all parts of the ball move with the same velocity.

2. A metre scale is moving with uniform velocity. This implies

(a) the force acting on the scale is zero, but a torque about the centre of mass can act on the scale

(b) the force acting on the scale is zero and the torque acting about centre of mass of the scale is also zero

(c) the total force acting on it need not be zero but the torque on it is zero

(d) neither the force nor the torque need to be zero

Show Answer

Answer (b) To solve this question we have to apply Newton’s second law of motion, in terms of force and change in momentum.

We known that

F=dpdt

given that meter scale is moving with uniform velocity, hence, dp=0

 Force =F=0

As all part of the scale is moving with uniform velocity and total force is zero, hence, torque will also be zero.

  • Option (a): The force acting on the scale is zero, but a torque about the centre of mass can act on the scale.

    • Incorrect because if a torque were acting on the scale, it would cause rotational acceleration, contradicting the condition of uniform velocity.
  • Option (c): The total force acting on it need not be zero but the torque on it is zero.

    • Incorrect because if the total force were not zero, it would result in a change in momentum, contradicting the condition of uniform velocity.
  • Option (d): Neither the force nor the torque need to be zero.

    • Incorrect because if neither the force nor the torque were zero, the scale would experience both linear and rotational acceleration, contradicting the condition of uniform velocity.

3. A cricket ball of mass 150g has an initial velocity u=(3i^+4j^)ms1 and a final velocity v=(3i^+4j^)ms1, after being hit. The change in momentum (final momentum-initial momentum) is (. in .kgms1)

(a) zero

(b) (0.45i^+0.6j^)

(c) (0.9j^+1.2j^)

(d) 5(i^+j^)i^

Show Answer

Answer (c) Given,

u=(3i^+4j^)m/s

and

v=(3i^+4j^)m/s

Mass of the ball =150g=0.15kg

Δp= Change in momentum

= Final momentum  Initial momentum =mvmu=m(vu)=(0.15)[(3i^+4j^)(3i^+4j^)]=(0.15)[6i^8j^]=[0.15×6i^+0.15×8j^]=[0.9i^+1.20j^]Δp=[0.9i^+1.2j^]

Hence,

  • Option (a) zero: This option is incorrect because the change in momentum is not zero. The initial and final velocities are not the same, which means there is a change in momentum. The initial momentum is in the positive direction, while the final momentum is in the negative direction, resulting in a non-zero change in momentum.

  • Option (b) (0.45i^+0.6j^): This option is incorrect because the calculated change in momentum is (0.9i^+1.2j^). The values given in this option are half of the correct values, indicating an error in the calculation.

  • Option (d) 5(i^+j^)i^: This option is incorrect because it does not correctly represent the change in momentum. The expression 5(i^+j^)i^ is not dimensionally consistent and does not match the correct calculated change in momentum, which is (0.9i^+1.2j^).

4. In the previous problem (3), the magnitude of the momentum transferred during the hit is

(a) zero

(b) 0.75kgms1

(c) 1.5kgms1

(d) 14kgms1

Show Answer

Answer (c) By previous solution Δp=(0.9i^+1.2j^)

 Magnitude =|Δp|=(0.9)2+(1.2)2=0.81+1.44=1.5kgms1

  • Option (a) zero: This is incorrect because the momentum transferred during the hit is not zero. The calculation shows a non-zero value for the change in momentum.

  • Option (b) 0.75,kg-m s1: This is incorrect because the magnitude of the momentum transferred, as calculated, is 1.5,kg-m s1, not 0.75,kg-m s1.

  • Option (d) 14,kg-m s1: This is incorrect because the magnitude of the momentum transferred is much smaller, specifically 1.5,kg-m s1, not 14,kg-m s1.

5. Conservation of momentum in a collision between particles can be understood from

(a) conservation of energy

(b) Newton’s first law only

(c) Newton’s second law only

(d) both Newton’s second and third law

Show Answer

Thinking Process

For conservation of momentum we have to see whether net external force is acting on a system or not.

Answer (d) We know that for a system Fext =dpdt (from Newton’s second law) If Fext =0,dp=0p= constant

Hence, momentum of a system will remain conserve if external force on the system is zero.

In case of collision’ between particles equal and opposite forces will act on individuel particles by Newtons third law,

Hence total force on the system will be zero.

Note We should not confuse with system and individual particles. As total force on the system of both particles is zero but force acts on individual particles.

  • (a) Conservation of energy: Conservation of energy does not directly imply conservation of momentum. Energy can be conserved in forms other than kinetic energy, such as potential energy, and does not necessarily dictate the momentum of the system.

  • (b) Newton’s first law only: Newton’s first law states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. It does not provide a direct relationship between forces and changes in momentum during collisions.

  • (c) Newton’s second law only: While Newton’s second law relates force to the rate of change of momentum, it alone does not account for the interaction forces between colliding particles. Newton’s third law, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, is also necessary to fully understand the conservation of momentum in collisions.

6. A hockey player is moving northward and suddenly turns westward with the same speed to avoid an opponent. The force that acts on the player is

(a) frictional force along westward

(b) muscle force along southward

(c) frictional force along south-West

(d) muscle force along south-West

Show Answer

Answer (c) Consider the adjacent diagram

Let OA=p1

= Initial momentum of player northward

Clearly

AB=p2= Final momentum of player towards west.

Change in momentum =p2p1

=ABOA=AB+(OA)

= Clearly resultant AR will be along south-west.

  • (a) Frictional force along westward: This option is incorrect because frictional force acts in the direction opposite to the motion. Since the player is turning westward, the frictional force would act eastward, not westward.

  • (b) Muscle force along southward: This option is incorrect because the muscle force required to change direction from northward to westward would not be purely southward. It would need to have a component in the westward direction as well to achieve the turn.

  • (d) Muscle force along south-West: This option is incorrect because the muscle force is not the primary force responsible for the change in momentum. The frictional force between the player’s skates and the ice is what allows the player to change direction, not the muscle force alone.

7. A body of mass 2kg travels according to the law x(t)=pt+qt2+rt3 where, q=4ms2,p=3ms1 and r=5ms3. The force acting on the body at t=2s is

(a) 136N

(b) 134N

(c) 158N

(d) 68N

Show Answer

Thinking Process

We have to apply differentiations to calculate acceleration and then Newton’s second law will be applied.

Answer (a) Given, mass =2kg

x(t)=pt+qt2+rt3v=dxdt=p+2qt+3rt2a=dvdt=0+2q+6rt at t=2s;a=2q+6×2×r=2q+12r=2×4+12×5=8+60=68m/s Force =F=ma=2×68=136N

  • Option (b) 134N is incorrect because the calculated force using the given values and the correct formula results in 136N, not 134N.
  • Option (c) 158N is incorrect because the calculated force using the given values and the correct formula results in 136N, not 158N.
  • Option (d) 68N is incorrect because this value represents the acceleration (a) at t=2s, not the force. The force is calculated by multiplying the mass (2kg) by the acceleration (68m/s2), resulting in 136N.

8. A body with mass 5kg is acted upon by a force F=(3i^+4j^)N. If its initial velocity at t=0 is v=(6i^12j^)ms1, the time at which it will just have a velocity along the Y-axis is

(a) never

(b) 10s

(c) 2s

(d) 15s

Show Answer

Answer (b) Given, mass =m=5kg

Acting force =F=(3i^+4j^)N

Initial velocity at t=0,u=(6i^12j^)m/s

Retardation, a^=Fm=(3i^5+4j^5)m/s2

As final velocity is along Y-axis only, its x-component must be zero.

From v=u+at, for X-component only, 0=6i^3i^5t

t=5×63=10s

  • Option (a) never: This option is incorrect because the body will eventually have a velocity along the Y-axis when the X-component of its velocity becomes zero. The calculation shows that this happens at ( t = 10 ) seconds, so it is not “never.”

  • Option (c) 2 s: This option is incorrect because, based on the calculation, the time required for the X-component of the velocity to become zero is ( t = 10 ) seconds, not 2 seconds. At ( t = 2 ) seconds, the X-component of the velocity would still be non-zero.

  • Option (d) 15 s: This option is incorrect because the calculation shows that the X-component of the velocity becomes zero at ( t = 10 ) seconds. At ( t = 15 ) seconds, the X-component would have already been zero for 5 seconds, so this is not the correct time.

9. A car of mass m starts from rest and acquires a velocity along east, v=vi^(v>0) in two seconds. Assuming the car moves with uniform acceleration, the force exerted on the car is

(a) mv2 eastward and is exerted by the car engine

(b) mv2 eastward and is due to the friction on the tyres exerted by the road

(c) more than mv2 eastward exerted due to the engine and overcomes the friction of the road

(d) mv2 exerted by the engine

Show Answer

Answer (b) Given, mass of the car =m

As car starts from rest, u=0

Velocity acquired along east =vi^

Duration =t=2s.

We know that

v=u+atvi^=0+a×2a=v2i^

Force,

F=ma=mv2i^

Hence, force acting on the car is mv2 towards east. As external force on the system is only friction hence, the force mv2 is by friction. Hence, force by engine is internal force.

  • Option (a): This option is incorrect because it attributes the force to the car engine. However, the force calculated (mv2) is due to the friction exerted by the road on the tyres, not directly by the car engine.

  • Option (c): This option is incorrect because it suggests that the force exerted by the engine is more than mv2 to overcome friction. The problem states that the car moves with uniform acceleration, implying that the net force is mv2, which is the force due to friction. There is no indication that the engine exerts a force greater than this value.

  • Option (d): This option is incorrect because it states that the force mv2 is exerted by the engine. However, the force mv2 is actually due to the friction between the tyres and the road, not directly by the engine.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

10. The motion of a particle of mass m is given by x=0 for t<0 s, x(t)=Asin4πt for 0<t<(1/4)s(A>0), and x=0 for t>(1/4)s. Which of the following statements is true?

(a) The force at t=(1/8)s on the particle is 16π2Am

(b) The particle is acted upon by on impulse of magnitude 4π2Am at t=0s and t=(1/4)s

(c) The particle is not acted upon by any force

(d) The particle is not acted upon by a constant force

(e) There is no impulse acting on the particle

Show Answer

Thinking Process

Here, position of the particle is given for different time intervals. Hence, we have to find velocity and acceleration corresponding to the intervals.

Answer (a,b,d)

Given,

x=0 for t<0s.x(t)=Asin4πt; for 0<t<14sx=0; for t>14sv(t)=dxdt=4π Acos 4πta(t)= acceleration =dv(t)dt=16π2Asin4πt At t=18s,a(t)=16π2Asin4π×18=16π2AF=ma(t)=16π2A×m=16π2mA Impulse = Change in linear momentum =F×t=(16π2Am)×14=4π2Am

 For, 0<t<14s

The impulse (Change in linear momentum)

 at t=0 is same as, t=14s

Clearly, force depends upon A which is not constant. Hence, force is also not constant.

Note We have to keep in mind that the force is varying for different time intervals. Hence, we should apply differential formulae for each interval separately.

  • Option (c): The particle is not acted upon by any force.

    • This is incorrect because the particle experiences a force during the interval (0 < t < \frac{1}{4} \text{ s}). The force is given by (F = ma(t) = -16 \pi^2 m A \sin 4 \pi t), which is not zero during this interval.
  • Option (e): There is no impulse acting on the particle.

    • This is incorrect because the particle experiences impulses at (t = 0 \text{ s}) and (t = \frac{1}{4} \text{ s}). The magnitude of the impulse is (4 \pi^2 A m) at these times, indicating that impulses do act on the particle.

11. In figure the coefficient of friction between the floor and the body B is 0.1 . The coefficient of friction between the bodies B and A is 0.2 . A force F is applied as shown on B. The mass of A is m/2 and of B is m. Which of the following statements are true?

(a) The bodies will move together if F=0.25mg

(b) The body A will slip with respect to B if F=0.5mg

(c) The bodies will move together if F=0.5mg

(d) The bodies will be at rest if F=0.1mg

(e) The maximum value of F for which the two bodies will move together is 0.45mg

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem we have to find frictional forces on each surface and accordingly we will decide maximum force.

Answer (a,b,d,e)

Consider the adjacent diagram. Frictional force on B(f1) and frictional force on A(f2) will be as shown.

Let A and B are moving together acommon =Ff1mA+mB=Ff1(m/2)+m=2(Ff1)3m

Pseudo force on A=(mA)×acommon 

=mA×2(Ff1)3m=m2×2(Ff1)3m=(Ff1)3

The force (F) will be maximum when

Pseudo force on A= Frictional force on A

Fmaxf13=μmAg=0.2×m2×g=0.1mgFmax=0.3mg+f1=0.3mg+(0.1)32mg=0.45mg

Hence, maximum force upto which bodies will move together is Fmax=0.45mg

(a) Hence, for F=0.25mg<Fmax bodies will move together.

(b) For F=0.5mg>Fmax, body A will slip with respect to B.

(c) For F=0.5mg>Fmax , bodies slip.

(f1)max = μmBg=(0.1)×32m×g=0.15mg

(f2)max= μmAg=(0.2)(m2)(g)=0.1mg

Hence, minimum force required for movement of the system (A+B)

Fmin=(f1)max+(f2)max

=0.15mg+0.1mg=0.25mg

(d) Given, force F=0.1mg<Fmin .

Hence, the bodies will be at rest.

(e) Maximum force for combined movement Fmax=0.45mg.

  • Option (c) is incorrect: For ( F = 0.5 , mg ), the force exceeds the maximum force ( F_{\text{max}} = 0.45 , mg ) for which the two bodies will move together. Therefore, the bodies will not move together; instead, body ( A ) will slip with respect to body ( B ).

12. Mass m1 moves on a slope making an angle θ with the horizontal and is attached to mass m2 by a string passing over a frictionless pulley as shown in figure. The coefficient of friction between m1 and the sloping surface is μ. Which of the following statements are true?

(a) If m2>m1sinθ, the body will move up the plane

(b) If m2>m1(sinθ+μcosθ), the body will move up the plane

(c) If m2<m1(sinθ+μcosθ), the body will move up the plane

(d) If m2<m1(sinθμcosθ), the body will move down the plane

Show Answer

Thinking Process

The friction force always have tendency to oppose the motion. Consider the adjacent diagram.

Answer (b,d)

Let m1, moves up the plane. Different forces involved are shown in the diagram.

N= Normal reaction f= Frictional force T= Tension in the string f=μN=μm1gcosθ

For the system (m1+m2) to move up

m2g(m1gsinθ+μm1gcosθ)>0m2>m1(sinθ+μcosθ)

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Let the body moves down the plane, in this case f acts up the plane.

Hence,

m1gsinθf>m2gm1gsinθμm1gcosθ>m2gm1(sinθμcosθ)>m2m2<m1(sinθμcosθ)

Hence, option (d) is correct.

  • Option (a): This option states that if ( m_2 > m_1 \sin \theta ), the body will move up the plane. However, this condition does not account for the frictional force acting on ( m_1 ). The correct condition for the body to move up the plane must include the frictional force, which is why the correct condition is ( m_2 > m_1 (\sin \theta + \mu \cos \theta) ). Therefore, option (a) is incorrect because it neglects the frictional force.

  • Option (c): This option states that if ( m_2 < m_1 (\sin \theta + \mu \cos \theta) ), the body will move up the plane. However, this condition actually implies that the force due to ( m_2 ) is not sufficient to overcome the combined effect of the gravitational component along the plane and the frictional force acting on ( m_1 ). Therefore, the body will not move up the plane under this condition. Hence, option (c) is incorrect because it misinterprets the condition for the body to move up the plane.

13. In figure a body A of mass m slides on plane inclined at angle θ1 to the horizontal and μ is the coefficent of friction between A and the plane. A is connected by a light string passing over a frictionless pulley to another body B, also of mass m, sliding on a frictionless plane inclined at an angle θ2 to the horizontal. Which of the following statements are true?

(a) A will never move up the plane

(b) A will just start moving up the plane when μ=sinθ2sinθ1cosθ1

(c) For A to move up the plane, θ2 must always be greater than θ1

(d) B will always slide down with constant speed

Show Answer

Answer (b,c)

Let A moves up the plane frictional force on A will be downward as shown.

When A just starts moving up

mgsinθ1+f=mgsinθ2

mgsinθ1+μmgcosθ1=mgsinθ2

μ=sinθ2sinθ1cosθ1

When A moves upwards

sinθ2>sinθ1θ2>θ1

  • (a) A will never move up the plane: This statement is incorrect because it is possible for body A to move up the plane if the conditions specified in option (b) are met, i.e., when the coefficient of friction μ is equal to sinθ2sinθ1cosθ1.

  • (d) B will always slide down with constant speed: This statement is incorrect because the speed of body B depends on the net force acting on it. If the forces are balanced, B will move with constant speed, but if there is a net force (e.g., due to the tension in the string or the gravitational component along the plane), B will accelerate or decelerate accordingly.

14. Two billiard balls A and B, each of mass 50g and moving in opposite directions with speed of 5ms1 each, collide and rebound with the same speed. If the collision lasts for 103s, which of the following statements are true?

(a) The impulse imparted to each ball is 0.25kgms1 and the force on each ball is  250N

(b) The impulse imparted to each ball is 0.25kgms1 and the force exerted on  each ball is 25×105N

(c) The impulse imparted to each ball is 0.5N-s

(d) The impulse and the force on each ball are equal in magnitude and opposite in directions

Show Answer

Answer (c, d)

Given,

Initial velocity (u)=u1=u2=5m/s

Final velocity (v)=v1=v2=5m/s

Time duration of collision =103s.

Change in linear momentum =m(vu)

=120[55]=0.5Ns. Force = Impulse  Time = Change in momentum 103s=0.5103=500N

Impulse and force are opposite in directions.

  • Option (a): The impulse imparted to each ball is indeed 0.5,N-s, not 0.25,kg-m/s. Additionally, the force on each ball is 500,N, not 250,N.

  • Option (b): The impulse imparted to each ball is 0.5,N-s, not 0.25,kg-m/s. Furthermore, the force exerted on each ball is 500,N, not 25×105,N.

  • Option (c): This option is correct and thus not incorrect.

  • Option (d): This option is correct and thus not incorrect.

15. A body of mass 10kg is acted upon by two perpendicular forces, 6N and 8N. The resultant acceleration of the body is

(a) 1ms2 at an angle of tan1(43) w.r.t. 6N force

(b) 0.2ms2 at an angle of tan1(43) w.r.t. 6N force

(c) 1ms2 at an angle of tan1(34) w.r.t. 8N force

(d) 0.2ms2 at an angle of tan1(34) w.r.t. 8N force

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem, we have to use the concept of resultant of two vectors, when they are perpendicular.

Answer (a, c)

Consider the adjacent diagram

Given,

 mass =m=10kg.F1=6N,F2=8N Resultant force =F=F12+F22=36+64=10Na=Fm=1010=1m/s2; along R.

Let θ1 be angle between R and F1

tanθ1=86=43θ1=tan1(4/3) w.r.t. F1=6N

Let θ2 be angle between F and F2

tanθ2=68=34θ2=tan1(34) w.r.t. F2=8N

  • Option (b) is incorrect because the calculated acceleration is (1 , \text{m/s}^2), not (0.2 , \text{m/s}^2). The resultant force is (10 , \text{N}) and the mass is (10 , \text{kg}), leading to an acceleration of (1 , \text{m/s}^2).

  • Option (d) is incorrect because the calculated acceleration is (1 , \text{m/s}^2), not (0.2 , \text{m/s}^2). The resultant force is (10 , \text{N}) and the mass is (10 , \text{kg}), leading to an acceleration of (1 , \text{m/s}^2).

Very Short Answer Type Questions

16. A girl riding a bicycle along a straight road with a speed of 5ms1 throws a stone of mass 0.5kg which has a speed of 15ms1 with respect to the ground along her direction of motion. The mass of the girl and bicycle is 50kg. Does the speed of the bicycle change after the stone is thrown? What is the change in speed, if so?

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem, we have to apply conservation of linear momentum.

Answer Given, total mass of girl, bicycle and stone =m1=(50+0.5)kg=50.5kg.

Velocity of bicycle u1=5m/s, Mass of stone m2=0.5kg

Velocity of stone u2=15m/s, Mass of girl and bicycle m=50kg

Yes, the speed of the bicycle changes after the stone is thrown.

Let after throwing the stone the speed of bicycle be vm/s.

According to law of conservation of linear momentum,

m1u1=m2u2+mv50.5×5=0.5×15+50×v252.57.5=50v or v=245.050v=4.9m/s Change in speed =54.9=0.1m/s.

17. A person of mass 50kg stands on a weighing scale on a lift. If the lift is descending with a downward acceleration of 9ms2, what would be the reading of the weighing scale? (g=10ms2)

Show Answer

Answer When a lift descends with a downward acceleration a the apparent weight of a body of mass m is given by

w=R=m(ga)

Mass of the person m=50kg

Descending acceleration a=9m/s2

Acceleration due to gravity g=10m/s2

Apparent weight of the person,

R=m(ga)=50(109)=50N Reading of the weighing scale =Rg=5010=5kg.

18. The position-time graph of a body of mass 2kg is as given in figure. What is the impulse on the body at t=0s and t=4s.

Show Answer

Answer Given, mass of the body (m)=2kg

From the position-time graph, the body is at x=0 when t=0, i.e., body is at rest.

Impulse at t=0,s=0, is zero

From t=0s to t=4s, the position-time graph is a straight line, which shows that body moves with uniform velocity.

Beyond t=4s, the graph is a straight line parallel to time axis, i.e., body is at rest (v=0).

Velocity of the body = slope of position-time graph

=tanθ=34m/s

Impulse (at t=4s)= change in momentum

=mvmu=m(vu)=2(034)=32kgm/s=1.5kgm/s

19. A person driving a car suddenly applies the brakes on seeing a child on the road ahead. If he is not wearing seat belt, he falls forward and hits his head against the steering wheel. Why?

Show Answer

Answer When a person driving a car suddenly applies the brakes, the lower part of the body slower down with the car while upper part of the body continues to move forward due to inertia of motion.

If driver is not wearing seat belt, then he falls forward and his head hit against the steering wheel.

20. The velocity of a body of mass 2kg as a function of t is given by v(t)=2ti^+t2j^. Find the momentum and the force acting on it, at time t=2s.

Show Answer

Answer Given, mass of the body m=2kg.

Velocity of the body v(t)=2ti^+t2j^

Velocity of the body at t=2s

v=2×2i^+(2)2j^=(4i^+4j^)

Momentum of the body (p)=mv

=2(4i^+4j^)=(8i^+8j^)kgm/s

Acceleration of the body (a)=dvdt

=ddt(2ti^+t2j^)=(2i^+2tj^) At t=2sa=(2i^+2×2j^)=(2i^+4j^)

Force acting on the body (F)= ma

=2(2i^+4j^)

=(4i^+8j^)N

21. A block placed on a rough horizontal surface is pulled by a horizontal force F. Let f be the force applied by the rough surface on the block. Plot a graph of f versus F.

Show Answer

Answer The approximate graph is shown in the diagram

The frictional force f is shown on vertical axis and the applied force F is shown on the horizontal axis. The portion OA of graph represents static friction which is self adjusting. In this portion, f=F.

The point B corresponds to force of limiting friction which is the maximum value of static friction. CD|OX represents kinetic friction, when the body actually starts moving. The force of kinetic friction does not increase with applied force, and is slightly less than limiting friction.

2. Why are porcelain objects wrapped in paper or straw before packing for transportation?

Show Answer Answer Porcelain object are wrapped in paper or straw before packing to reduce the chances of damage during transportation. During transportation sudden jerks or even fall takes place, the force takes longer time to reach the porcelain objects through paper or straw for same change in momentum as F=ΔpΔt and therefore, a lesser force acts on object.

23. Why does a child feel more pain when she falls down on a hard cement floor, than when she falls on the soft muddy ground in the garden?

Show Answer

Answer When a child falls on a cement floor, her body comes to rest instantly. But F×Δt= change in momentum = constant. As time of stopping Δt decreases, therefore F increases and hence, child feel more pain.

When she falls on a soft muddy ground in the garden the time of stopping increases and hence, F decreases and she feels lesser pain.

24. A woman throws an object of mass 500g with a speed of 25ms1.

(a) What is the impulse imparted to the object?

(b) If the object hits a wall and rebounds with half the original speed, what is the change in momentum of the object?

Show Answer

Answer Mass of the object (m)=500g=0.5kg

Speed of the object (v)=25m/s

(a) Impulse imparted to the object = change in momentum

=mvmu=m(vu)=0.5(250)=12.5Ns

(b)

 ounding =252m/sv=12.5m/s Change in momentum =m(vv)=0.5(12.525)=18.75Ns

25. Why are mountain roads generally made winding upwards rather than going straight up?

Show Answer

Answer While going up a mountain, the force of friction acting on a vehicle of mass m is f=μR=μmgcosθ, where θ is the angle of slope of the road with the horizontal. To avoid skidding force of friction (f) should be large and therefore, cosθ should be large and hence, θ should be small.

That’s why mountain roads are generally made winding upwards rather than going straight upto avoid skidding.

26. A mass of 2kg is suspended with thread AB (figure). Thread CD of the same type is attached to the other end of 2kg mass. Lower thread is pulled gradually, harder and harder in the downward direction, so as to apply force on AB. Which of the threads will break and why?

Show Answer Answer The thread AB will break earlier than the thread CD. This is because force acting on thread CD= applied force and force acting on thread AB= (applied force + weight of 2kg mass). Hence, force acting on thread AB is larger than the force acting on thread CD.

27. In the above given problem if the lower thread is pulled with a jerk, what happens?

Show Answer Answer When the lower thread CD is pulled with a jerk, the thread CD itself break. Because pull on thread CD is not transmitted to the thread AB instantly.

Short Answer Type Questions

28. Two masses of 5kg and 3kg are suspended with help of massless inextensible strings as shown in figure. Calculate T1 and T2 when whole system is going upwards with acceleration =2m/s2 (use g=9.8ms2 ).

Show Answer

Thinking Process

As the whole system is going upward with an acceleration we have to apply Newton’s laws.

Answer Given, m1=5kg,m2=3kg

g=9.8m/s2 and a=2m/s2

For the upper block

 For the lower block  From Eq. (i) 

T1T25g=5aT1T2=5(g+a)T23g=3aT2=3(g+a)=3(9.8+2)=35.4NT1=T2+5(g+a)=35.4+5(9.8+2)=94.4N

29. Block A of weight 100N rests on a frictionless inclined plane of slope angle 30. A flexible cord attached to A passes over a frictionless pulley and is connected to block B of weight w. Find the weight w for which the system is in equilibrium.

Show Answer

Answer In equilibrium, the force mgsinθ acting on block A parallel to the plane should be balanced by the tension in the string, i.e.,

mgsinθ=T=F[T= Fgiven ]W=T=F

where, w is the weight of block B.

From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get,

W=mgsinθ=100×sin30=100×12N=50N

(mg=100N)

Note While finding normal reaction in such cases, we should be careful it will be N=mgcosθ, where θ is angle of inclination.

30. A block of mass M is held against a rough vertical wall by pressing it with a finger. If the coefficient of friction between the block and the wall is μ and the acceleration due to gravity is g, calculate the minimum force required to be applied by the finger to hold the block against the wall.

Show Answer

Answer Given, mass of the block =M

Coefficient of friction between the block and the wall =μ

Let a force F be applied on the block to hold the block against the wall. The normal reaction of mass be N and force of friction acting upward be f. In equilibrium, vertical and horizontal forces should be balanced separately.

f=Mg

and

F=N

But force of friction (f)=μN

μF[using Eq.(ii)](iii)

From Eqs. (i) and (iii), we get μF=Mg F=Mgμ

31. A 100kg gun fires a ball of 1kg horizontally from a cliff of height 500m. It falls on the ground at a distance of 400m from the bottom of the cliff. Find the recoil velocity of the gun.

(acceleration due to gravity =10ms2 )

Show Answer

Answer Given, mass of the gun (m1)=100kg

Mass of the ball (m2)=1kg

Height of the cliff (h)=500m

Horizontal distance travelled by the ball (x)=400m

From

h=12gt2(Initial velocity in downward direction is zero) 

From

500=12×10t2t=100=10sx=ut,u=xt=40010=40m/s

If v is recoil velocity of gun, then according to principle of conservation of linear momentum,

m1v=m2uv=m2um1=1100×40=0.4m/s

32. Figure shows (x,t),(y,t) diagram of a particle moving in 2-dimensions.

(a)

(b)

If the particle has a mass of 500g, find the force (direction and magnitude) acting on the particle.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To solve this question, we have to find the relation for x and time (t),y and time (t) from the given diagram.

Answer Clearly from diagram (a), the variation can be related as

x=tdxdt=1m/sax=0

From diagram (b)

Hence,

Hence, net force,

y=t2dydt=2t or ay=d2ydt2=2m/s2Iy=may=500×103×2=1NFx=max=0F=Fx2+Fy2=Fy=1N(m=500g) (along y-axis) 

33. A person in an elevator accelerating upwards with an acceleration of 2ms2, tosses a coin vertically upwards with a speed of 20ms1. After how much time will the coin fall back into his hand? (g=10ms2)

Show Answer

Answer Here, initial speed of the coin (u)=20m/s

Acceleration of the elevator (a)=2m/s2

(upwards)

Acceleration due to gravity (g)=10m/s2

Effective acceleration a=g+a=10+2=12m/s2 (here, acceleration is w.r.t. the lift)

If the time of ascent of the coin is t, then

or

v=u+at0=20+(12)×tt=2012=53s

Time of ascent = Time of desent

Total time after which the coin fall back into hand =(53+53)s=103s=3.33s

Note While calculating net acceleration we should be aware that if lift is going upward net acceleration is (g+a) and for downward net acceleration is (ga).

Long Answer Type Questions

34. There are three forces F1,F2 and F3 acting on a body, all acting on a point P on the body. The body is found to move with uniform speed.

(a) Show that the forces are coplanar.

(b) Show that the torque acting on the body about any point due to these three forces is zero.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

As the body is found to move with uniform velocity hence, we can say that total force acting will be zero.

Answer As the body is moving with uniform speed (velocity) its acceleration a=0.

The sum of the forces is zero, F1+F2+F3=0

(a) Let F1,F2,F3 be the three forces passing through a point. Let F1 and F2 be in the plane A (one can always draw a plane having two intersecting lines such that the two lines lie on the plane). Then F1+F2 must be in the plane A.

Since, F3=(F1+F2),F3 is also in the plane A.

(b) Consider the torque of the forces about P. Since, all the forces pass through P, the torque is zero. Now, consider torque about another point O. Then torque about O is

Torque =OP×(F1+F2+F3)

Since, F1+F2+F3=0, torque =0

35. When a body slides down from rest along a smooth inclined plane making an angle of 45 with the horizontal, it takes time T. When the same body slides down from rest along a rough inclined plane making the same angle and through the same distance, it is seen to take time pT, where p is some number greater than 1 . Calculate the coefficient of friction between the body and the rough plane.

Show Answer

Answer Consider the diagram where a body slides down from along an inclined plane of inclination θ(=45).

On smooth inclined plane Acceleration of a body sliding down a smooth inclined plane Here,

a=gsinθθ=45a=gsin45=g2

Let the travelled distance be s

Using equation of motion, s=ut+12at2, we get

s=0.t+12g2T2 or s=gT222

On rough inclined plane Acceleration of the body a=g(sinθμcosθ)

=g(sin45μcos45)=g(1μ)2( As, sin45=cos45=12)

Again using equation of motion, s=ut+12at2, we get

or

s=0(pT)+12g(1μ)2(pT)2s=g(1μ)p2T222

From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get

or

gT222=g(1μ)p2T222(1μ)p2=11μ=1p2μ=(11p2)

36. Figure shows (vx,t), and (vy,t) diagrams for a body of unit mass. Find the force as a function of time.

Show Answer

Answer Consider figure (a)

vx=2t for 0<t<1s=2(2t) for 1<t<2s=0 for t>2s.vy=t for 0<t<1s=1 for t>1sFx=max=mdvxdt=1×2=1(2)

From figure (b)

for 0<t<1 s

for 1<t<2s for 2<t

(a)

(b)

Hence,

Fy=may=mdvydt=1×1 for 0<t<1s=0 for 1<tF=Fxi^+Fyj^=2i^+j^=2i^=0

 for 0<t<1s

for 1<t<2s

for t>2s.

37. A racing car travels on a track (without banking) ABCDEFA.ABC is a circular arc of radius 2R.CD and FA are straight paths of length R and DEF is a circular arc of radius R=100m. The coefficient of friction on the road is μ=0.1. The maximum speed of the car is 50ms1. Find the minimum time for completing one round.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

The necessary centripetal force required for the circular motion will be provided by the frictional force.

Answer Balancing frictional force for centripetal force mv2r=f=μN=μmg where, N is normal reaction.

V=μrg (where, r is radius of the circular track)

For path ABC

 Path length =34(2π2R)=3πR=3π×100

=300πmv1=μ2Rg=0.1×2×100×10=14.14m/s

t1=300π14.14=66.6s

For path DEF

 Path length =14(2πR)=π×1002=50π

v2=μRg=0.1×100×10=10m/st2=50π10=5πs=15.7s

For paths, CD and FA

 Path length =R+R=2R=200m

t3=20050=4.0s.

Total time for completing one round

t=t1+t2+t3=66.6+15.7+4.0=86.3s

38. The displacement vector of a particle of mass m is given by r(t)=i^Acosωt+j^Bsinωt.

(a) Show that the trajectory is an ellipse.

(b) Show that F=mω2 r.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To find trajectory, we will relate x and y in terms of constants A and B.

Answer (a) Displacement vector of the particle of mass m is given by

r(t)=i^Acosωt+j^Bsinωt

Displacement along x-axis is,

x=AcosωtxA=cosωt

 or 

Displacement along y-axis is,

and

y=BsinωtyB=sinωt

Squaring and then adding Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get

x2A2+y2B2=cos2ωt+sin2ωt=1

This is an equation of ellipse.

Therefore, trajectory of the particle is an ellipse. (b) Velocity of the particle

v=drdt=i^ddt(Acosωt)+j^ddt(Bsinωt)=i^[A(sinωt)ω]+j^[B(cosωt)ω]=i^Aωsinωt+j^Bωcosωta=i^Aωdd(sinωt)+j^Bωddt(cosωt)=i^Aω[cosωt]ω+j^Bω[sinωt]ω=i^Aω2cosωtj^Bω2sinωt=ω2[i^Acosωt+j^Bsinωt]=ω2r

or

Force acting on the particle,

F=ma=mω2r

Hence proved.

39. A cricket bowler releases the ball in two different ways

(a) giving it only horizontal velocity, and

(b) giving it horizontal velocity and a small downward velocity.

The speed vs at the time of release is the same. Both are released at a height H from the ground. Which one will have greater speed when the ball hits the ground ? Neglect air resistance.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

The horizontal component of velocity will remain unaffected by gravity.

Answer (a) When ball is given only horizontal velocity Horizontal velocity at the time of release (ux)=vs

During projectile motion, horizontal velocity remains unchanged,

Therefore,

In vertical direction,

vx=ux=vsvy2=uy2+2gH

vy=2gH

Resultant speed of the ball at bottom,

v=vx2+vy2=vs2+2gH

(b) When ball is given horizontal velocity and a small downward velocity

Let the ball be given a small downward velocity u.

In horizontal direction

In vertical direction

vx=ux=vsvy2=u2+2gHvy=u2+2gH

or

Resultant speed of the ball at the bottom

v=vx2+vy2=vs2+u2+2gH

From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get v>v

40. There are four forces acting at a point P produced by strings as shown in figure. Which is at rest? Find the forces F1 and F2.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To balance the forces, we have to resolve them along two mutually perpendicular directions.

Answer Consider the adjacent diagram, in which forces are resolved.

On resolving forces into rectangular components, in equilibrium forces (F1+12)N are equal to 2N and F2 is equal to (2+12)N.

F1+12=2

and

F1=212=212=12=0.707N

and F2=2+12=2+12N=32N=2.121N

41. A rectangular box lies on a rough inclined surface. The coefficient of friction between the surface and the box is μ. Let the mass of the box be m.

(a) At what angle of inclination θ of the plane to the horizontal will the box just start to slide down the plane?

(b) What is the force acting on the box down the plane, if the angle of inclination of the plane is increased to α>θ ?

(c) What is the force needed to be applied upwards along the plane to make the box either remain stationary or just move up with uniform speed?

(d) What is the force needed to be applied upwards along the plane to make the box move up the plane with acceleration a ?

Show Answer

Answer (a) Consider the adjacent diagram, force of friction on the box will act up the plane. For the box to just starts sliding down mg

or tanθ=μθ=tan1(μ)

(b) When angle of inclination is increased to α>θ, then net force acting on the box, down the plane is

F1=mgsinαf=mgsinαμN=mg(sinαμcosα)

(c) To keep the box either stationary or just move it up with uniform speed, upward force needed, F2=mgsinα+f=mg(sinα+μcosα) (In this case, friction would act down the plane).

(d) If the box is to be moved with an upward acceleration a, then upward force needed, F3=mg(sinα+μcosα)+ma.

42. A helicopter of mass 2000kg rises with a vertical acceleration of 15ms2. The total mass of the crew and passengers is 500kg. Give the magnitude and direction of the (g=10ms2)

(a) force on the floor of the helicopter by the crew and passengers.

(b) action of the rotor of the helicopter on the surrounding air.

(c) force on the helicopter due to the surrounding air.

Show Answer

Answer Given, mass of helicopter (m1)=2000kg

Mass of the crew and passengeres m2=500kg

Acceleration in vertical direction a=15m/s2() and g=10m/s2()

(a) Force on the floor of the helicopter by the crew and passengers

m2(g+a)=500(10+15)N500×25N=12500N

(b) Action of the rotor of the helicopter on the surrounding air =(m1+m2)(g+a)

=(2000+500)×(10+15)=2500×25=62500N( downward )

(c) Force on the helicopter due to the surrounding air

= reaction of force applied by helicopter. =62500N (upward) 

Note We should be very clear when we are balancing action and reaction forces. We must know that which part is action and which part is reaction due to the action.