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
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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

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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.
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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.
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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
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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
given that meter scale is moving with uniform velocity, hence,
As all part of the scale is moving with uniform velocity and total force is zero, hence, torque will also be zero.
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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.
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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.
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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
(a) zero
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer (c) Given,
and
Mass of the ball
Hence,
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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.
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Option (b)
: This option is incorrect because the calculated change in momentum is . The values given in this option are half of the correct values, indicating an error in the calculation. -
Option (d)
: This option is incorrect because it does not correctly represent the change in momentum. The expression is not dimensionally consistent and does not match the correct calculated change in momentum, which is .
4. In the previous problem (3), the magnitude of the momentum transferred during the hit is
(a) zero
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(c) By previous solution
-
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)
: This is incorrect because the magnitude of the momentum transferred, as calculated, is , not . -
Option (d)
: This is incorrect because the magnitude of the momentum transferred is much smaller, specifically , not .
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
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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
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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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
Clearly
Change in momentum

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(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.
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(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.
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(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
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Thinking Process
We have to apply differentiations to calculate acceleration and then Newton’s second law will be applied.
Answer
(a) Given, mass
- Option (b)
is incorrect because the calculated force using the given values and the correct formula results in , not . - Option (c)
is incorrect because the calculated force using the given values and the correct formula results in , not . - Option (d)
is incorrect because this value represents the acceleration ( ) at , not the force. The force is calculated by multiplying the mass ( ) by the acceleration ( ), resulting in .
8. A body with mass
(a) never
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(b) Given, mass
Acting force
Initial velocity at
Retardation,
As final velocity is along
From
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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.”
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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.
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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
(a)
(b)
(c) more than
(d)
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Answer
(b) Given, mass of the car
As car starts from rest,
Velocity acquired along east
Duration
We know that
Force,
Hence, force acting on the car is
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Option (a): This option is incorrect because it attributes the force to the car engine. However, the force calculated (
) 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
to overcome friction. The problem states that the car moves with uniform acceleration, implying that the net force is , 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
is exerted by the engine. However, the force 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
(a) The force at
(b) The particle is acted upon by on impulse of magnitude
(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
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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
Given,
The impulse (Change in linear momentum)
Clearly, force depends upon
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.
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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.
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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

(a) The bodies will move together if
(b) The body
(c) The bodies will move together if
(d) The bodies will be at rest if
(e) The maximum value of
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Thinking Process
In this problem we have to find frictional forces on each surface and accordingly we will decide maximum force.
Answer
Consider the adjacent diagram. Frictional force on
Let
Pseudo force on

The force
Pseudo force on
(a) Hence, for
(b) For
(c) For
Hence, minimum force required for movement of the system
(d) Given, force
Hence, the bodies will be at rest.
(e) Maximum force for combined movement
- 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

(a) If
(b) If
(c) If
(d) If
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Thinking Process
The friction force always have tendency to oppose the motion. Consider the adjacent diagram.
Answer
Let

For the system
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Let the body moves down the plane, in this case
Hence,
Hence, option (d) is correct.
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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.
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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)
(b) A will just start moving up the plane when
(c) For
(d)
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Answer
Let

When
When A moves upwards
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(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
is equal to . -
(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) The impulse imparted to each ball is
(b) The impulse imparted to each ball is
(c) The impulse imparted to each ball is
(d) The impulse and the force on each ball are equal in magnitude and opposite in directions
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Answer
(c,
Given,
Initial velocity
Final velocity
Time duration of collision
Change in linear momentum
Impulse and force are opposite in directions.
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Option (a): The impulse imparted to each ball is indeed
, not . Additionally, the force on each ball is , not . -
Option (b): The impulse imparted to each ball is
, not . Furthermore, the force exerted on each ball is , not . -
Option (c): This option is correct and thus not incorrect.
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Option (d): This option is correct and thus not incorrect.
15. A body of mass
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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,
Let

Let
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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).
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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
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Thinking Process
In this problem, we have to apply conservation of linear momentum.
Answer
Given, total mass of girl, bicycle and stone
Velocity of bicycle
Velocity of stone
Yes, the speed of the bicycle changes after the stone is thrown.
Let after throwing the stone the speed of bicycle be
According to law of conservation of linear momentum,
17. A person of mass
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Answer
When a lift descends with a downward acceleration a the apparent weight of a body of mass
Mass of the person
Descending acceleration
Acceleration due to gravity
Apparent weight of the person,
18. The position-time graph of a body of mass

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Answer
Given, mass of the body
From the position-time graph, the body is at
From
Beyond
Velocity of the body
Impulse (at
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
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Answer
Given, mass of the body
Velocity of the body
Momentum of the body
Acceleration of the body
Force acting on the body
21. A block placed on a rough horizontal surface is pulled by a horizontal force
Show Answer
Answer The approximate graph is shown in the diagram

The frictional force
The point
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 as23. 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?
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Answer
When a child falls on a cement floor, her body comes to rest instantly. But
When she falls on a soft muddy ground in the garden the time of stopping increases and hence,
24. A woman throws an object of mass
(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?
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Answer
Mass of the object
Speed of the object
(a) Impulse imparted to the object = change in momentum
(b)
25. Why are mountain roads generally made winding upwards rather than going straight up?
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Answer
While going up a mountain, the force of friction acting on a vehicle of mass
That’s why mountain roads are generally made winding upwards rather than going straight upto avoid skidding.
26. A mass of

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Answer The thread27. In the above given problem if the lower thread is pulled with a jerk, what happens?
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Answer When the lower threadShort Answer Type Questions
28. Two masses of

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Thinking Process
As the whole system is going upward with an acceleration we have to apply Newton’s laws.
Answer
Given,

For the upper block
29. Block

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Answer
In equilibrium, the force
where,
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get,
Note While finding normal reaction in such cases, we should be careful it will be
30. A block of mass
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Answer
Given, mass of the block
Coefficient of friction between the block and the wall
Let a force
and
But force of friction

From Eqs. (i) and (iii), we get
31. A
(acceleration due to gravity
Show Answer
Answer
Given, mass of the gun
Mass of the ball

Height of the cliff
Horizontal distance travelled by the ball
From
From
If
32. Figure shows
(a)

(b)

If the particle has a mass of
Show Answer
Thinking Process
To solve this question, we have to find the relation for
Answer Clearly from diagram (a), the variation can be related as
From diagram (b)
Hence,
Hence, net force,
33. A person in an elevator accelerating upwards with an acceleration of
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Answer
Here, initial speed of the coin
Acceleration of the elevator
(upwards)
Acceleration due to gravity
If the time of ascent of the coin is
or
Time of ascent
Note While calculating net acceleration we should be aware that if lift is going upward net acceleration is
Long Answer Type Questions
34. There are three forces
(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.
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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) Let
Since,
(b) Consider the torque of the forces about
Torque
Since,
35. When a body slides down from rest along a smooth inclined plane making an angle of
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Answer
Consider the diagram where a body slides down from along an inclined plane of inclination
On smooth inclined plane Acceleration of a body sliding down a smooth inclined plane Here,
Let the travelled distance be
Using equation of motion,

On rough inclined plane Acceleration of the body
Again using equation of motion,
or
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
or
36. Figure shows
Show Answer
Answer Consider figure (a)
From figure (b)
for
for

(a)

(b)
Hence,
for
for
37. A racing car travels on a track (without banking)

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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
For path
For path
For paths,
38. The displacement vector of a particle of mass
(a) Show that the trajectory is an ellipse.
(b) Show that
Show Answer
Thinking Process
To find trajectory, we will relate
Answer
(a) Displacement vector of the particle of mass
Displacement along
and
Squaring and then adding Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
This is an equation of ellipse.
Therefore, trajectory of the particle is an ellipse. (b) Velocity of the particle
or
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
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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
During projectile motion, horizontal velocity remains unchanged,
Therefore,
In vertical direction,

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

Let the ball be given a small downward velocity
In horizontal direction
In vertical direction
or
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
40. There are four forces acting at a point

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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
and

and
41. A rectangular box lies on a rough inclined surface. The coefficient of friction between the surface and the box is
(a) At what angle of inclination
(b) What is the force acting on the box down the plane, if the angle of inclination of the plane is increased to
(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
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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
or
(b) When angle of inclination is increased to

(c) To keep the box either stationary or just move it up with uniform speed, upward force needed,
(d) If the box is to be moved with an upward acceleration a, then upward force needed,
42. A helicopter of mass
(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.
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Answer
Given, mass of helicopter
Mass of the crew and passengeres
Acceleration in vertical direction
(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
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.