2.2 INSTANTANEOUS VELOCITY AND SPEED The average velocity tells us how fast an object has been moving over a given time interval but does not tell us how fast it moves at different instants of time during that interval. For this, we define instantaneous velocity or simply velocity v at an instant t. The velocity at an instant is defined as the limit of the average velocity as the time interval ∆t becomes infinitesimally small. In other words, ∆ x v = lim (2.1a) ∆ t → 0 ∆ t Fig. 2.1 Determining velocity from position-time d x = (2.1b) graph. Velocity at t = 4 s is the slope of the dt tangent to the graph at that instant. lim where the symbol stands for the operation ∆→t 0 Now, we decrease the value of ∆t from 2 s to 1 of taking limit as ∆tg0 of the quantity on its s. Then line P1P2 becomes Q1Q2 and its slope right. In the language of calculus, the quantity gives the value of the average velocity over on the right hand side of Eq. (2.1a) is the the interval 3.5 s to 4.5 s. In the limit ∆t → 0, differential coefficient of x with respect to t and the line P1P2 becomes tangent to the position- d x time curve at the point P and the velocity at t is denoted by (see Appendix 2.1). It is the d t = 4 s is given by the slope of the tangent at rate of change of position with respect to time, that point. It is difficult to show this process graphically. But if we useat that instant. numerical method to obtain the value of We can use Eq. (2.1a) for obtaining the the velocity, the meaning of the limiting value of velocity at an instant either process becomes clear. For the graph shown graphically or numerically. Suppose that we in Fig. 2.1, x = 0.08 t3. Table 2.1 gives the want to obtain graphically the value of value of ∆x/∆t calculated for ∆t equal to 2.0 s, velocity at time t = 4 s (point P) for the motion 1.0 s, 0.5 s, 0.1 s and 0.01 s centred at t = of the car represented in Fig.2.1 calculation. 4.0 s. The second and third columns give theLet us take ∆t = 2 s centred at t = 4 s. Then, t  t    ∆ ∆by the definition of the average velocity, the t + t −     and t 2 = and the value of t1= 2 2slope of ( Fig. 2.1) gives the value of     line P1P2 average velocity over the interval 3 s to 5 s. fourth and the fifth columns give the ∆x Table 2.1 Limiting value of at t = 4 s ∆ t Reprint 2025-26 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 15 3 a + 16b – a – 4b corresponding values of x, i.e. x (t1) = 0.08 t1 = = 6.0 × b 2.0 -1 ⊳and x (t2) = 0.08 t23. The sixth column lists the = 6.0 × 2.5 =15 m s difference ∆x = x (t2) – x (t1) and the last column gives the ratio of ∆x and ∆t, i.e. the Note that for uniform motion, velocity is average velocity corresponding to the value the same as the average velocity at all of ∆t listed in the first column. instants. We see from Table 2.1 that as we decrease Instantaneous speed or simply speed is the the value of ∆t from 2.0 s to 0.010 s, the value of magnitude of velocity. For example, a velocity of the average velocity approaches the limiting + 24.0 m s–1 and a velocity of – 24.0 m s–1 — value 3.84 m s–1 which is the value of velocity at both have an associated speed of 24.0 m s-1. It should be noted that though average speed over dx t = 4.0 s, i.e. the value of at t = 4.0 s. In this a finite interval of time is greater or equal to the dt magnitude of the average velocity, manner, we can calculate velocity at each instantaneous speed at an instant is equal to instant for motion of the car. the magnitude of the instantaneous velocity at The graphical method for the determination that instant. Why so ? of the instantaneous velocity is always not a 2.3 ACCELERATIONconvenient method. For this, we must carefully plot the position–time graph and calculate the The velocity of an object, in general, changes value of average velocity as ∆t becomes smaller during its course of motion. How to describe and smaller. It is easier to calculate the value this change? Should it be described as the rate of velocity at different instants if we have data of change in velocity with distance or with of positions at different instants or exact time ? This was a problem even in Galileo’s expression for the position as a function of time. time. It was first thought that this change could Then, we calculate ∆x/∆t from the data for be described by the rate of change of velocity decreasing the value of ∆t and find the limiting with distance. But, through his studies of value as we have done in Table 2.1 or use motion of freely falling objects and motion of differential calculus for the given expression and objects on an inclined plane, Galileo concluded that the rate of change of velocity with time is dx calculate at different instants as done in a constant of motion for all objects in free fall. dt On the other hand, the change in velocity with the following example. distance is not constant – it decreases with the ⊳ increasing distance of fall. This led to the Example 2.1 The position of an object concept of acceleration as the rate of change moving along x-axis is given by x = a + bt2 of velocity with time. where a = 8.5 m, b = 2.5 m s–2 and t is The average acceleration a over a time interval measured in seconds. What is its velocity at is defined as the change of velocity divided by t = 0 s and t = 2.0 s. What is the average the time interval : velocity between t = 2.0 s and t = 4.0 s ? v 2 – v1 ∆v (2.2)Answer In notation of differential calculus, the a = = t 2 – t1 ∆tvelocity is where v2 and v1 are the instantaneous velocities dx d 2 -1 2b t = 5.0 t m s or simply velocities at time t2 and t1 . It is thev = = ( a + bt ) = dt dt average change of velocity per unit time. The SI At t = 0 s, v = 0 m s–1 and at t = 2.0 s, unit of acceleration is m s–2 . v = 10 m s-1 . On a plot of velocity versus time, the average acceleration is the slope of the straight line x ( 4.0 ) − x ( 2.0 )Average velocity = connecting the points corresponding to (v2, t2) 4.0 − 2.0 and (v1, t1). Reprint 2025-26 16 PHYSICS Instantaneous acceleration is defined in the (c) An object is moving in negative direction same way as the instantaneous velocity : with a negative acceleration. ∆v d v (d) An object is moving in positive direction lim a = = (2.3) till time t1, and then turns back with the d t ∆→ t 0 ∆ t same negative acceleration. The acceleration at an instant is the slope of the tangent to the v–t curve at that An interesting feature of a velocity-time instant. graph for any moving object is that the area Since velocity is a quantity having both under the curve represents the magnitude and direction, a change in displacement over a given time interval. A velocity may involve either or both of these general proof of this statement requires use of factors. Acceleration, therefore, may result calculus. We can, however, see that it is true from a change in speed (magnitude), a for the simple case of an object moving with change in direction or changes in both. Like constant velocity u. Its velocity-time graph is velocity, acceleration can also be positive, as shown in Fig. 2.4. negative or zero. Position-time graphs for motion with positive, negative and zero acceleration are shown in Figs. 2.4 (a), (b) and (c), respectively. Note that the graph curves upward for positive acceleration; downward for negative acceleration and it is a straight line for zero acceleration. Although acceleration can vary with time, our study in this chapter will be restricted to motion with constant acceleration. In this case, the average acceleration equals the constant value of acceleration during the interval. If the velocity of an object is vo at t = 0 and v at time t, we have v − v 0 a = or, v = v 0 + a t (2.4) t − 0 Fig. 2.3 Velocity–time graph for motions with Fig. 2.2 Position-time graph for motion with constant acceleration. (a) Motion in positive (a) positive acceleration; (b) negative direction with positive acceleration, acceleration, and (c) zero acceleration. (b) Motion in positive direction with Let us see how velocity-time graph looks like negative acceleration, (c) Motion in for some simple cases. Fig. 2.3 shows velocity- negative direction with negative acceleration, (d) Motion of an object withtime graph for motion with constant acceleration negative acceleration that changesfor the following cases : direction at time t1. Between times 0 to (a) An object is moving in a positive direction t1, it moves in positive x - direction with a positive acceleration. and between t1 and t2 it moves in the (b) An object is moving in positive direction opposite direction. with a negative acceleration. Reprint 2025-26 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 17 Fig. 2.4 Area under v–t curve equals displacement of the object over a given time interval. The v-t curve is a straight line parallel to the time axis and the area under it between t = 0 and t = T is the area of the rectangle of height u and base T. Therefore, area = u × T = uT which Fig. 2.5 Area under v-t curve for an object with is the displacement in this time interval. How uniform acceleration. come in this case an area is equal to a distance? Think! Note the dimensions of quantities on the two coordinate axes, and you will arrive at As explained in the previous section, the area the answer. under v-t curve represents the displacement. Therefore, the displacement x of the object is : Note that the x-t, v-t, and a-t graphs shown in several figures in this chapter have sharp 1 x = ( v – v 0 ) t + v 0 t (2.5)kinks at some points implying that the 2 functions are not differentiable at these But v − v 0 = a tpoints. In any realistic situation, the functions will be differentiable at all points 1 2 Therefore, x = a t + v 0 tand the graphs will be smooth. 2 What this means physically is that 1 2 or, x = v 0 t + at (2.6)acceleration and velocity cannot change 2 values abruptly at an instant. Changes are Equation (2.5) can also be written as always continuous. v + v 0 x = t = v t (2.7a)2.4 KINEMATIC EQUATIONS FOR 2 UNIFORMLY ACCELERATED MOTION where, For uniformly accelerated motion, we can derive some simple equations that relate displacement v + v 0 v = (constant acceleration only)(x), time taken (t), initial velocity (v0), final 2 velocity (v) and acceleration (a). Equation (2.4) (2.7b) already obtained gives a relation between final and initial velocities v and v0 of an object moving Equations (2.7a) and (2.7b) mean that the object with uniform acceleration a : has undergone displacement x with an average velocity equal to the arithmetic average of the v = v0 + at (2.4) initial and final velocities. From Eq. (2.4), t = (v – v0)/a. Substituting this in This relation is graphically represented in Fig. 2.5. Eq. (2.7a), we get The area under this curve is : Area between instants 0 and t = Area of triangle  v + v 0   v − v 0  v 2 − v 02 x = v t =ABC + Area of rectangle OACD  2   a = 2a 1 2 2 = (v – v 0 ) t + v 0 t v = v 0 + 2ax (2.8) 2 Reprint 2025-26 18 PHYSICS This equation can also be obtained by t v 0 + at ) d tsubstituting the value of t from Eq. (2.4) into Eq. = ∫ 0 ( (2.6). Thus, we have obtained three important equations : 1 2 x – x 0 = v 0 t + a t 2 v = v 0 + at 1 2 1 2 x = x 0 + v 0 t + a t x = v 0t + at 2 2 We can write v 2 = v 02 + 2ax (2.9a) d v d v d x d v a = = = v d t d x d t d x connecting five quantities v0, v, a, t and x. These or, v dv = a dxare kinematic equations of rectilinear motion for Integrating both sides,constant acceleration. The set of Eq. (2.9a) were obtained by v x v d v = a d xassuming that at t = 0, the position of the particle, ∫ v 0 ∫ x 0 x is 0. We can obtain a more general equation if we take the position coordinate at t = 0 as non- v 2 – v 02 = a ( x – x 0 ) zero, say x0. Then Eqs. (2.9a) are modified 2 (replacing x by x – x0 ) to : 2 2 v = v 0 + 2a ( x – x 0 ) v = v 0 + at The advantage of this method is that it can be used 1 2 for motion with non-uniform acceleration x = x 0 + v 0t + at (2.9b) also. 2 Now, we shall use these equations to some v 2 = v 02 + 2a ( x − x 0 ) (2.9c) important cases. ⊳ ⊳ ⊳ Example 2.3 A ball is thrown vertically Example 2.2 Obtain equations of motion upwards with a velocity of 20 m s–1 from for constant acceleration using method of the top of a multistorey building. The calculus. height of the point from where the ball is thrown is 25.0 m from the ground. (a) How high will the ball rise ? and (b) how longAnswer By definition will it be before the ball hits the ground? d v Take g = 10 m s–2. a = d t dv = a dt Answer (a) Let us take the y-axis in the Integrating both sides vertically upward direction with zero at the v t ∫ v 0 d v = ∫ 0 a d t ground, as shown in Fig. 2.6. Now vo = + 20 m s–1, t d t (a is a = – g = –10 m s–2, = a ∫ 0 v = 0 m s–1 constant) If the ball rises to height y from the point of v – v 0 = at launch, then using the equation 2 + 2 a 0 ( y – y 0 ) v = v 0 + at v 2 = v we get d x Further, v = 0 = (20)2 + 2(–10)(y – y0) d t Solving, we get, (y – y0) = 20 m. dx = v dt Integrating both sides (b) We can solve this part of the problem in two x t ways. Note carefully the methods used. ∫ x 0 dx = ∫v0 d t Reprint 2025-26 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 19 0 = 25 +20 t + (½) (-10) t2 Or, 5t2 – 20t – 25 = 0 Solving this quadratic equation for t, we get t = 5s Note that the second method is better since we do not have to worry about the path of the motion as the motion is under constant acceleration. ⊳ ⊳ Example 2.4 Free-fall : Discuss the motion of an object under free fall. Neglect air resistance. Answer An object released near the surface of the Earth is accelerated downward under the influence of the force of gravity. The magnitude of acceleration due to gravity is represented by g. If air resistance is neglected, the object is Fig. 2.6 said to be in free fall. If the height through which the object falls is small compared to the FIRST METHOD : In the first method, we split earth’s radius, g can be taken to be constant, the path in two parts : the upward motion (A to equal to 9.8 m s–2. Free fall is thus a case of B) and the downward motion (B to C) and motion with uniform acceleration. calculate the corresponding time taken t1 and We assume that the motion is in y-direction, t2. Since the velocity at B is zero, we have : more correctly in –y-direction because we v = vo + at choose upward direction as positive. Since the 0 = 20 – 10t1 acceleration due to gravity is always downward, Or, t1 = 2 s it is in the negative direction and we have This is the time in going from A to B. From B, or a = – g = – 9.8 m s–2 the point of the maximum height, the ball falls The object is released from rest at y = 0. Therefore, freely under the acceleration due to gravity. The v0 = 0 and the equations of motion become: ball is moving in negative y direction. We use v = 0 – g t = –9.8 t m s–1equation y = 0 – ½ g t2 = –4.9 t 2 m 1 2 y = y 0 + v 0t + at v2 = 0 – 2 g y = –19.6 y m2 s–2 2 These equations give the velocity and the We have, y0 = 45 m, y = 0, v0 = 0, a = – g = –10 m s–2 distance travelled as a function of time and also 0 = 45 + (½) (–10) t2 2 the variation of velocity with distance. The Solving, we get t2 = 3 s variation of acceleration, velocity, and distance, with time have been plotted in Fig. 2.7(a), (b)Therefore, the total time taken by the ball before and (c). it hits the ground = t1 + t2 = 2 s + 3 s = 5 s. SECOND METHOD : The total time taken can also be calculated by noting the coordinates of initial and final positions of the ball with respect to the origin chosen and using equation 1 2 y = y0 + v 0t + at 2 Now y0 = 25 m y = 0 m vo = 20 m s-1, a = –10m s–2, t = ? (a) Reprint 2025-26 20 PHYSICS traversed during successive intervals of time. Since initial velocity is zero, we have 2 y = −1 gt 2 Using this equation, we can calculate the position of the object after different time intervals, 0, τ, 2τ, 3τ… which are given in second column of Table 2.2. If we take (–1/ 2) gτ2 as y0 — the position coordinate after first time interval τ, then third column gives (b) the positions in the unit of yo. The fourth column gives the distances traversed in successive τs. We find that the distances are in the simple ratio 1: 3: 5: 7: 9: 11… as shown in the last column. This law was established by Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) who was the first to make quantitative studies of free fall. ⊳ ⊳ Example 2.6 Stopping distance of vehicles : When brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the distance it travels before stopping is called stopping distance. It is (c) an important factor for road safety and depends on the initial velocity (v0) and theFig. 2.7 Motion of an object under free fall. braking capacity, or deceleration, –a that (a) Variation of acceleration with time. (b) Variation of velocity with time. is caused by the braking. Derive an (c) Variation of distance with time ⊳ expression for stopping distance of a vehicle in terms of vo and a. ⊳ Example 2.5 Galileo’s law of odd Answer Let the distance travelled by the vehicle numbers : “The distances traversed, during before it stops be ds. Then, using equation of equal intervals of time, by a body falling 2 motion v2 = vo + 2 ax, and noting that v = 0, we from rest, stand to one another in the same have the stopping distance ratio as the odd numbers beginning with unity [namely, 1: 3: 5: 7…...].” Prove it. – v 02 d s = 2aAnswer Let us divide the time interval of motion of an object under free fall into many Thus, the stopping distance is proportional to equal intervals τ and find out the distances the square of the initial velocity. Doubling the Table 2.2 Reprint 2025-26 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 21 initial velocity increases the stopping distance by a factor of 4 (for the same deceleration). For the car of a particular make, the braking distance was found to be 10 m, 20 m, 34 m and 50 m corresponding to velocities of 11, 15, 20 and 25 m/s which are nearly consistent with the above formula. Stopping distance is an important factor considered in setting speed limits, for example, in school zones. ⊳ ⊳ Example 2.7 Reaction time : When a situation demands our immediate action, it takes some time before we really respond. Reaction time is the time a person takes to observe, think Fig. 2.8 Measuring the reaction time. and act. For example, if a person is driving and suddenly a boy appears on the road, then the time elapsed before Answer The ruler drops under free fall. he slams the brakes of the car is the Therefore, vo = 0, and a = – g = –9.8 m s–2. The reaction time. Reaction time depends distance travelled d and the reaction time tr are on complexity of the situation and on related by an individual. You can measure your reaction time by a simple experiment. Take a ruler and ask your friend to drop it vertically through the gap between Or, your thumb and forefinger (Fig. 2.8). Given d = 21.0 cm and g = 9.8 m s–2 the reaction After you catch it, find the distance d time is travelled by the ruler. In a particular case, d was found to be 21.0 cm. ⊳ Estimate reaction time. SUMMARY 1. An object is said to be in motion if its position changes with time. The position of the object can be specified with reference to a conveniently chosen origin. For motion in a straight line, position to the right of the origin is taken as positive and to the left as negative. The average speed of an object is greater or equal to the magnitude of the average velocity over a given time interval. 2. Instantaneous velocity or simply velocity is defined as the limit of the average velocity as the time interval ∆t becomes infinitesimally small : ∆ x d x v = lim v = lim = ∆→t 0 ∆→t 0 ∆t d t The velocity at a particular instant is equal to the slope of the tangent drawn on position-time graph at that instant. Reprint 2025-26 22 PHYSICS 3. Average acceleration is the change in velocity divided by the time interval during which the change occurs : ∆ v a = ∆t 4. Instantaneous acceleration is defined as the limit of the average acceleration as the time interval ∆t goes to zero : ∆v d v a = lim a = lim = ∆→t 0 ∆→t 0 ∆ t d t The acceleration of an object at a particular time is the slope of the velocity-time graph at that instant of time. For uniform motion, acceleration is zero and the x-t graph is a straight line inclined to the time axis and the v-t graph is a straight line parallel to the time axis. For motion with uniform acceleration, x-t graph is a parabola while the v-t graph is a straight line inclined to the time axis. 5. The area under the velocity-time curve between times t1 and t2 is equal to the displacement of the object during that interval of time. 6. For objects in uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion, the five quantities, displacement x, time taken t, initial velocity v0, final velocity v and acceleration a are related by a set of simple equations called kinematic equations of motion : v = v0 + at 1 2 x = v0 t + at 2 v 2 = v 02 + 2ax if the position of the object at time t = 0 is 0. If the particle starts at x = x0 , x in above equations is replaced by (x – x0). Reprint 2025-26 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 23 POINTS TO PONDER 1. The origin and the positive direction of an axis are a matter of choice. You should first specify this choice before you assign signs to quantities like displacement, velocity and acceleration. 2. If a particle is speeding up, acceleration is in the direction of velocity; if its speed is decreasing, acceleration is in the direction opposite to that of the velocity. This statement is independent of the choice of the origin and the axis. 3. The sign of acceleration does not tell us whether the particle’s speed is increasing or decreasing. The sign of acceleration (as mentioned in point 3) depends on the choice of the positive direction of the axis. For example, if the vertically upward direction is chosen to be the positive direction of the axis, the acceleration due to gravity is negative. If a particle is falling under gravity, this acceleration, though negative, results in increase in speed. For a particle thrown upward, the same negative acceleration (of gravity) results in decrease in speed. 4. The zero velocity of a particle at any instant does not necessarily imply zero acceleration at that instant. A particle may be momentarily at rest and yet have non-zero acceleration. For example, a particle thrown up has zero velocity at its uppermost point but the acceleration at that instant continues to be the acceleration due to gravity. 5. In the kinematic equations of motion [Eq. (2.9)], the various quantities are algebraic, i.e. they may be positive or negative. The equations are applicable in all situations (for one dimensional motion with constant acceleration) provided the values of different quantities are substituted in the equations with proper signs. 6. The definitions of instantaneous velocity and acceleration (Eqs. (2.1) and (2.3)) are exact and are always correct while the kinematic equations (Eq. (2.9)) are true only for motion in which the magnitude and the direction of acceleration are constant during the course of motion. Reprint 2025-26 24 PHYSICS EXERCISES 2.1 In which of the following examples of motion, can the body be considered approximately a point object: (a) a railway carriage moving without jerks between two stations. (b) a monkey sitting on top of a man cycling smoothly on a circular track. (c) a spinning cricket ball that turns sharply on hitting the ground. (d) a tumbling beaker that has slipped off the edge of a table. 2.2 The position-time (x-t) graphs for two children A and B returning from their school O to their homes P and Q respectively are shown in Fig. 2.9. Choose the correct entries in the brackets below ; (a) (A/B) lives closer to the school than (B/A) (b) (A/B) starts from the school earlier than (B/A) (c) (A/B) walks faster than (B/A) (d) A and B reach home at the (same/different) time (e) (A/B) overtakes (B/A) on the road (once/twice). Fig. 2.9 2.3 A woman starts from her home at 9.00 am, walks with a speed of 5 km h–1 on a straight road up to her office 2.5 km away, stays at the office up to 5.00 pm, and returns home by an auto with a speed of 25 km h–1. Choose suitable scales and plot the x-t graph of her motion. 2.4 A drunkard walking in a narrow lane takes 5 steps forward and 3 steps backward, followed again by 5 steps forward and 3 steps backward, and so on. Each step is 1 m long and requires 1 s. Plot the x-t graph of his motion. Determine graphically and otherwise how long the drunkard takes to fall in a pit 13 m away from the start. 2.5 A car moving along a straight highway with speed of 126 km h–1 is brought to a stop within a distance of 200 m. What is the retardation of the car (assumed uniform), and how long does it take for the car to stop ? 2.6 A player throws a ball upwards with an initial speed of 29.4 m s–1. (a) What is the direction of acceleration during the upward motion of the ball ? (b) What are the velocity and acceleration of the ball at the highest point of its motion ? (c) Choose the x = 0 m and t = 0 s to be the location and time of the ball at its highest point, vertically downward direction to be the positive direction of x-axis, and give the signs of position, velocity and acceleration of the ball during its upward, and downward motion. (d) To what height does the ball rise and after how long does the ball return to the player’s hands ? (Take g = 9.8 m s–2 and neglect air resistance). 2.7 Read each statement below carefully and state with reasons and examples, if it is true or false ; A particle in one-dimensional motion (a) with zero speed at an instant may have non-zero acceleration at that instant (b) with zero speed may have non-zero velocity, (c) with constant speed must have zero acceleration, (d) with positive value of acceleration must be speeding up. Reprint 2025-26 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 25 2.8 A ball is dropped from a height of 90 m on a floor. At each collision with the floor, the ball loses one tenth of its speed. Plot the speed-time graph of its motion between t = 0 to 12 s. 2.9 Explain clearly, with examples, the distinction between : (a) magnitude of displacement (sometimes called distance) over an interval of time, and the total length of path covered by a particle over the same interval; (b) magnitude of average velocity over an interval of time, and the average speed over the same interval. [Average speed of a particle over an interval of time is defined as the total path length divided by the time interval]. Show in both (a) and (b) that the second quantity is either greater than or equal to the first. When is the equality sign true ? [For simplicity, consider one-dimensional motion only]. 2.10 A man walks on a straight road from his home to a market 2.5 km away with a speed of 5 km h–1. Finding the market closed, he instantly turns and walks back home with a speed of 7.5 km h–1. What is the (a) magnitude of average velocity, and (b) average speed of the man over the interval of time (i) 0 to 30 min, (ii) 0 to 50 min, (iii) 0 to 40 min ? [Note: You will appreciate from this exercise why it is better to define average speed as total path length divided by time, and not as magnitude of average velocity. You would not like to tell the tired man on his return home that his average speed was zero !] Fig. 2.10 2.11 In Exercises 2.9 and 2.10, we have carefully distinguished between average speed and magnitude of average velocity. No such distinction is necessary when we consider instantaneous speed and magnitude of velocity. The instantaneous speed is always equal to the magnitude of instantaneous velocity. Why? 2.12 Look at the graphs (a) to (d) (Fig. 2.10) carefully and state, with reasons, which of these cannot possibly represent one-dimensional motion of a particle. 2.13 Figure 2.11shows the x-t plot of one- dimensional motion of a particle. Is it correct to say from the graph that the particle moves Fig. 2.11 in a straight line for t < 0 and on a parabolic path for t >0 ? If not, suggest a suitable physical context for this graph. 2.14 A police van moving on a highway with a speed of 30 km h–1 fires a bullet at a thief’s car speeding away in the same direction with a speed of 192 km h–1. If the muzzle speed of the bullet is 150 m s–1, with what speed does the bullet hit the thief’s car ? (Note: Obtain that speed which is relevant for damaging the thief’s car). Reprint 2025-26 26 PHYSICS 2.15 Suggest a suitable physical situation for each of the following graphs (Fig 2.12): Fig. 2.12 2.16 Figure 2.13 gives the x-t plot of a particle executing one-dimensional simple harmonic motion. (You will learn about this motion in more detail in Chapter13). Give the signs of position, velocity and acceleration variables of the particle at t = 0.3 s, 1.2 s, – 1.2 s. Fig. 2.13 2.17 Figure 2.14 gives the x-t plot of a particle in one-dimensional motion. Three different equal intervals of time are shown. In which interval is the average speed greatest, and in which is it the least ? Give the sign of average velocity for each interval. Fig. 2.14 2.18 Figure 2.15 gives a speed-time graph of a particle in motion along a constant direction. Three equal intervals of time are shown. In which interval is the average acceleration greatest in magnitude? In which interval is the average speed greatest ? Choosing the positive direction as the constant direction of motion, give the signs of v and a in the three intervals. What are the accelerations at the points A, B, C and D ? Fig. 2.15 Reprint 2025-26 CHAPTER THREE MOTION IN A PLANE 3.1 INTRODUCTION In the last chapter we developed the concepts of position, displacement, velocity and acceleration that are needed to 3.1 Introduction describe the motion of an object along a straight line. We 3.2 Scalars and vectors found that the directional aspect of these quantities can be taken care of by + and – signs, as in one dimension only two3.3 Multiplication of vectors by real numbers directions are possible. But in order to describe motion of an 3.4 Addition and subtraction of object in two dimensions (a plane) or three dimensions vectors — graphical method (space), we need to use vectors to describe the above- 3.5 Resolution of vectors mentioned physical quantities. Therefore, it is first necessary to learn the language of vectors. What is a vector? How to3.6 Vector addition — analytical method add, subtract and multiply vectors ? What is the result of 3.7 Motion in a plane multiplying a vector by a real number ? We shall learn this to enable us to use vectors for defining velocity and3.8 Motion in a plane with constant acceleration acceleration in a plane. We then discuss motion of an object 3.9 Projectile motion in a plane. As a simple case of motion in a plane, we shall discuss motion with constant acceleration and treat in detail3.10 Uniform circular motion the projectile motion. Circular motion is a familiar class of Summary motion that has a special significance in daily-life situations. Points to ponder We shall discuss uniform circular motion in some detail. Exercises The equations developed in this chapter for motion in a plane can be easily extended to the case of three dimensions. 3.2 SCALARS AND VECTORS In physics, we can classify quantities as scalars or vectors. Basically, the difference is that a direction is associated with a vector but not with a scalar. A scalar quantity is a quantity with magnitude only. It is specified completely by a single number, along with the proper unit. Examples are : the distance between two points, mass of an object, the temperature of a body and the time at which a certain event happened. The rules for combining scalars are the rules of ordinary algebra. Scalars can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided Reprint 2025-26 28 PHYSICS just as the ordinary numbers*. For example, represented by another position vector, OP′ if the length and breadth of a rectangle are denoted by r′. The length of the vector r 1.0 m and 0.5 m respectively, then its represents the magnitude of the vector and its perimeter is the sum of the lengths of the direction is the direction in which P lies as seen four sides, 1.0 m + 0.5 m +1.0 m + 0.5 m = from O. If the object moves from P to P′, the 3.0 m. The length of each side is a scalar vector PP′ (with tail at P and tip at P′) is called and the perimeter is also a scalar. Take the displacement vector corresponding to another example: the maximum and motion from point P (at time t) to point P′ (at time t′). minimum temperatures on a particular day are 35.6 °C and 24.2 °C respectively. Then, the difference between the two temperatures is 11.4 °C. Similarly, if a uniform solid cube of aluminium of side 10 cm has a mass of

5.2 NOTIONS OF WORK AND KINETIC to be proportional to the speed of the drop ENERGY: THE WORK-ENERGY THEOREM but is otherwise undetermined. Consider The following relation for rectilinear motion under a drop of mass 1.00 g falling from a height constant acceleration a has been encountered 1.00 km. It hits the ground with a speed of in Chapter 3, 50.0 m s-1. (a) What is the work done by the v2 − u2 = 2 as (5.2) gravitational force ? What is the work done where u and v are the initial and final speeds by the unknown resistive force? and s the distance traversed. Multiplying both Answer (a) The change in kinetic energy of the sides by m/2, we have drop is 1 2 1 2 1 2 mv − mu = mas = Fs (5.2a) ∆ K = m v − 0 2 2 2 where the last step follows from Newton’s Second 1 -3 = × 10 × 50 × 50 Law. We can generalise Eq. (5.2) to three 2 dimensions by employing vectors = 1.25 J v2 − u2 = 2 a.d where we have assumed that the drop is initially at rest. Here a and d are acceleration and displacement Assuming that g is a constant with a value vectors of the object respectively. 10 m/s2, the work done by the gravitational force Once again multiplying both sides by m/2 , we obtain is, 1 1 mv 2 − mu 2 = m a.d = F.d (5.2b) Wg = mgh 2 2 = 10-3 ×10 ×103 The above equation provides a motivation for = 10.0 J the definitions of work and kinetic energy. The (b) From the work-energy theorem left side of the equation is the difference in the quantity ‘half the mass times the square of the ∆ K = W g + W r speed’ from its initial value to its final value. We where Wr is the work done by the resistive force call each of these quantities the ‘kinetic energy’, on the raindrop. Thus denoted by K. The right side is a product of the Wr = ∆K − Wg displacement and the component of the force = 1.25 −10 along the displacement. This quantity is called = − 8.75 J ‘work’ and is denoted by W. Eq. (5.2b) is then is negative. ⊳ Kf − Ki = W (5.3) 5.3 WORK where Ki and Kf are respectively the initial and As seen earlier, work is related to force and the final kinetic energies of the object. Work refers displacement over which it acts. Consider a to the force and the displacement over which it constant force F acting on an object of mass m. acts. Work is done by a force on the body over The object undergoes a displacement d in the a certain displacement. positive x-direction as shown in Fig. 5.2. Equation (5.2) is also a special case of the work-energy (WE) theorem : The change in kinetic energy of a particle is equal to the work done on it by the net force. We shall generalise the above derivation to a varying force in a later section. ⊳ Example 5.2 It is well known that a raindrop falls under the influence of the Fig. 5.2 An object undergoes a displacement d downward gravitational force and the under the influence of the force F. opposing resistive force. The latter is known Reprint 2025-26 74 PHYSICS The work done by the force is defined to be Table 5.1 Alternative Units of Work/Energy in J the product of component of the force in the direction of the displacement and the magnitude of this displacement. Thus W = (F cos θ)d = F.d (5.4) We see that if there is no displacement, there is no work done even if the force is large. Thus, when you push hard against a rigid brick wall, ⊳ the force you exert on the wall does no work. Yet Example 5.3 A cyclist comes to a skidding your muscles are alternatively contracting and stop in 10 m. During this process, the force relaxing and internal energy is being used up on the cycle due to the road is 200 N and and you do get tired. Thus, the meaning of work is directly opposed to the motion. (a) How in physics is different from its usage in everyday much work does the road do on the cycle ? language. (b) How much work does the cycle do on the road ? No work is done if : (i) the displacement is zero as seen in the example above. A weightlifter holding a 150 Answer Work done on the cycle by the road is kg mass steadily on his shoulder for 30 s the work done by the stopping (frictional) force does no work on the load during this time. on the cycle due to the road. (ii) the force is zero. A block moving on a smooth (a) The stopping force and the displacement make horizontal table is not acted upon by a an angle of 180o (π rad) with each other. horizontal force (since there is no friction), but Thus, work done by the road, may undergo a large displacement. Wr = Fd cosθ (iii) the force and displacement are mutually = 200 × 10 × cos π perpendicular. This is so since, for θ= π/2 rad = – 2000 J (= 90o), cos (π/2) = 0. For the block moving on It is this negative work that brings the cycle a smooth horizontal table, the gravitational to a halt in accordance with WE theorem. force mg does no work since it acts at right (b) From Newton’s Third Law an equal and angles to the displacement. If we assume that opposite force acts on the road due to the the moon’s orbits around the earth is cycle. Its magnitude is 200 N. However, the perfectly circular then the earth’s road undergoes no displacement. Thus, gravitational force does no work. The moon’s work done by cycle on the road is zero. ⊳ instantaneous displacement is tangential while the earth’s force is radially inwards and The lesson of Example 5.3 is that though the θ = π/2. force on a body A exerted by the body B is always Work can be both positive and negative. If θ is equal and opposite to that on B by A (Newton’s between 0o and 90o, cos θ in Eq. (5.4) is positive. Third Law); the work done on A by B is not If θ is between 90o and 180o, cos θ is negative. necessarily equal and opposite to the work done In many examples the frictional force opposes on B by A. displacement and θ = 180o. Then the work done 5.4 KINETIC ENERGY by friction is negative (cos 180o = –1). As noted earlier, if an object of mass m has From Eq. (5.4) it is clear that work and energy velocity v, its kinetic energy K ishave the same dimensions, [ML2T–2]. The SI unit of these is joule (J), named after the famous British 1 1 2physicist James Prescott Joule (1811-1869). Since K = m v. v = mv (5.5) 2 2work and energy are so widely used as physical concepts, alternative units abound and some of Kinetic energy is a scalar quantity. The kinetic these are listed in Table 5.1. energy of an object is a measure of the work an Reprint 2025-26 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 75 Table 5.2 Typical kinetic energies (K) object can do by the virtue of its motion. This This is illustrated in Fig. 5.3(a). Adding notion has been intuitively known for a long time. successive rectangular areas in Fig. 5.3(a) we The kinetic energy of a fast flowing stream get the total work done as has been used to grind corn. Sailing x f ships employ the kinetic energy of the wind. Table W ≅ F (x )∆x (5.6) ∑

5.10 POWER Often it is interesting to know not only the work u Example 5.10 An elevator can carry a done on an object, but also the rate at which maximum load of 1800 kg (elevator + this work is done. We say a person is physically passengers) is moving up with a constant fit if he not only climbs four floors of a building speed of 2 m s–1. The frictional force opposing but climbs them fast. Power is defined as the the motion is 4000 N. Determine the time rate at which work is done or energy is minimum power delivered by the motor to transferred. the elevator in watts as well as in horse The average power of a force is defined as the power. ratio of the work, W, to the total time t taken Answer The downward force on the elevator is W Pav = F = m g + = (1800 × 10) + 4000 = 22000 N t Ff The motor must supply enough power to balanceThe instantaneous power is defined as the this force. Hence,limiting value of the average power as time interval approaches zero, P = F. v = 22000 × 2 = 44000 W = 59 hp ⊳ d W 5.11 COLLISIONS P = (5.20) d t In physics we study motion (change in position). The work dW done by a force F for a displacement At the same time, we try to discover physical dr is dW = F.dr. The instantaneous power can quantities, which do not change in a physical also be expressed as process. The laws of momentum and energy conservation are typical examples. In this d r P = F. section we shall apply these laws to a commonly d t encountered phenomena, namely collisions. Several games such as billiards, marbles or = F.v (5.21) carrom involve collisions.We shall study the where v is the instantaneous velocity when the collision of two masses in an idealised form. force is F. Consider two masses m1 and m2. The particle Power, like work and energy, is a scalar m1 is moving with speed v1i , the subscript ‘i’ quantity. Its dimensions are [ML2T–3]. In the SI, implying initial. We can cosider m2 to be at rest. its unit is called a watt (W). The watt is 1 J s–1. No loss of generality is involved in making such The unit of power is named after James Watt, a selection. In this situation the mass m1 one of the innovators of the steam engine in the collides with the stationary mass m2 and this eighteenth century. is depicted in Fig. 5.10. There is another unit of power, namely the horse-power (hp) 1 hp = 746 W This unit is still used to describe the output of automobiles, motorbikes, etc. We encounter the unit watt when we buy electrical goods such as bulbs, heaters and refrigerators. A 100 watt bulb which is on for 10 hours uses 1 kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy. 100 (watt) × 10 (hour) Fig. 5.10 Collision of mass m1, with a stationary mass m2. = 1000 watt hour The masses m1 and m2 fly-off in different =1 kilowatt hour (kWh) directions. We shall see that there are = 103 (W) × 3600 (s) relationships, which connect the masses, the = 3.6 × 106 J velocities and the angles. Reprint 2025-26 84 PHYSICS 5.11.1 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions The loss in kinetic energy on collision is In all collisions the total linear momentum is 1 2 1 2 conserved; the initial momentum of the system ∆ K = m 1 v1i − (m 1 + m 2 )v f 2 2 is equal to the final momentum of the system. One can argue this as follows. When two objects 2 1 2 1 m 1 2 collide, the mutual impulsive forces acting over = m 1v1i − v1i [using Eq. (5.22)] the collision time ∆t cause a change in their 2 2 m 1 + m 2 respective momenta : 1 2  m 1  ∆p1 = F12 ∆t = 2 m 1v1i 1 − m 1 + m 2  ∆p2 = F21 ∆t where F12 is the force exerted on the first particle 1 m 1m 2 2by the second particle. F21 is likewise the force = v1i 2 m 1 + m 2exerted on the second particle by the first particle. Now from Newton’s third law, F12 = − F21. This which is a positive quantity as expected.implies ∆p1 + ∆p2 = 0 Consider next an elastic collision. Using the above nomenclature with θ1 = θ2 = 0, the The above conclusion is true even though the momentum and kinetic energy conservation forces vary in a complex fashion during the equations are collision time ∆t. Since the third law is true at every instant, the total impulse on the first object m1v1i = m1v1f + m2v2f (5.23) is equal and opposite to that on the second. 2 2 2 m 1v1i = m 1v1 f + m 2 v 2 f (5.24) On the other hand, the total kinetic energy of the system is not necessarily conserved. The From Eqs. (5.23) and (5.24) it follows that, impact and deformation during collision may generate heat and sound. Part of the initial kinetic m 1v1i (v 2 f − v1i ) = m 1v1 f (v 2 f − v1 f ) energy is transformed into other forms of energy. A useful way to visualise the deformation during or, v 2 f (v1i − v1 f ) = v12i − v12f collision is in terms of a ‘compressed spring’. If the ‘spring’ connecting the two masses regains = (v1i − v1 f )(v 1i + v 1 f ) its original shape without loss in energy, then the initial kinetic energy is equal to the final Hence, ∴ v 2 f = v1i + v1 f (5.25) kinetic energy but the kinetic energy during the Substituting this in Eq. (5.23), we obtaincollision time ∆t is not constant. Such a collision is called an elastic collision. On the other hand (m 1 − m 2 ) v1 f = v1i (5.26)the deformation may not be relieved and the two m 1 + m 2 bodies could move together after the collision. A 2m 1v1icollision in which the two particles move together and v 2 f = (5.27) m 1 + m 2after the collision is called a completely inelastic collision. The intermediate case where the Thus, the ‘unknowns’ {v1f, v2f} are obtained in deformation is partly relieved and some of the terms of the ‘knowns’ {m1, m2, v1i}. Special cases initial kinetic energy is lost is more common and of our analysis are interesting. is appropriately called an inelastic collision. Case I : If the two masses are equal 5.11.2 Collisions in One Dimension v1f = 0 Consider first a completely inelastic collision v2f = v1i in one dimension. Then, in Fig. 5.10, The first mass comes to rest and pushes off the θ 1 = θ 2 = 0 second mass with its initial speed on collision. Case II : If one mass dominates, e.g. m2 > > m1 m1v1i = (m1+m2)vf (momentum conservation) v1f ~ − v1i v2f ~ 0 m 1 The heavier mass is undisturbed while the v f = v1i (5.22) m 1 + m 2 lighter mass reverses its velocity. Reprint 2025-26 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 85 ⊳ dimensional, where the initial velocities and the Example 5.11 Slowing down of neutrons: final velocities lie in a plane. In a nuclear reactor a neutron of high speed (typically 107 m s–1) must be slowed 5.11.3 Collisions in Two Dimensions to 103 m s–1 so that it can have a high Fig. 5.10 also depicts the collision of a moving probability of interacting with isotope 235U92 mass m1 with the stationary mass m2. Linear momentum is conserved in such a collision. and causing it to fission. Show that a neutron can lose most of its kinetic energy Since momentum is a vector this implies three in an elastic collision with a light nuclei equations for the three directions {x, y, z}. like deuterium or carbon which has a mass Consider the plane determined by the final of only a few times the neutron mass. The velocity directions of m1 and m2 and choose it to material making up the light nuclei, usually be the x-y plane. The conservation of the heavy water (D2O) or graphite, is called a z-component of the linear momentum implies moderator. that the entire collision is in the x-y plane. The x- and y-component equations are Answer The initial kinetic energy of the neutron m1v1i = m1v1f cos θ1 + m2v2f cos θ2 (5.28)is 0 = m1v1f sin θ1 − m2v2f sin θ2 (5.29) 1 2 K 1i = m 1v1i 2 One knows {m1, m2, v1i} in most situations. There are thus four unknowns {v1f, v2f , θ1 and θ2}, andwhile its final kinetic energy from Eq. (5.26) only two equations. If θ 1 = θ 2 = 0, we regain 1 2 1  m 1 − m 2  2 2 Eq. (5.23) for one dimensional collision. K 1 f = m 1v1 f = m 1 v1i 2 2  m 1 + m 2  If, further the collision is elastic, 1 2 1 2 1 2 m1v1i = m1v1 f + m 2v 2 f (5.30) The fractional kinetic energy lost is 2 2 2 2 We obtain an additional equation. That still K 1 f  m 1 − m 2  f 1 = = leaves us one equation short. At least one of K 1i  m 1 + m 2  the four unknowns, say θ1, must be made known while the fractional kinetic energy gained by the for the problem to be solvable. For example, θ1 moderating nuclei K2f /K1i is can be determined by moving a detector in an angular fashion from the x to the y axis. Given f2 = 1 − f1 (elastic collision) {m1, m2, v1i , θ1} we can determine {v1f , v2f, θ2} 4m 1m 2 from Eqs. (5.28)-(5.30). = 2 ⊳ (m1 + m 2 ) Example 5.12 Consider the collision depicted in Fig. 5.10 to be between two One can also verify this result by substituting billiard balls with equal masses m1 = m2.from Eq. (5.27). The first ball is called the cue while the For deuterium m2 = 2m1 and we obtain second ball is called the target. The f1 = 1/9 while f2 = 8/9. Almost 90% of the billiard player wants to ‘sink’ the target neutron’s energy is transferred to deuterium. For ball in a corner pocket, which is at an carbon f1 = 71.6% and f2 = 28.4%. In practice, angle θ2 = 37°. Assume that the collision ishowever, this number is smaller since head-on elastic and that friction and rotational collisions are rare. ⊳ motion are not important. Obtain θ1. If the initial velocities and final velocities of Answer From momentum conservation, since both the bodies are along the same straight line, the masses are equal then it is called a one-dimensional collision, or head-on collision. In the case of small spherical v1i = v 1f + v 2f bodies, this is possible if the direction of travel of body 1 passes through the centre of body 2 ⋅ or v 1i 2 = ( v1 f + v 2 f ) ( v1 f + v 2 f ) which is at rest. In general, the collision is two- = v1 f 2 + v 2 f 2 + 2 v1 f .v 2 f Reprint 2025-26 86 PHYSICS 2 2 The matter simplifies greatly if we consider= (5.31) { v1 f + v 2 f + 2v1 f v 2 f cos (θ1 + 37 ° ) } spherical masses with smooth surfaces, and assume that collision takes place only when the Since the collision is elastic and m1 = m2 it follows bodies touch each other. This is what happensfrom conservation of kinetic energy that in the games of marbles, carrom and billiards. v1i 2 = v1 f 2 + v 2 f 2 (5.32) In our everyday world, collisions take place only when two bodies touch each other. But considerComparing Eqs. (5.31) and (5.32), we get a comet coming from far distances to the sun, or cos (θ1 + 37°) = 0 alpha particle coming towards a nucleus and or θ1 + 37° = 90° going away in some direction. Here we have to deal with forces involving action at a distance. Thus, θ1 = 53° Such an event is called scattering. The velocities This proves the following result : when two equal and directions in which the two particles go away masses undergo a glancing elastic collision with depend on their initial velocities as well as the one of them at rest, after the collision, they will type of interaction between them, their masses, move at right angles to each other. ⊳ shapes and sizes. SUMMARY 1. The work-energy theorem states that the change in kinetic energy of a body is the work done by the net force on the body. Kf - Ki = Wnet 2. A force is conservative if (i) work done by it on an object is path independent and depends only on the end points {xi, xj}, or (ii) the work done by the force is zero for an arbitrary closed path taken by the object such that it returns to its initial position. 3. For a conservative force in one dimension, we may define a potential energy function V(x) such that d V ( x ) F ( x ) = − d x x f F ( x ) d x or Vi − V f = ∫ x i 4. The principle of conservation of mechanical energy states that the total mechanical energy of a body remains constant if the only forces that act on the body are conservative. 5. The gravitational potential energy of a particle of mass m at a height x about the earth’s surface is V(x) = m g x where the variation of g with height is ignored. 5. The elastic potential energy of a spring of force constant k and extension x is 1 2 V ( x ) = k x 2 7. The scalar or dot product of two vectors A and B is written as A.B and is a scalar quantity given by :A.B = AB cos θ, where θ is the angle between A and B. It can be positive, negative or zero depending upon the value of θ. The scalar product of two vectors can be interpreted as the product of magnitude of one vector and component of the other vector along the first vector. For unit vectors : ˆi ⋅ ˆi = ˆj ⋅ ˆj = kˆ ⋅ kˆ = 1 and ˆi ⋅ ˆj = ˆj ⋅ kˆ = kˆ ⋅ ˆi = 0 Scalar products obey the commutative and the distributive laws. Reprint 2025-26 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 87 POINTS TO PONDER 1. The phrase ‘calculate the work done’ is incomplete. We should refer (or imply clearly by context) to the work done by a specific force or a group of forces on a given body over a certain displacement. 2. Work done is a scalar quantity. It can be positive or negative unlike mass and kinetic energy which are positive scalar quantities. The work done by the friction or viscous force on a moving body is negative. 3. For two bodies, the sum of the mutual forces exerted between them is zero from Newton’s Third Law, F12 + F21 = 0 But the sum of the work done by the two forces need not always cancel, i.e. W12 + W21 ≠ 0 However, it may sometimes be true. 4. The work done by a force can be calculated sometimes even if the exact nature of the force is not known. This is clear from Example 5.2 where the WE theorem is used in such a situation. 5. The WE theorem is not independent of Newton’s Second Law. The WE theorem may be viewed as a scalar form of the Second Law. The principle of conservation of mechanical energy may be viewed as a consequence of the WE theorem for conservative forces. 5. The WE theorem holds in all inertial frames. It can also be extended to non- inertial frames provided we include the pseudoforces in the calculation of the net force acting on the body under consideration. 7. The potential energy of a body subjected to a conservative force is always undetermined upto a constant. For example, the point where the potential energy is zero is a matter of choice. For the gravitational potential energy mgh, the zero of the potential energy is chosen to be the ground. For the spring potential energy kx2/2 , the zero of the potential energy is the equilibrium position of the oscillating mass. 8. Every force encountered in mechanics does not have an associated potential energy. For example, work done by friction over a closed path is not zero and no potential energy can be associated with friction. 9. During a collision : (a) the total linear momentum is conserved at each instant of the collision ; (b) the kinetic energy conservation (even if the collision is elastic) applies after the collision is over and does not hold at every instant of the collision. In fact the two colliding objects are deformed and may be momentarily at rest with respect to each other. Reprint 2025-26 88 PHYSICS EXERCISES 5.1 The sign of work done by a force on a body is important to understand. State carefully if the following quantities are positive or negative: (a) work done by a man in lifting a bucket out of a well by means of a rope tied to the bucket. (b) work done by gravitational force in the above case, (c) work done by friction on a body sliding down an inclined plane, (d) work done by an applied force on a body moving on a rough horizontal plane with uniform velocity, (e) work done by the resistive force of air on a vibrating pendulum in bringing it to rest. 5.2 A body of mass 2 kg initially at rest moves under the action of an applied horizontal force of 7 N on a table with coefficient of kinetic friction = 0.1. Compute the (a) work done by the applied force in 10 s, (b) work done by friction in 10 s, (c) work done by the net force on the body in 10 s, (d) change in kinetic energy of the body in 10 s, and interpret your results. 5.3 Given in Fig. 5.11 are examples of some potential energy functions in one dimension. The total energy of the particle is indicated by a cross on the ordinate axis. In each case, specify the regions, if any, in which the particle cannot be found for the given energy. Also, indicate the minimum total energy the particle must have in each case. Think of simple physical contexts for which these potential energy shapes are relevant. Fig. 5.11 Reprint 2025-26 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 89 5.4 The potential energy function for a particle executing linear simple harmonic motion is given by V(x) = kx2/2, where k is the force constant of the oscillator. For k = 0.5 N m-1, the graph of V(x) versus x is shown in Fig. 5.12. Show that a particle of total energy 1 J moving under this Fig. 5.12 potential must ‘turn back’ when it reaches x = ± 2 m. 5.5 Answer the following : (a) The casing of a rocket in flight burns up due to friction. At whose expense is the heat energy required for burning obtained? The rocket or the atmosphere? (b) Comets move around the sun in highly elliptical orbits. The gravitational force on the comet due to the sun is not Fig. 5.13 normal to the comet’s velocity in general. Yet the work done by the gravitational force over every complete orbit of the comet is zero. Why ? (c) An artificial satellite orbiting the earth in very thin atmosphere loses its energy gradually due to dissipation against atmospheric resistance, however small. Why then does its speed increase progressively as it comes closer and closer to the earth ? (d) In Fig. 5.13(i) the man walks 2 m carrying a mass of 15 kg on his hands. In Fig. 5.13(ii), he walks the same distance pulling the rope behind him. The rope goes over a pulley, and a mass of 15 kg hangs at its other end. In which case is the work done greater ? 5.6 Underline the correct alternative : (a) When a conservative force does positive work on a body, the potential energy of the body increases/decreases/remains unaltered. (b) Work done by a body against friction always results in a loss of its kinetic/potential energy. (c) The rate of change of total momentum of a many-particle system is proportional to the external force/sum of the internal forces on the system. (d) In an inelastic collision of two bodies, the quantities which do not change after the collision are the total kinetic energy/total linear momentum/total energy of the system of two bodies. 5.7 State if each of the following statements is true or false. Give reasons for your answer. (a) In an elastic collision of two bodies, the momentum and energy of each body is conserved. (b) Total energy of a system is always conserved, no matter what internal and external forces on the body are present. (c) Work done in the motion of a body over a closed loop is zero for every force in nature. (d) In an inelastic collision, the final kinetic energy is always less than the initial kinetic energy of the system. 5.8 Answer carefully, with reasons : (a) In an elastic collision of two billiard balls, is the total kinetic energy conserved during the short time of collision of the balls (i.e. when they are in contact) ? (b) Is the total linear momentum conserved during the short time of an elastic collision of two balls ? Reprint 2025-26 90 PHYSICS (c) What are the answers to (a) and (b) for an inelastic collision ? (d) If the potential energy of two billiard balls depends only on the separation distance between their centres, is the collision elastic or inelastic ? (Note, we are talking here of potential energy corresponding to the force during collision, not gravitational potential energy). 5.9 A body is initially at rest. It undergoes one-dimensional motion with constant acceleration. The power delivered to it at time t is proportional to (i) t1/2 (ii) t (iii) t3/2 (iv) t2 5.10 A body is moving unidirectionally under the influence of a source of constant power. Its displacement in time t is proportional to (i) t1/2 (ii) t (iii) t3/2 (iv) t2 5.11 A body constrained to move along the z-axis of a coordinate system is subject to a constant force F given by F = −ˆi + 2 ˆj + 3 kˆ N where ˆ,i ˆ,j kˆ are unit vectors along the x-, y- and z-axis of the system respectively. What is the work done by this force in moving the body a distance of 4 m along the z-axis ? 5.12 An electron and a proton are detected in a cosmic ray experiment, the first with kinetic energy 10 keV, and the second with 100 keV. Which is faster, the electron or the proton ? Obtain the ratio of their speeds. (electron mass = 9.11×10-31 kg, proton mass = 1.67×10–27 kg, 1 eV = 1.60 ×10–19 J). 5.13 A rain drop of radius 2 mm falls from a height of 500 m above the ground. It falls with decreasing acceleration (due to viscous resistance of the air) until at half its original height, it attains its maximum (terminal) speed, and moves with uniform speed thereafter. What is the work done by the gravitational force on the drop in the first and second half of its journey ? What is the work done by the resistive force in the entire journey if its speed on reaching the ground is 10 m s–1 ? 5.14 A molecule in a gas container hits a horizontal wall with speed 200 m s–1 and angle 30° with the normal, and rebounds with the same speed. Is momentum conserved in the collision ? Is the collision elastic or inelastic ? 5.15 A pump on the ground floor of a building can pump up water to fill a tank of volume 30 m3 in 15 min. If the tank is 40 m above the ground, and the efficiency of the pump is 30%, how much electric power is consumed by the pump ? 5.16 Two identical ball bearings in contact with each other and resting on a frictionless table are hit head-on by another ball bearing of the same mass moving initially with a speed V. If the collision is elastic, which of the following (Fig. 5.14) is a possible result after collision ? Fig. 5.14 Reprint 2025-26 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 91 5.17 The bob A of a pendulum released from 30o to the vertical hits another bob B of the same mass at rest on a table as shown in Fig. 5.15. How high does the bob A rise after the collision ? Neglect the size of the bobs and assume the collision to be elastic. 5.18 The bob of a pendulum is released from a horizontal position. If the length of the pendulum is 1.5 m, what is the speed with which the bob arrives at the lowermost point, given that it dissipated 5% of its initial energy against air resistance ? 5.19 A trolley of mass 300 kg carrying a sandbag of 25 kg is moving uniformly with a speed of 27 km/h on a Fig. 5.15 frictionless track. After a while, sand starts leaking out of a hole on the floor of the trolley at the rate of 0.05 kg s–1. What is the speed of the trolley after the entire sand bag is empty ? 5.20 A body of mass 0.5 kg travels in a straight line with velocity v =a x3/2 where a = 5 m–1/2 s–1. What is the work done by the net force during its displacement from x = 0 to x = 2 m ? 5.21 The blades of a windmill sweep out a circle of area A. (a) If the wind flows at a velocity v perpendicular to the circle, what is the mass of the air passing through it in time t ? (b) What is the kinetic energy of the air ? (c) Assume that the windmill converts 25% of the wind’s energy into electrical energy, and that A = 30 m2, v = 36 km/h and the density of air is 1.2 kg m–3. What is the electrical power produced ? 5.22 A person trying to lose weight (dieter) lifts a 10 kg mass, one thousand times, to a height of 0.5 m each time. Assume that the potential energy lost each time she lowers the mass is dissipated. (a) How much work does she do against the gravitational force ? (b) Fat supplies 3.8 × 107J of energy per kilogram which is converted to mechanical energy with a 20% efficiency rate. How much fat will the dieter use up? 5.23 A family uses 8 kW of power. (a) Direct solar energy is incident on the horizontal surface at an average rate of 200 W per square meter. If 20% of this energy can be converted to useful electrical energy, how large an area is needed to supply 8 kW? (b) Compare this area to that of the roof of a typical house. Reprint 2025-26 CHAPTER SIX SYSTEMS OF PARTICLES AND ROTATIONAL MOTION 6.1 INTRODUCTION In the earlier chapters we primarily considered the motion of a single particle. (A particle is ideally represented as a 6.1 Introduction point mass having no size.) We applied the results of our 6.2 Centre of mass study even to the motion of bodies of finite size, assuming 6.3 Motion of centre of mass that motion of such bodies can be described in terms of the