Kinematics

1.

 Kinematics

We will discuss kinematics in three parts :

1. Motion in a straight line ⇒ Motion in one dimension
2. Motion in a plane ⇒ motion in 2-D
3. Relative motion

MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE :

Position :
y It is a vector quantity. y
y It is address.
y We use cartesian plane to represent position. x1 P(x 1, y1 )
Co-ordinates of point P and Q represent their
positions.
 y1
OP = Position vector of point P

r1
 
OP = x1ˆi + y 1ˆj = r1 Q(x2, y2)

OQ = Position vector of point Q r2
 
OQ = x ˆi + y ˆj = r
2 2 2
O (0, 0) x
If cartesian plane is changed.

y′ y

P(x1, y1)

Q(x2 , y2 )
O′ x′
x
O


O'P ≠ x1ˆi + y 1ˆj

= x '1 ˆi + y '1 ˆj
O'P
\ On changing cartesian plane, position vector changes.
Position vector depends on choice of cartesian plane.

Displacement :
y Change of position vector is known as displacement.
y It is a vector quantity.
y Displacement = change in position vector.
Kinematics

2.
 y

D
r1 –r1=
r2
Q
r2

O x

Suppose an insect moves from point ‘P’ to point ‘Q’.

  
Initial position of insect, r= i r=1 OP
  
Final position of insect, r=f r=2 OQ
  
Displacement, D= r f − ri
  
= r2 − r 1
D
   
D = OQ − OP = PQ

y′ y

r 1′
r1

r 2′ Q
r2
x′
O′
O x

y Direction of displacement is initial to final.

Kinematics

3.
 y If cartesian plane is changed
    
D = r2 − r1 = r '2 − r '1
   
OQ − OP = O' Q − O'P
\ Displacement remains same after changing cartesian plane.

P
D = PQ
Shortest
path

Q

Magnitude of displacement = length of shortest path = | D |

Distance :
y It is also called as path length.

y Distance between two points can have many values depending on path
taken.
y It is a scalar quantity.
y Distance ≥ d0 (shortest path)
\ Distance ≥ |Displacement|
y For a straight line path
l Q
x
l l l l l ll lll l
l ll
l l l l l l lll ll
P l l
Distance = |Displacement|

Kinematics

|D| = x

4.
y For a very small path
Distance = |Displacement|

Velocity :
y It is rate of change of displacement with respect to time,
or Rate of change of position vector w.r.t time

Big interval

Small interval (t  0)

Average velocity

Instantaneous velocity

y Velocity is a vector quantity.

   
 MQ − MP ∆D PQ N
= V = = P
∆t ∆t ∆t
  
 OQ − OP PQ
= V =
∆t ∆t M
  
 NQ − NP PQ Q
= V =
∆t ∆t
y Time taken to reach from A to B is 4 sec.
O
76 cm
t
,d
dx

C
A Vavg
B
57 cm


∆x 57 
Average velocity from A to B= V= = cm / sec along AB
∆t 4

 dx  dx
Instantaneous velocity at C, VC = ⇒ | VC | =
Kinematics

dt dt

5.
 Speed :
Path length Distance
y Speed
= =
time time
Time taken to reach B from A = 4s

t
x,d lll ll l ll 76 cm
d l ll
l
l C ll
ll
ll

ll B
ll
ll

ll

l
ll
ll l ll
ll

total path length 76

y Average speed
= = = 19 cm / sec
total time 4
small dis tance dx
y Instantaneous speed at =
C = = V
small time dt
y Instantaneous speed = |Instantaneous velocity|

dx dx
=
dt dt

y Average speed ≥ |Average velocity|

y Direction of instantaneous velocity

Vinst
Tangent to the path
C

Instantaneous velocity direction is along the tangent.

Acceleration :
y It is rate of change of velocity w.r.t. time.
  
 dV  V −V
a= a= 2 1

dt t2 − t 1
Kinematics

6.
y Acceleration → Pushing

V (speeding up)
(slowing down)

V V

V V V
accn accn accn
(slowing down)

Three equation of motion :

V= u + at V = Final velocity
1 2 u = Initial velocity
=
S ut + at a = Acceleration
2
S = Displacement
V=
2
u2 + 2 aS
All are taken with sign

Valid when
(1) Straight line motion
(2) Acceleration constant
y Application of equation of motion.
y Free fall → motion under gravity only.

u V=0
(1) Time to go up, t = ­ g
g
u
Time to go down, t =
g

2u u
Total time, t =
g
Kinematics

7.
 Proof :
At topmost point, V = 0 +ve
V = u + at g
⇒ 0 = +u +(–g)t
u u
⇒ t=
g

Example :
20 m/sec

2 × 20
=t = 4= sec 2 sec ↑ +2 sec ↓
10
u2
(2) Hmax =
2g

Hmax

Proof :
At topmost point, V = 0
+ve
u = +u, a = –g, S = +Hmax
V2 – u2 = 2aS g
2
u
⇒ O2 − u2 =2(−g)Hmax ⇒ Hmax =
2g u

Example :
20 m/s
202
   =
Hmax = 20m
2 × 10

10 m/s
102
   =
Hmax = 5m
2 × 10
Kinematics

8.
 30 m/s
302
   =
Hmax = 45m
2 × 10

drop
(u=0)
g

2h
(3) h t=   → Time to reach the ground
g

Proof :

u=0
g

+ve

u = 0, a = +g, S = +h
1 2 1 2h
=
S ut + at   ⇒ h = 0 × t + g t2   ⇒ t =
2 2 g
(4)

Proof :

drop g
(u=0)

  +ve
u = 0, a = +g, S= +h, V = ?
h
V2 – u2 = 2uS
V = 2gh
V ⇒ V2 − 02 =
2 gh

⇒ V=2 gh
Kinematics

9.
 (5)

t3 t3
u2

t2 u2
u 1 t2

u1
t1 u u t1

Example :
tI t
Find or AB
tII tBC

h/2 I

II
h/2

Solution :
Ball will move faster from B to C as compared to A to B.
\ tBC < tAB
h
2⋅
2 h 2h
t=
AB = = tI , tAC =
g g g
2h h
tBC = t AC − t AB = − = tII
Kinematics

g g

10.
 h h
tI g g 1

= = =
tII 2h h h 2 −1
− ( 2 − 1)
g g g

Example :
h = 20 m.
First ball ‘A’ is dropped and when it reaches near
ball ‘B’, ball B is dropped at that instant. Find the
difference in time of sound produced when ball 1
A (dropped)
‘A’ and ball ‘B’ hit the ground.
Solution : h/2

2 × 10 
=t 12 = 2 sec
 B (dropped)
10  2
2 × 20 
=t13 = 2 sec  Ball 'A'
10  h/2
= − =
t23 t13 t12 (2 − 2) sec 

 3

2 × 10 
=t23 = 2 sec  Ball 'B'
10 

Ball ‘A’ takes (2 − 2) sec to reach from point 2 to

3 and
Ball ‘B’ takes 2 sec to reach from point 2 to 3
\ Time difference in sound produced.
∆t= 2 − (2 − =
2) (2 2 − 2) sec

Example : 1
Person sees the ball at position (2) twice, once
when ball is moving up and once when ball is
going down. Find the difference in time between
these two events. 2

10 m
20m/s

Kinematics

11.
 Solution :

Maximum height attained by ball, V=0

(1)
20 × 20
=
Hmax = 20m
2 × 10
Time taken by ball to reach point 2 from point 1. 10 m
2 × 10
=t12 = 2 sec → 3rd funda.
10
20 m (2)
t12 = t21 → 5th funda.
\ Time difference, ∆t= 2+ 2
10 m
= 2 2 sec

(3)

Example :

If ball reaches a maximum height of 70 m, find u. (1)

Also find the time gap between the moments
when person standing at position (2) sees the 10 m
ball.
(2)

70 m

u
(3)

Solution :
u2 u2
Hmax = ⇒ 70 =
2g 2 × 10
⇒ u=
10 14 m / s
For time gap
Kinematics

12.
 2 × 10
∆t= t12 + t21= 2t12 = 2
10
∆t =2 2 sec

Example :

Speed of thief, VT = 72 km/hr

Speed of police van, VP = 90 km/hr
First thief takes turn and 10 sec after police van also takes turn.
Find how much time after thief taking turn, police will catch the thief.
Solution :
5
VT = 72 × = 20 m / s
18
5
VP = 90 × = 25 m / s
18
Let t seconds after thief taking turn, police catches him.
\ Distance travelled by thief after taking turn, D = 20 × t
Distance travelled by police after taking turn, D = 25 × (t – 10)
20t = 25(t – 10)
⇒ 4t = 5t – 50
t = 50 sec
Kinematics

13.
 Example :

A particle moves on a curved path as shown.

It starts from point as shown. It starts from 6
point 1 and ends at point 12.
5
Taking initial position as point 1, find the 7
location where direction of average velocity 4
1
and instantaneous velocity are same. 3 8
2
9
10
11

12

Solution :

Location lies between points 5 and 6 Vavg

 (f)
Direction of Vavg = Direction of displacement Vinst
B
 6
Direction of Vinst = Direction of tangent
5
Direction of tangent drawn at point B is A 7
same as direction of displacement between 4
1
3 8
point A and B. 2
9
10
11

12

Variable acceleration :

y Acceleration is not constant.

⚪ 3 equations of motion not applicable.
⚪ Calculus is used.
y x = f(t) is given
differentiate dx differentiate dV d2 x
x  → = V  → = = a
Kinematics

dt dt dt2

14.
y a = f(t) is given
dV
dt
= a ⇒ ∫ dV = ∫ adt ⇒ v= ∫ adt
dV dV dx dV
y a = = × = V
dt dx dt dx
dV
⇒ a=
V
dx

Example :
Acceleration of a particle is given by, a = 3t2 + 2t + 2. If initial velocity of
particle, u = 2 m/s and at t = 0 particle is at x = 0. Find velocity of particle
at t = 2 sec.
Solution :
dV u = 2 m/s
= 3t2 + 2t + 2
dt
t t t t
⇒ ∫ dV = ∫ 3t dt + ∫ 2 t dt + ∫ 2 dt
2

0 0 0 0

[V ]2 = t3  + t2  + [2t ]0

V t t t
⇒
0 0
t=0
⇒ V – 2 = t3 + t2 + 2t
⇒ V = t3 + t2 + 2t + 2 x=0
at t = 2 sec
⇒ V = 23 + 22 + 2 × 2 + 2
⇒ V = 18 m/s

Example :
The position of a particle moving in the xy-plane at any time t is given by, x
= (3t2 – 6t) meters, y = (t2 – 2t) meters. Select the correct statement about
the moving particle from the following.
(A) Acceleration of the particle is zero at t = 0 sec
(B) Velocity of the particle is zero at t = 0 sec
(C) Velocity of the particle is zero at t = 1 sec
(D) Velocity and acceleration of the particle are never zero
Solution :
Position at t = 0
t = 0 ⇒ x = 3 × 02 – 2 × 0 = 0
t = 0 ⇒ y = 02 – 2 × 0 = 0
Kinematics

\ Particle is at origin at t = 0

15.
 dx
Velocity in x direction, Vx = = 3 × 2t − 6 = 6t − 6
dt
dy
Velocity in y-direction, Vy = = 2× t − 2 = 2t − 2
dx
At t = 0 y
Vx = –6 m/s, Vy = –2 m/s
∴ V= (−6)2 + (−2)2 = 40 6
V is non-zero at t = 0 x
dVx d2 x 2
Acceleration in x-direction, =
ax = = 6
dt dt2
dVy d2 y
Acceleration in y-direction, =
ay = = 2
dt dt2

a 6iˆ + 2ˆj
=

| a |= 62 + 22 = 40
Acceleration is constant (not changing with time). Acceleration is never
zero
At t = 1 sec
Vx = 6 × 1 – 6 = 0 and Vy = 2 × 1 – 2 = 0
V= Vx2 + Vy2 = 02 + 02
V=0
\ Velocity is zero at t = 1 sec
Ans. Option ‘C’ is correct.

Example :
Acceleration of a particle moving along x-axis is given by, a = 3 – 2t m/sec2.
At t = 0 sec and at t = 6 sec, particle is at same position. Then find
(1) Initial velocity of particle
(2) Velocity of particle at t = 2 sec
Solution :
dV
a= = 3 − 2t
dt
V t
⇒ ∫ dV =∫ (3 − 2t) dt
V0 0

[V ]V
V t
⇒ = 3t − t2  = (3t − t2 ) − (0) = 3t − t2 s
0 0

⇒ V = V0 + 3t – t2,
Kinematics

16.
where, V0 is initial velocity i.e. velocity at t = 0
Now,
dx
V=
dt
x t t
 3t2 t3 
∫ dx =
∫ Vdt ⇒ ∫ dx= ∫ (V0 + 3t − t )dt ⇒ [x]x
x
⇒ 2
= V0 t + − 
x0 0
0
 2 3 0

3t2 t3 3t2 t3
⇒ x − x0 = V0 t + − ⇒ x = x0 + V0 t + − ,
2 3 2 3
Where x0 is initial position
i.e., at t = 0, x = x0
Now given that particle’s position is same at t = 0 and t = 6 sec.
\ At t = 0 and t = 6 sec, x = x0
62 63
⇒ x0 = x0 + V0 × 6 + 3x −
2 3
⇒ 6V0 = 72 − 54 = 18
⇒ V0 =
3 m/s
\ Initial velocity, V0 = 3 m/s …(1) Ans.
Now,
V = V0 + 3t – t2
V = 3 + 3t – t2
At t = 2 sec,
V = 3 + 3 × 2 – 22
V = 5 m/s
\ Velocity at t = 2 sec, V = 5 m/s …(2) Ans.

Example :
Acceleration of a particle moving along x-axis is given by a = –4x (where x
is in m and a is in m/s2). At t = 0, particle passes through origin with 2 m/s
velocity. Find
(1) Velocity as a function of x ⇒ V = f(x)
(2) Position as a function of time ⇒ x = f(t).
Solution :
V x
V dV V dV
a=
dx
⇒
dx
−4x ⇒
= ∫ VdV =
2
− ∫ 4 xdx [
0
at x = 0, u = 2 m/s]

V x
 V2   x2  V2 22  x2 02 
⇒   = −4   ⇒ − =
−4  − 
 2 2  2 0 2 2 2 2
Kinematics

17.
 ⇒ V2 − 4 =−4x2
⇒ V2 =4 − 4x2 u = 2 m/s
⇒ V= 4 − 4x 2

⇒ V = 2 1 − x2 …(1) Ans. Variable acceleration

x
We need, x = f(t)
dx t=0
⇒ = 2 1 − x2
dt x=0
x
dx
t
 dx 
⇒ ∫
0 1 − x2
∫
=
0
2 dt  ∫ = sin−1 x + c 
 1−x
2

2 [ t ]0
x t
⇒ sin−1 x  =
0

⇒ sin−1 x − sin−1 0 =
2(t − 0)
⇒ sin−1 x =
2t
⇒ sin2t
x= …(2) Ans.

Example :
Relation between time ‘t’ and position ‘x’ is given as t = ax2 + bx, where a,
b are constants. Find retardation.
Solution :
dx
V=
dt
dV d2 x
Acceleration
= =
dt dt2
t = αx2 + β x
dt dx 1 1
⇒ = α × 2x + β × 1 ⇒ = = = V
dx dt  dt  2αx + β
 
 dx 
d1 d
(2αx + β) ⋅ − 1⋅ (dαx + β)
dV d2 x dt dt
Now, acceleration= = =
dt dt (2αx + β)2
 dx 
(2αx + β) × 0 −  2α × 
 dt 
Acceleration =
(2αx + β) 2

1  dx 
Acceleration
= (−2α)   = V (−2α)V
2

(2αx + β)2  dt 
Acceleration = –2aV3
Kinematics

\ Retardation = 2aV3

18.
 Graphs :
Two types of questions are asked.
y How to read the graph.
y How to draw the graph.

Example :
A person is running on a straight horizontal road.

x(m) v = 3 m/s
v = 2 m/s
v = 3 m/s
v = 1 m/s
v = 2 m/s
v = 1 m/s 3

2
x
t=0 1

x=0
   1 t(s)

As velocity of person increases, slope of position versus time graph increases.

Speeding up

Velocity

Acceleration

Velocity is +ve along +x

t=0
Acceleration is +ve along +x
x=0
Kinematics

19.
 x(m) x(m)

t(s) t(s)

Slowing down

Velocity

Acceleration

Velocity is +ve
t=0 Acceleration is –ve
x=0

x(m) x(m)

t(s) t(s)
Kinematics

20.
Example :
x(m)
100
95

70 Read this greaph

1 2 3 t(s)

Solution :
Time always increases. Start reading from t = 0s
Person is at x = 100 at t = 0

x(m) v
100
a Fast
95
Standing
70
x
70m 5m

v = –ve
1 2 3 t(s)  a = –ve

Example :
Slope is positive ⇒ V is positive
Slope is decreasing ⇒ V is decreasing

t
Kinematics

21.
 V-t graph :
If acceleration is constant.
dV
=
a = constant
dt
dV
a = slope of V-t graph
=
dt
a = constant ⇒ slope of V-t graph is constant
Slope constant ⇒ Straight line

v
Zero slope
(a = 0, v = conts)
Positive slope
(a > 0)

Negative slope
(a < 0)
t

a-t graph :
If acceleration is constant.
a = constant

a a

(a > 0)
t

(a < 0)
t
Kinematics

22.
Example :
(1) Taking upward direction as positive.

20 m/s +Ve

Plot x vs t graphs, where x is displacement of ball from ground.

Solution :
u2 20 × 20
=
Hmax = = 20 m
2g 2 × 10

t=2s

x(m)
5m 1s

g 20
20m
3s 15
15m +Ve

1 2 3 t(s)
t = 0s t = 4s   
Kinematics

23.
 Example :
Draw velocity-time and speed-time graph

20 m/s +Ve

Solution :
dv dv
a= = −g ⇒ =
−10
dt dt
Here slope of v-t graph is constant (constant slope means straight line) and
negative slope
at t = 0, u = +20 v (m/s)
at t = 2s, u = 0
at t = 4 sec, u = –20 +20

t(s)
2 4

–20

Speed vs time graph

Speed = |Velocity|
|+ve| = +ve
|–ve| = +ve
Kinematics

24.
 Example :
Taking upward direction as positive, draw velocity-time graph and
displacement-time graph where displacement is measured from ground.

dropped (u = 0)

g
20 m

+Ve

Solution :

2h 2 × 20
=t = = 2s dropped (u = 0)
g 10
t = 4s
V= 2gh = 2 × 10 × 20 = 20 m/s

dV g
a= =−g =−10 =constant
dt 20 m


dV
= constant
+Ve
dt 20 m/s

\ V-t graph is straight line.

20 m/s
Kinematics

25.
 Velocity-time graph

V(m/s)

20

t(s)
2

–20

Displacement-time graph

Displacement
(m)

20

t(s)
2 4
Kinematics

26.
Distance-time graph
Example :

t=2

20 m

20

Distance 40
travelled
(d) Distance-
(in m) time graph
20

10 Displacement-
time
t(s
0
1 2 3 4

Distance travelled is always positive and it can never decrease.

Kinematics

27.
 Example :
For given velocity-time graph, draw a-t, displacement-t, distance-t graphs.

v(m/s

10

t(s)
2 4 6 8

a(ms2

+5

t(s)

–5

fast

displacement
(m)

t(s)

Distance
(m)

t(s)
Kinematics

28.
 dv
a= = slop of v–t curve from t = 0 to t = 2 sec
dt
10 − 0
=a = 5 m/s2 From t = 2 to t = 4 sec, a = 0
2−0
From t = 4 to t = 8 sec
0 − 10
a= = −5 m/s2
6−4
Example :
For given velocity-time graph, draw a-t, displacement-t, distance-t graphs.

v(m/s) Area

+10

+20 +10 +10

t(s)
2 4 –10 6 –
–10 8 10

–10

60 Distance-time
graph
40

30

20

10 Displacement-time
graph
t(s)

a(m/s2)
+5
t(s)
–5
Kinematics

29.
 at t = 0, x = 0
Area under v-t curve gives displacement.

Example :
For given acceleration-time graph, draw v-t, displacement-t, distance-t graphs.

a(m/s2)

5 +20
Area +10
t(s)
2 4 6 8
–10
–5

v(m/s)
3 Velocity-time graph
(speed time graph is also
2
same)
10

Displacement-time graph
(distance-time graph is also
same)

t(s)

Area under a-t graph gives change in velocity.

Here, Initial velocity = 0
Kinematics

30.
Example :
A particle is thrown upward with speed 20 m/s. Taking vertically upward
direction as positive, draw v-x (velocity displacement) graph, where
displacement is measured from ground.

Change in velocity is Parcle takes more me to travel in

xx
V1 in this interval this interval because it is moving slow.

20 m

+Ve xx Change in velocity is Parcle takes less me to travel in

V2 in this interval this interval because it is moving fast.

Solution :

Dv = gDt V(m/s)
Dv will be more when Dt is more.
\ Dv1 > Dv2 20

v 2 − u2 =2(−g)x → Curve (parabola)

(1)
For upward motion

(2)
x(m)
∆x ∆x

\ Graph (1) is correct according to above discussed change in velocity

comparison.
V(m/s)

+20

x(m)
20

–20
Kinematics

31.
 a-x graph for previous example

a (m/s2 )

+ve direction
20
x(m)

–10

a-v graph for previous example

a (m/s2)

+ve direction
–20 +20
v(m/s)

–10

Displacement from v-t graph and change in velocity from a-t graph
Displacement = Dx = area under v-t graph.
A negative velocity causes a negative displacement, areas below the time
axis are taken negative.

t
O ∆t
Kinematics

32.
Area under a-t graph gives the change in velocity Dv during that interval.

t
O ∆t

Example :
For a particle moving along x-axis, velocity-time graphs is as shown in
figure. Find the distance travelled and displacement of the particle ?

v(m/s)

8 10 t(s)
0 2 4 6

–5

Solution :
Distance travelled = Area under v-t graph (taking all areas as +ve)
1 1
= (2 + 6) × 8 + × 4 × 5 = 32 + 10 = 42 m
2 2
Displacement = Area under v-t graph (taking areas below time axis as -ve)
Displacement = Area of trapezium – Area of triangle
1 1
= (2 + 6) × 8 − × 4 × 5 = 32 − 10 = 22 m
2 2
Motion in 2-D or Motion in a Plane
Projectile Motion
Example of motion in two dimensions.
A ball is thrown at an angle ‘q’ with horizontal
Kinematics

33.
 For q = 0°, 90° ⇒ Straight line motion.
q ≠ 0°, 90°
Maximum height = H
Time of flight = T
We can break the motion of ball is two straight lines
⇒ Two ball theory

a=0
ucosθ
g
ucosθ ucosθ

ucos θ ucosθ

u sinθ u

u sinθ
Straight
line θ ucosθ
motion
ucosθ

u sinθ ucosθ u sinθ

Straight
line Range = R
motion

2u
T=
g
H H
u u2
u sinθ H=
2g
u sinθ u
θ
u cos θ
⇑ Range = R
Decides H & T
u cosθ
⇑

Decides R

2u sin θ
Time of flight of projectile, T =
g

u2 sin2 θ
Maximum height (measured from ground), H =
2g
Horizontal Range, R
Kinematics

=R ucos θ × T

34.
 2u sin θ
=R ucos θ ×
g

2u2 sin θ cos θ u2 sin2θ

R =
g g
Range is maximum when q = 45°
u2 sin(2 × 45°)
Rmax =
g

u2
Rmax =
g

Example :
Find T, H and R.
20m/s

37°

Solution :
2 × 12 20sin37° /s
=T = 2.4 sec 20m
10 3
= 20 ×
12 × 12 5
=H = 7.2 m
2 × 10 = 12 m/s
37°
R =16 × 2.4 =38.4 m
20cos 37°
↑
4
ucos θ = 20 × = 1 6cm/s
5
=R ucos θ × T

Example :
Find time of flight and horizontal range.

10m/s

g
20m
Kinematics

35.
 Solution :
Apply two ball theory.

10m/s

(dropped) (dropped)
u=0
O 2H
T=
H g

20m

2 × 20
=T = 2 sec
10
Range, R = 10 × 2 = 20m

Example :
Find velocity vector at any time ‘t’.

= =
Vx V cos α ucos θ
V= u + at
=
Vy u sin θ + (−=
g)t V sin α

V Vxˆi + Vyˆj
=
= V cos αˆi + V sin αˆj

=V ucos θˆi + (u sin θ − gt)ˆj
Kinematics

36.
Example :

Find : 20m/s
(1) Time of flight, T
30°
(2) Maximum height attained by ball from ground, H
(3) Horizontal range, R

15m

Solution :

10 3

20 sin30° 20m/s
10 = 10
30°

20 cos30°
= 10 3

For T and H

2
u 10 × 10
Hma x = = = 5m
2g 2 × 10
10m/s

15
Kinematics

37.
 Maximum height attained by ball from ground, H = 15 + 5 = 20m

\ Time of flight, T = tup + tdown

= 1 + 2 = 3 sec.
Horizontal range, =
R 10 3 × =
3 30 3 m
Time of flight can also be calculated by using
1 2
=
S ut + at [consider vertical motion only]
2

1
−15 = 10t + (−10)t2
2 +ve
⇒ −15= 10t − 5t2 10m/s
⇒ −3= 2t − t 2

g
⇒ t2 − 2t − 3 =0
2 ± 4 + 12 2 ± 4
t= = = 1±2 S=–15m
2 2
t=
−1 , t =
3

\ time of flight, T = 3 sec.

Kinematics

38.
Equation of Trajectory (Equation of Path)
Relation between x and y co-ordinates.

A particle is projected at t = 0 from origin.

At t = t, particle is present at point (x, y)
⇒
= x ucos θ × t
1 2 1
⇒=
y u sin θt − gt → [Applying, = , u u sin θ , a = −g ]
S ut + at2 =
2 2
x x 1 x2
⇒ t= ⇒ y= u sin θ − g 2
ucos θ ucos θ 2 u cos2 θ
1 g x2
⇒ y= tan θx − → [Path of particle is parabolic]
2 u2 cos2 θ
y ax − bx2 → Parabola
=

In cases of ground to ground projectile. For any value of y, we will get two
values of x.
x = x1
E.g. ⇒ y=
y0
x = x2
Kinematics

39.
 y

y0

x
x1
x2

Example :
Suppose a particle is thrown from origin with fixed speed ‘u’ at an angle ‘q’
and passes through a fixed point (x0, y0). Find angle ‘q’.
Solution :
gx 2 y
y= tan θx −
2u cos2 θ
2

gx20 (1 + tan2 θ) u
⇒ y0 = tan θx0 −
2u2
gx20  gx20  (x0, y0)
⇒ tan2
θ − x 0 tan θ + y
 0 +  =0
2u2  2u2 
θ
⇒ a tan2 θ − b tan θ + c = 0 x

θ2 θ1

Two solutions are possible. (D > 0)

G ℵ1 1

tan θ2 → θ2
\ We may get two angles of projection.
For example, we get same range for two angles of projection.
Kinematics

40.
 θ1 =θ 
 Same Range
θ2= 90° − θ
2u2 sin θ cos θ
Range, R =
g
2u2 sin θ cos θ
θ1 =θ ⇒ R =
g
2u2 sin(90° − θ) cos(90° − θ)
θ2= 90° − θ ⇒ R=
g R
2u2 cos θ sin θ
⇒ R= ⇒ Same Range
g

y≠0
(x, y) θ1 =θ
   
θ2 ≠ 90° − θ
θ2 =θ '
θ 1 θ2

Example :

A projectile projected from ground has velocity, u= ˆi + 2ˆj . Find equation of
trajectory.
Solution :

Equation of trajectory y

gx2
=
y tan θ ⋅ x −
2u2 cos2 θ
u sin θ g x2
= ⋅x−
ucos θ 2(ucos θ)2 usin θ =2
2 10 x2
=
y x−
1 2 12 x
ucosθ =1
= 2x − 5x 2
Kinematics

41.
 Example :
5 2
Equation of trajectory of a projectile is,=
y 16x − x (x & y in m) . Find Range.
4
Solution :
gx2
=
y tan θ ⋅ x −
2u cos2 θ
2

5 2
=
y 16x − x
4
u sin θ
tan θ= 16= …(1)
ucos θ
g 5
= ⇒ u2 cos2 = θ 2 …(2)
θ 4 ⇒ ucos =
2u cos θ 4
2 2

From (1) and (2) ⇒ u sin θ= 16 × 2= 32

2u sin θucos θ 2 × 32 × 2
=R = = 12.8 m
g 10
Other form of equation of trajectory.
gx2  gx2 
=
y tan θ ⋅ x − = x tan θ  1 − 
2u2 cos2 θ  2u2
cos2
θx tan θ 
 
 gx   gx 
= x tan θ  1 − = x tan θ  1 − 2 
 sin θ   2u cos θ sin θ 
2u2 cos2 θ
 cos θ 
 x
=
y x tan θ  1 −  ⇒ Equation of trajectory (in other form)
 R

Collision of Projectile with a wall

Vcosα
Wall
Vsinα V
α Vcosα α
⇒ Electric Collision
α
⇒ α
V
Vsinα

Before Collision After Collision

Component of velocity which is normal to the wall has reversed its direction and component
Kinematics

of velocity along the wall remains unchanged.

42.
 Wall

α
α
d = x– ( R–x)
d=2 x– R

R
x R–x
d R–x

Average velocity in projectile motion :


 Total displacement Dtotal
Vavg =
Total time t total
Suppose projectile motion is taking place in x-y plane.

= Dxˆi + Dyˆj
Dtotal y
  Dx  ˆ  Dy  ˆ
=
Vavg  i + j
 t   t 

= Vxˆi + Vyˆj
Vavg x

Example :
A particle is projected from ground with initial speed ‘u’ at an angle of
projection ‘q’ with horizontal. Find average velocity from.
(a) Point of projection to top most point
(b) Top most point to landing point
(c) Point of projection to point of landing
Solution :

Top point 2u2 sin θ cos θ

R=
y g
u u2 sin2 θ
  H=
2g
x 2u sin θ
θ T=
g
(a) From point of projection to top most point
Kinematics

43.
 P T
=
Dx ,= =
Dy H, t
2 2
R 
 Dx ˆ Dy ˆ   (H) ˆ
=
V i+= j  2  ˆi + j
avg
t t T T
   
2 2
 R ˆ 2H ˆ
=
Vavg i+ j
T T
R
Now, =R ucos θ × T ⇒ = ucos θ
T
u2 sin2 θ
H 2g u sin θ

= =
T 2u sin θ 4
g
 u sin θ ˆ
V=avg ucos θˆi + j
2
(b) From topmost point to landing point
R T
Dx =, Dy =
−H, t =
2 2
R 
 D Dy ˆ   (−H) ˆ
∴ Vavg = x ˆi + = j  2  ˆi + j
t t T T
   
2 2
 R ˆ 2H ˆ
=
Vavg i− j
T T
 u sin θ ˆ
V=avg ucos θˆi − j
2
(c) From point of projection to point of landing
=
Dx R , = =
Dy 0, t T
 D  0
Vavg  x  ˆj +   ˆj
=
 T  T

Vavg ucos θˆi
=
As x-component of velocity of particle is always constant (ucosq) during
the motion, average velocity in x-direction is always same value (ucosq)
and it doesn’t depend on time-interval taken.
Kinematics

44.
Projectile from a moving platform
A particle is thrown at speed ‘u’ and angle ‘q’ relative to a cart moving with
speed ‘v0’ on horizontal road as shown.

u = Initial speed of projectile relative to u

cart.
q = Angle of projection relative to cart. θ
V0 = speed of cart (relative to ground)

V0

w.r.t cart

usinθ u

θ
ucosθ
R

w.r.t ground
Relative to ground ball has one more velocity due to motion of cart. Addition
of both the velocities gives velocity of ball relative to ground.

usinθ

ucos θ+V0
R’
R’ = Range relative to ground
Kinematics

45.
 Example :

A projectile is thrown with 25 m/s at 25m/s

angle of 37° relative to a cart moving
on horizontal road with speed 8 m/s as 37°
shown in figure.

8m/s

Find :
(a) Time of flight and range of projectile relative to man.
(b) time of flight and range of projectile relative to ground.
Solution :
(a) Relative to man/cart

25
25sin37°=15
2 × 15
37° = Tm = 3 sec
  10
25cos37°=20 Rm = 20 × 3 = 60 m

Rm
(b) Relative to ground

15

20+8
RG

2 × 15
=TG = 3 sec
10
RG = 28 × 3 = 84 m
Here, Tm = TG, because no difference in vertical velocity and acceleration in
both cases.
Kinematics

Also, RG – Rm = 84 – 60 = 24 m.

46.
Because in 3 seconds man (cart) will move by a distance of 24 m (8 × 3 = 24 m) in horizontal
direction.

Projection on Incline Plane

Example :

An incline plane makes an angle ‘a’ with

horizontal. A projectile thrown with speed g
‘u’ making an angle ‘b’ with incline surface
u
as shown in figure.
β
α

(i) Find maximum height attained by projectile measured from incline surface.
(ii) Find time of flight.
(iii) Find range along incline surface.
Solution :
x

inβ u sα
us nα g co
sβ gsi g
β uco
g
α

By two ball concept.

Ball moving perpendicular to incline will give time of flight and maximum height.
Ball moving along the incline will give range along incline.
2u sin β
Time of flight, T=
g cos α

u2 sin2 β
Maximum height, H=
2g cos α
1 2
Along the incline: =
S ut + at
2
1
⇒ =
R ucos βT − g sin αT2
Kinematics

47.
 Formula :

Up the Plane :
q : Angle of projection with horizontal. g
u2 u
=R [sin(2θ − α) − sin α ]
g cos2 α

π α
Range is maximum when
α θ
θ= +
4 2

Down the Plane :

q : Angle of projection with horizontal. u

u2 θ
=R [sin(2θ + α) + sin α ] g
g cos2 α

π α
Range is maximum when θ= −
4 2
α

Example :

A projectile is thrown perpendicularly to the 10m/s

incline.
Find :
(1) Time of flight g
(2) Maximum height
(3) Range

30°

Solution :
2 × 10 4
(1)
= T = sec
5 3 3
102 10
(2) H
= = m
2×5 3 3
1
(3) R = 0 × T + × 5 × T2
Kinematics

48.
 2 10m/s
1  4  40
= ×5×  = 3 m
2  3 
60°
By formula : α= 30°, θ= 60° g
100 0°
= R [sin(150°) + sin(30°)] s3
gco 3
3 °= 5 =5

30
10   n 30
gs i

°
4
40  1 1  40 g
= + = m 30°
3  2 2  3
Example :
A particle is thrown with speed 11 making an angle ‘O’ with horizontal.
(1) Find the time after which velocity is perpendicular to initial velocity.
(2) Find the velocity at the instant it is perpendicular to initial velocity.
Solution :

gs in os θ
θ θ gc

y x u g

In x-direction : ux =
u, a x =
−g sin θ, v x =
0
In y-direction : uy =
0, a y =
−g cos θ, v y =
−v
x-direction : v=
x ux + a x t ⇒ 0 = u − g sin θt
u
⇒ t= ...(1)
g sin θ
y-direction : v=
y uy + a yt
u
⇒ −v= 0 − g cos θ ×
g sin θ
ucos θ
⇒ v= = ucot θ
sin θ
⇒ v = ucot θ …(2)
Kinematics

49.
 RELATIVE MOTION
There are two persons A and B sitting in a car moving at constant speed.
Two stationary persons C and D observe them from the ground.

A
D C
B

Here B appears to the moving for C and D, but at rest for A. Similarly C
appears to be at rest for D but moving forward for A and B.

RELATIVE MOTION IN ONE DIMENSION

Relative Position :
It is the position of a particle w.r.t observer.
In general if position of A w.r.t to origin is xA and that of B w.r.t. origin is xB
then “Position of A w.r.t. B” xAB is

xB xAB
xA

Origin B A

= xA − xB
xAB

Example :
See the figure (take +ve direction towards right and -ve towards left). Find
xBA, xCA, xCB, xAB and xAC

3m 5m

A B C

8m
Origin
Kinematics

50.
Solution :
Position of B w.r.t A is 3m towards right ⇒ xBA = +3m
Position of C w.r.t A is 8m towards right ⇒ xCA = +8m
Position of C w.r.t B is 5m towards right ⇒ xCB = +5m
Position of A w.r.t B is 3m towards left ⇒ xAB = –3m
Position of A w.r.t C is 8m towards left ⇒ xAC = –8m
Position of B w.r.t C is 5m towards left ⇒ xBC = –5m

Relative Velocity in One Dimension :

xB xAB
xA

Origin B A

If xA is the position of A w.r.t. ground, xB is position of B w.r.t. ground and xAB

is position of A w.r.t B then we can say
dxA
vA = velocity of A w.r.t ground =
dt
dxB
vB = velocity of B w.r.t ground =
dt
dxAB d dxA dxB
and vAB = velocity of A w.r.t B = = (xA − xB ) = −
dt dt dt dt
Thus
= v A − vB
v AB

Example :
Three particles A, B and C are moving as shown in the diagram. Separation
between A and B is also given.

150m

10m/s 5m/s 15m/s

A B C

Take positive direction towards right and negative towards left.

Kinematics

51.
 Find :
(a) VCA and VAC
(b) VBA and VAB
(c) VBC and VCB
(d) Velocity of approach between A and B
(e) Velocity of separation between A and C
(f) Time after which A and B will meet.

Solution :
(a) Velocity of C w.r.t A,
VCA = VC – VA = 15 – 10 = 5 m/sec
Velocity of A w.r.t C,
VAC = VA – VC = 10 – 15 = –5 m/sec
VCA = –VAC
(b) Velocity of B w.r.t A,
VBA = VB – VA = (–5) – 10 = –15 m/sec
VAB = VA – VB = 10 – (–5) = 15 m/sec
(c) VBC = VB – VC = (–5) – (15) = –20 m/sec
VCB = VC – VB = 15 – 10 = 5 m/sec
(d) Velocity of approach is rate at which separation between two particles
decreases.
Velocity of approach between A and B, Vapp = 10 + 5 = 15 m/sec
(e) Velocity of separation is rate at which separation between two particles
increase.
Velocity of separation between A and C, Vsep = 15 – 10 = 5 m/sec
Separation between A and B 150
(f)
= t = = 10 sec .
Vapp of A and B 15

Relative Acceleration :
It is the rate at which relative velocity is changing.
dv dv dv
a AB = AB = A − B =a A − aB
dt dt dt
Equations of motion when relative acceleration is constant
Vrel = urel + arel t
1
=
srel urel t + arel t2
2
v=
2
rel
2
urel + 2 arel srel
Kinematics

52.
Example :
A and B are thrown vertically upward with 5m/s 10m/s
velocity, 5 m/s and 10 m/s respectively (g = 10
m/s2). Find separation between them after one
second. A B

Solution :
1 2
S=
A ut − gt
2 5
1
= 5t − × 10 × t2 = 5 × 1 − 5 × 12 = 5 − 5 = 0
2
1 1
SB = ut − gt2 = 10 × 1 − × 10 × 12 = 10 − 5 = 5 A B
2 2
\ SB – SA = separation = 5m.
  
Aliter : aBA = aB − a A = (−10) − (−10) = 0
  
Also vBA = vB − v A = 10 − 5 = 5 m / s
 
∴ SBA (in 1 sec) = vBA × t = 5 × 1 = 5 m
\ Distance between A and B after 1 sec = 5 m

Example :

A ball is thrown downwards with a speed of 20 A

m/s from the top of a building 150 m high and 20m/s
simultaneously another ball is thrown vertically S1
upwards with a speed of 30 m/s from the foot of
150m
the building. Find the time after which both the
balls will meet. (g = 10 m/s2) S2
30m/s
B

Solution :
Method-1 20m/s g
S1 = 20 t + 5 t2
S2 = 30 t – 5t2
S1 + S2 = 150
⇒ 150 = 50 t ⇒ t = 3 s
g
30m/s
Kinematics

53.
 Method-2
Relative acceleration of both is zero since both have same acceleration in
downward direction y
   A
a AB = a A − aB = g − g = 0
rAB

vBA= 30 − (−20)= 50
rA B
sBA = vBA × t

SBA 150 rB
=t = = 3s
VBA 50 x
O

Relative Motion in Two Dimension


rA = positive of A with respect to O

rB = position of B with respect to O

rAB = position of A with respect to B
    
rAB= rA − rB (The vector sum rA − rB can be done

by D law of addition or resolution method)

  
d(rAB )d(rA ) d(rB )
∴ = −
dt dt dt
  
   d(v AB ) d(v A ) d(vB )   
⇒ v AB =v A − vB ; = − ⇒ a AB =a A − aB
dt dt dt

Example :
Object A and B both have speed of 10 m/s. A is moving towards east while
B is moving towards north starting from the same point as shown. Find
velocity of A relative to B.

N
10m/s

10m/s W E

B A
Kinematics

54.
Solution :
   
Method 1 : v AB
= v A − vB 10 2 m/s
∴ | v AB | =

vA
10
W E 10
B 45° - vB
45 10 2
° VAB

A
S    
 ˆ v
Method = 2 : v A 10i,
= B 10ˆj
  
v AB = v A − vB = 10iˆ − 10ˆj
 
∴ | v AB | = 10 2 m/s, direction of VAB is south east.

Example :
An old man and a boy are walking towards each other and a bird is flying
over them as shown in the figure.

12m/s /s
0 m
2
37°
bird
16m/s

16m/s
2m/s
j
Tree Boy
Old person

(1) Find the velocity of tree, bird and old man as seen by boy.
(2) Find the velocity of tree, bird and boy as seen by old man.
Kinematics

(3) Find the velocity of tree, boy and old man as seen by bird.

55.
 Solution :
(1) With respect to boy :
vTree = 16 m/s (←) or –16 î
vBird = 12 m/s (↑) or 12 ĵ
vOld man = 18 m/s (←) or –18 î
(2) With respect to old man :
VBoy = 18 m/s (→) or 18 î
vTree = 2 m/s (→) or 2 î
vBird = 18 m/s (→) and 12 m/s (↑) or 18 î + 12 ĵ
(3) With respect to Bird : vTree = 12 m/s (↓) and 16 m/s (←) or –12 ĵ – 16 î
vOld man = 18 m/s (←) and 12 m/s (↓) or –18 î –12 ĵ
vBoy = 12 m/s (↓) or –12 ĵ

Relative Motion between Projectiles

Example :
Two particles A and B are projected in air. A is thrown with a speed of 30
m/sec and B with a speed of 40 m/sec as shown in the figure. What is the
separation between them after 1 sec.

40m/s

vB
30m/s

B vA
A
53° 37°

Solution :
    
a AB = a A − aB = g − g = 0

∴ v AB = 302 + 402 = 50
∴ sAB =v AB t =50 t =50m
Kinematics

56.
RELATIVE MOTION IN LIFT
Projectile Motion in a lift moving with acceleration a upwards

In the reference frame of lift, acceleration of a freely a

Lift
falling object is (g + a)
Velocity at maximum height = u cosq
2u sin θ
T=
g+a u
u2 sin2 θ
Maximum height (H) =
2(g + a) H
u sin2θ
2 θ θ
Range =
g+a A Range B

Example :

A lift is moving up with acceleration a. A person a

inside the lift throws the ball upwards with a velocity
u relative to hand.
(a) What is the time of flight of the ball ?
u
(b) What is the maximum height reached by the ball
in the lift ?

Solution :
  
(a) aBL =aB − aL =g + a
  1
=
s ut + aBL t2
2
1 2u
0 =uT − (g + a)T2 ∴ T=
2 (g + a)
(b) v 2 − u2 =
2 as
u2
0 − u2 =−2(g + a)H ⇒ H =
2(g + a)
Kinematics

57.
 Relative Motion in River Flow

vmR = velocity of man relative to river or velocity of man in still water

vR = velocity of river relative to ground

vm = velocity of man relative to ground
     
vmR = vm − vR or vm = vmR + vR
  
If vR = 0 , then vm = vmR in words, velocity of man in still water = velocity of
man w.r.t river

River Problem in One Dimension :

Velocity of river is u and velocity of man in still water is v.
Man swimming downstream (along the direction of river flow). In this case
velocity of river
vR = + u
(u+v)
Velocity of man w.r.t river vmR = +v
  
Now vm =vmR + vR =u + v u
Man swimming upstream (opposite to the
direction of river flow). In this case velocity
of river

vR = −u
 (v–u)
Velocity of man w.r.t river vmR = + v
   u
Now vm = vmR + vR = (v − u)

River problem in two dimension (crossing river) :


Consider a man swimming in a river with a velocity of vMR relative to river

at an angle of q with the river flow. The velocity of river is VR . Let there be
two observers I and II, observer I is on ground and observer II is on a raft
floating along with the river and hence moving with the same velocity as
that of river. Hence motion w.r.t observer II is same as motion w.r.t river. i.e.,
the man will appear to swim at an angle q with the river flow for
observer II.
  
For observer I the velocity of swimmer will be = vM vMR + vR ,
Hence the swimmer will appear to move at angle q’ with the river flow.
Kinematics

58.
 x

II
vR I
v MR y
Observer II d vM

θ’
θ
vR

Observer I

(1) : Motion of swimmer for observer I

(2) : Motion of swimmer for observer II

Consider a man swimming in a river with a velocity of vMR relative to river at an angle of q
with the river flow. The velocity of river is VR and the width of the river is d

y
vMR vM
d
x

θ
vR

    
=
vM vMR + vR vM (vMR cos θˆi + vMR sin θˆj) + vRˆi ⇒ =
⇒= vM (vMR cos θ + vR )iˆ + VmR sin θˆj
d d
Time to cross the river is t, then=
t = .
vy vMR sin θ
Kinematics

59.
 DRIFT
It is defined as the displacement of man in the direction of river flow. (See
the figure).
If drift is x then,
Drift = vx × t
d

= x (vMR cos θ + vR ) ×
vMR sin θ

Crossing the river in shortest time

d
t=
vMR sin θ
Clearly t will be minimum when q = 90° i.e., time to cross the river will be
minimum if man swims perpendicular to the river flow,
d
tmin =
vMR
Crossing the river in shortest path, Minimum Drift
vMR > vR
The minimum possible drift is zero. In this case the man swims in the
direction perpendicular to the river flow as seen from the ground. This path
is known as shortest path.
v
Here xmin = 0 ⇒ (vMR cosq + vR) = 0 or cosq = − R
vMR
y Since cosq is -ve, \ q > 90°, i.e., for minimum drift the man must swim at
some angle f with the perpendicular in backward direction. Where sin
v
φ= R .
vMR
 −v  vR
=y θ cos−1  R  ∴ ≤1 i.e. vR ≤ vMR
 vMR  vMR
i.e., minimum drift is zero if and only if velocity of man in still water is
greater than or equal to the velocity of river.
y Time to cross the river along the shortest path
d d

= t = VR
vMR sin θ v 2
MR − vR2
vR > vMR VMR
If vR > vMR then it is not possible to have zero drift. In this VM
φ
case the minimum drift (corresponding to shortest possible
θ
Kinematics

path is non-zero.

60.
Here, vR = u and vMR = v
Time taken to cross the river is B drift = x C
d d
=t = .
vy v cos θ y
d d u
Drift x =(v x )t =(u − v sin θ) v cosθ
v cos θ v x
θ
ud

= sec θ − d tan θ
v A u-vsinθ
dx
The drift x is minimum, when = 0,
dθ
 ud 
or   (sec θ, tan θ) − d sec θ =0
2

 v 
u
or sin θ =1
v
v
or sin θ =
u
v
So, for the minimum drift, the boat must move at an angle θ =sin−1  
u
from normal direction.

Example :
A 400m wide river is flowing at a rate of 2.0 m/s. A boat is sailing with a
velocity of 10 m/s with respect to the water, in a direction perpendicular to
the river.
(a) Find the time taken by the boat to reach the opposite bank.
(b) How far from the point directly opposite to the starting point does the
boat reach the opposite bank.
(b) In what direction does the boat actually move, with river flow
(downstream).
Solution :

B x C
θ
y
d=400m 2m/s
x
10m/s
θ
Kinematics

61.
 d 400m
(a) time taken to cross the river=
t = = 40 s
v y 10m/s
(b) Drift (x) = (vx)(t) = (2 m/s) (40 s) = 80 m
−1  10 
(c) Actual direction of=
boat, θ tan
=   tan 5, (downstream) with the
−1

 2
river flow.

Example :
A man can swim at the rate of 5 km/h in still water. A 1km wide river flows
at the rate of 3 km/h. The man wishes to swim across the river directly
opposite to the starting point.
(a) Along what direction must the man swim ?
(b) What should be his resultant velocity ?
(c) How much time will he take to cross the river ?
Solution :
(a) The velocity of man with respect to river vmR = 5 km/hr, this is greater
than the river flow velocity, therefore, he can cross the river directly
(along the shortest path). The angle of swim must be
π  v  −1  v r  −1  3 
θ= + sin−1  r = 90° + sin  =
 90° + sin  =  90° + 37°
2 v
 mR  v
 mR  5
= 127° w.r.t the river flow or 37° w.r.t perpendicular in backward direction
(b) Resultant velocity will be
vm = 2
vmR − vR2 = 52 − 32 = 4 km/hr
Along the direction perpendicular to the river flow.
d 1 km 1
(c) Time taken to cross the=t = = = h 15 min
2
vmR − vR2 4 km/hr 4

Example :
A man wishing to cross a river flowing with velocity u jumps at an angle q
with the river flow.
(i) Find the net velocity of the man with respect to ground if he can swim
with speed v in still water.
(ii) In what direction does the man actually move.
(iii) Find how far from the point directly opposite to the starting point
does the man reach the opposite bank, if the width of the river is d.
(i.e., drift)
Kinematics

62.
Solution :
  
(i) v=
MR v, =
vR u ; =
vM vMR + vR B x C’
\ Velocity of man, C
vM = u2 + v 2 + 2vucos θ
v sin θ d u
(ii) tan φ = v
u + v cos θ
v M = v MR + v R
(iii) (v sin θ)t = d ⇒ t =
d
; φ θ
v sin θ x
A
d
x =+
(u v cos θ) t =+
(u v cos θ)
v sin θ
Wind Airplane Problems :
Thus, velocity of aeroplane with respect to wind
     
v aw =v a − v w or v a = v aw + v w
 
Where, v a = velocity of aeroplane w.r.t ground and, v w = velocity of wind.

Example :
Find the time an aeroplane having velocity v, takes to fly around a square
with side a if the wind is blowing at a velocity u along one side of the
square.
Answer :

2a
v 2 − u2
(
v + v 2 − u2 )
Solution :
Velocity of aeroplane while flying through AB D C
a
vA = v + u ; t AB =
v +u
v wind=u
A B   vA=v+u

Velocity of aeroplane while flying through BC u

a
v A =−
v 2 u2 ; tBC = vA = v2 – u2
v − u2
2
v

Velocity of aeroplane while flying through CD

a
vA = v − u ; tCD =
v −u
Kinematics

63.
 Velocity of aeroplane while flying through DA
v
a v A = v2 – u2
v A =−
v u 2 2
; tDA =
v 2 − u2
u
Total time = t AB + tBC + tCD + tDA

=
a
v +u
+
v −u
2
a
2
+
a
v −u
+
v −u
2
a
2
=
2a
v 2 − u2
(v + v 2 − u2 )

Rain Problem

If rain is falling vertically with a velocity vR and an observer is moving

horizontally with velocity vm , the velocity of rain relative to observer will
be:
  
vRm =
vR − vm or vRm =
vR2 + vm
2

v 
and direction θ =tan−1  m  with the vertical as shown in figure.
 vR 

VR
–V m

VRm VR

Vm
Kinematics

64.
Example :

Rain is falling vertically at speed of 10 m/s

and a man is moving with velocity 6 m/s. 10m/s
Find the angle at which the man should
hold his umbrella to avoid getting wet.

6m/s

Solution :
 
vrain = −10ˆj ⇒ vman = 6ˆj
 θ
vr.w.r.t. man =−10ˆj − 6iˆ
10m/s
6 3
=
tan θ θ tan−1  
⇒=
10 5
Where q is angle with vertical 6m/s

Example :

A man moving with 5 m/s observes rain

falling vertically at the rate of 10 m/s. Find vRm = 10m/s
the speed and direction of the rain with
respect to ground.

vm = 5m/s
Kinematics

65.
 Solution :
=vRM 10= m/s, vM 5 m/s
  
= vR − vM
vRM
  
⇒ vR = vRM + vM

⇒ vR = 5 5
1 1
tan=
θ θ tan−1
,=
2 2
Example :
A standing man, observes rain falling with velocity of 20 m/s at an angle of
30° with the vertical.
(i) Find the velocity with which the man should move so that rain appears
to fall vertically to him.
(ii) Now if he further increases his speed, rain again appears to fall at 30°
with the vertical. Find his new velocity. 10m/s
Solution : 30°

(i) vm = −viˆ (Let)

/s
0m
 v Rm
vR = −10iˆ − 10 3 ˆj
 =2
vR
vRM = −(10iˆ − v) − 10 3 ˆj
⇒ −(10 − v) =0
v
(for vertical fall, horizontal component must be zero vm
or v = 10 m/s

(ii) vR = −10iˆ − 10 3 ˆj 10m/s

vm = −v xˆi 30° 30°

−(10 − v x )iˆ − 10 3 ˆj
/s

vRM = v Rm
0m

Angle with the vertical = 30°

=2
vR

10 − v x 10 3 m/s
⇒ tan 30° =
−10 3
60° vx 60°
⇒ vx =
20 m/s
vm
Velocity of Approach / Separation in Two Dimension
Example :
Two particles A and B are moving with constant velocities v1 and v2.
At t = 0, v1 makes an angle q1 with the line joining A and B and v2 makes an
angle q2 with the line joining A and B. find their velocity of approach.
Kinematics

66.
 v1
v2
θ1 θ2
A B
d
Solution :
Velocity of approach is relative velocity along line AB
=
v APP v 1 cos θ1 + v 2 cos θ2

Example :

Particles A and B are moving as shown in 4m/s

the diagram at t = 0. Find their velocity
of separation.
(i) at t = 0
(ii) at t = 1 sec A

3m
B 3m/s

4m

Solution :

(i) tan q = 3/4 4m/s

vsep = relative velocity along line AB 4cosθ
= 3 cos θ + 4 sin θ 4sinθ
4 3 24
= 3⋅ + 4⋅ = = 4.8 m/s
5 5 5
A
3sinθ

3m
θ B
3m/s
4m

3cosθ
Kinematics

67.
 Example :
Two particles A and B are moving with constant velocities v1 and v2. At t =
0, v1 makes an angle q1 with the line joining A and B and v2 makes an angle
q2 with the line joining A and B.

v1
v2
θ1 θ2
A B
d

(i) Find the condition for A and B to collide.

(ii) Find the time after which A and B will collide if separation between
them is d at t = 0
Solution :
(i) For A and B to collide, their relative velocity must be directed along
the line joining them.
Therefore their relative velocity along the perpendicular to this line
must be zero.
Thus v 1 sin =θ1 v 2 sin θ2
d d
(ii) =
v APP v 1 cos θ1 + v 2 cos θ2 ;=t =
v app v 1 cos θ1 + v 2 cos θ2

Minimum / Maximum distance between two particles

Examples :
Two cars A and B are moving west to east and south to north respectively
along crossroads. A moves with a speed of 72 kmh–1 and is 500 m away
from point of intersection of cross roads and B moves with a speed of 54
kmh–1 and is 400 m away from point of intersection of cross roads. Find the
shortest distance between them ?
Solution :
Using the concept of relative velocity
In this method we watch the velocity of A w.r.t B. To do this we plot the
resultant velocity Vr. Since the accelerations of both the bodies is zero,
so the relative acceleration between them is also zero. Hence the relative
velocity will remain constant. So the path of A with respect to B will be
straight line and along the direction of relative velocity of A with respect
to B. The shortest distance between A and B is when A is at point F (i.e.
when we drop a perpendicular from B on the line of motion of A with
Kinematics

respect to B).

68.
From figure

90–θ
500m
E
90–θ F
VA O
A
θ
VR θ
90–θ X=375m
VB B

E 400m
F

VB 15 3
tan=
θ = = …(i)
VA 20 4
This q is the angle made by the resultant velocity vector with the x-axis.
Also we know that from figure
x 3
= OE = ….(ii)
500 4
From equation (i) and (ii) we get, x = 375 m
\ EB = OB – OE = 400 – 375 = 25 m
But the shortest distance is BF.
4
From magnified figure we see that BF = EB cos =
q 25 ×
5
\ BF = 20 m

Note :
   
If the initial position of two particles are r1 and r2 and their velocities are v 1 and v 2 then
 
| r12 × v 12 |
shortest distance between the particles, dshortest =  and time after which this
| v 12 |
 
r12 ⋅ v 12
situation will occur, t = −  2 .
Kinematics

| v 12 |

69.
 Example :
Two ships are 10 km apart on a line joining south 20km/h 1
to north. The one farther north is steaming
west at 20 km h–1. The other is steaming north
at 20 km h–1. What is their distance of closest
10km
approach ? How long do they take to reach it ?
20km/h
Solution :
Solving from the frame of particle-1 2
10
We get dshort
= 10 cos 45
=° = 5 2 km
2 1
10 sin 45 10 × 1 / 2 1
=t  = = = h 15min.
| v 21 | 20 2 4 45° d
sh
or
t

10km

20km/h

45°
2 20km/h

Example :
There are particles A, B and C are situated at the
vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC of side a at
t = 0. Each of the particles moves with constant
speed v. A always has its velocity towards B, B
towards C and C towards A. At what time will the
A
particle meet each other ? A1
Solution : A2
A3
Method-1
The motion of the particles is roughly sketched in O
figure. By symmetry they will meet at the centroid C3
C2
O of the triangle. At any instant the particles will
from an equilateral triangle ABC with the same B3 C1
B2
Centroid O. All the particles will meet at the
Kinematics

centre. Concentrate on the motion of any one B

B1
C

70.
 particle, say B. At any instant its velocity makes
angle 30° with BO. The component of this velocity
along BO is v cos 30°. This component is the rate
of decrease of the distance BO. Initially A
a/2 a
=
BO = = displacement of each
cos 30° 3
particle. Therefore, the time taken for BO
to become zero.
a/ 3 2a 2a
Q
= = = . a/ 3
v cos 30° 3v × 3 3v

30° a/2
Method-2 B C
Velocity of B is v along BC. The velocity of C is
along CA. Its component along BC is v cos 60°
= v/2. Thus, the separation BC decreases at the v
rate of approach velocity.
v 3v
\ approach velocity = v + =
2 2
Since, the rate of approach is constant, the
time taken in reducing the separation BC v 60°
a 2a B C
from a to zero is=t = vcos60°
3v 3v
2 ×
B v v/2 C
Example :
Six particles situated at the corners of a regular
hexagon of side a move at a constant speed v.
Each particle maintains a direction towards the
particle at the next corner. Calculate the time the
particles will take to meet each other.
Solution :
Vapp = V − V cos 60°= V − V / 2= V / 2 a

a a 2a a a
=t = =
Vapp V / 2 V
v
a a
a 60°
v vcos60
Kinematics

71.
 Example :
‘A’ moves with constant velocity u along the
‘x’ axis. B always has velocity towards A. After A u
how much time will B meet A if B moves with
constant speed v. What distance will be travelled
by A and B.
l

Solution :
Let at any instant the velocity of B makes an angle a with that of x axis and
the time to collide is T.
v app =
v − v cos α
T T
 =∫ v appdt =∫ (v − ucos α)dt …(1)
0 0

Now equating the displacement of A and B along x direction we get

=
uT ∫ v cos α dt …(2)
α
Now from (1) and (2) we get c os
A u α
T T
u u u
 = vT − ∫ ucos α dt = vT − ∫ v cos α dt = vT − ⋅ uT
0
v0 v v
α
v
⇒ T =2 l
v − u2
Now distance travelled by A and B
v v uv v2 
= u× and v × = and
v 2 − u2 v 2 − u2 v 2 − u2 v 2 − u2 B
Kinematics

72.