Kinematics 3.

Kinematics
CHAPTER
3
Section A - Distance, Displacement, Velocity 
Consider a particle which moves from location r1
and Acceleration, Equation of
(at time t1)
Motion

to location r2 (at time t2) as shown in the figure
below, following path ACB.
1. REST AND MOTION :
y
* An object is said to be in motion wrt a frame of A C
reference S1, when its position is changing with r1 B
time in same frame of reference S1.
r2
* Rest and motion are relative terms.
x
* Absolute rest and absolute motion have no
meaning. (C) Distance :
The length of the actual path traversed by the particle
is termed as its distance.
Motion is broadly classified int o 3
categories. Distance = length of path (ACB).

1. Rectilinear and translatory motion. * SI unit is metre and it is a scalar quantity.

2. Circular and rotatory motion. * It can never decrease with time.

3. Oscillatory and vibratory motion. (D) Displacement :

The change in position vector of a particle for the
given time interval is known as its displacement.
1.1 Rectilinear or 1-D Motion
When a particle is moving along a straight line, then    
AB  r  r2  r1
its motion is a rectilinear motion.
* Displacement is a vector quantity and its SI unit
Parameters of rectilinear motion or translatory
is metre.
motion or plane motion:
* It can decrease with time.
(A) Time :
For a moving particle in a given interval of time
* It is a scalar quantity and its SI unit is second(s).
* Displacement can be +ve, –ve or 0, but distance
* At a particular instant of time, a physical object
would be always +ve.
can be present at one location only.
* Distance  Magnitude of displacement.
* Time can never decrease.
* Distance and displacement always equal if and
(B) Position or location - It is defined with
only the particle is moving along a straight line
respect to some reference point (origin) of given
without any change in direction.
frame of reference.

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3.2 Theory and Exercise Book

(E) Av erag e sp eed and av erag e On the distance - time plot, the speed is equal to the
velocity: slope of the tangent to the curve at the time instant
Average speed and average velocity are always 't'. Let A and B point on the plot corresponds to the
defined for a time interval. time t and t + t during the motion. As t approaches
Total dis tan ce travelled s zero, the chord AB becomes the tangent AC at A.
Average speed (v av )   The slope of the tangent equal ds/dt, which is equal
Time int erval t
to the instantaneous speed at 't'.
  
 Displacement  r r2  r1
Average velocity (v av )    DC ds
Time int erval t t 2  t1 v = tan = 
AC dt
* Average speed is a scalar quantity, while
average velocity is a vector quantity. Both have
the same SI unit, i.e., m/s. (G) Instantaneous velocity :
For a moving particle in a given interval of time Instantaneous velocity is defined exactly like
* Average speed can be a many valued function Average velocity. It is equal to the ratio of total
but average velocity would be always a single- displacement and time interval, but with one
valued function. qualification that time interval is extremely
* Average velocity can be positive, negative or 0 (infinitesimally) small. Thus, instantaneous velocity
but average speed would be always positive. can be termed as the average velocity at a particular
instant of time when t tend to zero and may have
(F) Inst antaneous sp eed and entirely different value that of average velocity :
instantaneous velocity Mathematically.
Instantaneous speed is also defined exactly like
average speed i.e. it is equal to the ratio of total r dr
v  lim 
distance and time interval, but with one qualification t0 t dt
that time interval is extremely (infinitesimally) small.
As t tends to zero, the ratio defining velocity
The instantaneous speed is the speed at a particular
becomes finite and equals to the first derivative of
instant of time and may have entirly different value
than that of average speed. Mathematically. the position vector. The velocity at the moment 't' is
called the instantaneous velocity or simply velocity
s ds at time 't'.
v  lim  ...(4)
t 0 t dt
S
When s is the distance travelled in time t.
Position/displacement

As t tends to zero, the ratio defining speed B

becomes finite and equals to the first derivative of
B'
the distance. The speed at the moment 't' is called D S

the instantaneous speed at time 't'.
A t C

S t
O t t  t time
Instantaneous velocity is equal to the slope
of the tangent at given instant.
B
Distance

D S The magnitude of average velocity |vavg| and average


speed vavg may or may not be equal, but magnitude
A t C
of instantaneous velocity |v| is always equal to
t
O t instantaneous speed v.
t  t time
Instantaneous speed is equal to the slope
of the tangent at given instant.

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 Kinematics 3.3

EXAMPLE 1 Sol. Let total distance = 2x. Then

In 1.0 sec a particle goes from point A to point B x x  v1  v 2 

moving in a semicircle of radius 1.0 m. The total time taken = v  v  x  v v 
1 2  1 2 
magnitude of average velocity is
(A) 3.14 m/sec (B) 2.0 m/sec 2x 2v1v 2
(C) 1.0 m/sec (D) zero  Average speed = 
 v  v2  v 1  v2
x 1 
Total displacement d  v1 v 2 
Sol. Average velocity  
Total time t
(G-1) When v elocit y is g iv en as a
D = AO + OB function of t :
A
= 1 + 1 = 2m 1m
o
t = 1 sec (given) 1m EXAMPLE 4
B Velocity-time equation of a particle moving in a
2
 |v| = = 2m/sec straight line is,
1
v = (10 + 2t + 3t2)
Find :
EXAMPLE 2 (a) displacement of particle from the origin of time
A particle moves along a semicircular path of radius t = 1 s, if it is given that displacement is 20 m at
R in time t with constant speed. For the particle time t = 0
calculate (b) acceleration-time equation.
(i) distance travelled, Sol. (a) The given equation can be written as,
(ii) displacement, R
A B ds
(iii) average speed, v=  (10  2t  3t 2 )
dt
(iv) average velocity,
ds = (10 + 2t + 3t2) dt
Sol. (i) Distance = length of path of particle = AB = R
s t
(ii) Displacement = minimum distance between or ds  (10  2t  3t 2 )dt
initial and final point

20

0

= AB = 2R
or s – 20 = [10t + t2 + t3]01
total dis tan ce R or s = 20 + 12 = 32 m
(iii) Average speed, v = 
time t (b) Acceleration-time equation can be obtained by
differentiating the given equation w.r.t. time.
2R
(iv) Average velocity = Thus,
t
dv d
a=  (10  2t  3t 2 )
dt dt
EXAMPLE 3
A body travels the first half of the total distance or a = 2 + 6t
with velocity v1 and the second half with velocity
v2. Calculate the average velocity :

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3.4 Theory and Exercise Book

SPECIMEN PROBLEM : (G-2) When velocity is given as a function

of x

(A) WHEN EQ UA TION OF dx

v = f(x)   f (x)
DISPLA CEMENT IS GIVEN AN D dt
SPEED TO BE FIND OUT
dx
EXAMPLE 5   f (x)   dt
If displacement is depend on time such that
x = 2t –2 then find out average speed upt to 4 sec.
EXAMPLE 7
Total distance
Sol. Average speed = If velocity is given by following function V = x2.
Total time
Then find out relation between x & t (assume x = 1 m
for Total distance at t = 0)
at t = 0 it is at x = – 2 Sol. Relation between v & x is

at t = 1 it is at 0 m v = x2

at t = 4 it is at 6 m. dx dx
we know that v =   x2
Total distance = |– 2| + 0 + 6 = 8 m dt dt

Average speed = 8/4 = 2m/sec x t

dx dx
x2
 dt   1
x2 0
 dt

(B) WHEN VELOCITY IS GIVEN AS A

FUNCTION OF TIME AND DISTANCE x
 1 1
TO BE FIND OUT  –   t  – +1=t
x 1 x
In this type of question first find out at what instant
the velocity is zero. If this instant is come in our 1
 x=
time limit then distance can be calculated by 1– t
breaking the integration in two part with modulas

(E) Av erag e and inst antaneous

acceleration.
EXAMPLE 6
When the velocity of a moving object/particle
If velocity is depend on time such that v = 4 – 2t. changes with time, we can say that it is accelerated.
Find out distance travelled by particle from 1 to 3
Average acceleration,
sec.
  
Sol. Velocity is zero (4 – 2t = 0) at t = 2 sec  v  v1 v Change in velocity
(a av )  2  
t 2  t1 t Time int erval
dx
So for distance = 4 – 2t Instantaneous acceleration,
dt

  dv
2 3
(a)  lim a av  = Rate of change of velocity
 t 0 dt
 
 dx = (4 – 2t)dt  (4 – 2t)dt
2 Acceleration is a vector quantity whose direction is
1
same as that of change in velocity vector. Its SI
dx = 1 + 1 = 2m unit is m/s2.

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 Kinematics 3.5

* When direction of acceleration and velocity are t

opposite to each other, then acceleration is  t2 
or [s]s0  u[t]0t a 
termed as retardation.  2 0
  
 d v d2 r  d v
* a  2 v   t2 
dt dt dr or s – 0 = u (t – 0) + a   0 
2 

(E-4) Constant Acceleration Format  t2  1 2

or s = ut + a   0   s = ut + at ...(4)
Deduce the following equations for unifromly  2  2
accelerated motion by using intergration technique.
Third equation of motion. By the definitions of
1 2 acceleration and velocity,
(A) v = u + at (B) s = ut + at
2
dv dv ds dv
a    v
dt ds dt ds
a
(C) v2 – u2 = 2as (D) snth = u + (2n – 1) or ads = vdv ...(5)
2
When time = 0, velocity = u, displacement travelled = 0 (say)
First equation of motion. Acceleration is defined
as When time = t, velocity = v, displacement travelled = s (say)
Integrating equation (5) within the above limits of
dv velocity and displacement, we get
a or dv = adt ...(1)
dt
s v s v
When time = 0, velocity = u (say)

0
a ds  v dvu

or a ds  v dv
0

u
When time = t, velocity = v (say)
Integrating equation (1) within the above limits of v
time and velocity, we get s  v2  v2 u2
or a[s]0    or a [s  0]  
 2 u 2 2
v t t
t
 
dv  a dt or [v]uv  a  dt  a t  0 or 2as = v2 – u2 or v2 – u2 = 2as ...(6)
u 0 0
Fourth equation of motion. By definition of
or v – u = a(t – 0) velocity,
or v = u + at ...(2) ds
v
Second equation of motion. Velocity is defined dt
as
or ds = vdt = (u + at) dt ...(7)
ds When time = (n – 1) second, displacement travelled
v
dt = sn – 1 (say).
or ds = v dt = (u + at) dt ...(3) When time = n second, displacement travelled = sn
When time = 0, displacement travelled = 0 (say)
Integrating equation (7) within the above limits of
When time = t, displacement travelled = s (say).
time and distance, we get
Integrating equation (3) within the above limits of
time and distance, we get sn n

s t t t

sn 1
ds   (u  at)dt
n 1

 ds   (u  at)dt  u  dt  a  t dt
0 0 0 0

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3.6 Theory and Exercise Book

n n dis tan ce
sn
 Time taken, t  uniform velocity
or [s]sn 1  u 
n 1
dt  a  t dt
n 1

200
n   10sec.
n  t2  20
s  s
or n n 1  u[t]n 1  a  
 2  n 1  Total time of journey, t = (20 + 10 + 20) sec
t = 50 sec
a
= u[n –(n – 1)] + [n2 – (n – 1)2]
2 Total displacement 600
Average velocity = 
Total Time 50
a 2
=u+ [n – (n2 – 2n + 1)] = 12 m/s.
2

a (iii) Motion with uniform retardation.

snth  u  (2n  1) ...(8)
2 For this motion, initial velocity, u = 20 m s–1 and
where snth = sn – sn –1 = displacement in nth second. final velocity v = 0 ; S2 = 200 m
Acceleration a' = ?

EXAMPLE 8 Using, v2 – u2 = 2 a' S2

(0)2 – (20)2 = 2(a) × 200
A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly
for 20 seconds to a velocity of 72 km h–1. It then a = – 1 ms–2
runs at constant velocity and finally brought to rest Let t = time for which the body comes to rest.
in 200 m with a constant retardation. The total  v = u + a t
distance covered is 600 m. Find the acceleration, 0 = 20 – 1t
retardation and the total time taken.
 t = 20 sec.
Sol. (i) Motion with uniform acceleration

5 C. SPECIMEN PROBLEM
Here, u = 0 ; t1 = 20 sec ; v = 72 × = 20 ms–1
18
EXAMPLE 9
 v = u + at1
Find out distance travelled by the block in 10 sec.
20 = 0 + a × 20 or a = 1 m s–2 for a given situation.
Distance travelled by car in this time (20 sec),
2
a=2m/s
1 2 1 u=10 m/s
S1 = ut + at = 0 + × 1 × (20)2 = 200 m
2 2

(ii) Motion with uniform velocity. Sol. First find out it what instant velocity of block becomes
zero.
As given, total distance = 600 m
v = u + at
we have calculated S1 = 200 m (with uniform acc.)
given : u = 10 m/s, a = – 2m/s2
and S2 = 200 m (with retardation)
 0 = 10 – 2t
 Net distance for which body moves with
uniform velocity,  t = 5 sec
S = 600 – S1 – S2= 600 – 200 – 200 = 200 m So we calculate distance for two time intervals.

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 Kinematics 3.7

For first 5 sec. Note :

Definition : Time taken by a driver to react for a situation
1 2
S1 = ut – at Reaction Time of the driver is t = t1 – t0
2

1 a v=0
 S1 = (10)(5) – (2) (5)2 = 25 m u
2
for Next 5 sec (block is travelling towards the
starting point) t1 t2
t=t0 (brakes applied)

1 2 Total distance covered by the car before stopping

S2 = ut + at
2 = distance covered in uniform motion during to to t1
u=0 + distance cover in deaccelerated motion during t1

1 u2
S2 = × 2 × 25 = 25 m to t2 = Total distance = u(t) +
2 2a
S = S1 + S2 = 50 m
EXAMPLE 11
(D) Reaction time : Assume that a car is able to stop with a retardation
When a particular situation demands our immediate of 8 ms –2 and that a driver can react to an
action, it takes some time before we really respond. emergency in 0.5 sec. Calculate the overall stopping
Reaction time is the time a person takes to observe, distance of the car for a speed of 60 km–1 of the
think and act. car.

For example, if a person is driving and suddenly a 5 50 1

Sol. Here, u = 60 km h–1  60   ms
boy appears on the road, then the time elapse before 18 3
he applies the breaks of the car is the reaction time. Since to apply the brakes he takes 0.5 s, before this
Reaction time depends on complexity of the situation 50 1
and on an individiual. One can measure one's the car was moving with uniform speed of ms .
3
reaction time by a simple experiment.
 Distance covered in 0.5 sec, with a uniform
EXAMPLE 10 speed is
Take a rule and ask your friend to drop it vertically 50 25
through the gap between your thumb and forefinger. S1  u  t   0.5  m  8.33m
3 3
As soon as it is dropped, note the time elapsed ts
Now car begins to move with a retardation of 8ms–2
before you catch it and the distance d travelled by
 Distance covered before coming to rest,
the ruler. (In a particular case, d was found to be
2a S2 = v2 – u2
21.0 cm. Estimate reaction time).
2
Sol. As the ruler drops under free fall so u = 0, and  50 
2 0  2
g = 9.8 ms –2. The distance travelled d and the or S  v  u   3   50  50
2
reaction time tr are related by 2a 2  8 9 28

1 2 d 2500
d gt r  4.9t 2r Or, tr    17.36 m
2 4.9 144
 Total (overall) distance = S1 + S2 = 8.33 + 17.36
Here d = 21.0 cm = 0.21 m
 S = 25.69 m
0.21
 tr   0.2s
4.9

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3.8 Theory and Exercise Book

EXAMPLE 12 SPECIMEN PROBLEM

Two buses A and B are at positions 50 m and (E) Maximum Separation :
100 m from the origin at time t = 0. They start moving EXAMPLE 14
in the same direction simultaneously with uniform
velocity of 10 ms–1 and 5 ms–1. Determine the time u=0 2
a=4m/s
and postion at which A overtakes B.
Sol. Here we use equation of motion for constant velocity
in Cartesian form.
Given x1 (0) = 50 m, x2 (0) = 100 m, 40 m/s
v1 = 10 ms–1, v2 = 5 ms–1
The positions of the two buses at any instant t are What is the maximum separation between car and
x1 (t) = x1 (0) + v1t = 50 + 10 t scooter ?
x2 (t) = x2 (0) + v2t = 100 + 5 t
Sol. Initially seperation between car & scooter increases
When A overtakes B,
and then decreases.
x1 (t) = x2 (t)
Separation between them will be maximum at an
50 + 10t = 100 + 5t or 5t = 50
instant at which velocity of the car is equal to the
t = 10 s
velocity of scooter.
x1 (10) = x2 (10) = 150 m
Velocity car = Velocity scooter = 40 m/s
Thus A overtakes B at a position of 150 m from the
origin at time t = 10 s. from v = u + at
40 = 0 + 4t  t = 10 sec

EXAMPLE 13 The distance travelled by scooter in 10 sec.

A bus starts from rest with constant acceleration of is S1 = 10 × 40 = 400 m

5 ms–2. At the same time a car travelling with a The distance travelled by car in 10 sec. is
constant velocity of 50 ms–1 overtakes and passes
1 2 1
the bus. S2 = ut + at = 0 + × 4 × (10)2 = 200 m
2 2
(i) Find at what distance will the bus overtake the
car ? So maximum seperation = S1 – S2
(ii) How fast will the bus be travelling then ? = 400 – 200 = 200 m
Sol. (i) Suppose the bus overtakes the car after * When they meet both will travel the same
covering distance s. distance.
When the two meets, the time taken t is same.

1 2 1 2
For bus, s  ut  at  0   5t
2 2
For car, s = 50 t

5 2
 t  50t or t = 20 s
2
Hence s = 50 t = 50 × 20 = 1000 m.
(ii) v2 = u2 + 2as = 0 + 2 × 5 × 1000 = 10,000
or v = 100 ms–1

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 Kinematics 3.9

Section B - Motion under Gravity (c) Final velocity

from v = u + at
2. MOTION UNDER GRAVITY
2u
v = vf a=–g & t=T=
I FORMAT : g
(When a body is thrown vertically upward)  2u 
It includes two types of motion  vf = u – g  
 g 
(i) Deaccelerated motion from A to B because the vf = – u
direction of velocity and acceleration is opposite. i.e. the body reaches the ground with the same
So speed decreases speed with which it was thrown vertically upwards.

B
(d) Time to reach half of the maximum
upward height :-
motion downward motion
(accelerated motion) ui = u a=–g
(deaccelerated
motion) 1 2
u from S = ut + at
C 2
A
Hmax
H 1 2 Hmax/2
(ii) Accelerated motion from B to C because the = ut – gt
2 2
direction of velocity and acceleration is same u
H = 2ut – gt2
(downward). So speed increases
 gt2 – 2ut + H = 0
(a) Time of flight :
It is the time taken by the particle to reach the 2u  4u 2 – 4gH
 t=
ground. If the particle is thrown vertically upward 2g
with initial velocity u then
u2
ui = u 2u  4u 2 – 4g 
2g
a = – g (take downward direction negative)  t=
2g
from equation
 u2
1 2  H max 
S = ut + at  2g
2
 Snet = 0 (when particle again reaches the ground) u(2  2)
t= ...(1)
2g
t = T (time of flight)
Equation 1 gives two value of time which
1 2 2u corresponds to
0 = uT – gT  T =
2 g u(2 – 2)
t1 =
(b) Maximum Height : 2g
(from ground to Hmax/2 in upward motion)
from v2 u2 + 2as
at maximum height v = 0, s = Hmax u(2  2)
t2 =
2g
2
u2 (from Hmax/2 to ground in downward motion)
 0 = u –2 gHmax  Hmax =
2g

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3.10 Theory and Exercise Book

(e) Time to reach any general height h EXAMPLE 15

Let us assume that particle reaches from A to B in A ball is thrown vertically upwards with a velocity
time t1 & from A to C is time t2. u from the ground. The ball attains a maximum
height Hmax. Then find out the time and displacement
1 2 1 2 at which ball have half of the maximum speed.
So from S = ut + at  h = ut – gt
2 2
Sol. Maximum speed of the ball is u. At point B and C
2
gt – 2ut + 2h = 0 ball have speed u/2 but direction
is opposite so from
2
2u  4u – 8gh v = u + at B C
 t= B C
2g Let t1 is the time taken by u/2 u/2
the ball from point A to B h
h and t2 is the time taken by
2
u – u – 2gh u
So, t1 = , the ball from A to C
g A A
u
From A to B  u – gt1 ...(i)
2
2
u  u – 2gh
t2 =
g u
From A to C –  u – gt 2 ....(2)
2
 t1 + t2 = T (Time of flight)
u 3u
from (i) t1 = , from (ii) t2 =
2g 2g
II Format (Free fall) :
from equation v2 – u2 = 2as
A body released near the surface of the earth is
 v = ± u/2, u = u, a = – g
accelerated downward under the influence of force
of gravity. 2
u 2
   – u = – 2gh
2
(a) Time of Flight :
(0,0) 3u 2  u2 
u=0 h=   H max  
1 2 8g  2g 
from equation S = ut + at
2
H 3
S = – H, u = 0, a = – g h= H max
4
t = T (Let assume)
EXAMPLE 16

1 2 2H A ball thrown vertically upwards with a speed of

 – H = (0)T – gt  T = 19.6 ms–1 from the top of a tower returns to the
2 g
earth in 6 s. Find the height of the tower.
(b) Final Velocity when body reaches the Sol. Here u = 19.6 ms–1
ground g = –9.8 ms–2
from v2 – u2 = 2as Net displacement, s = – h
s=–H v = vf u=0 a=–g Negative sign is taken
because displacement is in
Tower

 v f 2 – 0 = 2 (–g) (–H)  vf = 2gH h

the opposite direction of
initial velocity.

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 Kinematics 3.11

 Time taken by the ball to reach the highest point = 2 s

1 2
As s = ut + gt For upward motion of the ball :
2
u = ?, v = 0, t = 2s, g = – 9.8 ms–2
1 As v = u + gt
 – h = 19.6 × 6 + × (–9.8) × 62
2
 0 = u – 9.8 × 2
= 117.6 – 176.4 = –58.8 or u = 19.6 ms–1
or h = 58.8 m Maximum height attained by the ball is given by

1 2 1
EXAMPLE 17 s = ut + gt = 19.6 × 2 + × (9.8) × 22 = 19.6 m.
2 2
A ball is thrown vertically upwards with a velocity Displacement of the ball in 3 s,
of 20 ms–1 from the top of a multistoreyed building.
The height of the point from where the ball is thrown 1 2
s = ut – gt
is 25 m from the ground. (i) How high will the ball 2
rise and (ii) how long will it be before the ball hits
1
the ground? s = 19.6 × 3 + × (–9.8) × 32 = 58.8 – 44.1 = 14.7 m
2
Sol. (i) Here u = +20 ms–1, g = –10 ms–2
Distance of the ball from the highest point 3 s after
At the highest point, v = 0
it was thrown
Suppose the ball rises to the height h from the point
= 19.6 – 14.7 = 4.9 m.
of projection.
As v2 – u2 = 2gs
 02 – 202 = 2 × (–10) × h EXAMPLE 19

or h = + 20 m. A balloon is ascending at the rate of 9.8 ms–1 at a

(ii) Net displacement, s = –25 m height of 39.2 m above the ground when a food
packet is dropped from the balloon. After how much
Negative sign is taken because displacement is in
time and with what velocity does it reach the ground?
the opposite direction of initial velocity.
Take g = 9.8 ms–2.
1 2 Sol. Initially the food packet attains the upward velocity
As s = ut + gt
2 of the balloon, so
u = 9.8 ms–1, g = 9.8 ms–2 , s = –39.2 m
1
 –25 = 20t + × (–10) × t2 Here s is taken negative because it is in the opposite
2
direction of initial velocity.
or 5t2 – 20t – 25 = 0 or t2 – 4t – 5 = 0
or (t+ 1) (t – 5) = 0 1 2
Using, s = ut + gt , we get
As t  –1, so t = 5s. 2
As time is never negative, hence t = 5s
1
– 39.2 = 9.8 t – × 9.8 t2
2
EXAMPLE 18
or 4.9 t2 – 9.8 t – 39.2 = 0 or t2 – 2t – 8 =0
A ball thrown up is caught by the thrower after 4s.
or (t – 4) (t + 2) = 0 or t = 4 s or – 2 s
How high did it go and with what velocity was it
As time is never negative, so t = 4s.
thrown ? How far was it below the highest point 3
s after it was thrown? Velocity with which the food packet reaches the
ground is
Sol. As time of ascent = time of descent

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3.12 Theory and Exercise Book

v = u + gt = 9.8 – 9.8 × 4 = – 29.4 ms–1.

Negative sign shows that the velocity is directed
vertically downwards.

EXAMPLE 20 Section C - Graphs

Two balls are thrown simultaneously, A vertically
upwards with a speed of 20 ms–1 from the ground, 3. GRAPHS :
and B vertically downwards from a height of 40 m
with the same speed and along the same line of (i) Straight line :
motion. At what points do the two balls collide? Take A linear relation between y & x represents a straight
g = 9.8 ms–2. line.
Sol. Suppose the two balls meet at a height of x from General equation of straight line
the ground after time t s from the start. y = mx + c
m  slope of line
For upward motion of balls A :
c  y intercept i.e. where the line cuts the y-axis.
u = 20 ms–1, g = – 9.8 ms–2
Slope is defined as the tan of angle made by the
1 2 straight line with positive x-axis in anticlockwise
s = ut + gt
2 direction.

1 m=tan
x = 20 t – × 9.8 t2 = 20t – 4.9 t2 ...(i) m=tan
2
 
u=20 ms
–1
B

40–x
40 m

C m < 0   > 90°

m > 0   < 90°
x
0°   < 180°
–1
u=20 ms A
EXAMPLE 21
For downward motion of ball B,
Draw the graph for the equation : 2y = 3x + 2
1
40 – x = 20 × t + × 9.8 t2 3
2 x 1
Sol. 2y = 3x + 2 y =
2
= 20t + 4.9 t2 ... (ii)
Adding (i) and (ii), 40 = 40 t or t = 1 s
From (i), x = 20 × 1 – 4.9 × (1)2 = 15.1 m
Hence the two balls will collide after 1 s at a height
(0,1) 3
tan  =
of 15.1 m from the ground.  2

3
m= > 0   < 90°
2

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 Kinematics 3.13

c = +1 > 0 = tan  = slope of the chord AB

 The line will pass through (0, 1)
x 2 – x1
vinstantaneous = as tlim
2  t1 t 2 – t1

EXAMPLE 22
Draw the graph for the equation :
x2 B
2y + 4x + 2 = 0
Sol. 2y + 4x + 2 = 0 tan = –2 x2–x1

 y = – 2x – 1
m = – 2 < 0 i.e.,  > 90° A 
x1
t2–t1
c = – 1 i.e., (0,–1)
t1 t2
line will pass through (0, –1)
when t2 approaches t1 point B approaches Point A
: (i) If c = 0 line will pass through origin. and the chord AB becomes tangent to the curve.
Therefore
(ii) y = c will be a line parallel to x axis.
vinstantaneous = Slope of the tangent x – t curve
(0,c)

(iii) Reading of Graph

(0,0)

(iii) x = c will be a line perpendicular to y axis (A) Reading x v/s t graphs

x
(c,0)
(0,0)
(1) x0 Explanation :
Body is at rest at x0.
(ii) Parabola t
A general quadratic equation represents a parabola.
y = ax2 + bx + c a0
x
if a > 0 ; It will be a opening upwards parabola. (2) Explanation : Body
if a < 0 ; It will be a opening downwards parabola. starts from origin and is
if c = 0 ; It will pass through origin. moving with speed tan 
e.g. y = 4 x2 + 3x away from origin.
 t
2
y = 4x +3x
(3) Explanation : Body
x
starts from rest from origin
2
y= – 4x +3x and moves away from
origin with increasing
Average velocity & instantaneous velocity from velocity and positive
Position vs time graph t acceleration.
Average velocity from t1 to t2

displacement x 2 – x1
= 
time taken t 2 – t1

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3.14 Theory and Exercise Book
(4) x Explanation : Body
starts from rest from x =
x0 and moves away from
x0 origin with increasing
velocity or +ve
t
acceleration.
(5) Explanation : Body
starts from x = x0 and is
x0
moving toward the origin
with constant velocity
passes throw origin after
t same time and continues
to move away from
origin.
(6) x Explanation : Body
starts from rest at x = x0
x0
and then moves with
increasing speed towards
origin
t
 acceleration is –ve
(7) x Explanation : Body
starts moving away from
origin with some initial
speed. Speed of body is
t2 decreasing till t 1 and it
t rate i.e. acceleration of
O t1 becomes 0 momentarily of
t = t1 and At this instant.
Its reverses its direction and move towards the origin
with increasing speed.
(8) x Explanation : Body
starts from origin moves
t1 away from origin in the –
t
t2 ve x-axis at t = t 1 with
decreasing speed and at
t= t1 it comes at rest
momentarily, Reverses its direction moves towards
the origin the increasing speed. Crosses the origin
at t = t2.
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(9) x Explanation : Body
starts from origin from rest
t and moves away from
origin with increasing
speed.
(B) V-T GRAPHS
v
(1) Explanation : Body is
always at rest.
v t
v0
(2) Explanation : Body is
moving with constant
t velocity v0
(3) Explanation : Body is
v
at rest initially then it
starts moving with its
velocity increasing at a
constant rate i.e. body is
moving with constant
t
acceleration.
v
(4) Explanation : Body
starts its motion with initial
v0 velocity v0 and continues
to move with its velocity
t increasing at a constant
the body is constant.
(5) v Explanation : Body
starts its motion with initial
v0 velocity v 0. Then it
t0 continues to move with its
velocity decreasing at a
t
constant rate i.e.
acceleration of the body is negative and constant.
At t = t0 the body comes to rest instantaneously
and reverses its direction of motion and then
continues to move with decreasing velocity or
increasing speed.
For 0 < t < t0 motion of the body is deaccelerated
( speed is decreassing)
t > t0 motion of the body is accelerated
( speed is increasing)
 Kinematics 3.15

(6) Explanation : Body is (5) a Explanation : The

v
at rest initially. Then it body starts acceleratin
starts moving with t (initial acceleration zero)
increasing velocity. As at t = 0. Its acceleration is
time increases its velocity negative for whole of its
t is increasing more rapidly. motion and is decreasing
i.e. the moving with
at a constant rate.
increasing acceleration.

(6) a Explanation : Initially

(7) v Explanation : Body
v0 starts its motion with initial acceleration of the body is
velocity v0. Its velocity is zero. Its acceleration is
decreasing with time and t positive for whole of its
t0 t at t = t0 . It becomes zero motion. Its acceleration is
after body increasing for whole of its
reverse its direction of motion and continues to move motion.
with decreasing velocity or increasing speed. Since
velocity of the body is decreasing for whole motion.
(IV) Drawing of graphs on the basis of
Therefore, its acceleration is negative.For 0 < t < t0
motion of the body is deaccelerated (speed is given information.
decreassing) t > t0 motion of the body is accelerated (a) If acceleration of the body is zero.
( speed is increasing) (i) If the velocity of the body is v0 and it starts from
origin.
(C) READING OF a - t GRAPHS
(1) a Explanat ion : x v
acceleration of the body is
t

zero that means the body v0

0
u
x=

is moving constant
t velocity. t t

a
(2) Explanat ion : (ii) If at t = 0, x = x0 then
Acceleration of the body
is constant and positive. x v
t
+v
0
t x0 x 0
v0
x=
(3) a Explanat ion :
t t
Acceleration of the body
t
is constant and negative

(iii) If at t = 0, x = – x0 then

(4) Explanation : Initially x

a v
the acceleration of the
t t
+v
0
body is zero. Then its v0
–x
0
acceleration is increasing x=
t at a constant rate. t t
–x0

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3.16 Theory and Exercise Book

(b) If a body has constant acceleration: (iii) if u = u0, a = – a0

For this section 1 2
x = xi + u0t – a 0t
(i) u0, x0 & a0 are positive constants. 2
x
(ii) u  initial velocity
(iii) v  velocity at any time t.
(iv) x  Position at any time t. if xi = 0
t
xi  initial position

(i) if u = 0, a = a0 x

1 2 2 x0
if xi = 0, x = at if xi = x0, x = x0 + (1/2)at
2 if xi = x0
x x t
t0

x0 v = u0 – a0t
v
t t a
u0
x This is wrong because t
it suggest the body t0
don't have some initial t –a0
velocity
(iv) if u = – u0 , a = + a0
t
1 2
x = xi – u0t + a 0t
v a 2
x
a0
slope = tan
= a0 x0

t t
t
v = a0t
if xi = 0 if xi = x0
(ii) If u = u0 , a = a0 v = – u0 + a0t
1 2
x = xi + u0t + a 0 t v
2 a

x x a0
t
–u0 t
(v) If u = u0, a = – a0
if xi = 0 t if xi = x0 t
1 2
v = u0 + a0t x = xi – u0t – a 0t
2
v a

a0

t t

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 Kinematics 3.17

x x 1 2
x = – gt
2
x0

x v
t t
2h 2h
g g
t t
if xi = 0 if xi = x0

v = – u0 – a0t –h – 2gh
v
a
a=–g
a

t t
–v0
t
–a0 v = – gt
–g

EXAMPLE 23
Draw the (iii) If a body is projected vertically upwards from
(a) position vs time graph a tower of height h with initial velocity u. Take
(b) velocity vs time graph the projection point to be origin and upward
(c) acceleration vs time graph direction as +ve.
for the following cases
(i) If a body is projected vertically upwards with x
initial velocity u. Take the projection point to u2
be origin and upward direction as positive. 2g 2u
g
1 2 t
u v = u – gt
x = ut – gt
2 g
–h
x v
u2 u
u 2u
2g v
g g a
t
t
u 2u u/2g t
g g –u t
–g
a

t
(iv) A car starting from rest accelerates uniformly
at 2 ms–2 for 5 seconds and then moves with
–g constant speed acquired for the next 5 seconds
and then comes to rest retarding at 2 ms–2.
Draw its
(ii) If a body is dropped from a height h above the (a) Position vs time graph
ground. Take dropping point to be origin and
(b) Velocity vs time graph
upward direction as +ve.
(c) acceleration vs time graph

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3.18 Theory and Exercise Book

acceleration vs time graph

v
a
–1
+2 10ms

10 15
t
5
t (sec)
20 30
–2
Position vs time graph
acceleration vs time graph
x
v 250m

–1
10ms
15 200m
t
5 10
t (sec)
20 30sec
velocity vs time graph

x (in m)
x
100 (V) Conversion of velocity v/s time graph
to speed v/s time graph.
75 As we know that magnitude of velocity represent
speed therefore whenever velocity goes –ve take
its mirror image about time axis gives speed v/s
25 time graph.
EXAMPLE 24
t (in sec)
5 10 15

Position vs time graph velocity

speed
e
ag
i m
(v) A particle starts from x = 0 and initial speed or
irr
10ms–1 and moves with constant speed 10ms–1 m
t (sec)
for 20 sec. and then retarding uniformly comes t (sec)
to rest in next 10 seconds.
Acceleration vs time graph
EXAMPLE 25
a
velocity speed e
ag
im
o r
20 30 irr
t (sec) m
t t
–2
–1ms

Velocity vs time graph

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 Kinematics 3.19

(VI) Conversion of displacement vs time

graph to distance vs time graph a

For distance time graph just make the mirror image

of the displacement time graph from point of zero t
velocity onwards.
–a0
D
Dist./Displacement

Dist.-time
C at t = t0 velocity reverses its direction.
B Disp-time (iv) x – t graph
A From t = 0 to t = t1 acceleration = 0 therefore
Time
from t = 0 to t = t1, x - t graph will be a straight line.

(VII) Conversion of v - t graphs in to x-t v

and a-t graphs
v0

v x

t1 t2 t
v0
t 0
v

(i)  From t = t1 to t2 acceleration is negative

x=

 It will be an opening downward parabola

t t
x

v x
0

t1 t2
a

t

n

(ii) 
ta

(v) upto t = t1 acceleration is +ve

t t t1 < t < t2 acceleration is zero.

v
a

a0 t
t1 t2
a - t graph
t > t2 acceleration is –ve
t

x
v x

tan   – a0
x - t graph
(iii) 
 t1 t2 t
t0 t
t
t0

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99, 8003899588
3.20 Theory and Exercise Book

Some important points : 1

vt= 10 sec = 4 + × 10 × 10 = 54 ms–1
dv 2
• a=
dt
  dv   adt 1
vt = 20 sec = 4 + × 10 × 10 + 10 × 10
 Change in velocity v = area under 2
the a - t curve = 154 ms–1
1
dx vt = 30 sec = 154 + × 10 × 10 = 204 ms–1
• v=
dt
  dx   vdt 2

 x = area under the v - t curve (VIII) Reading of graphs if the motion
 displacement=area under the v–t curve of two bodies are sketched on the
same axes.
(a) Reading of x - t graphs
EXAMPLE 26
If at t = 0 u = 5 ms–1 then velocity at t = 10 sec x
= u + change in velocity a x3
B
= 5 + area of the shaded –2
5ms
part x2

= 5 + 10 × 5 10 sec t x1
A
–1
= 55 ms
O t1 t2 t3 t

EXAMPLE 27
Conclusions :
if at t = 0, u = 2 ms–2 find out it maximum velocity.
a
(i) Body A Start its motion at t = 0 from origin and is
Since whole motion is
accelerating. Therefore 5ms
–2 moving away from the origin with constant velocity.
velocity will be max at Finally it ends its motion at a distance of x2m from
the end of the motion origin at t = t3.
which will be t (ii) Body B starts its motion at t = t1 from origin and is
10sec
moving away from origin with constant velocity.
1
=2+ × 5 × 10 = 27 ms–1 Finally it ends its motion at a distance of x3m from
2
origin at t = t3
(iii) Since slope of B is greater than slope of A. Therefore
EXAMPLE 28 velocity of B is greater than velocity of A.
if at t = 0, u = 4 ms–1 (iv) A t = t2, Both A & B are at the same distance from
Find out v at starting point that means B overtakes A at t = t2
t = 10 sec, t = 20 sec & t = 30 sec. (v)  velocity of both A & B are constant
Since for whole motion acceleration of the body is
 acceleration of both the bodies are zero.
positive
(vi)  x3 > x2
a  At the end of the motion B is at a greater distance
from the starting point.
10ms–2

t
10sec 20sec 30sec

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 Kinematics 3.21

EXAMPLE 29 (iv)  At t = t1 the tangent on B's graph becomes

parallel to the A's graphs
x
 At t = t1 velocity of both A & B is same.
x2 A
(v) For t < t1 velocity of A is greater than velocity of B.
B Therefore up to t = t1, separation between A & B
x1 increases with time.
x0 (vi) For t > t1 velocity of B is greater than velocity of A.
Therefore after t = t1 separation between A & B
t0 t1 t starts decreasing and it becomes zero at t = t 2
where B overtakes A.
Conclusion :
(i) Body A starts its motion at t = 0 from origin and is
moving away from the origin with constant velocity.
Finally its motion ends at t = t1 at x = x2 m.
(ii) Body B starts its motion at t = 0 from x = x0 and
then moves with constant velocity away from the
origin. Finally it ends its motion at t = t1. Section D - Variable Acceleration
(iii) Velocity of A is greater than that of B. (E-1) When acceleration is given as a
(iv) At t = t0 A overtakes B function of x
(v) acceleration of both A & B is zero.
(vi)  x2 > x1
EXAMPLE 31
 At the end of the motion A is at a greater
if a = 2x ; initially particle is at x = 2m and is moving
distance from the starting point then B
with 3 ms–1. Then find out v at x = 5 m.
EXAMPLE 30
Sol. Given a = 2x

v 5
x vdv
B 
dx
 2x  
3

vdv  2xdx
2
A

v2 9
 – = 25 – 4  v2 – 9 = 21 × 2
2 2

 v= 51 ms –1
t1 t2 t

(E-2) When accelerat ion is g iv en as

Conclusions : function of velocity
(i) Both A & B starts their motion at same time t = 0
EXAMPLE 32
and from same point x = 0.
(ii) Both are moving away from the starting point. If a is depend on v in a following way.

(iii) A is moving with constant velocity while B starts a = v and at t = 0 x = 1m, v = 1m/s.
its motion from rest and its velocity is increasing (a) Find out its velocity at t = 2 sec.
with time i.e. it has some positive acceleration.
(b) Find out its velocity at x = 3 m

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3.22 Theory and Exercise Book

Sol. Given a = v
(3)3 (3) 2
=   2(3)  1  20.5 m
v 2 3 2
dv dv

dt
v  
1
v 0 
 dt
So, after t = 3 sec the position of the particle is
20.5m but the displacement of the particle is
 ln v = 2  v = e2 ms–1 = 20.5 – 1 = 19.5 m

(b) Given a = v

v 3
vdv

dx
v  
1

dv  dx
1

 v–1=2  v = 3 ms–1 Section E - Ground-to Ground projectile

Motion, Equation of Trajectory,
Projectile from tower, Projectile
(E-3) When acceleration is given as a
Motion in Inclined plane
function of t.

EXAMPLE 33
4. TWO DIMENSIONAL MOTION OR
The acceleration of a particle which is depend on MOTION IN A PLANE
time is given by following function Motion in a plane can be described by vector sum
a = 2t + 1 of two independent 1D motions along two mutually
perpendicular directions (as motions along two
and at time t = 0, x = 1m and ui = 2m/s.
mutual directions don’t affect each other).
Then find out displacement of the particle at t = 3 sec.
Consider a particle moving in X-Y plane, then its
dv equations of motions for X and Y axes are
Sol.  We know that a =
dt vx = ux + axt, vy = uy + ayt

dv 1 2 1
 = 2t + 1  dv = (2t + 1) dt x = uxt + axt , and ; y = uyt + ayt2, and
dt 2 2

vf t
v 2x  u 2x  2a x x v 2y  u 2y  2a y y
 dv = 
2 0
(2t  1)dt
where symbols have their usual meanings. Thus
vf – 2 = t2 + t  vf = t2 + t + 2 resultant motion would be described by the
equations
dx dx
Now v=  = t2 + t + 2  
dt dt r  xiˆ  y ˆj and v  v x ˆi  v y ˆj

xf t
4.1 PROJECTILE MOTION
  dx  (t 2  t  2)dt

1 0
It is the best example to understand motion in a
plane. If we project a particle obliquely from the
t3 t2 surface of earth, as shown in the figure below, then
xf =   2t  1 it can be considered as two perpendicular 1D
3 2
motions - one along the horizontal and other along
So, xf at t = 3 sec is the vertical.
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 Kinematics 3.23

Maximum height (Hmax):-

Y Maximum height attained by the projectile is
vy2 – uy2 = 2g Hmax
u

usin
 + u 2 sin 2 

u cos  H=
2g
O x
at maximum height the vertical component of
velocity is 0.
Assume that effect of air friction and wind resistance
are negligible and value of ‘acceleration due to u sin  T
Time of ascent = Time of descent = 
 g 2
gravity g is constant.

Take point of projection as origin and horizontal and Speed, kinetic energy, momentum of the particle
vertical direction as +ve X and Y-axes, respectively.
initialy decreases in a projectile motion and attains
For X-axis For Y - axis
a minimum value (not equal to zero) and then again
ux = u cos, uy = u sin increases.
ax = 0, ay = – g,
vx = u cos, and vy = u sin – gt, and 
 is the angle between v and horizontal which

1 2 decreases to zero. (at top most point) and again

x = u cos × t y = u sint – gt
2 increases in the negative direction
It is clear from above equations that horizontal EXAMPLE 34
component of velocity of the particle remains
constant while vertical component of velocity is first A body is projected with a velocity of 30 ms–1 at an
decreasing, gets zero at the highest point of angle of 30° with the vertical. Find the maximum
trajectory and then increases in the opposite height, time of flight and the horizontal range.
direction. At the highest point, speed of the particle Sol. Here u = 30 ms–1,
is minimum. Angle of projection,  = 90 – 30 = 60°
Time of flight (T):- Maximum height,
The time, which projectile takes to come back to
same (initial) level is called the time of flight (T). u 2 sin 2  302 sin 2 60
H=  = 34.44 m
For same initial and final points, y = 0, 2g 2  9.8

1 2 Time fo flight,
So u sint – gt = 0
2 2u sin  2  30sin 60
T=  = 5.3 s
g 9.8
2u sin  2u sin 
 t = 0 and t  So, T=
g g Horizontal range,
Range (R) The horizontal distance covered by the
u 2 sin 2 30 2 sin 120
projectile during its motion is said to be range of the R= = = 79.53 m.
g 9.8
projectile

u 2 sin 2 EXAMPLE 35
R = u cos × T =
g
Find out the relation between uA, uB, uC (where uA,
For a given projection speed, the range would be uB, uC are the initial velocities of particles A, B, C,
maximum for  = 45°. respectively)

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3.24 Theory and Exercise Book

(D) Velocity and direction of motion after

a given time :
After time 't' vx = ucos and vy = usin – gt
B C
A
Hence resultant velocity v = v x 2  v y 2

Sol.  Hmax is same for all three particle A, B, C = u 2 cos2   (u sin  – gt) 2
u2y vy u sin  – gt
 Hmax = tan  = 
2g vx u cos 
 uy is same for all  uyA = uyB = uyC
 u sin  – gt 
  = tan –1  
 2u y   u cos  
 TA = TB = TC =  g 
  (E) Velocity and direction of motion at a
given height :
from figure RC > RB > RA
At a height 'h', vx = ucos And
2u x u y
 R= vy = u 2 sin 2  – 2gh
g

 uxC > uxB > uxA  uA < uB< uC  Resultant velocity

v = v x 2  vy2
(C) Coordinate of a particle after a given
time t : = (u cos ) 2  u 2 sin 2  – 2gh

v= u 2 – 2gh
Y vy
v
Note that this is the velocity that a particle would
x 
vx have at height h if it is projected vertically from
P(x,y)
usin ground with u.
u y

O ucos X EXAMPLE 36
A body is projected with a velocity of 20 ms–1 in a
direction making an angle of 60° with the horizontal.
Particle reach at a point P after time t then
Calculate its (i) position after 0.5 s and (ii) velocity
x = ucos .t after 0.5 s.
1 2 Sol. Here u = 20 ms–1,  = 60° , t = 0.5 s
y = usin.t – gt
2 (i) x = (u cos)t = (20 cos60°) × 0.5 = 5 m
Position vector 1 2
y = (u sin ) t – gt = (20 × sin 60°) × 0.5
2
  1 
r  (u cos .t)iˆ   (u sin )t – gt 2  ˆj
 2  1
– × 9.8 × (0.5)2 = 7.43 m.
2

r = xiˆ + yj
ˆ = 5iˆ + 7.43j
ˆ

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 Kinematics 3.25

(ii) vx = u cos  = 20 cos 60° = 10 ms–1 From equation (1)

vy = u sin  – gt = 20 sin 60° – 9.8 × 0.5  gx cos  
y = x tan  1 – 2
 2u cos  sin  
= 12.42 ms–1 2

 v = v 2x  v 2y = (10) 2  (12.42) 2 =15.95 ms–1  gx 

 y = x tan  1 – 2
 2u cos  sin  
vy 12.42
tan  = = = 1.242  x
vx 10 y = x tan 1 –  ...(2)
 R
  = tan–1 1.242 = 51.16°. Equation (2) is another form of trajectory equation
of projectile
Equation of trajectory of a projectile.
Suppose the body reaches the point P(x, y) after time t. EXAMPLE 37
A ball is thrown from ground level so as to just clear
a wall 4 m high at a distance of 4 m and falls at a
Y
vy distance of 14 m from the wall. Find the magnitude
v A
Path of and direction of the velocity.
x  v projectile
x
Sol. The ball passes through the point P(4, 4). So its
usin P(x,y)
Max. range = 4 + 14 = 18m.
u y height=h

m
v=u cos  The trajectory of the ball is,
x

O ucos X Now x = 4m, y = 4m and R = 18 m

B 
R v  4 7
vy  4 = 4 tan  1 –  = 4 tan .
 18  9
 The horizontal distance covered by the body in time t,
9 9 7
x = Horizontal velocity × time = u cos . t or tan  = , sin  = , cos =
7 130 130
x
or t = y
u cos 
For vertical motion : u = u sin, a = –g, so the vertical P(4,4)
u
distance covered in time t is given by
1 2 4m
s = ut + at or
2

x 1 x2 x
y = u sin . u cos – g. 2 4m 14m
2 u cos2 
2
From R = 2u cosθsinθ
2 g
1 x
or y = x tan– g 2 ...(1)
2 u cos2 
or y = px – qx2, where p and q are constants. 18  9.8  130
or u2 = = 182
Thus y is a quadratic function of x. Hence the 297
trajectory of a projectile is a parabola.
–1
or u = 182 = 13.5 ms
Also  = tan–1(9/7) = 52.1°

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3.26 Theory and Exercise Book

(i) Uniform horizontal velocity u.

EXAMPLE 38
(ii) Vertically downward accelerated motion with
A particle is projected over a triangle from one end
of a horizontal base and grazing the vertex falls on constant acceleration g.
the other end of the base. If  and  be the base
O u
angles and  be the angle of projection, prove that x
tan  = tan  + tan . y
x P vx
Sol. If R is the range of the particle, then from the figure
h 
we have v
vy
y y y(R – x)  xy
tan  + tan  =   R
x R–x x(R – x) Y A Ground

y R
or tan + tan  =  ...(1) Under the combined effect of the above two
x (R – x)
motions, the body moves along the path OPA.

Trajectory of the projectile. After the time t,

Y suppose the body reaches the point P(x, y).
The horizontal distance covered by the body in time t is
P(x,y)
x
x = ut  t=
u
y
 The vertical distance travelled by the body in time t
 
x is given by
O x B A
R–x
1 2
s = ut + at
2
Also, the trajectrory of the particle is
1 2 1 2
or y = 0 × 1 + gt = gt
 x 2 2
y = x tan  1 – 
 R
[For vertical motion, u = 0]

y R 2
or tan =  1 x  g  2
x (R – x) or y g    x
2  u   2u 2 
From equations (1) and (2), we get
 x
tan  = tan  + tan .  t
u 

g
4.2 Projectile fired parallel to horizontal. or y = kx2 [Here k = = a constant]
2u 2
As shown in figure suppose a body is projected
horizontally with velocity u from a point O at a certain As y is a quadratic function of x, so the trajectory
height h above the ground level. The body is under of the projectile is a parabola.
the influence of two simultaneous independent Time of flight. It is the total time for which the
motions: projectile remains in its flight (from O to A). Let T
be its time of flight.

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 Kinematics 3.27

For the vertical downward motion of the body, Considering vertically downward motion of the body,
we use
1 2 1
y = uyt + gt = 0 × 3 + ×9.8 × (3)2 = 44.1 m
1 2 2 2
s = ut + at
2 [ Initial vertical velocity, uy = 0]
Final vertical velocity,
vy = 0
vy = uy + gt = 0 + 9.8 × 3 = 29.4 ms–1
1 2 2h Final horizontal velocity, vx = u
or h = 0 × T + gT or T =
2 g As the resultant velocity u makes an angle of 45°
with the horizontal, so
Horizontal range. It is the horizontal distance
covered by the projectile during its time of flight. It vy 29.4
is equal to OA = R. Thus R = Horizontal velocity × tan 45° = or 1 = or u = 29.4 ms–1.
vx x
time of flight = u × T

2h
or R=u
g
Velocity of the projectile at any instant. At the
instant t (when the body is at point P), let the velocity
of the projectile be v. The velocity v has two
rectangular components:
Horizontal component of velocity, vx = u
Vertical component of velocity, vy = 0 + gt = gt
 The resultant velocity at point P is
EXAMPLE 40
A particle is projected horizontally with a speed u
from the top of plane inclined at an angle  with the
horizontal. How far from the point of projection will
the particle strike the plane?
Sol. The horizontal distance covered in time t,
x
x = ut or t =
u
The vertical distance covered in time t,

v  v 2x  v 2y = u 2  g 2t 2 1 2 1 x2
y = 0 + gt  g  2 [using (1)]
If the velocity v makes an angle  with the 2 2 u
horizontal, then
u
vy gt  gt  
tan  =  or  = tan–1  
vx u u
y D


EXAMPLE 39 x=ut
A body is thrown horizontally from the top of a tower
and strikes the ground after three seconds at an
angle of 45° with the horizontal. Find the height of y gx 2
Also  tan  or y = x tan    x tan 
the tower and the speed with which the body was x 2u 2
projected. Take g = 9.8 ms–2.
Sol. As shown in figure, suppose the body is thrown  gx 
horizontally from the top O of a tower of height y or x  2 – tan    0
 2u 
with velocity u. The body hits the ground after 3s.

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3.28 Theory and Exercise Book

2
2u 2 tan  1 2 1  nw  2hu 2
As x = 0 is not possible, so x = or nh = 0 + gt  g   or n = gw 2
g 2 2  u 

The distance of the point of strike from the point of

projection is 4.3 Projectile at an angle  from height h
Consider the projectile as shown in the adjacent
D = x 2  y2 = x 2  (x tan ) 2 figure.
Take the point of projection as the origin the X and
= x 1  tan 2  = x sec  or
Y-axes in shown Y u
in figure.
2u2 For X-axis, 
X
D= tan  sec 
g ux = u cos
ax = 0 h
vx = u cos, and
EXAMPLE 41 x = u cos  × t
x
A ball rolls off the top of a stairway with a constant For Y-axis,
horizontal velocity u. If the steps are h meter high uy = u sin ,
and w meter wide, show that the ball will just hit ay = –g,

2hu 2 gt 2
the edge of nth step if n = vy = u sin  – gt, and y = u sin  t –
gw 2 2

Sol. Refer to figure. For nth step, EXAMPLE 42

net vertical displacement = nh From the top of a tower 156.8 m high a projectile is
net horizontal displacement = nw projected with a velocity of 39.2 ms–1 in a direction
Let t be the time taken by the ball to reach the nth making an angle 30° with horizontal. Find the
step. Then distance from the foot of tower where it strikes the
ground and time taken to do so.
u
1st Sol. The situation is shown
2nd Here height of tower
h
OA = 156.8 m
w
u = 39.2 ms–1
nth  = 30°
R time for which projectile remain is air = t = ?

R = ut

nw
or nw = ut or t=
u

1 2
Also, y = uy t + gt
2

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 Kinematics 3.29

chosen up the plane and direction y is chosen

perpendicular to the plane. Hence,
–1
u=39.2 ms ux = u cos  , ax = – g sin 
H uy = u sin and ay = – g cos 
uy = usin
y x

=30°
A
ux = u cos B
B
u

156.8 m gsin
 gcos

 g
 O
O
C

O C D
Now, let us derive the expressions for time of flight
(T) and range (R) along the plane.
Horizontal distance covered R = OD = ?
Now ux = u cos  and Time of flight

uy = u sin  be the components of velocity u . At point B displacement along y-direction is zero.
Motion of projectile from O to H to D So, substituting the proper values in

1 2 1 2
Using equation y = uyt + ayt a y t , we get
2 sy = uyt +
2
Here : y = 156.8 m ; uy = – u sin
= 39.2 sin 30° 1
0 = ut sin  + (– g cos ) t2
ay = 9.8 m/s2 ; t = ? 2

156.8 = – 39.2 × 0.5 t + 4.9 t2

2u sin 
156.8 = – 19.6 t + 4.9 t2  t = 0 and t =
g cos 
or 4.9 t2 – 19.6 t – 156.8 = 0
or t2 – 4t – 32 = 0  (t – 8) (t + 4) = 0
2u sin 
We get t = 8 s; t = – 4s t = 0, corresponds to point O and t =
g cos 
t = – 4 s is not possible, thus we take t = 8s.
corresponds to point B. Thus,
Now horizontal distance covered in this time
R = ux × t = u cos  × t = 39.2 × cos 30° × t 2u sin 
R = 271.57 m T=
g cos 
4.4 Projectile Motion in Inclined Plane
Range
Here, two cases arise. One is up the plane and the
Range (R) or the distance OB is also equal to be
other is down the plane. Let us discuss both the
displacement of projectile along x-direction in the
cases separately.
t = T. Therefore.
(i) Up the Plane : In this case direction x is

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3.30 Theory and Exercise Book

Sol. Let u be the velocity of projection so that u cos

1 2
R = sx = uxT + a x T ( – ) and u sin ( – ) are the initial velocities
2
respectively parallel and perpendicular to the
1 inclined plane. The acceleration in these two
 R = u cos  T – sin  T2
2 directions are (–g sin ) and (–g cos).
The initial component of velocity perpendicular to
(ii) Down the inclined plane : PQ is u sin ( – ) and the acceleration in this
direction is (–g cos). If T is the time the particle
along x - axis y-axis
takes to go from P to Q then in time T the space
(1) ux = ucos  (1) uy = usin
described in a direction perpendicular to PQ is zero.
(2) ax = g sin  (2) ay = g cos 
1
0 = u sin ( – ).T – g cos .T2
2
y
2u sin( – )
T=
g cos 
u sin 
u

(0,0)  u
uc Q
os



os gs P 
gc  in
 

g P N
x
If the direction of motion at the instant when the
velocity at P
particle hits the plane be perpendicular to the plane,
vy = uy + ay T then the velocity at that instant parallel to the plane
vx = ux + axT must be zero.
 u cos ( – ) – g sin T = 0
2u y 2usin 
Time of flight T = a 
y gcos 
u cos(  – ) 2u sin( – )
=T=
gsin  g cos 
1
Range Sx = ux T + a xT 2
2  cos = 2 tan ( – )

EXAMPLE 44
1 2
= u cos  T + g sin .T Two inclined planes OA and OB having inclinations
2
30° and 60° with the horizontal respectively intersect
EXAMPLE 43 each other at O, as shwon in figure. a particle is
A particle is projected at an angle  with horizontal projected from point P with velocity u = 10 3 m / s
from the foot of a plane whose inclination to
along a direction perpendicular to plane OA. If the
horizontal is . Show that it will strike the plane at
particle strikes
right angles if cot = 2 tan ( – )
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 Kinematics 3.31

plane OB perpendicular of flight, then calculate.

1
Therefore, h = PO sin 30° = (10)  
2
x
y
or h = 5m Ans.
u v B
A Q
(d) Distance OQ = displaement of particle along
P
h x-direction = sx
30° 60°
O
1
Here, sx = uxt + a t2
2 x
(a) Time of flight
1 2
(b) Velocity with which the particle strikes the plane = (10 3)(2) – (5 3)(2) = 10 3 m
2
OB,
(c) Height h of point P from point O or OQ = 10 3 m
(d) Distance PQ. (Take g = 10 m/s2)
PQ = (PO) 2  (OQ) 2 = (10)2  (10 3) 2
Sol. Let us choose the x and y directions along OB and
OA respectively. Then,
= 100  300  400
ux = u = 10 3 m/s, uy = 0
PQ = 20 m Ans.
ax = – g sin 60° = – 5 3 m/s2

and ay = – g cos 60° = – 5 m/s2

(a) At point Q, x-component of velocity is zero.
Hence, substituting in
vx= ux + axt
Section F - Relative Motion

10 3 5. RELATIVE MOTION
0 = 10 3 – 5 3t  t = = 2s Ans.
5 3
The word 'relative' is a very general term, which
(b) At point Q, v = vy = uy + ayt can be applied to physical, nonphysical, scalar or
vector quantities. For example, my height is five
 v = 0 – (5) (2) = –10 m/s Ans.
feet and six inches while my wife's height is five
Here, negative sign implies that velocity of particle
feet and four inches. If I ask you how high I am
at Q is along negative y direction.
relative to my wife, your answer will be two inches.
(c) Distance PO = |displacement of particle along What you did? You simply subtracted my wife's
y-direction| = |sy| height from my height. The same concept is applied
everywhere, whether it is a relative velocity, relative
1 2 1 2
Here, sy = uyt + a y t = 0 – (5)(2) = – 10 m acceleration or anything else. So, from the above
2 2
discussion we may now conclude that relative velocity
 PO = 10 m
of A with respect of B (written as 
v AB ) is

  
v AB  v A – v B

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3.32 Theory and Exercise Book

Similarly, relative acceleration of A with respect of 

(3) Magnitude of C and its direction.
B is
(b) We can solve this equation if we know the value of
   4 varibales [Note : two of them must be directions]
a AB  a A – a B
(c) If we know the two direction of any two vectors
If it is a one dimensional motion we can treat the then we will put them on the same side and other on
vectors as scalars just by assigning the positive sign the different side.
to one direction and negative to the other. So, in For example
case of a one dimensional motion the above   
If we know the directions of A and B and C's
equations can be written as
direction is unknown then we make equation as
vABx = vAx – vBx
follows : -
and aABx = aAx – aBx   
CA–B
Further, we can see that
(d) Then we make vector diagram according to the
   
v AB  – v BA or a BA  – a AB equation and resolve the vectors to know the
unknown values.

EXAMPLE 45
EXAMPLE 46
Seeta is moving due east with a velocity of 1 m/s
Car A has an acceleration of 2 m/s2 due east and car
and Geeta is moving due west with a velocity of 2
B, 4 m/s2 due north. What is the acceleration of car
m/s. What is the velocity of Seeta with respect to
B with respect to car A?
Geeta?
Sol. It is a two dimensional motion. Therefore,
Sol. It is a one dimensional motion. So, let us choose the

east direction as positive and the west as negative. a BA = acceleration of car B with respect to car A
Now, given that
vs = velocity of Seeta = 1 m/s N
and vG = velocity of Geeta = – 2m/s
Thus, vSG = velocity of Seeta with respect to W E
Geeta
= vS – vG = 1 – (–2) = 3 m/s S
Hence, velocity of Seeta with respect to Geeta is 3
m/s due east.  
= a B– a A


Here, a B = acceleration of car
B = 4 m/s2 (due north)
  
A  B C ...(1) 
and a A = acceleration of car A = 2 m/s2 (due east)
(a) There are 6 variables in this equation which are
following : 
| a BA | (4) 2  (2) 2  2 5m / s2

(1) Magnitude of A and its direction
 –1  4 
(2) Magnitude of B and its direction and   tan   = tan–1(2)
2

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 Kinematics 3.33

  A
a BA a B  4m / s 2

v

 O
– a A  2m / s 2 vcos v
60°

Thus, a BA is 2 5 m/s2 at an angle of  = tan–1(2) B C
v
from west towards north. The component velocities are directed towards
eachother. Now, considering the linear (one dimen-
sional) motion in the direction of AB, the relative
EXAMPLE 47
velocity of "A" with respect to "B" is :
Three particle A, B and C situated at the vertices vAB = vA – vB
of an equilateral triangle starts moving
vAB = v – (– v cos ) = v + vcos
simultaneously at a constant speed "v" in the
direction of adjacent particle, which falls ahead in In equilateral triangle,  = 60°
the anti-clockwise direction. If "a" be the side of v 3v
vAB = v + vcos60° = v + 
the triangle, then find the time when they meet. 2 2
Sol. Here, particle "A" follows "B", "B" follows "C" and The time taken to cover the displacement "a" i.e.
"C" follows "A". The direction of motion of each the side of the triangle
particle keeps changing as motion of each particle is 2a
always directed towards other particle. The situa- t=
3v
tion after a time "t" is shown in the figure with a
possible outline of path followed by the particles QUESTIONS BASED ON RELATIVE
before they meet. MOTION ARE USUALLY OF FOLLOWING
A FOUR TYPES :
(a) Minimum distance between two bodies in
motion
(b) River-boat problems
(c) Aircraft-wind problems
O
(d) Rain problems

B C
(a)
This problem appears to be complex as the path of
motion is difficult to be defined. But, it has a simple
solution in component analysis. Let us consider the
pair "A" and "B". The initial component of velocities
in the direction of line joining the initial position of
the two particles is "v" and "vcos" as shown in the
figure here :
Minimum distance between two
bodies in motion
When two bodies are in motion, the questions like,
the minimum distance between them or the time
when one body overtakes the other can be solved
easily by the principle of relative motion. In these
type of problems one body is assumed to be at rest
and the relative motion of the other body is
considered. By assuming so two body problem is
converted into one body problem and the solution
becomes easy. Following example will illustrate the
statement.

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3.34 Theory and Exercise Book

EXAMPLE 48 At the time when A overtakes B,

sA = sB + 10
Car A and car B start moving simultaneously in the
same direction along the line joining them. Car A 1
  4  t 2  1  t  10
with a constant acceleration a = 4 m/s2, while car 2
B moves with a constant velocity v = 1 m/s. At
or 2t2 – t – 10 = 0
time t = 0, car A is 10 m behind car B. Find the time
Which on solving gives t = 2.5 s and – 2 s, the same
when car A overtakes car B.
as we found above.
Sol. Given : uA = 0, uB = 1 m/s, aA = 4m/s2 and aB = 0
As per my opinion, this approach (by taking absolute
Assuming car B to be at rest, we have
values) is more suitable in case of two body problem
uAB = uA – uB = 0 – 1 = – 1 m/s in one dimensional motion. Let us see one more
aAB = aA – aB = 4 – 0 = 4 m/s2 example in support of it.
Now, the problem can be assumed in simplified form
as follow : EXAMPLE 49

2 2
An open lift is moving upwards with velocity 10m/s.
a=4m/s v=1m/s
It has an upward acceleration of 2m/s2. A ball is
A 10m B
projected upwards with velocity 20 m/s relative to
+ve ground. Find :
(a) Time when ball again meets the lift.
Substituting the proper values in equation
(b) Displacement of lift and ball at that instant.
2
uAB= –1m/s, aAB= 4m/s (c) Distance travelled by the ball upto that instant.
A 10m B
Take g = 10 m/s2
At rest Sol. (a) At the time when ball again meets the lift,
sL = sB
1 2
sAB = uABt + a AB t
2 1 1
 10t + × 2 × t2 = 20 t – × 10t2
2 2
1
we get 10 = – t + (4)(t 2 ) Solving this equation, we get
2
2
or 2t2 – t – 10 = 0 2m/s 10m/s 20m/s
+ve
Ball
1  1  80 1  81 1  9
or t    or t = 2.5 s
4 4 4 10m/s
2

and – 2 s L Lift B Ball

Ignoring the negative value, the desired

5
time is 2.5s. Ans. t=0 and t s
3

5
 Ball will again meet the lift after s.
3
(b) At this instant

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 Kinematics 3.35

2
5 1  5  175
sL  sB  10    2     m  19.4m
3 2  3 9
45º
(c) For the ball u  a . Therefore, we will first
find t0, the time when its velocity becomes zero.

A is at rest and B is moving with v BA in the direction
u 20
t0    2s shown in figure.
a 10
Therefore, the minimum distance between the two is
smin = AC = AB sin 45º
5
As t   s   t 0 , distance and displacement are
 3  A
C
equal or d = 19.4 m Ans. vBA
45º
Concept of relative motion is more useful in two B
body problem in two (or three) dimensional motion.
This can be understood by the following example.

EXAMPLE 50  1 
 10   km  5 2 km Ans.
 2
Two ships A and B are 10 km apart on a line running
south to north. Ship A farther north is streaming and the desired time is
west at 20 km/h and ship B is streaming north at
BC 5 2
20km/h. What is their distance of closest approach t   (BC = AC = 5 2 km )
| v BA | 20 2
and how long do they take to reach it ?
Sol. Ships A and B are moving with same speed 20 km/ 1
 h  15min Ans.
h in the directions shown in figure. It is a two 4
dimensional, two body problem with zero

acceleration. Let us find v BA
  
v BA  v B  v A
N
vA A E
Section G - River Boat Problems
vB
(B) River - Boat Problems
B
AB=10km In river-boat problems we come across the
following three terms :

 B
Here, | v BA | (20) 2  (20) 2  20 2 km / h B
 v br cos

i.e., v BA is 20 2 km / h at an angle of 45º from east vbr W y
 
towards north. Thus, the given problem can be
A  x
simplified as : vr vbr sin A vr

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3.36 Theory and Exercise Book

 Three special are :

v r = absolute velocity of river
(i) Condition when the boatman crosses
 the river in shortest interval of time
v br = velocity of boatman with respect to river or
From Eq.(i) we can see that time (t) will be minimum
velocity of boatman is still water when  = 0°, i.e., the boatman should steer his boat
 perpendicular to the river current.
and v b = absolute velocity of boatman.

 B
• Here, it is important to note that v is the velocity
br

 v br
of boatman with which he steers and v b is the

actual velocity of boatman relative to ground. A 

vr
  
Further, v b  v br  v r
Now, let us derive some standard results and their w
Also, tmin = v as cos  = 1
special cases. br

A boatman starts from point A on one bank of a


river with velocity v br in the direction shown in (ii) Condition when the boatman wants
fig. River is flowing along positive x-direction with to reach point B, i.e., at a point just
opposite from where he started

velocity v r . Width of the river is w, then
In this case, the drift (x) should be zero.
    x=0
v b  v br  v r
w
Therefore, vbx = vrx + vbrx = vr – vbr sin or (vr – vbr sin) v cos   0
br
and vby = vry + vbry
= 0 + vbr cos = vbr cos B
Now, time taken by the boatman to cross the river is :

vbr
w w 
t = v  v cos 
by br A 
vr

w
or t = v cos  ...(i) or vr = vbr sin 
br

Further, displacement along x-axis when he reaches vr –1  v r 

on the other bank (also called drift) is : or sin = v or  = sin  v 
br  br 

w Hence, to reach point B the boatman should row at

x = vbx t = (vr – vbr sin ) v cos 
br
–1  v r 
an angle  = sin  v  upstream from AB.
w  br 
or x = (vr – vbr sin) v cos  ...(ii)
br
Further, since sin not greater than 1.

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 Kinematics 3.37

So, if vr  vbr, the boatman can never reach at point EXAMPLE 51

B. Because if vr = vbr, sin  = 1 or  = 90° and it is
A man can row a boat with 4 km/h in still water. If
just impossible to reach at B if  = 90°. Moreover it he is crossing a river where the current is 2 km/h.
can be seen that vb = 0 if vr = vbr and  = 90°.
(a) In what direction will his boat be headed, if he wants
Similarly, if vr > vbr, sin > 1, i.e., no such angle to reach a point on the other bank, directly opposite
exists. Practically it can be realized in this manner to starting point?
that it is not possible to reach at B if river velocity (b) If width of the river is 4 km, how long will the man
(vr) is too high. take to cross the river, with the condition in part (a)?
(c) In what direction should he head the boat if he
(iii) Shortest path wants to cross the river in shortest time and what is
this minimum time?
Path length travelled by the boatman when he
reaches the opposite shore is (d) How long will it take him to row 2 km up the stream
and then back to his starting point ?
s= w 2  x2 Sol. (a) Given, that vbr = 4 km/h and vr = 2 km/h
Here, w = width of river is constant. So for s to be  vr  2 1
minimum modulus of x (drift) should be minimum.   = sin–1  v  = sin–1   = sin–1   = 30°
 br  4
  2
Now two cases are possible.
Hence, to reach the point directly opposite to starting
When vr < vbr : In this case x = 0,
point he should head the boat at an angle of 30°
with AB or 90° + 30° = 120° with the river flow.
–1  v r 
when  = sin  v  or (b) Time taken by the boatman to cross the river
 br 
w = width of river = 4 km
vbr = 4 km/h and  = 30°
–1  v r 
smin = w at  = sin  v 
 br  4 2
 t=  h Ans.
4cos30 3
When vr > vbr : In this case x is minimum, where
(c) For shortest time  = 0°
dx
0
d w 4
and tmin = v cos0  4 = 1h
br

d  w  Hence, he should head his boat perpendicular to

or  (v r – v br sin )   0
d  v br cos   the river current for crossing the river in shortest
time and this shortest time is 1 h.
or –vbr cos2 – (vr – vbr sin) (– sin) = 0
or – vbr + vr sin = 0
vbr–vr vbr+vr
 v br  D C D C
or  = sin–1  v 
 r 
(d) t = tCD + tDC
Now, at this angle we can find xmin and then smin
which comes out to be CD DC
or t 
v db – v r v br  v r
 vr  –1  v br 
smin = w  v  at  = sin  v  2 2 1 4
 br   r  =   1  h Ans.
4–2 42 3 3

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3.38 Theory and Exercise Book

EXAMPLE 52  1
v m,g cos  = –3km/h sin 30° + 2 km/h  km / h
A man can swim at a speed of 3 km/h in still water. 2
He wants to cross a 500 m wide river flowing at
2 km/h. He keeps himself always at an angle of Displacement along the X-axis as the man crosses
120° with the river flow while swimming. the river
(a) Find the time he takes to cross the river. = (velocity along the X-axis) (time)
(b) At what point on the opposite bank will he arrive ?
Sol. The situation is shown in figure
  1km   1  1
Here v r,g = velocity of the river with respect to =  h  km
 2h   3 3  6 3
the ground

v m,r = velocity of the man with respect to the river
 EXAMPLE 53
v m,g = velocity of the man with respect to the
ground. A boat moves relative to water with a velocity v
(a) We have and river is flowing with 2v. At what angle the boat
  
v m,g  v m,r  v r,g ...(i) shall move with the stream to have minimum drift?
(A) 30° (B) 60°
Y (C) 90° (D) 120°
B C
Sol. (D) Let boat move at angle  to the normal as
,g
vm

1
shown in figure then time to cross the river =
°
30

vm,r = 3km/h v cos 



A 1
vr,g = 2km/h drift x = (2v – v sin ) for x to be minimum
v cos 

Hence, the velocity with respect to the ground is

along AC.
Taking y-components in equation (i), ucos
ub  u
 I = width of river
v m,g sin  = 3 km/h cos 30° + 2 km/h cos 90°

3 3 usin ur=2v
= km/h
2
Time taken to cross the river
dx
displacement along the Y-axis = 0 = 1 (2 sec  tan  – sec2) or sin  = 1/2
= d
velocity along the Y-axis
or  = 30° and  = 90 + 30 = 120°
1/2 km 1
=  h
3 3 / 2 km / h 3 3

(b) Taking x-components in equation (i),

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 Kinematics 3.39


Section H - Rain Problems, Aircraft wind B
pro blem s, R elative Moti on
between two projectiles 60°
30° 
Bsin60° A

(C) Aircraft Wind Problems

A sin 30
This is similar to river boat problem. The only
 
difference is that v br is replaced by v aw (velocity  10 sin 60° = A sin 30°
 A = 10 3
of aircraft with respect to wind or velocity of aircraft
 
in still air), v r is replaced by v w (velocity of wind)
EXAMPLE 55
  An aircraft flies at 400 km/h in still air. A wind of
and v b is replaced by v a (absolute velocity of
200 2 km/h is blowing from the south. The pilot
  
aircraft). Further, v a = v aw  v w . The following wishes to travel from A to a point B north east of A.
example will illustrate the theory. Find the direction he must steer and time of his
journey if AB = 1000 km.

NOTE : SHORT - TRICK

Sol. Given that vw = 200 2 km/h
  
If there are two vectors A and B and their vaw = 400 km/h and v a should be along AB or in
 
resultent make an anlge  with A and  with B . 
north-east direction. Thus, the direction of v aw

  
A    should be such as the resultant of v w and v aw is
C  A B
along AB or in north - east direction.
 
A sin  Let v aw makes an angle  with AB as shown in

B
B sin figure.
Applying sine law in triangle ABC, we get

AC BC

then A sin  =  sin  sin 45 sin 

Means component of A perpendicular to resultant
N

is equal in magnitude to the compopent of B B
perpendicular to resultant. 
va 45° 
v w  200 2km / h
45°  C
A v aw  400 km / h
EXAMPLE 54
E
 
If two vectors A and B make angle 30° and 60°

with their resultent and B has magnitude equal to
 BC   200 2  1 1
 or sin  =   sin 45° =  400  2  2
10, then find magnitude of A .  AC   
So B sin 60° = A sin 30°
  = 30°

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3.40 Theory and Exercise Book

Therefore, the pilot should steer in the direction at Sol. When the man is at rest with respect to the ground,
an angle of (45° + ) or 75° from north towards the rain comes to him at an angle 30° with the
east. vertical. This is the direction of the velocity of
raindrops with respect to the ground. The situation
 when the man runs is shown in the figure
| va| 400
Further, = sin 45
sin (180 – 45 – 30)
30°
 sin105 km
or | v a |   400 
sin 45 h

 cos15   km  0.9659  km
=  400  =    400 
 sin 45  h  0.707  h

= 546.47 km/h (a)

 The time of journey from A to B is

vm,g
AB 1000
t=   h  t = 1.83 h
546.47
| va| 30°

(D) Rain Problems

v r,m vr,g
In these type of problems we again come across (b)

   
three terms v , v and v , Here, Here v r,g = velocity of the rain with respect to the
r m rm

ground
 
v r = velocity of rain v m,g = velocity of the man with respect to the

ground and v r,m = velocity of the rain with respect

v m = velocity of man (it may be velocity of cyclist to the man.
  
or velocity of motorist also) We have, v r,g  v r,m  v m,g ...(i)
Taking horizontal components, equation (i) gives
 vr,g sin30° = vm,g = 10 km/h or,
and v rm = velocity of rain with respect to man.
10 km / h
vr,g =  20km / h
 sin 30
Here, v rm is the velocity of rain which appears to the
Taking vertical components, equation (i) gives
man. Now, let us take one example of this. 3
vr,g cos30° = vr,m or, vr,m = (20 km/h)
2
= 10  3 km/h.
EXAMPLE 56
A man standing on a road has to hold his umbrella EXAMPLE 57
at 30° with the vertical to keep the rain away. He To a man walking at the rate of 3 km/h the rain
throws the umbrella and starts running at 10 km/h. appears to fall vertically. When he increases his
He finds that raindrops are hitting his head vertically. speed to 6 km/h it appears to meet him at an angle
Find the speed of raindrops with respect to (a) the of 45° with vertical. Find the speed of rain.
road, (b) the moving man.

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 Kinematics 3.41

Sol. Let î and ˆj be the unit vectors in horizontal and Y Y

vertical directions respectively. u1 u2
Let velocity of rain
1 2
 X X
v r  aiˆ  bjˆ ...(i) (A) (B)
Then speed of rain will be
i.e., the relative motion between the two particles
is uniform. Now
Vertical ( j )
u1x = u1 cos 1, u2x = u2 cos 2
u1y = u1 sin 1 and u2y = u2 sin 2
Therefore, u12x = u1x – u2x = u1 cos 1– u2cos 2
and u12y = u1y – u2y = u1 sin 1– u2 sin 2
Horizontal (i )
u12x and u12y are the x and y components of relative

| v r | a 2  b 2 velocity of 1 with respect to 2.
Hence, relative motion of 1 with respect to 2 is a

In the first case v m = velocity of man = 3iˆ
 u12 y 
straight line at an angle   tan1  with
    u12 x 
 v rm  v r – v m  (a – 3)iˆ  bjˆ
positive x-axis.
It seems to be in vertical direction. Hence,
a – 3 = 0 or a = 3 y

In the second case v m = 6 î

 u12y
  v rm  (a – 6)iˆ  bjˆ  3iˆ  bjˆ
This seems to be at 45° with vertical.
b u12x
tan45° =  b = –3
–3
Hence, |b| = 3
Therefore, from Eq. (ii) speed of rain is

| v r | (3) 2  (3) 2 = 3 2 km / h Ans.
Relative Motion between Two Projectiles
Let us now discuss the relative motion between
two projectiles or the path observed by one projectile
of the other. Suppose that two particles are projected
from the ground with speeds u1 and u2 at angles 1
and 2 as shown in Fig.A and B. Acceleration of
both the particles is g downwards. So, relative
acceleration between them is zero because
a12 = a1 – a2 = g – g = 0
u12
a12=0

x
Now, if u12x = 0 or u1 cos 1 = u2 cos 2, the relative
motion is along y-axis or in vertical direction
(as  = 90º). Similarly, if u12y = 0 or u1 sin 1 = u2
sin 2, the relative motion is along x-axis or in
horizontal direction (as  = 0º).
Note : Relative acceleration between two projectiles is
zero. Relative motion between them is uniform.
Therefore, condition of collision of two particles
in air is that relative velocity of one with respect
to the other should be along line joining them, i.e.,
if two projecticles A and B collide in mid air,
 
then VAB should be along AB or VBA along BA.
Condition for collision of two projectiles :
Consider the situation shown in the figure. For
projectiles to collide, direction of velocity of A with
respect to B has to be along line AB.

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3.42 Theory and Exercise Book

uAy = 60 sin 30º = 30 m/s

u2 uBx = – 50 cos 
B
Y and uBy = 50 sin 
u1 Relative acceleration between the two is zero as
h2  
X a A  a B . Hence, the relative motion between the two
A
h1 is uniform. It can be assumed that B is at rest and A is

moving with u AB . Hence, the two particles will collide,
x 
if u AB is along AB. This is possible only when
Here, vABx = u1 cos 1 + u2 cos 2 uAy = uBy
i.e., component of relative velocity along y-axis
vABy = u1 sin 1 – u2 sin 2 should be zero.
Let, direction of velocity vector of A(wrt B) is making or 30 = 50 sin 
an angle  with +ve X-axis, which is given by   = sin–1 (3/5) Ans.

(b) Now, | u AB | u Ax – u Bx = (30 3 + 50 cos)
v ABy u1 sin 1  u 2 sin 2
tan     4
v ABx u1 cos 1  u 2 cos 2 m/s =  30 3  50   m / s = (30 3 + 40) m/s
 5
Therefore, time of collision is
For collision to take place, AB 100
t = | u |  or t = 1.09 s Ans.
h 2  h1 AB 30 3  40
tan  = tan   (c) Distance of point P from A where collision takes
x
place is
EXAMPLE 58 2
2  1 2
A particle A is projected with an initial velocity of s= (u Ax t)   u Ay t – gt 
60 m/s. at an angle 30º to the horizontal. At the  2 
same time a second particle B is projected in 2
opposite direction with initial speed of 50 m/s from 2  1 
= (30 3 1.09)   30 1.09 – 10 1.09 1.09
a point at a distance of 100 m from A. If the particles  2 
collide in air, find (a) the angle of projection  of or s = 62.64 m Ans.
particle B, (b) time when the collision takes place
and (c) the distance of P from A, where collision
occurs. (g = 10 m/s2) EXAMPLE 59

60m/s 50m/s Two projectile are projected simultaneously from a

point on the ground "O" and an elevated position
30º "A" respectively as shown in the figure. If collision
A B occurs at the point of return of two projectiles on
100m the horizontal surface, then find the height of "A"
Sol. (a) Taking x and y directions as shown in figure. above the ground and the angle at which the
projectile "O" at the ground should be projected.
Y
y

A 5m/s

X
H
uAB 10m/s

 
Here, a A  g ˆj , a B   g ˆj
 x
uAx = 60 cos 30º = 30 3 m / s O C

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 Kinematics 3.43

Sol. There is no initial separation between two projectile of relative velocity. The initial separation between
is x-direction. For collision to occur, the relative two projectiles in the vertical direction is "H". This
motion in x-direction should be zero. In other words, separation is covered with the component of relative
the component velocities in x-direction should be in vertical direction.
equal to that two projetiles cover equal horizontal 3
distance at any given time. Hence,  vOAy = uOy – uAy = u0 sin60° – 0 = 10 
2
uOx = uAx
= 5 3 m/s
 u0cos = uA
Now, time of flight of projectile from ground is :
u 5 1
 cos  A   = cos60° 2u O sin  2  10  sin 60
u O 10 2 T =   3
g 10
  = 60°
Hence, the vertical displacement of projectile from
We should ensure that collision does occur at the "A" before collision is :
point of return. It means that by the time projectiles
 H = vOAy X T = 5 3x 3 = 15 m
travel horizontal distances required, they should also
cover vertical distances so that both projectile are
at "C" at the same time. In the nutshell, their times EXAMPLE 60
of flight should be equal.
Two projectiles are projected simultaneously from
For projectile from "O". two towers as shwon in figure. If the projectiles
collide in the air, then find the distance "s" between
2u O sin 
T= the towers.
g
10 m/s B
For projectile from "A",
10 2 m / s
 2H 
T   30m
 g  A 45°

For projectile from "A",

10m
2u o sin   2H 
T=   
g  g  Sol. We see here that projectiles are approaching both
Squaring both sides and putting values, horizontally and vertically. Their movement in two
component directions should be synchronized so that
4u O2 sin 2  they are at the same position at a particular given
 H=
2g time. For collision, the necessary requirement is that
relative velocity and displacement should be in the
4  10 2 sin 2 60 same direction.
 H
2  10 It is given that collision does occur. It means that
2 two projectiles should cover the displacement with
 3 relative velocity in each of the component directions.
H  20    15m
 2  In x-direction,
We have deliberately worked out this problem vABx = uAx – uBx = 10 2 cos45 – (–10)
taking advantage of the fact that projectiles are 1
colliding at the end of their flights and hence their = 10 2  10 = 20 m/s
2
times of flight should be equal. We can, however,
proceed to analyze in typical manner, using concept

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3.44 Theory and Exercise Book

Y 10 m/s B

10 2 m / s

45° 30m
A

10m

O S x
If "t" is time after which collision occurs, then
 s = vAB×t = [vAx – vBx]t
1
 vABy = vcos45° – 0 = 10 2   10m / s
2
The initial vertical distance between points of
projection is 30 – 10 = 20 m. This vertical distance
is covered with component of relative velocity in
vertical direction. Hence, time taken to collide, "t", is :
20
 t= 2
10
Putting this value in the earlier equation for "s", we
have :
 s = 20t = 20x2 = 40 m

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