INDIAN SCHOOL OF PHYSICS

Mechanics -3

Unacademy Champs 2022

 Rotation: - Torque
DIFFICULTY LEVEL : 5
Single Correct
Q1. The axle of a pulley is a fixed cylinder of radius ‘r’. The pulley is light and is an annular disc of outer
radius ‘R’ and inner radius slightly greater than ‘r’. Coefficient of friction between the disc and the
cylinder is ' ' . The string passing over the pulley is light and supports masses ‘M’ and ‘m’ ( < M) on
either side of the pulley. If there is no slipping between pulley and string, the acceleration of mass ‘M’
can be (‘g’ is acceleration due to gravity) :

m
M

(M − m) − (M + m) r
(a) g , where =
( M + m) − (M − m) R 1+ 2

(M − m) − (M + m) r
(b) g , where, =
( M + m) − (M − m) R

(M − m) − (M + m) r
(c) g , where, =
( M + m) − (M − m) R 1− 2

(d) None of these

Ans. (a)
Sol. The free body diagram of pulley and masses are as shown.
f
N
90–

Mogg

T1

T2

Ncos + f sin = T1 + T2 …….(i)

 Centre of mass: - Location of COM
DIFFICULTY LEVEL : 3
Single Correct
Q2. Two beads ‘A’ and ‘B’ of equal mass are placed at diametrically opposite points of a light ring. Bead
‘A’ is fixed in this position and bead ‘B is free to move. The ring is now hinged about a horizontal axis
about a point on the periphery equidistant from both beads as shown in figure. The ring is free to
rotate in it’s own vertical plane. The system is released from rest. Find the angle made by OA in
equilibrium position when all motion seizes due to very less friction between bead ‘B’ and ring.
O, Hinge

A C B

1 1
(a) 0o (b) tan−1 (c) tan−1 (d) None of these
2 3

Ans. (c)
Sol. The bead ‘B’ will be in the lowermost position and the centre of mass must lie on vertical axis
passing through ‘O’.

O
o
45–

2R
C
38oz
A
vertical line B

2R sin = R sin ( 45 − )
1 1
tan = = tan−1
3 3
 Centre of mass: Oblique Collision
DIFFICULTY LEVEL : 4
Single Correct
Q3. A particle of mass ‘m’ is placed at a distance of 0.5 r from the centre of a ring of radius ‘r’ and equal
mass ‘m’. Both of them are placed on a frictionless horizontal floor. The particle and ring are given
equal speeds ‘u’ in opposite direction such that the velocities are perpendicular to line CB where ‘C’
is the centre of ring as shown in figure. The particle will return to its initial position after time:

C u
0.5 r
u B

3 3r
(a)
u

3 3r
(b)
2u

(c) The particle will never return to its initial position.

(d) None of these
Ans. (b)
Sol. The relative speed and trajectory of particle w.r.t ring can be as shown in figure.

o
60

o
60
o
60
2u
WEE

Hence, time =
3 ( 3r )
( 2u )
The ring will also return to its initial position when the particle reaches ‘B’ again.
 Centre of mass: Conservation of momentum
DIFFICULTY LEVEL : 4
Multiple Correct
Q4. Consider a super dense point mass having mass equal to that of M , where M is mass of earth and
' ' is a constant. This point mass is near the surface of earth of radius ‘R’. Also, we can write the
−GM ( M )
potential energy between point mass and earth as where ‘r’ is the distance of point mass
r
from centre of earth. The speed with which the particle should be projected perpendicular to the
surface w.r.t earth so as to escape the gravitational field of earth is called escape speed. When the
particle is given this escape speed, the separation between them after some time becomes very
large and the potential energy tends to zero. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

2GM
(a) If the point mass were very light i.e. → 0 , then escape speed would be .
R

1 2GM
(b) If = , the escape speed would be 1% greater than
50 R

1 2GM
(c) If = , the escape speed would be 15.5% greater than
3 R

(d) If 1 , the particle won’t be able to escape.

Ans. (a), (b) and (c)

Sol. The earth will get a recoil if the particle is thrown.

M
u M M v M v
u

Initial Final, when separation becomes infinite

From conservation of momentum, v = 0

− GM2 1 1 2GM
+ M ( u) + ( M)u2 = 0
2
From conservation of energy, u=
R 2
Egg 2 R ( + 1)

2GM ( + 1)
Relative speed w.r.t. earth = ( + 1) u =
R

2GM
For → 0 Relative speed =
R

1 2GM 1
For = , Relative speed 1+ (Using Binomial approximation)
50 R 100

1 2GM 2
For = , Relative speed = There is no restriction for 1.
3 R 3
 Centre of mass: Conservation of momentum
DIFFICULTY LEVEL : 3
Single Correct
Q5. A particle of mass ‘m’ is released from a height ‘3r’ on a loop the loop track of mass ‘4m’ and radius
‘r’. There is no friction between particle and track or between track and ground. The normal reaction
between the track and particle when the particle reaches topmost point of loop is (‘g’ is acceleration
due to gravity) :

3r

(a) 4 mg (b) 0.6 mg (c) mg (d) 1.5 mg

Ans. (d)
Sol. At the topmost point of loop, from conservation of momentum,

4mv2 − mv1 = 0

v1 = 4v2 …(i)

v1

v2

Egg
From conservation of energy,

1 1
mg ( 3r − 2r ) = mv12 + ( 4m) v22 ….(ii)
2 2
From (i) and (ii),

gr gr
v1 = 4 and v2 =
10 10

We can also write,

mv 2relative m ( v1 + v 2 )
2
mg + N = =
r r
N = 1.5 mg
 Centre of mass: Conservation of momentum
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4
Single Correct
Q6. Two small identical particles are connected by a string of length ‘ ’ and are placed at separation ‘ ’
on horizontal floor. The string is light and inextensible. With what minimum vertical speed one of the
particles should be projected such that another one leaves contact with the floor. Initially both
particles were at rest and the surface is frictionless. ‘g’ is acceleration due to gravity.

(a) 4g (b) 3g (c) 2g (d) g

Ans. (b)

v B
u
A B l

initial v
A

Final
Sol.
The particle ‘A’ will lift off if T = mg
From conservation of momentum, we can say that velocities of balls will be equal and opposite.
For particle ‘B’,

mv2AB

mg
T =mg

m ( 2v )
2
= 2mg

g
v2 =
2
While writing centrifugal force, we cannot write about centre of mass as it will have a vertical
acceleration.
From conservation of energy,

1 1
mu2 = mv2 + mg u = 3g
2 2
 Centre of mass: Variable mass system

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

Single Correct

Q7. On an ideal pulley, there passes a uniform string of linear mass density ' ' . The string is heaped on

both sides of ideal pulley. The heaps do not interfere with the motion of string. An insect of mass ‘m’

sitting on one side tries to manage itself at a constant height by moving relative to string. By what

speed the string will be moving? Assume, ‘g’ as acceleration due to gravity.

mg mg 2mg
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
2

Ans. (b)

Sol. From FBD of insect w.r.t. ground, T = mg

Also, if the string rises with speed ‘v’ on the opposite side, we can write.
of
dp ( dm ) dx
T= = v= v = v2
dt dt dt

mg
Hence, v 2 = mg v=
 Centre of mass: Oblique collison

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 5

Single Correct

Q8. A very light ball is placed on a very heavy ball such that their common normal makes an angle 30o

10
with vertical. The setup is dropped from a height m above a horizontal floor. The dimensions of
3

balls is negligible compared to 1 metre and all collisions are elastic. What is the horizontal range of

the lighter ball after it overshoots and touches floor again for the first time?

(a) 40 m (b) 120 m (c) 160 m (d) None of these

Ans. (d)

Sol. Just after heavier ball rebounds from ground

u u
30o
v
u = 2 gh

u/2
u
(Just after collision of (Just before lighter
Heavier ball with ground) ball overshoots)
BE

The speed of heavier ball won’t change.

3 3u
We can say, 2u cos30 = v − u cos30 v = 3u cos30 =
2

3 3u
2
60o
30o
u/2
 Centre of mass: Head on collison

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

Single Correct

Q9. Two identical bars are placed over one another as shown in figure. The offset ‘ 0’ is very small. The

bars are started with equal speed ‘u’ towards a wall. The collision between bars and wall is elastic.

The coefficient of friction between bars is ‘ ’ and ground is frictionless. What will be the final speeds

of bars long time after all possible collisions? ‘g’ is the acceleration due to gravity.

0
u
u

(a) u2 − g o (b) u2 − 2 g o

(c) u2 − 4 g o (d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Sol. After the first bar collides, it’s velocity will be reversed. Slipping will occur between the bars and their

speeds start decreasing with uniform rate of g . The relative slipping distance between the bars
Its

before second one collides is ‘ 0 ’. Hence, speeds will be u2 − 2 g 0 . After lower bar has collided,

the velocities of both bars will be same and they will continue with that velocity.
 Centre of mass: Oblique collision

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4

Single Correct

Q10. The point masses are connected by inextensible and inelastic string and are placed on horizontal

frictionless floor. The strings are straight and are inclined at an angle ' ' to each other. With what

velocity, the particle ‘A’ should be projected parallel to string CB as shown in figure so that particle

‘C’ begins to move with 1 m/s. Given, mA = mB = 1kg and mC = 2 kg . Also, = 60 .

A u

o
60
B
C

(a) Greater than 20 m/s (b) Equal to 20 m/s

(c) Less that 20 m/s (d) Insufficient information

Ans. (a)

v2 cos 60 + v1 cos 3 0

u
238
J1
3u
v1 2
J1
J2 J2 60o
v2
v2
(Before) (After)
Sol.

J 2 = 2v2 …….(i)
The
J1 cos 60 − J 2 = v2 ……..(ii)

J1 sin 60 = v1 ……..(iii)
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4

Multiple Correct

Q11. You have a one metre long uniform rod having marking exactly in between. The marking ‘C’ is

equidistant from both ends ‘A’ and ‘B’. You keep this rod balanced on your index fingers such that

the left index finger is more close to ‘C’. The coefficient of static friction between rod and fingers is

slightly larger than coefficient of kinetic friction. If now you start sliding your index fingers towards

each other with equal speeds, what will you observe?

(a) The left index finger reaches ‘C’ first.

(b) The right index finger reaches ‘C’ first.

(c) Both the fingers always slip with respect to rod.

(d) None of these

Ans. (d)

no
Sol. Both finger will meet at ‘C’ and they reach ‘C’ simultaneously. The finger farther to ‘C’ will exert less

normal and hence will slip w.r.t rod. Other one would be stationary at that time w.r.t. rod.
 Rotation: Eccentric Collisions
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Multiple Correct

Q12. A dumbbell is made by joining two equal point masses with a light rigid rod of length ‘ ’. The

dumbbells are set moving as shown in the figure. All collisions are elastic. Which of the following

option(s) is/are correct?

u u

2u
(a) The angular velocity of each dumbbell finally will be .

(b) The angular velocity of each dumbbell finally will be zero.

(c) Finally the centre of mass of dumbbells will be at rest.

(d) Finally the centre of mass of dumbbells will be moving with speed u.

Ans. (b) and (d)

Sol. The dumbbells will collide twice.

u
u

BE
u u
u u

u u
u

(After first collision) (After second collision, finally)

 Rotation: Rolling

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

Single Correct

Q13. When a car has to turn, the outer wheels must turn faster than inner wheels. This effect is achieved

by mechanism called differential. The length of axle is 2 metres and the wheels roll on horizontal

ground without slipping. If the car turns in a circular path of radius 30 metres, the angular speed of

outer wheels is greater than inner wheels by a percentage of:

(a) 14.3% (b) 6.9% (c) 6.45% (d) Insufficient information

Ans. (b)

Sol. Let the car is moving at a speed v.

v Zag
For inner wheels, ( 30 − 1) = wir where, ‘r’ is the radius of wheels.
30

v w 0 31
For outer wheels, ( 30 + 1) = w0r =
30 w i 29

2
Hence, percentage difference = 200% % Difference 6.9%
29
 Centre of Mass-Variable mass system

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4

Single Correct

Q14. The rocket ascends due to propulsion of exhaust gases. A Diwali rocket is kept vertically at rest and

has a mass 300 g which includes mass of fuel which is 200 g. The exhaust speed of burnt gases is

20 m/s and fuel is burned at a constant rate of 100 g/s. Find the maximum vertically upwards velocity

of this rocket . Use g = 10 m/s2, ln 3 = 1.1 and ln 4 = 1.4.

(a) 8 m/s (b) 4 m/s (c) 2 m/s (d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Sol. The rocket starts ascending after t = 1 second, when the thrust force (0.1 ×20 = 2N) overcomes the

gravitational force.

After start, it keeps on ascending for further 1 second.

Meee
M0 − Rt
v = u + gt + uexhaust ln
M0

Where, u = 0, g = −10 m/s2 ˆj , uexhaust = −20 m /s ˆj , M0 = 0.3 kg and t = 1 second

We get, umax = 20 ln ( 2) − 10 = 4m/s

 .Collision-Head on Collision

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4

Single Correct

Q15. A sphere of mass 1 kg is rotated with an angular speed 10 rad/s and dropped on a floor from height

10 m. The coefficient of restitution of collision is 0.5 and coefficient of friction between sphere and

horizontal floor is 0.4. The maximum distance between points of first and second collision with the

floor is: (Take g = 10 m/s2)

(a) 12 m (b) 24 m (c) 36 m (d) None of these

Ans. (a)

Sol. The distance will be maximum if there is maximum slipping between the sphere and floor.

10 rad/s

10 2 m / s

The impulse due to normal reaction is 10 2 (1 + e ) JN = 15 2 N-m

Begg

Maximum impulse due to friction = JN = 6 2 N-m

Horizontal velocity of sphere just after collision = 6 2 m/s

Vertical velocity after impact = 10 2 ( 0.5 ) = 5 2 m /s

2 6 2 5 2
Hence, Range = = 12 m
10
 Rotation – Toppling

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

Single Correct

Q16. A cup of mass 100 g is in the shape of frustum and is placed on a horizontal surface. The diameter

of base is 10 cm. A rod of mass per unit length 0.625 g/cm is to be placed in the cup as shown in

figure. The rod has an inclination 60o to horizontal. The maximum length of rod that can be used

without toppling the cup over is:

o
60
10 cm

(a) 40 cm (b) 80 cm (c) 160 cm (d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Sol. The combined centre of mass will be on the dotted vertical line when the system is about to topple.

Let, the maximum length of rod be cm.

com of rod

Magscom of cup
− 10 5 cm
4
o
60

We can write, mrod − 10 = mcup 5 ( 0.625 ) − 10 = 100 5 = 80cm or –40 cm

4 4
 .Rotation – Toppling

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4

Single Correct

Q17. A cubical box open from top is made of thin uniform sheet. The box is placed on an inclined plane
with it’s open top parallel to the incline. Friction is sufficient to prevent slipping. What could be the
maximum inclination for the box to not topple?

(a) tan−1 ( 2) (b) tan−1

5
2 2
(c) tan−1
5
4
(d) tan−1 (1)

Ans. (b)

Sol. For maximum inclination, the cube should be placed in such a way that the base diagonal is along
2a
the line of maximum inclination. The distance of centre of mass from base is . For toppling, the
5
COM should be in the same vertical line containing the lowermost vertex.

2a
5
MEEEE
a
2

a
2 5
tan = =
2a 2 2
5
 Rotation – Toppling
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 4
Single Correct
Q18. Two identical smooth spheres of mass ‘m’ and radius ‘r’ are placed inside a smooth cylindrical pipe
of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘R’ as shown in figure. It is given that r > 0.5R. What should be the minimum
value of m / M for the arrangement to topple?

R R
(a) 2 (b) (c) (d) None of these
2 (R − r ) r

Ans. (b)
Sol. The FBD of spheres can be as shown.
From here, we can say that, N2 = N4 = mg tan

N3 N1
N1

N2 N4

mg mg
(Bottom sphere) (Top sphere)

From FBD of cylinder in about to topple condition,

3oz
N5

N4

N2 (2r cos + r)

r
R

Mg

m R ( 2R − 2r )
N4 ( 2r cos + r ) − N2r − MgR = 0 = sin =
M 2 (R − r ) 2r
 Rotation – Rolling

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 5

Single Correct

Q19. The coefficient of friction between tyres of a rear wheel drive motorcycle and road in a rainy day is
0.7. The mass of motorcycle with it’s rider is 200 kg and centre of mass is in such position that
normal reaction on both tyres are equal and the centre of mass is very close to ground compared to
distance between wheels. The wheels have radius 25 cm and mass 20 kg each. The radius of
3
gyration of wheels is times it’s radius. If g = 10 m/s2, then what could be the maximum
2
acceleration of the motorcycle. Assume frictionless axles.

(a) 7 m/s2 (b) 3.5 m/s2 (c) 2 m/s2 (d) None of these

Ans. (d)

Sol.

N N
a
a

Faxle Torque Faxle

by chain
drive Bg N'
N'
mg
f1,max =
2 f2 ( f1 )
(Rear wheel) (front wheel)

mg
− F2
2
From horizontal direction motion of motorcycle, a = , where, m = 200 kg
m

Also, in front wheels, f2r = , where, r = 25 cm

The front wheels will be subjected to static friction as f2 ( f1 ) .

Hence, a = r

2
FF
3 3mwheel r 2
Also, = mwheel r =
2 4

3 15a
Hence, f2 = mwheela = 15a a = 3.5 − a 3.26m /s2
4 200
 Rotation – Torque

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

Single Correct

Q20. Two square plates of side length 40 cm and uniformly distributed mass are hinged along one of the
edges. The plates can rotate freely about the hinge. This structure is placed on a smooth fixed
cylinder of radius 15 cm such that the hinge is parallel to the axis of cylinder and is in a vertical line.
The angle ‘ ’ between the plates in equilibrium conditions as shown in figure is :

(a) 60o (b) 90o (c) 120o (d) None of these

Ans. (d)
“ A battle is half won if fought with right frame of mind ”
Sol.
Nitin Sachan
o O o
90 – 90 –
N

mg
mg

If we consider the system of plates, 2N sinBaggy

(θ/2) = 2 mg

Also, considering rotational equilibrium of one of the plates about hinge, we can write

R
N = mg sin where R = 15 cm and = 40cm
tan ( /2) 2 2

mg R cos ( /2) 2R 3
From these equations, = mg sin sin2 .tan = =
sin ( /2) 2 2 2 2 4
sin
2

a
Solving it will yield a cubic equation which is beyond our scope. The approximate value of ' /2' will
be 51.087o. We can put options to see if any of the options satisfy the equation.