PHYS1004 Extension Topics - Assignment 1: Mechanics

Question 1:
a)
Known Values for the last 50 metres:

𝑣𝑖 = 12𝑚𝑠 −1 , 𝑣𝑓 = 11.6𝑚𝑠 −1 , ∆𝑥 = 50𝑚

𝑣𝑖 +𝑣𝑓
Using the kinematic equation: ∆𝑥 = ( 2
)∆𝑡 and solving for ∆𝑡 as James is at a constant
acceleration.
2 × 50
∆𝑡 =
12 + 11.6
∆𝑡 = 4.24𝑠
Thus, answer B) 4.3𝑠 is the best estimate of the time that James took to run the final 50 metres.

b)
Known Values for the first 15 metres:
𝑣𝑖 = 0𝑚𝑠 −1 , 𝑣𝑓 = 9.8𝑚𝑠 −1 , ∆𝑥 = 15𝑚

Using the kinematic equation: 2𝑎∆𝑥 = 𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑣𝑖2 and solving for 𝑎 as James is at a constant
acceleration.

𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑣𝑖2
𝑎=
2∆𝑥
9.82 − 02
𝑎=
2 × 15
𝑎 = 3.2𝑚𝑠 −2
Thus, answer D) 3𝑚𝑠 −2 is the best estimate of James’ average (mean) acceleration over the first 15
metres.

c)
From part a) answer as 4.3 seconds for James to run the last 50 metres, the graph with the best
representation of James’ displacement vs time should reflect this value. This can be found by
subtracting the time value associated with the 50 metres mark from the time value associated with
the 100 metres mark. This leaves the top two graphs being the best representation as the time value
associated with the 100 metres mark is always 10 seconds, so James must complete his first 50
metres in roughly 5.7 seconds. Another factor to look at is the slope of the curve which relates to
James’ velocity. A steeper the slope represents a higher velocity James’ is experiencing while a
shallow slope represents a lower velocity. The speed vs displacement graph shows that James’
velocity increases rapidly at the start of the race as he begins to accelerate significantly. He then
reaches his top speed which then slowly beings to drop linearly as he reaches the end of the race.
From this, on a displacement vs time graph, initially the slope of the curve would become steeper
until it the curve roughly becomes a straight line with a consistent slope as the velocity is relatively
constant. This is reflected only in the top right graph making it the best representation of James’
displacement versus time.

d)
It is known that James’ acceleration is constant for the remaining 100 metres of the race. I will
consider James will maintain his negative acceleration (deacceleration) seen in the speed vs
displacement graph over 50 metres to 100 metres. This makes sense as James becomes more
fatigued as he continues sprinting resulting in his speed declining.

Find James’ acceleration from 50 metres to 100 metres using, 2𝑎∆𝑥 = 𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑣𝑖2 using the known
values from part a):

𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑣𝑖2
𝑎=
2∆𝑥
11.62 − 122
𝑎= = −0.0944𝑚𝑠 −2
2 × 50
Thus, James maintains an acceleration of −0.0944𝑚𝑠 −2 for the remaining 100 metres.

From this, we can find James’ final velocity at the end of the 200m race using 2𝑎∆𝑥 = 𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑣𝑖2
(James’ initial velocity for the remaining 100 metres is the final velocity for the first 100 metres which
is 11.6𝑚𝑠 −1 ).

𝑣𝑓2 = 2𝑎∆𝑥 + 𝑣𝑖2

𝑣𝑓2 = 2 × −0.0944 × 100 + 11.62 = 115.68

𝑣𝑓 = √115.68 = 10.755

Thus, answer A) 11.0𝑚𝑠 −1 is the best estimate of James’ velocity at the end of the 200m race.
Question 2:
Known values for vertical component of velocity at the top of the ball’s trajectory:

𝑎𝑦 = −9.8, 𝑣𝑓𝑦 = 0, ∆𝑦 = 2

(The ball has a vertical velocity of zero when it is at the top of its trajectory)

Using the kinematic equation: 2𝑎∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑓2𝑦 − 𝑣𝑖2𝑦

𝑣𝑖2 = 𝑣𝑓2 − 2𝑎∆𝑦

𝑣𝑖2 = 02 − 2 × −9.8 × 2 = 39.2

𝑣𝑖𝑦 = 6.26099𝑚𝑠 −1

Now use kinematic equation 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎∆𝑡 to find ∆𝑡 which is how long it took for the ball to reach
the top of its trajectory:

0 = 6.26099 − 9.8∆𝑡
6.26099
∆𝑡 = = 0.638877𝑠
9.8
Known values for horizontal component of velocity ∆𝑥 = 𝑣𝑖𝑥 ∆𝑡:

∆𝑥 = 25, ∆𝑡 = 0.638877𝑠

∆𝑥 25
𝑣𝑖𝑥 = = = 39.13116𝑚𝑠 −1
∆𝑡 0.638877
Based on the right-angle triangle of the initial velocity of the ball.
𝑣𝑖𝑥 39.13116
𝑣𝑖 = =
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑣𝑖𝑦 6.26099
𝑣𝑖 = =
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Therefore:
39.13116 6.26099
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 6.26099
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 39.13116
tan𝜃 = 0.1600001124
𝜃 = tan−1 ( 0.1600001124) = 9.0902832𝑜
Put value for theta into one of the two equations:
39.13116
𝑣𝑖 = = 39.6289𝑚𝑠 −1
cos(9.0902832)
Thus, the ball’s initial velocity and the launch angle (to 2 s.f.) is 40𝑚𝑠 −1 and 9.1𝑜 respectively.
Question 3:
Pilot experiencing acceleration greater than 12 × 9.81 = 117.72𝑚𝑠 −2 have a high risk of blacking
out.

If the aeroplane is in circular motion:

𝑣2
Use equation: 𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑒 = solve for r which represents the radius of the circle.
𝑟

Known values: 𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 117.72𝑚𝑠 −2 , 𝑣 = 1800𝑘𝑚ℎ−1 = 500𝑚𝑠 −1

𝑣2 5002
𝑟= = = 2123.6833 = 2200 (Minimum 2 s.f. value that is also greater than 2124𝑚).
𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑒 117.72

Thus, the minimum turn radius to avoid a high risk of blacking out is 2200𝑚 (2s.f.).

Assuming the turn radius is 2200𝑚 find how long it takes for the aeroplane to turn through 180𝑜 .

This means that the aeroplane needs to travel half the circumference of the circle.

𝐶 = 2𝜋𝑟 = 2𝜋 ∗ 2200 = 4400𝜋

𝐶
= 2200𝜋 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠
2
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
Use the equation 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 =
𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑

2200𝜋
𝑡= = 13.823 = 14 (2𝑠. 𝑓)
500
Thus, it would take 14 seconds for the aeroplane to turn through 180𝑜 .
Question 4:
a)
𝑚𝑣 2
It is known that 𝐹𝑐 = 𝑟

Finding the centripetal force in the context of a bird banking to fly in a circle:

The centripetal force is the force that always points towards the centre of
the circular motion.

From the diagram above, the centripetal force is the horizontal component
of the lift force, L.
𝑚𝑣 2
As it is known that the horizontal component of the lift force is 𝐿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, 𝐹𝑐 = 𝐿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = .
𝑟
𝑚𝑣 2
Solving for r gives the equation: 𝑟 = 𝐿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1
Sub 𝐿 = 𝐶𝐿 𝑝𝑣 2 𝐴 into the above equation gives:
2

𝑚𝑣 2
𝑟=
1
𝐶 𝑝𝑣 2 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
2 𝐿
2𝑚
𝑟=
𝐶𝐿 𝑝𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Thus, C is the right answer.

b)
As the bird is in vertical equilibrium, the weight force of the bird is equal to the vertical component
of the lift force.

Finding the weight force (upward forces are positive):

𝐹𝑤 = 𝑚𝑔 = 2.5 ∗ −9.81 = −24.525𝑁

Therefore, the vertical component of the lift force, L is equal to 24.525𝑁

The vertical component of the lift force is: 𝐿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

Thus 𝐿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 24.525

24.525
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
40
24.525
𝜃 = cos −1 ( ) = 52.18
40
Thus, the best estimate for the angle of bank θ of the bird is D) 50𝑜 .
Question 5:
a)
Rotational equilibrium is achieved when the net torque acting on Jane is zero. This is seen through
the torque produced about point A:

There are two torque forces produced about point A as there is zero load force:

1) the torque 𝜏1 produced by the weight force, W about point A.

2) the torque 𝜏2 produced by the tension force, T about point A.

For the second torque force, the vertical component is what is considered when determining the
torque force as it is acting perpendicular to the imaginary line between point A and point C which is
where the tension force is being applied. On the other hand, the horizontal component of tension
does not contribute to the torque force as it acts along the line passing through points A and C.
Thus, the two torques can be found given the equation (upward is positive and downward is
negative):

1) 𝜏1 = −(0.6𝐿 × 𝑊)
2) 𝜏2 = 0.7𝐿 × 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 → 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 is the vertical component.

If the spine is in rotational equilibrium, then the net torque equals zero:

𝜏1 + 𝜏2 = 0
Thus,

−𝜏1 = 𝜏2
0.6𝐿 × 𝑊 = 0.7𝐿 × 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Solving for T:
0.6𝐿 × 𝑊
𝑇=
0.7𝐿 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
0.6 × 𝑊 1
𝑇= ×
0.7 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
As the weight force is 420N
0.6 × 420 1
𝑇= ×
0.7 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
360
𝑇= = |𝑇|
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Thus, this equation determines the magnitude of the tension force T in Jane’s back muscles to keep
the spine in rotational equilibrium.

Thus, C is the answer.

b)
To find the magnitude of R, the horizontal and vertical components of R need to be found:
As the spine is in translational equilibrium, the net force acting on it is zero. This allows two
equations to be formed, one in terms of horizontal forces and one in terms of vertical forces (upward
forces and right forces are positive):

1) Horizontal equilibrium: 𝑅ℎ − 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 0

2) Vertical equilibrium: 𝑅𝑣 − 𝑊 + 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 0

Solving for 𝑅ℎ and 𝑅𝑣 respectively gives the equation:

1) 𝑅ℎ = 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
2) 𝑅𝑣 = 𝑊 − 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Now, the magnitude of R is the square root of the sum of the squares of its horizontal and vertical
components:

|𝑅| = √(𝑅ℎ )2 + (𝑅𝑣 )2

|𝑅| = √(𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)2 + (𝑊 − 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)2

|𝑅| = √𝑇 2 cos2 𝜃 + (420 − 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)2

Thus, the answer is A.

c)
Similar to question a) but with an additional torque force due to the load force being present at
280N.

1) 𝜏1 = −(0.6𝐿 × 420)
2) 𝜏2 = 0.7𝐿 × 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
3) 𝜏3 = −(𝐿 ∗ 280)
𝜏1 + 𝜏2 + 𝜏3 = 0
−(0.6𝐿 × 420) + 0.7𝐿 × 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − (𝐿 ∗ 280) = 0
−252𝐿 + 0.7𝐿 × 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 280𝐿 = 0
532𝐿
𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = = 760
0.7𝐿
760
𝑇=
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
d)
Considering that janes decide to lift the box by bending her knees and keeping her spine vertical, the
centre of mass of the box is almost in line with Jane’s hips as well as Jane’s centre of mass. Thus,
reaction force R, must support both the load and Jane's weight that act vertically downward. From
this, only vertical equilibrium is considered, and horizontal equilibrium is not as it is negligible.

Thus, to keep her spine in equilibrium:

𝑅−𝐿−𝑊 =0
𝑅 − 280 − 420 = 0
 𝑅 = 700𝑁
Thus, C is the answer.