INDEX

Ch-wise Q's & Answers

Ch. 4 Laws of Motion

Ch. 5 Work, Energy and Power

Ch. 6 Systems of Particles and Rotational Motion

*Click above to jump to the respective Chapters of this pdf

 4 Laws of Motion

Launching a rocket into space is full of complexities. Engineers are required to have
knowledge of aerodynamics, density, resistance, chemical energy, radiation and much
more. Such complexities are made simple with use of fundamental units such as length,
mass and time. Precise calculations and minimal errors are key for a successful launch
and one minor mistake can lead to a fatal crash. Thus, study of units and measurement
is an important branch of physics.
 NEWTON'S LAWS
1
| TOPIC 1 |
NEWTON’S FIRST LAW OF MOTION

Aristotle's Fallacy
The Greek scientist Aristotle believed that a constant external force
was required to keep a body moving in a regular manner. His theory is
now outdated because he only studied one side of motion and failed to
explain the other, mainly, how does a moving body come to a stop? The
concept of friction, an opposing external force, was invented.
Force
Force may be defined as an external agency which changes or tends to
change the state of rest or uniform motion or the direction of the motion
of a body. Force has a magnitude and direction. Therefore, force is vector
quantity.
SI unit of force is Newton, which is denoted by N.
Newton's First Law of Motion or Galileo's Law of Inertia
An object at rest remains at rest, or object in motion remains in motion
at a constant speed in a straight line unless compelled by some external
force to change its state.
Unless driven to alter by an external force, everybody remains in its
condition of rest or uniform motion along a straight line. Inertia is the
way of referring to this fundamental characteristic of the body. Newton’s
First Law of Motion, sometimes known as the Law of inertia. According
to this law, force is defined as a factor that can modify the state of an
object.
Newton’s first law of motion provides a definition of force. “ Force is the
push or pull that alters or tends to alter a body’s state of rest or uniform
motion.”

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 An object at rest Unless acted on by an An object in motion will
will remain at rest unbalanced force continue with constant
speed and direction.

.... Unless acted on by

an unbalanced force

Inertia
Inertia is a quality of a body that prevents it from changing its state of
motion or rest. The mass of a body is used to calculate its inertia. It is
directly proportional to the mass of the body,
i.e., Inertia ∝ Mass
Classification of Inertia
Inertia of rest: The inability of a body to change its state of rest on its
own. For example, passengers inside a bus or train tend to fall backward
when it starts suddenly or when a blanket is beaten with a stick, dust
particles fall off.
Inertia of motion: It is the inability of the body to change a uniform
state of motion on its own. For example, when a bus or train stops
suddenly, the passengers sitting inside will lean forward or when people
who jump off a moving train may fall forward.
Directional Inertia: It is the inability of the body to change the direction
of movement on its own.
Example 1.1: A person who is standing freely in a bus, thrown
backward, when the bus starts suddenly. Explain.
Ans. When a bus suddenly starts, the force responsible for bringing the
bus in motion, is also transmitted to the lower part of the body, so
this part of the body comes in motion along with the bus. While

Laws of Motion 3
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 the upper half of the body (say above the waist) receives no force
to overcome the inertia of rest, it stays in its original position. Thus,
there is a relative displacement between the two parts of the body,
and it appears as if the upper part of the body has been thrown
backward.

Important
 If the motion of the bus is slow, the inertia of motion will be transmitted to
the body of the person uniformly and so the entire body of the person will
come in motion with the bus and the person will not experience any jerk.

| TOPIC 2 |
NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

Momentum
Momentum is defined as the quality of motion contained in a body. It is
measured as the product of mass of the body and its velocity and has
the same direction as that of the velocity. It is a vector quantity and is
represented by p.
Momentum (p) = Mass (m) x Velocity (v)
→ →
p = mv
Or,
SI unit of momentum is kg. m/s
From the given equation of momentum,
we can conclude,
→ →
When m is constant, p∝v
m

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 →
When v is constant, p ∝m

t
tan
ons
c
v=

When two bodies of unequal masses have equal momentum then v

varies inversely as their masses,
v1 m2
=
v2 m1

l
l
l

Laws of Motion 5
 OBJECTIVE Type Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

[ 1 mark each ]
1. The inherent property, with which a body resists any change in
its state of motion, is known as:
(a) Force (b) Momentum
(c) Inertia (d) Acceleration [Diksha]
Ans. (c) Inertia
Explanation: A force is a push or pulls upon an object resulting
from the object’s interaction with another object. Momentum
is defined as a product of the mass of a particle and its velocity.
Momentum is a vector quantity; i.e., it has both magnitude and
direction. Inertia is the inherent property, with which a body
resists any change in its state of motion. Acceleration is the rate of
change of the velocity of an object with respect to time.
2. In order to raise a mass of 100 kg, a man of 60 kg fastens the
rope to it, and passes the rope over a smooth pulley. He climbs
5g
the rope with an acceleration relative to rope. The tension
4
in the rope is:
(Take g = 10 m/s2)
(a) 1200 N (b) 1218 N
(c) 928 N (d) 1152 N [Diksha]
Ans. (b) 1218 N
Explanation: Let T be the tension in the rope and a is the
acceleration of that rope. The absolute acceleration of the man
will be;
æ 5g ö
çè 4 - a ÷ø

Equation of motion for mass gives:

T – 100g = 100a

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 and equation of motion for man gives:
T – 60g = 60
by solving above equations, we get,
T = 1218 N

Assertion-Reason
[A-R] [ 1 mark each ]
Two statements are given one labelled Assertion (A) and the other
labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these question
from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false.
3. Assertion (A): Centripetal force is always required for motion
in curved path.
Reason (R): On a banked curved track, vertical component
of normal reaction provides the necessary
centripetal force.
[Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans. (d) A is false and R is also false.
Explanation: The horizontal portion of a normal response supplies
centripetal force. The vehicle's vertical component balances its
weight. For turning, a centripetal force is necessary.

CASE BASED Questions (CBQs)

[ 4 & 5 marks each ]
Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow:
4. When two bodies are in contact, each experiences a contact force
by the other. The component of the contact force parallel to the
surfaces in contact, which opposes impending or actual relative
motion between the two bodies in contact is opposed by static

Laws of Motion 7
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 friction. Kinetic friction opposes actual relative motion between
two bodies in contact. There is a yet another type of friction
which opposes rolling motion of one body over the surface of
another body. It is called rolling friction. We often regard friction
as something undesirable. However in many practical situations
friction is critically needed.
(A) What is the direction of friction?
(a) Friction always acts tangential to the surface in
contact.
(b) Friction acts normal to the surface in contact.
(c) Direction depends upon weight of body which moves
over surface of another body.
(d) None of these.
(B) Which one of the following statement is not correct about
friction?
(a) Friction is an self adjusting force.
(b) Force of friction is independent of area of contact as
long as normal reaction remains same.
(c) Sliding friction is greater than static friction.
(d) Limiting friction is the maximum static friction.
(C) An automobile is moving on a horizontal road with a
speed v. If the coefficient of friction between the tyres and
the road is µ. What is the shortest distance in which the
automobile can be stopped?
v2 2v 2
(a) mg (b) mg

v2 v2
(c) 4mg (d) 2mg

(D) What will be the maximum acceleration of the train in

which a box lying on the floor will remain stationary?
Given that the coefficient of friction between the box and
trains floor is 0.15. (g = 10 m/s2)
(a) 2 m/s2 (b) 2.5 m/s2
(c) 1 m/s2 (d) 1.5 m/s2

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 (E) In figure, the masses of blocks A & B are 10 kg and 15 kg.
Calculate the minimum mass of C which may stop A from
slipping. Coefficient of friction between block A and table
is 0.2.
R

C m T
A m1
fs
T
(m1 + m)g B

m2 g

(a) 5 kg (b) 15 kg
(c) 25 kg (d) 35 kg
Ans. (A) (a) friction always acts tangential to the surface in contact.
Explanation: When two surfaces are in contact and are moving
relative to each other, the frictional force acts in the tangen-
tial direction to the surface of contact.
(B) (c) Sliding friction is greater than static friction.
Explanation: While sliding, the points of contact between two
surfaces do not get enough time to get interlocked, whereas
more interlocking takes place when the surfaces are not
moving over each other. Therefore, sliding friction is less than
static friction.
v2
(C) (d)
2mg

Explanation: Let ‘m’ be the mass of the vehicle. So, frictional

force experienced by the vehicle on its tyres is f = mmg
So, the acceleration of the vehicle due to this frictional force is,
a = – mg (acceleration is directed opposite to the motion of the
vehicle)
Now using,
v2 = u2 + 2as

Laws of Motion 9
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 ⇒ 0 = v2 – 2 µgs
[initial velocity = v, final velocity = 0]
v2
So, s = (2mg )

(D) (d) 1.5 m/s

Explanation: Given, µ = 0.15, g = 10
amax = msg
= 0.15 × 10
= 1.5 ms–2
(E) (b) 15 kg
Explanation: Let the mass of block C is m
For block A,
R = (m1 + m)
T = fs = mR = m(m + m1)g
To avoid slippling of A, for block B
T = m2g
or m( m + m1 ) = m2 g

0.2(m + 10) = 5
⇒ m = 15 kg

VERY SHORT ANSWER Type Questions (VSA)

[ 1 mark each ]

5. Mention the factor on which the coefficient of friction

depends? Coefficient of friction depends on the nature of
surfaces and their roughness that are in contact.
The road at a turn of radius 24 m is inclined by an angle of 9o.
With what speed, a car should move on the turn so the normal
contact force is able to provide the necessary centripetal force?
 [Diksha]
Ans. If v is the correct speed, then,
v2
tan q =
rg

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 ∴ \ v = rg tan q

= 24×9.8×tan 9°
1 = 6.1 m/s

SHORT ANSWER Type-II Questions (SA-II)

[ 3 marks each ]
6. The pulley arrangement of fig. are identical. The mass of the
rope is negligible. In (a) mass m is lifted up by attaching a mass
(2 m) to the other end of the rope. In (b), m is lifted up by pulling
the other end of the rope with a constant downward force F =
2 mg. In which case, the acceleration of m is more?

T T T T

m m
2m mg
mg
2mg F = 2mg

[Delhi Gov. QB 2022]

Ans.

aT T a’ T’ T’
a a’

mg 2mg mg F = 2mg

Let the accelerations in both cases are a and a' respectively.

The tension is given as,
T – mg = ma...(i)
2 mg – T = 2 ma ...(ii)

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 By adding equations (i) and (ii), we get
mg = 3 ma
g
a=
3
In the second case the tension is given as,
T' – mg = ma'...(iii)
2 mg – T' = 0 ...(iv)
By adding equation (iii) and (iv), we get
mg = ma'
a' = g
The ratio of acceleration is given as,
g
a 3
=
a' g
       
a 1
=
         a' 3

LONG ANSWER Type Questions (LA)

[ 4 & 5 marks each ]

7. Fig. shows the position-time graph of a particle of mass 4 kg.

What is the

A
3

O t(S)
4
(A) force on the particle for t < 0, t > 4s, 0 < t < 4s?
(B) impulse at t = 0 and t = 4s? (Consider one dimensional mo-
tion only) [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]

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Ans. (A) From the given graph, for t < 0, and t > 4s, the position of par-
ticle does not change.
Therefore, the particle is at rest and for 0 < t < 4s the posi-
tion-time graph is a straight line.
This implies the velocity of the particle is constant.
Therefore,
Acceleration of particle for t < 0, t < 4s and 0 < t < 4s is zero.
Hence, no force acts on the particle.
(B) We know, the slope of the position-time graph is velocity.
Therefore, velocity of particle in interval 0 < t < 4s is,
x (4) − x (0)
v=
4−0
3−0 3
= = m/s
4−0 4
Momentum of particle at t < 0 is,
p1 = m × 0 = 0
Momentum of particle at t > 0 is,
3
p2 = 4 ×   = 3 Ns
4
Therefore,
Impulse at t = 0 is,
I = p2 – p1 = 3 Ns
Now, momentum of particle at time t < 4s is,
p3 = 3 Ns
Momentum of particle at t < 4s is,
p4 = m × 0 = 0
Therefore, impulse at t = 4 sec is,
I = (p4 – p3) = – 3 Ns

NUMERICAL Type Questions

8. An aircraft executes a horizontal loop at a speed of 720 km/hr
with its wings banked at 15°. What is the radius of the loop?
[Diksha](2m)

Laws of Motion 13
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Ans. From the question, it is given that the speed of the aircraft,
v = 720 kmh–1
5
= 720×
18
= 200 m/s
Also, the acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 m/s2 and the angle of
banking, θ = 15°
Therefore, for radius r, of the loop, we have the relation:
v2
tan q =
rg

v2
r=
g tan θ
200×200
=
10×tan15
4000
=
0.268

= 14925.37 m
= 14.92 km

14 Physics Class XI
 5 Work, Energy and
Power

Launching a rocket into space is full of complexities. Engineers are required to have
Energy usedofbyaerodynamics,
knowledge a body for existence
density,isresistance,
known as chemical
metabolicenergy,
energyradiation
to perform
andactivity
much
more.
and Such complexities
sustain are made
life. Food consumed by simple
a human with useisofbroken
body fundamental units such
into chemical as in
energy length,
form
mass
of ATPand
andtime.
heat.Precise calculations
This energy and minimal
is converted to work,errors are energy
thermal key for aandsuccessful launch
stored fat. This
and one minor mistake can lead to a fatal crash. Thus, study of units and measurement
energy is essential for the functioning of the brain and manual labour. Hence, this chapter
is
is an important
important branch
to learn theofelements
physics. of energy in the physical world.
 WORK DONE AND GRAVITATIONAL
POTENTIAL ENERGY 1
| TOPIC 1 |
WORK
In physics, work stands for ‘mechanical work’. It is said to be done by force
when the body is displaced through the same distance in the direction
of the applied force. However, while there may be no displacement in
the direction of applied force, no work is stated to be carried out i.e., work
done is zero, when the displacement of the body in the direction of the
force is zero.
F

x


®
If θ is the angle, which F makes with +ve x-direction of the displacement,
®
then the component of F in the direction of displacement is F cos θ.
∴ W = (F cos θ)d  ...(i)
If displacement is in the direction of the force applied, θ= 0° from
equation (i),
W = (F cos 0°) d = F.d
An equation can be written as,
W = F.d  ...(ii)
Thus, work done by a force is the dot product of force and displacement.
® →
In terms of rectangular component F and d , may be written as:
→ ^ ^ ^
F = Fx i + Fy j + Fzk

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 ^ ^ ^ ^
and d = xi + y j + zk
From equation (ii)
W = xFx + yFy + zFz
∴ Work is a scalar quantity, i.e., it has magnitude only and no direction.
Dimensions and Units of work
Work = Force × Distance
W = [M1 L1 T–2] × [L] (Dimensional formula)
W = [ML2T–2]
There are two different units of work:
(1) Absolute Unit:
(i) Joule: It is an absolute unit of S.I. system.
From, W = Fd cos θ
1 joule = 1 Newton × 1 metre × cos 0° = 1N–m
(ii) Erg: It is an absolute unit of work of CGS system.
From, W = F.d cos θ
1 erg = 1 dyne × 1cm × cos 0°
= 1 dyne-cm
(2) Gravitational units: (also known as a practical unit of work)
(i)  Kilogram-meter (kg-m): It is said to be a 1 kg-m work, when a
force of 1 kg required to move a body through a distance of 1 m
in the direction of applied force.
W = Fd cos θ
1 kg/m = 1 kgf × 1m × cos 0°
= 9.8 N × 1m = 9.8 joule
1 kg/m = 9.8 J
(ii) Gram-centimetre (g-cm): It is said to be g-cm, work when a
force of 1 gm required to moves a body through a distance of 1
cm in the direction of applied force.
W = Fs cos θ
1 g/cm = 1 gf × 1 cm × cos 0°
1 g/cm = 980 dyne × 1 cm × 1
1 g/cm = 980 erg

Work, Energy and Power 3

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 Important
 There are three types of work done:
→ →
(1) Positive work, W = F . d = F.dcosθ
∴ when θ is acute (< 90°) cosθ is +ve.
Hence, work done is +ve.
→ →
(2 Negative work, As W = F . d = Fd cosθ
∴ when θ is obtuse (> 90°) cosθ is -ve.
Hence, work done is -ve.
(3) Zero work, when a force applied or the displacement or both are zero,
W = Fd cosθ – 0 (zero)
→ →

Again, when the angle θ between F and d is 90°

cos θ = cos 90° = 0
∴ Hence, work done is zero.

Example 1.1: The sign of work done by a force on a body is important

to understand. State carefully if the following quantities are positive
or negative:
(A) Work done by a man in lifting a bucket out of a well by means
of a rope tied to the bucket,
(B) Work done by gravitational force in the above case,
(C) Work done by friction on a body sliding down an inclined plane,
(D) Work done by an applied force on a body moving on a rough
horizontal plane with uniform velocity,
(E) Work done by the resistive force of air on a vibrating pendulum
in bringing it to rest. [NCERT]
Ans: Work done, W = F.S = Fs cosθ
(A) Work done ‘positive’, because force is acting in the direction of
displacement i.e., θ = 0°.
(B) Work done is negative, because force is acting against the
displacement i.e., θ = 180°.
(C) Work done is negative, because force of friction is acting
against the displacement i.e., θ = 180°.

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(D) Work done is positive, because body moves in the direction of
applied force i.e., θ = 0°.
(E) Work done is negative, because the resistive force of air
opposes the motion i.e., θ = 180°
l
l
l

Work, Energy and Power 5

 OBJECTIVE Type Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

[ 1 mark each ]
1. Calculate the average force necessary to stop a bullet of mass
20 g and speed 250 m/s as it penetrates a wooden block to a
distance of 12 cm.
(a) 6 × 103 N (b) 5.2 × 103 N
(c) 5.4 × 102 N (d) 6.2 × 102 N [Diksha]
Ans. (b) 5.2 × 103 N
Explanation: If force F Newton be the retarding force, then the
work done by force is given by,
W = F × s = F × 0.12 J
Loss of kinetic energy
1 20
= × × 250 × 250 J
2 1000
= 625 J
(This K.E. is consumed in stopping the bullet and is converted into
heat energy)
Apply work-energy theorem,
F × 0.12 = 625
625
F=
0.12

= 5.2 × 103 N

Note that, the retarding force is nearly 30, 000 times the weight of
the bullet.

Caution
1
 If work done by the two bodies in same time then, Power ∝ i.e., the
time
body which performs given work in less time passes more power and vice
versa.

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 VERY SHORT ANSWER Type Questions (VSA)
[ 1 mark each ]

2. Spring A and B are identical except that A is stiffer than B, i.e.,

force constant kA > kB. In which spring is more work expended
if they are stretched by the same amount?
[Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans. The force applied to both springs is the same for A, the spring
constant is more than that of B, but the expansion is smaller,
therefore the work for A is likewise less than that of B.
1
W = Kx 2
2
WA K A
= , for same x
WB K B
As KA > KB so, WA > WB.

SHORT ANSWER Type-I Questions (SA-I)

[ 2 marks each ]
3. Choose the correct alternative:
(A) If the zero of potential energy is at infinity, the total energy
of an orbiting satellite is negative of its kinetic/potential
energy.
(B) The energy required to launch an orbiting satellite out of
Earth’s gravitational influence is more/less than the energy
required to project a stationary object at the same height
(as the satellite) out of Earth’s influence.
[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]
Ans. (A) Kinetic energy; A spacecraft revolving in its orbit has zero
potential energy. A system's kinetic energy (+ve) and potential
energy is added to determine its overall energy, since the earth
satellite system is bound system. The overall energy of the
satellite is negative. As a result, the satellite's energy is the
inverse of its kinetic energy.

Work, Energy and Power 7

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 (B) Less; A stationary object at the same height has less energy
than an orbiting satellite. The orbit contributes this extra
energy. Compared to a stationary item, it needs less energy to
move it away from the influence of the earth.

NUMERICAL Type Questions

4. 20 J work is required to stretch a spring through 0.1 m. Find the

force constant of the spring. If the spring is further stretched
through 0.1 m. Calculate work done. [Delhi Gov. QB 2022](2m)
Ans. Potential Energy of spring when stretched through a distance
0.1 m,
1 2
U = W.D. = Kx = 20 J
2
or K = 4000 N/m
When spring is further stretched through 0.1 m, then Potential
Energy will be:
1
U' = k (0.2)2 = 80 J
2
∴ W.D. = U' – U
= 80 – 20 = 60 J

8 Physics Class XI
 POWER AND CONSERVATION OF
LINEAR MOMENTUM 2
| TOPIC 1 |
POWER
Power is defined as the rate of doing work. If an agent does work W in
time t, then its power is given by,
W
P=
t

Power is a scalar quantity, because it is the ratio of two scalar quantities

work (W) and time (t).
Dimensions of Power
[W] [ML2 T -2 ]
[P] = = = [ML2 T -3 ]
[t ] [T]

Units of Power: SI unit of power is watt (W). The power of an agent is

one watt if it works at the rate of 1 joule per second.
The bigger units of power are kilowatt (kW) and horsepower (hp).
1 kW = 1000 W
1 hp = 747 W
Instantaneous Power
The power of an agent may not be constant during a time interval. It is
defined as the limiting value of the average. Power as the time interval
approaches zero.
If ∆W work is done in a small-time interval ∆t, then the instantaneous
power is given by;

∆W dW
P = lim∆t→0 =
∆t dt

Work, Energy and Power 9

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 Important
 Relation between kwh and joule.
1 kWh = 1 kW × 1 hr = 1000 W × 1 h
   = 1000 Js–1 × 3600 s
1 kWh = 3.6 × 106 J

Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces

Conservative force
A force is said to be conservative if the work is done by or against the
force in moving a body, depends only on the initial and final positions of
the body and not on the nature of path followed between the initial and
the final positions.
This means, work done by one against a conservative force in moving a
body over any path between fixed initial and final positions will be same.
For example: Gravitational force is a conservative force.
Non-conservative force
A force is said to be non-conservative if the work is done by or against
the force in moving a body from one position to another, depends on
the path followed between two positions. Frictional forces are non-
conservative forces.

Important
 Work done by a non-conservative force adds or removes mechanical energy from
a system.
Example 2.1: How much mass is converted into energy per day in
Tarapur nuclear power plant operated at 107 kW?
Ans. Power, P = 107 kW = 1010 W = 1010Js–1
Time, t = 1day = 24 × 60 × 60 s
Energy produced per day,
E = Pt = 1010 × 24 × 60 × 60 = 864 × 1012J
As E = mc2
E 864 ×1012
m= =
c2 (3 ×108 )2

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 = 9.6 × 10–3 kg
= – 9.6 g
l
l
l

Work, Energy and Power 11

 OBJECTIVE Type Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

[ 1 mark each ]
5. During inelastic collision between two bodies, which of the
following quantities always remain conserved.
(a) Total kinetic energy
(b) Total potential energy
(c) Total linear momentum
(d) None of the above [Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]
Ans. (c) Total linear momentum
Explanation: Such a collision between two objects, in which some
energy is wasted, is known as an inelastic collision. Momentum is
conserved in the event of an inelastic collision, but kinetic energy is
not. In daily life, most collisions are of an inelastic kind.

Assertion-Reason
[A-R] [ 1 mark each ]
Two statements are given one labelled Assertion (A) and the other
labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these question
from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false.
6. Assertion (A): In an elastic collision between the two bodies,
the relative speed of the bodies after colli-sions
is equal to the relative speed before the collision.
Reason (R): In a elastic collision the linear momentum of
the system is conserved. [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans. (b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.

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 Explanation: In Collisions:
(1) Momentum is preserved in both elastic and inelastic collisions.
(2) Kinetic energy is preserved in elastic collisions as well.
Point 1 leads to Reason, which states that in an elastic collision,
the system's linear momentum is conserved.
Point 2 leads to the Assertion, in an Elastic Collision between two
bodies, the relative speed of the bodies after the collision is equal
to the relative speed before the collision.

SHORT ANSWER Type-II Questions (SA-II)

[ 3 marks each ]
7. Using the expression for power and K.E. of rotational motion,
derive the relation τ = Iα. [Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]
Ans. We have the power of rotational motion,
P = tω ...(i)
and the K.E. of rotational motion,
1 2
K.E. = Iω ...(ii)
2
Now, the power of rotational motion is equal to time rate of work
done during the rotational motion. Since, the work done is stored
in the form of kinetic energy.
d
P= (K.E. or rotational motion)
dt
Using the equations (i) and (ii), we have
d 1 2  1 d 2
τω = Iω  = I ( ω )
dt  2  2 dt
1 dω
= I(2ω)
2 dt
1
= I(2ω)α = Iωα
2
or, τ = Iα

Work, Energy and Power 13

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 LONG ANSWER Type Questions (LA)
[ 4 & 5 marks each ]
8. A bus having mass 3000 kg is lifted up to a distance of 30 m
by a crane in 1 minute. A second crane does the same job in 2
min. Do the cranes consume the same or different amounts of
fuel? What is the power supplied by each crane? Neglect power
dissipation against friction (g = 9.8 m/s2). [Diksha]
Ans. In order to lift a body against gravity through a height, a force
equal to the weight of the body is applied vertically upwards, that
is, in the direction of the displacement. Hence, the work done (force
× displacement) in the direction of force is, (According to the Work
Energy Theorem)
W = mg × h
Here, W = 2000 × 9.8 × 30
= 5.8 × 105 J
Since, both cranes do the same amount of work, they will consume
the same amount of energy, i.e., the same amount of fuel.
The two cranes take different times, 1 min = 60 sec and 2 min =
120 sec in doing the same work. Hence, their powers are different.
The power of the first crane is,
W 5.88 ×105 J
P1 = = = 9800 W
t1 60s
and power of second crane,
W 5.88 ×105 J
P2 = = = 4900 W
t2 120s

NUMERICAL Type Questions

9. A railway carriage of mass 9000 kg moving with a speed of 36

kmh–1 collides with a stationary carriage of same mass. After
the collision, the carriages get coupled and move together.
What is their common speed after collision? What type of
collision is this? [Delhi Gov. QB 2022](3m)

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Ans. Given, m1 = 90000 kg, u1 = 36 km/h = 10 m/s
m2 = 90000 kg, u2 = 0, v = v1 = v2 = ?
By conservation of momentum:
m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2)v
∴ v = 5 m/s
1 1
m1u12 + m2u22
Total K.E. before collision =
2 2

= 45000 J
1
(m1 + m2)v2
Total K.E. after collision =
2

= 225000 J
As total K.E. after collision < total K.E. before collision
∴ Collision is inelastic.

Work, Energy and Power 15

 6
Systems of
Particles and
Rotational Motion

Since the invention of the wheel, mankind has achieved wonders. Today, an electric motor
is used in almost every piece of machinery you can ever find, all working on the principle
of the wheel. Even planets in galaxies move in circle. They revolve around the Sun, which
is the heaviest body in the solar system. All the planets have an axis of rotation and
revolution. For such fundamentals as the center of mass and axis of rotation, this chapter
is an important branch of physics.
 CENTRE OF MASS AND ANGULAR
MOMENTUM 1
| TOPIC 1 |
RIGID BODY
A rigid body is an assemblage of a large number of material particles
that don’t change their mutual distances under any circumstances or in
other words, the body is not deformed under any circumstances.Actual
material bodies are never perfectly rigid and deform under the action
of external forces. When these deformations are small enough not to
be considered during the course of motion, the body is assumed to be
a rigid body. Hence, all solid objects such as stones, balls, vehicles, etc.
are considered rigid bodies while analyzing their translational as well as
rotational motion.
Rotational Motion of a Rigid Body
Any kind of motion is identified by change in position or change in
orientation, or change in both. If a body changes its orientation during
its motion, it is said to be in rotational motion.
In the following figures, a rectangular plate is shown moving in the x-y
plane. The point C is its center of mass. In the first case, it does not change
its orientation, therefore it is in pure translation motion. In the second
case, it changes its orientation during its motion. It is a combination of
translational and rotational motion.
y

t+t
t
C
C

O x
Pure Translational Motion

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 y New
 orientation
A  A
C
C B
B
t+t Original
t orientation

O x
Combination of Translational and Rotational motion
Rotation, i.e., change in orientation, is identified by the angle through
which a linear dimension or a straight line drawn on the body turns. In
the figure, this angle is shown by q.
Motion of body involving rotation can be classified into the following
three categories:
(1) Rotation about a fixed axis.
(2) Rotation about an axis in translation.
(3) Rotation about an axis in rotation.
Rotation About a Fixed Axis
In pure rotational motion, every particle of the rigid body moves in circles
of different radii about a fixed line, which is known as axis of rotation.
Rotation of ceiling fan, opening and closing of doors and rotation of
needles of a wall clock, etc., come in this category.

Door
Ceiling Fan
P
Axis of rotation
Axis of rotation

When a ceiling fan rotates, the vertical rod, supposing it remains

stationary and all the particles on the fan move on circular paths. The
circular path of a particle P along its blade is shown by a dotted line.
Centers of the circular path followed by every particle on the central
line through the rod. The central line is known as the axis of rotation and

System of Particles and Rotational Motion 3

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is shown by a dashed line. All the particles on the axis of rotation are at
rest, therefore, the axis is stationary, and the fan is in rotation about this
fixed axis.
A door rotates about a vertical line that passes through its hinges. This
vertical line is the axis of the figure, the axis of rotation is shown by the
dashed line.
Axis of Rotation
An imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of circular paths of particles
of a rigid body in rotation and containing the centers of all these circular
paths is known as the axis of rotation.
It is not necessary that the axis of rotation pass through the body.
Consider a system in which a block is fixed to a rotating disc. The axis of
rotation passes through the center of the disc but not through the block.
Rotation About an Axis in Translation
Rotation about an axis in translation include a broad category of motion.
A rolling motion is an example of this kind of motion.
Rotation About an Axis in Rotation
In this kind of motion, the body rotates about an axis, which in turn
rotates about some other axis. As an example, consider a rotating top,
the top rotates about its central axis of symmetry and this axis sweeps
a cone about a vertical axis. Another example of rotation about an axis
is a swinging table-fan while running. The table-fan rotates about its
shaft, along which its axis of rotation passes. When running swings, its
shaft rotates about a certain axis.
Example 1.1: A system of particles is called a rigid body when:
(a) any two particles of a system may have displacements in
opposite directions under the action of a force
(b) any two particles of a system may have velocities on opposite
directions under action of a force
(c) any two particles of a system may have a zero relative velocity
(d) any two particles of a system may have displacements in the
same direction under the action of a force

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Ans. (c) any two particles of a system may have a zero relative velocity
Explanation: A rigid body does not deform under the action of an
applied force, and there is no relative motion of any two particles
constituting that rigid body. So, it means that a system of particles
is called a rigid body, when any two particles in the system have
a zero relative velocity
l
l
l

System of Particles and Rotational Motion 5

 OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
Multiple Choice Questions
[ 1 mark each ]
1. One circular ring and one circular disc both have the same
mass and radius. The ratio of their moment of inertia about the
axis passing through their centers and perpendicular to their
planes will be:
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 2 : 1
(c) 1 : 2 (d) 4 : 1 [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans. (b) 2 : 1
Explanation: Given, One circular ring and one circular disk both
having the same mass and radius; Let m be the mass and n be
the radius. Now, we know the moment of inertia of a circular ring
about the axes passing through their center and perpendicular to
its plane is I1 = mn2 moment of inertia of a circular disk about the
axes passing through its center and perpendicular to its plane is
1
I2 = mn2
2
I1 mn2 2
So, = =
I2 1 1
mn2
2
⇒ I1 : I2 = 2 : 1

Assertion-Reason
[A-R] [ 1 mark each ]
Two statements are given one labelled Assertion (A) and the other
labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these question
from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false.

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 2. Assertion (A): The speed of a whirlwind in the tornado is
alarmingly high.
Reason (R): If no external torque acts on a body, its angular
velocity remains constant. [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.
Explanation: In a whirlwind in a tornado, the air from
nearby regions gets concentrated in a small space thereby
decreasing the value of its moment of inertia considerably.
Since, Iω = constant, so due to the decrease in the moment of
inertia of the air, its angular speed increases to a high value. If no
external torque acts, then
dL
τ = 0 or = 0 or L = constant
dt
or = Iw = constant
As in the rotational motion, the moment of inertia of the body can
change due to the change in position of the axis of rotation, the
angular speed may not remain conserved.

CASE BASED Questions (CBQs)

[ 4 & 5 marks each ]
Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow:
3. A heavy wheel called a flywheel is linked to the shaft of a
steam engine, automobile engine, and so on. Because of its
huge moment of inertia, the flywheel opposes the vehicle’s
sudden increase or drop in speed. It enables a gradual shift in
speed and prevents jarring motion, ensuring a comfortable ride
for passengers.
Flywheel of
mass M kg
Radius R m(meter)

w rad/sec
Angular
velocity

Bearing

Bearing

System of Particles and Rotational Motion 7

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 (A) A flywheel is so constructed that almost the whole of its
mass is concentrated at its rim, because:
(a) it increases the moment of inertia of the flywheel
(b) it decreases the moment of inertia of the flywheel
(c) it increases the speed of the flywheel
(d) it increases the power of the flywheel
(B) Assertion (A): A wheel moving down a perfectly frictionless
inclined plane shall undergo slipping (not
rolling).
Reason (R):  For rolling torque is required, which is
provided by tangential frictional force.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
of A.
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not correct explanation
of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false. [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
(C) A circular disc constructed of iron and aluminium must
have the greatest moment of inertia about the geometrical
axis. How this is feasible?
(a) Aluminium at interior surrounded to it.
(b) Iron at the interior and aluminium surrounding to it.
(c) Using iron and aluminium layers in an alternative
order.
(d) Sheet of iron is used at both the external surface and
aluminium sheet’s internal layer.
Ans. (A) (a) it increases the moment of inertia of the flywheel
Explanation: The concentration of the mass at the rim
increases the moment of inertia (I) of the flywheel. Such a
1 2
wheel gains or loses some kinetic energy of rotation Iw . It
2
brings about a relatively smaller change in its angular speed ω.
Hence, such a flywheel helps in maintaining uniform rotation.

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 (B) (b) Both A and R are true and R is not correct explanation of A.
Explanation: As the surface of the inclined plane is smooth,
there is no friction between it and the wheel.
The wheel rolls along the gradient as a result of mgsinθ.
A body's rotational motion is caused by torque. Yet, there is
no torque occurring on the wheel around point O. As a result,
there is no rotational motion on the wheel.
As a result, the wheel moves downward on the inclined plane
surface.
The point of contact between the surface and the body is
always at rest during a pure rolling action. As a result, there is
no labor against the friction.

O th
moo
S
A

mg sinθ mg cosθ

θ
(C) (a) Aluminium at interior surrounded to it.
Explanation: Moment of inertia depends on the distribution of
mass about the axis of rotation. Density of iron is more than that
of aluminium, therefore for moment of inertia to be maximum,
the iron should be far away from the axis. Thus, aluminium
should be at the interior and iron surrounds it.

VERY SHORT ANSWER Type Questions (VSA)

[ 1 mark each ]

4. If no external torque acts on a body, will its angular velocity be

constant? [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans. A body in elliptical orbit experiences radial forces from the foci
of the orbit which provides no torque. Thus, angular momentum
remains constant.

System of Particles and Rotational Motion 9

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 dl
∴ τ=
dt
t = 0 ⇒ L = Iw = constant

SHORT ANSWER Type-I Questions (SA-I)

[ 2 marks each ]
5. A disc rotating about its axis with angular speed w0 is placed
lightly (without any linear push) on a perfectly frictionless
table. The radius of the disc is R. What are the linear velocities
of the points A, B and C on the disc shown in figure? Will the
disc roll?
A

R
2


[Delhi Gov. QB 2022]

Ans. A

O
} R
2
ω0

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 Velocity of point A, vA = Rω0 towards the right
Velocity of point B, vB = Rω0 towards the left
Velocity of point C, vC = 2Rω0 towards the right
Since, the disc is placed on a frictionless table, it will not roll. This
is because the presence of friction is essential for the rolling of a
body.

SHORT ANSWER Type-II Questions (SA-II)

[ 3 marks each ]
6. Equal torques are applied on a hollow cylinder and solid sphere,
both having the same mass and radius. The cylinder rotates
about its axis and the sphere rotates about its diameter. Which
one will acquire greater speed and why?[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]
Ans. We know τ = Ia
τ
or, a=
I
Angular acceleration produced in the cylinder is,
τ
ac =
IC
Similarly, the angular acceleration produced in the sphere is,
τ
αs =
Is

αc Is
Thus, =
αs Ic
2
Now, Is = MR2 and Ic = MR2
3

αc 2
or, =
αs 3

2
or, α s = αc
3

System of Particles and Rotational Motion 11

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 Since, αs < αc
Therefore, the sphere will acquire greater speed than that of the
cylinder.

LONG ANSWER Type Questions (LA)

[ 4 & 5 marks each ]

7. From a uniform disc of radius R, a circular disc of radius R/2 is

cut out. The center of the hole is at R/2 from the center of the
original disc. Locate the center of gravity of the resultant flat
body. [Delhi Gov. QB 2022]
Ans.

R
X 2
X’ X
PO O’

If the mass per unit area of the disc is m.

Then mass of the portion removed from the disc is
2
R   nR 2  M
M' = n   × m =  m =
2  4  4

In the figure, centre of mass of M is at O and M' is at O'

R
But, OO' = .
2
After mass M' is removed the remaining portion can be taken as
two masses

−M
M at O and –M' = at O' we taking –M' because we are
4
removing this mass.

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 distance of centre of gravity(P) of remaining part is:
R
M × 0 M '×
X= 2
M + M'
−M R
×
X= 4 2
M
M−
4
−R
X=
6
Minus sign indicates that P is to the left of O.

NUMERICAL Type Questions

8. To maintain a rotor at a uniform angular speed of 200 rad s–1,

an engine needs to transmit a torque of 180 Nm. What is the
power required by the engine? Assume that the engine is 100%
efficient. [Delhi Gov. QB 2022](2m)
Ans. Given: The angular speed of the rotor is 200 rad/s.
The torque needed to be transmitted by the engine is 180 Nm.
The power of the rotor is required to transmit energy to apply a
torque τ to rotate a motor with angular speed ω.
P = τω
= 180 × 200 W
= 36 kW

System of Particles and Rotational Motion 13