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CENTRE OF
MASS AND
MOMENTUM
 QUIZRR 3

1. CEN T RE OF M A SS (COM )
The concept of the centre of mass is that of an average of the masses factored by their distances
from a reference point. In one plane, that is like the balancing of a seesaw about a pivot point
with respect to the torques produced.
COM for two bodies

x2
xcm
Center
x1 of mass

m1 m2

m1 x1  m2  x2
For two masses xcm 
m1  m2

If you are making measurements from the centre of mass point for a two-mass system then the
centre of mass condition can be expressed as

x
m1x1 = m1x2 or m1  m2 2
x1

where x1 and x2 locate the masses. The centre of mass lies on the line connecting the two masses.

Ex a m p l e 1 :
Two particles of mass 1 kg and 2 kg are located at x = 0 and x = 3 m. Find the position of
their centre of mass.
Solution :
Since, both the particles lie on x-axis, the COM will also lie on x-axis. Let the COM is located at
x = x, then
r1 = distance of COM from the particle of mass 1 kg = x
and r2 = distance of COM from the particle of mass 2 kg
= (3 x)
m1 = 1 kg com m2 = 2 kg
r1 m2
Using = m
r2 1 x=0 x=x x=3
r1 = x r2 = (3 x)
x 2
or  or x= 2m Ans.
3x 1

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1 .1 Ce n t re o f M a s s f o r Pa r t i c l e s
The centre of mass is the point at which all the mass can be considered to be „concentrated‰ for
the purpose of calculating the „first moment‰, i.e., mass times distance. For two masses this
distance is calculated from
(m1  m2 ) xcm  m1 x1  m2 x2


Effective distance Sum of moments of

Total mass
for the total mass individual masses
= distance to the
center of mass

For the more general collection of N particles this becomes

N N
Mxcm   mi xi where M   mi = total mass
i 1 i 1

and when extended to three dimensions :

N N N
 mi xi  mi yi  mi zi
i 1 i 1 i 1
xcm  ycm  zcm 
M M M

This approach applies to decreet masses even if they are not point masses if the position xi is taken
to be the position of the centre of mass of the ith mass. It also points the way toward the
calculation of the centre of mass of an extended object.

Ex a m p l e 2
The position vector of three particles of mass m 1 = 1 kg, m 2 = 2 kg and m 3 = 3 kg are
  
     
r 1  i→  4 j→  k→ m , r 2  i→  j→  k→ m and r 3  2i→  j→  2 k→ m respectively. Find the position
vector of their centre of mass.
Solution :
The position vector of COM of the three particles will be given by
  
 m r 1  m2 r 2  m3 r 3
r COM  1
m1  m2  m3
Substituting the values, we get


rCOM 
    
(1) i→  4 →j  k→  (2) i→  →j  k→  3 2i→  →j  2 k→ = 9i→  3 →j  3 k→
123 6


rCOM 
2

1 → → →
3i  j  k m  Ans.

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 QUIZRR 5

Ex a m p l e 3
Four particles of mass 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and 4 kg are placed at the four vertices A, B, C and
D of a square of side 1 m. Find the position of centre of mass of the particles.
Solution :
Assuming D as the origin, DC as x-axis and DA as y-axis, we have
m1 = 1 kg, (x1, y1) = (0,1 m) y
m2 = 2 kg, (x2, y2) = (1 m, 1 m) A B
m3 = 3 kg, (x3, y3) = (1 m, 0)
and m4 = 4 kg, (x4, y4) = (0, 0)
Coordinates of their COM are x
D C
m1 x1  m2 x2  m3 x3  m4 x4
xCOM =
m1  m2  m3  m4

1 0   2 1  3 1  4  0

= A B
1234

COM
5 1
=  m  0.5 m
10 2 D C

m1 y1  m2 y2  m3 y3  m4 y4
Similarly, yCOM =
m1  m2  m3  m4

11  2 1  3  0   4  0
=
1234

3
= m = 0.3 m
10

 (xCOM, yCOM) = (0.5 m, 0.3 m) Ans.

Thus, position of COM of the four particles is as shown in figure.

1 .2 Ce n t re o f M a s s : Co n t i n u o u s Sy s t e m
For a continuous distribution of x4
mass, the expression for the centre x3
of mass of a collection of particles : x2
x1

m1 m2 m3 m4

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 6 QUIZRR

N
xcm   mi xi
i1

becomes an infinite sum and is expressed in the form of an integral.

N
 mi xi M
xcm  i1  xdm
lim  0
m  0 M M

1 .3 Ce n t re o f m a s s f o r v a r io u s b o d i e s
x
(1) (a) Uniform rod of length l 0 CM L


L
L 2 dm = M dx
M L
 x L dx xl
1 x2 L
xcm  0  
M L 2 2
x0 L

(b) Non-uniform rod of length L, whose linear density is given by :

 x
  0  1  
 L

Solution :
Assume an element of thickness dx at a distance x from the axis,

 x
then, dm   dx  0  1   dx x=0
 L
x
Thus, the centre of mass is given by

 xdm
 X cm =
 dm dx

L
 x
L2 L3
0
 x 0  1   dx
 L 
 2

3L 
5L2 2  
= L  x L2 3L  6
  L
 0  1   dx L
2L
0

 5L 
=  
 9 

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 QUIZRR 7

(2) Uniform circular arc subtending an angle 0 at the centre

Solution :
Assume an element of thickness Rd over the arc AB.
then
dm = Rd
centre of mass will lie along the axis of symmetry OP. Hence,
XCM = 0 P Rd
A
0 B
2
  R cos  R d 0 d
 0 y
 y dm  2 2
0
and YCM =  dm 2
 Rd O
x
 0
2

  
2R  sin 0  Tip : Try to identify the axis of symmetry, wherever possible in case
=  2 
0 of calculating COM

Result :

 sin 0 / 2 
(1) Centre of mass of an arc subtending an angle 0 at centre = 2R   [from centre on
 0 
axis of symmetry
2R
(2) COM of semi-circular ring = {Put here 0 = }


2 2R Put    
(3) COM of a quarter circle arc =  0 
  2

(3) Uniform semi-circular lamina having inner and outer radius R1 and R2.
Solution :
Y

R2

r
R1
O X
(dr)

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 8 QUIZRR
Consider a semi-circular ring at a distance r of thickness dr
dm =  (2r) dr {Here  is the surface density}
Now, centre of mass will lie along the axis of symmetry in this case also.
Hence, XCM = 0

R2  2r 
R1     2r  dr
 Y dm    
 YCM =
 dm
R
R1   2r  dr
2

2r
{Please note that here Y is taken as which was the result obtained in the previous case of

semi-circular arc}

=

2 R 2  R1
3 3


 3 R 22  R12 
2

YCM 

3
4 R 2  R1
3



3 R22  R12 
(B) Uniform Laminar arc subtending an angle 0 at centre
Solution :
Consider an arc at a radius r from the centre O

0
dm    2r  dr 
2

and YCM   Y dm
 dm R2 r

R2  2r sin 0 / 2  R1
R1     0 r  dr
 0 
= R2
R1   0 r  dr 0

  0   O

YCM
 4 sin    R 32  R13
  2   


30  R 2  R2
 2 1  
 

4R  
YCM  sin  0  {When R1 = 0}
30  2 
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 QUIZRR 9

Remember :

4R
* CM of an arc-shaped disc = 3  sin 0 / 2 
0

 4R 
* CM of a semi-circular disc =  
 3 

4R 1  4 2R 
CM of a quarter disc = 3  2    
2  3 
*

(4) (A) Centre of mass of Hemi-spherical shell

Solution :
Consider a ring at an angle  from vertical axis of symmetry
dm   2R sin   Rd 

/
2
YCM
0 Y dm
 /
0
2
dm

Rsin
/ Rd

=
0
2
 
2 R 2 sin    d   R cos 
 d
/
0
2 2
2  R sin  d 
O
R
/
2
=
R 0 sin  cos  d
=
R
/ 2
0
2
sin  d

Remember :
R
COM of hemi-spherical shell lies on distance from centre on axis of symmetry.
2

(B) When surface mass density varies as

 = 0 cos 
Solution :

/ /
2 2
  R cos   0 cos   2R sin   R d   R  cos2  sin  d 
0 2R
YCM  0
= /

/ 3
2 2

 0 cos   2R sin   R d   sin  cos  d

0 0

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 10 QUIZRR
5 . Ce n t re o f m a s s o f s o l i d h e m i s p h e r e :
Consider thin concentric shell at a distance r of thickness dr
let volume mass density = 0
dm = 0(2r2) dr
R
R
r
  2  (2r
2
) dr
YCM 
 Y dm
 0 r
  dm
R

   2r  dr
2

0
dr

r
{Here taking Y  as calculated in case of hemi-spherical shell}
2

R4  3 3R 
=  3
24R  8 

Remember :
 3R 
Centre of mass of a hemi-spherical disc of radius R lies on   distance from centre on axis
 8 
of symmetry.

6. (A ) Ce n t re o f m a s s o f a h o l lo w r ig h t c y l i n d e r
O
x
 h
dx
H

Consider a ring of thickness dx having a slant height x and vertical height h.

Now dm =  (2 x sin )dx

H
cos 
 h  2 x sin   dx
YCM =  Y dm  0


H
dm
cos 
   2 x sin   dx
0

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 QUIZRR 11

also, h = x cos 

=
cos 
0
cos  x2 dx

2 H cos 
H 3 cos 

0
cos  x dx

2
YCM = H from the point O.
3

(B) Centre of mass of solid right cylinder

dm = 0 ( r2) dx O
where r = x tan  x
 x
 dm = 0 tan2  ( x2) dx
dx
H dx
 Y dm  0 x 0 tan   x  dx
H 2 2

YCM =
 dm 0 0 tan2   x2  dx
H

3 H4 3H
= 
3 4
4H

Remember :

2H
CM of a hollow right circular cone =
3

 3H 
CM of a solid right circular cone =  
 4 

1 .4 T o f i n d t h e Ce n t re o f M a s s o f r e m a i n i n g p a r t w h e n c e r t a i n p o r t i o n o f b o d y
is sc ooped out

Ex a m p l e 4 :
From a uniform circular disc of radius R, a smaller disc of radius R/2, with circumference
touching each other is scooped out. Find out the CM of remaining body.
Solution :
Steps of solving
(1) Fill the cavity by mass +m, m

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 12 QUIZRR
(2) Now, centre of mass can be calculated.

MX  mx MY  my
XCM =
M  m  YCM =
M  m 

M M
 X  x  Y  y
m m
= M  = M 
  1   1
m  m 

M R/2
mX  x M R 2
   4
XCM = m R 2 / 4
M 
  1
m 

0  R /2
=
 4  1
  /
R
6
... (Y
CM
will remain same at origin
the remaining portion is symmetric
R about x-axis)
 co-ordinates of CM = ( /6, 0)

Ex a m p l e 5
From a uniform solid hemisphere of radius R, a solid right circular cone of radius R/2 and
height R/2 is scooped out (a) symmetrically (b) unsymmetrically. Find the position of centre
of mass in each case.
Solution :
(a) Symmetrical cavity
Fill the cavity with + m and m mass.
let M be the masses of the original hemisphere (when the cone is not scooped out) then

2
M  R 3  0
3
now, let m be the mass of cone scooped out, then
3
1 1 R
m   R 2 h 0     0
3 3 2

2
 R3
M
 3  16 M
 m 1 R
3
  m
3 2

My1  my2
Now, YCM  Mm

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 QUIZRR 13

3R H R
y1  , y2  
8 4 8

M  3R  R
  y1  y2 16   
m
YCM     8  8
 M 16  1
m 1
 

47 R
=
120

(b) Unsymmetrical cavity

M
Her, also  16
m

M
 m  X1  X 2 16  0  R / R
X CM    2

M 16  1 30
1
m

M
  y1  y2 47R
Now, YCM   m  
M 120
m  1
 

  R 47R 
 Co-ordinates of COM are  , 
 30 120 

Ex a m p l e 6
From a right circular cone of base radius R and height R, a uniform solid hemisphere of
radius R/2 is symmetrically scooped out. Find the co-ordinates of centre of mass.
Solution :
let M be the original mass of the cone and m be the mass of hemi-sphere that is scooped out.

1 2 R3
then, M   R2  R  , m  
3 3 8

M
 4
m

M 4R 3R
 m y  y 
82
 
4 13R
YCM 
M 4 1 =
1 48
m
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 14 QUIZRR
1 .5 M o t i o n o f Ce n t re o f M a s s
 CM

rCM 
 mi ri
 mi

 mi  ri

 r cm
 rCM 
 mi O

 

vCM 
 mi vi 

aCM 
 mi ai
 mi  mi
 
M VCM   mi Vi
  
PCM  P1  P 2  P 3  .......
Total momentum of system is frame of reference S
= momentum of CM is same frame of reference S.
= vector sum of individual momenta of particles in same frame S.
      
d P CM d Pi
 mi a i    dt 

dt
   Fi´   F ex 
   net
 

 
F ex  M aCM


 
All external forces acting on system of particles can be treated
aCM  
F ex 
 to act on centre of mass of system of particles.
 M 
 

 Fex  x Fex ( y) F ( z)
aCM ( x)  ; aCM ( y)  ; aCM ( z)  ex
M M M

   F1
P = P1  P2
1
        
dP  d P1   d P 2  F12
 dt  =  dt    dt  
      r1 F21
     
2 

      r2 F2
=  F1  F12   F 2  ( F 21 ) 
    O
 
F12 = F21
    
=  1
F  F 2  =  F ex 
   net

In non-inertial frames, the effect of pseudo force must be considered.

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 QUIZRR 15

Ex a m p l e 7 B

Two particles A and B of mass 1 kg and 2 kg respectively are projected

uB
in the directions shown in figure with speeds u A = 200 m/s and u B = 50
90m
m/s. Initially they were 90 m apart. Find the maximum height attained uA
by the centre of mass of the particles. Assume acceleration due to gravity
to be constant. (g = 10 m/s2). A
Solution :
Using mArA = mBrB
or (1)(rA) = (2)(rB)
or rA = 2rB ...(i)
and rA + rB = 90 m ...(ii)
Solving these two equations, we get
rA = 60 m and rB = 30 m
i.e.,COM is at height 60 m from the ground at time t = 0.

 
 m a  mB aB m
Further, aCOM = A A  g  10 2 (downwards)
mA  mB s

as  
aA  aB  g

 
 m u A  mB u B
uCOM  A (downwards)
mA  mB

1 200   2  50  100

=  m/s (upwards)
12 3

Let, h be the height attained by COM beyond 60 m. Using

V2COM = u2COM + 2aCOM h

2
 100 
or 0 =     2 10  h
 3 

or h =
100 2  55.55 m
180

Therefore, maximum height attained by the centre of mass is

H = 60 + 55.55 = 115.5 m Ans.

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 16 QUIZRR
Ex a m p l e 8
In the arrangement shown in figure, m A = 2 kg and m B = 1 kg. String is light
and inextensible. Find the acceleration of centre of mass of both the blocks.
Neglect friction everywhere.
A

B
Solution :
Net pulling force on the system is (mA mB)g
or (2 1)g = g
Total mass being pulled is mA + mB or 3 kg

Net pulling force g

 a = 
Total mass 3

  a A
 mA a A  mB a B
Now, aCOM =
mA  mB
B a
 2  a   1 a  a
= 
12 3

g
= downwards
9
Alternate Method
Free body diagram of block A is shown in figure. T
2g T = mA (a)
or T = 2g mAa A a

 g  4g
= 2g (2)    mAg = 2g
3 3
Free body diagrams of A and B both are as shown in Fig.

Net force on both the blocks


a COM = mA  mB
T
 mA  mB  g  2T
=
21
B a
8g
3g 
= 3 mB g
3

g
= downwards
9

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 QUIZRR 17

2. Co n s e r v a t io n o f L i n e a r M o m e n t u m
The conservation law for linear momentum follows is very close to being just a restatement of
Newtons first law that the velocity vector is constant for a body on which no forces act. So you
have in a sense already been using this conservation law in various problems involving Newtons
laws.
One of the beauties of Newtons laws is that there are no restriction on what type of macroscopic
objects we can apply them. We now embark on the use of Newtons laws to examine systems of
particles which in general can have internal motion as well. In this context we shall learn about
the conservation laws for Linear and Angular momentum and about the center of mass for an
object.
First it turns out to be handy to introduce the quantity called linear momentum. For a single
particle the linear momentum is a vector quantity defined as
 
P mv

Using this quantity we can re-write Newtons second law as

 
  d v dP
F  ma  m 
dt dt

Interestingly this was actually the form which Sir Isaac Newton himself chose to work with. A
special case that we have often considered before is when
  
F  0  P is a constant
If our object under considerations consists of many individual „sub‰ objects then we can still define
a momentum for that system of particles

  
P  P i   mi v i
i i

To distinguish it from the linear momentum of individual particles we use a large P for the
momentum of a many particle system. Taking the time derivative of this equation we get

 
dP dP  

dt
  dt   F i  F net
i i

So,
The linear momentum of a system of particles is conserved when no net external force
acts on that system. It is important to note that no net force does not mean that no forces act.
Internal forces are allowed to occur because Newtons third law guarantees that these forces come
in action-reaction pairs and hence they cancel out exactly when we add them up to get the net

force, F net . Thus the presence of large internal forces does not invalidate the conservation of
linear momentum.

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 18 QUIZRR
Note : Suppose a system consists of more than one particle (or bodies). Net external force on the
system in a particular direction is zero. Initially the centre of mass of the system is at rest, then
obviously the centre of mass will not move along that particular direction even though some
particles (or bodies) of the system may move along that direction. The following example will
illustrate the above theory.

Ex a m p l e 9
A wooden plank of mass 20 kg is resting on a smooth horizontal floor. A man of mass 60
kg starts moving from from one end of the plank to the other end. The length of the plank
is 10 m. Find the displacement of the plank over the floor when the man reaches the other
end of the plank.

10m
Solution :
Here the system is man + plank. Net force on this system in horizontal direction is zero and
initially the centre of mass of the system is at rest. Therefore, the centre of mass does not move
in horizontal direction.
Let x be the displacement of the plank. Assuming the origin, i.e., x = 0 at the position shown in
figure.
As we said earlier also, the centre of mass will not move in horizontal direction (x-axis). Therefore,
for centre of mass to remain stationary,
xi = xf

 60  0   20 
10 
 60 10  x  20  
10
  x
 2    2 
60  20 60  20

 10  x=0 10m Initial Position

6 10  x   2   x
or 5
  2   60  6 x  10  2 x
4 8 8

or 5 = 30 3x + 5 x or 4x = 30

30
or x m or x = 7.5 m Ans. X 10 X Final Position
4
Note : The centre of mass of the Plank lies at its centre.

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 QUIZRR 19

Ex a m p l e 1 0
Y
A small sphere of radius R is held against the inner surface
of larger sphere of radius 6R (as shown in figure). The
masses of large and small spheres are 4 M and M 6R
respectively. This arrangement is placed on a horizontal M
table. There is no friction between any surfaces of contact. X
(L, 0) R
The small sphere is now released. Find the coordinates of
4M
the centre of the large sphere, when the smaller reaches
the other extreme position.
Solution :
Since all the surfaces are smooth, no external force is acting on the system in horizontal direction.
Therefore, the centre of mass of the system in horizontal direction will remain stationary. Initial
x-coordinate of COM will be given by

Y Y

6R 6R
C C
X X
(L, 0) (x, 0)

m1 x1  m2 x2  4M  L   M  L + 5R 
xi    L  R ...(i)
m1  m2 4M  M

Let, (x, 0) be the coordinates of the centre of large sphere in final position. Then x-coordinate of
COM in final position will be

 4M  x  M  x  5R 
xf    x  R ...(ii)
4M  M

Equating Eqs. (i) and (ii), we have

x = L + 2R
Therefore, coordinates of large sphere, when the smaller sphere reaches the other extreme position,
are (L + 2R, 0). Ans.

Po i n t s t o Re m e m b e r
1. In this situation discussed above we can also apply

 mR xR   mL xL

Here,  mR xR is the summation of product of x and m of the particles (or bodies) which are

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 20 QUIZRR

moving towards right and  mL xL is the summation of product of x and m of the particle (or
bodies) which are moving towards left. But remember the following three conditions while using
the above equation.
(i) This equation can be applied when centre of mass does not move in x-direction.
(ii) In the above equation x is the displacement of particle relative to ground.
Let us solve above example using this method.
Here, xL = displacement of plank towards left = x
mL = mass of plank = 20 kg
xR = displacement of man relative to ground towards right = 10 x
and mR = mass of man = 60 kg
Applying xRmR = xLmL, we get
(10 x)(60) = 20x
or x = 30 3x
or 4x = 30

30
 x =  7.5 m
4

2. If a projectile explodes in air in different parts, Explosion

B
the path of the centre of mass remains
u
unchanged. This is because during explosion no
Path of COM
external force (except gravity) acts the centre of
mass. The situation is as shown in figure.
Path of COM is ABC, even though the different
parts travel in different directions after explosion. A C
3. The kinetic energy of a system of particles can be written as the sum of two terms :

1 2
(i) The kinetic energy associated with the motion of centre of mass, MvCOM where M is the
2
total mass of the system and
(ii) The kinetic energy associated with the motion of the particles of the system relative to the

1
centre of mass,  2 miui2 , where  th
ui is the velocity of the i particle relative to the centre

of mass.
The kinetic energy of a system of the individual particles.

1
K.E. =  K i   2 mi vi2
i i

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 QUIZRR 21

The velocity of each particle can be written as the sum of the velocity of the centre of mass 
vCOM

and the velocity of the particle relative to centre of mass 

ui .

  
vi  vCOM  ui

1   1      
Then K.E. =  2 mi  vi . vi  =  2 mi  vCOM  ui  .  vCOM  ui 
i   i   

1 1  
=  2 mi vCOM
2
  mi u12 
2
vCOM .  mi u i
i i i

In the last term we have removed 

vCOM from the sum because it is same for each particle. The


quantity  mi u i is the total momentum of the system relative to the centre of mass. This quantity
i
is necessarily zero. Thus,
1 1 1
K.E. =  2 mi vCOM
2
  mi u12  MvCOM
2 2
2
 K rel
i i

where M is the total mass and Krel is the kinetic energy of the particles relative to the centre of

mass. When there are no external force, 

v COM is constant and the kinetic energy associated with

1 2 
bulk motion  MvCOM  does not change. Only the relative kinetic energy (Krel) can change in
2 
isolated system.

Ex a m p l e 1 1
m
A block of mass m is released from the top of
a wedge of mass M as shown in figure. Find
the displacement of wedge on the horizontal h y
M
ground when the block reaches the bottom of
the wedge. Neglect friction everywhere. 
x
Solution :
Here, the system is wedge + block. Net force on the system in horizontal direction (x-direction) is
zero, therefore, the centre of mass of the system will not move in x-direction so we can apply,
xRmR = xLmL
Let x be the displacement of wedge. Then
xL = displacement of wedge towards left = x
mL = mass of wedge = M

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 22 QUIZRR
xR = displacement of block with respect to ground towards right
= h cot  x
and mR = mass of block = m
Substituting in Eq. (i), we get
m (h cot  x) = xM

mh cot 
x =
Mm

Ex a m p l e 1 2
A gun (mass = M) fires a bullet (mass = m) with speed vr relative to barrel of the gun which
is inclined at an angle of 60 with horizontal. The gun is placed over a smooth horizontal
surface. Find the recoil speed of gun.
Solution :
Let the recoil speed of gun is v. Taking gun + bullet as the system. Net external force on the
system in horizontal direction is zero. Initially the system was at rest. Therefore, applying the
principle of conservation of linear momentum in horizontal direction, we get
vr

60
vr sin 60

v vr cos 60
M
components of velocity
of bullet relative to ground
Mv m(vr cos 60 v) = 0

mvr cos 60

v =
Mm

mvr
v = 2  M  m

Ex a m p l e 1 3
A boat of length 2 metres and mass M = 40 kg is floating in a river at a distance of 5 m from
the shore. Two persons weighing 50 kg and 60 kg each standing on opposite ends of boat.
Start moving towards each other and stop at the centre of the boat. Then, find :
(a) the displacement of boat relative to ground

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 QUIZRR 23

(b) the displacement of each man relative to ground

(c) the new distance of boat from the shore. (Neglect viscous force of water)
Solution :
50kg
2m 60kg
5m

Analysing forces on the system,

  Fex  = 0
 (aCM)x = 0  (VCM)x = (uCM)x = 0

m1 x1  m2 x2  MX

 X CM  0
m1  m2  M

Now let us assume the boat moves a distance x towards left.

Then,
x1 = 1 x
x2 = 1 x
5 x
 m1 x1 + m2 x2 M x = 0
 m1 (1 x) + m2 ( 1 x) M x = 0
1m 1m
m1  m2  10 
x    
m1  m2  M  150 

1
= m
15

1
(a) Hence, the boat was moved a distance m towards right.
15
(b) displacement of each man

  1  16
x1 = 1  m towards right
 15  15

  1   14
x2 = 1   15
 15 

14
i.e., m towards left
15

1 76
(c) The new distance = 5 m
15 15

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 24 QUIZRR
Ex a m p l e 1 4 P v1 = 5 3 m/s
A car P is moving with a uniform speed of 5 3 m/s C
towards a carriage of mass 9 kg at rest kept on the
120m
rails at a point B as shown in figure. The height AC
A
is 120 m. Cannon balls of 1 kg are fired from the car
with an initial velocity 100 m/s at an angle 30 with B
the horizontal. The first cannon ball hits the stationary carriage after a time t0 and sticks
to it. Determine t0. At t0, the second cannon ball is fired. Assume that the resistive force
between the rails and the carriage is constant and ignore the vertical motion of the carriage
throughout. If the second cannon ball also hits and sticks to the carriage. What will be the
horizontal velocity of the carriage just after the second impact ? Take g = 10 m/s2.
[JEE 2001]
Solution :
(i) 100 m/s velocity of the cannon ball is relative to ground. [Unless and until it is mentioned
in the question, the velocity is always relative to ground]
Horizontal component of its velocity, u x = u cos 30

3
or u x = 100  m = 50 3 m/s
2
and vertical component of its velocity, u y = u sin 30

1
or u y = 100  m/s = 50 m/s
2
Vertical displacement of the ball when it strikes the carriage is 120 m or

1
sy = u y t  a yt2
2


1
120 = (50 t) +    10t
2
2
 
 t2 10t 24 = 0
 t = 12 s or 2 s
Ignoring the negative time, we have t0 = 12 s Ans.
(ii) When it strikes the carriage, its horizontal component of velocity is still 50 3 m/s. It sticks
to the carriage. Let v2 be the velocity of (carriage + cannon ball) system after collision. The
applying conservation of linear momentum in horizontal direction.
(mass of ball) (horizontal component of its velocity before collision) = (mass of ball + carriage) (v2)

 
(1 kg) 50 3 m/s  = (10 kg) (v2)

 v2 = 5 3 m/s

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 QUIZRR 25

The second cannon ball is fired 1 kg 10 kg 5 3 m/s 11 kg

when the first cannon ball v
50 3 m/s
strikes the carriage, i.e., after
12 second. In these 12 second
the car will move forward a
Before collision After collision

distance of 12v1 or 60 3 m. This ball will strike the carriage only when the carriage also

covers the same distance of 60 3 m in next 12 second. This is possible only when resistive
forces are zero because

Velocity of car (v1) = velocity of carriage after first collision (v2) = 5 3 m/s . Hence at the time
of second collision :

Horizontal component of velocity of cannon ball = 50 3 m/s

and Horizontal velocity of carriage + first cannon ball = 5 3 m/s

Let v be the desired velocity of carriage after second collision.

Then conservation of linear momentum in horizontal direction gives

  
11 v = 1  50 3  10  5 3  100 3 
100 3
 v = m/s or v  15.75 m/s Ans.
11

In this particular problem, values are so adjusted that even if we take the velocity of cannon ball
with respect to car, we get the same results of both the parts, although the method will be wrong.

Ex a m p l e 1 5
Two identical buggies each of mass M are moving with velocity v0 without friction on
horizontal surface, one after the other. A man of mass m diving on near buggie, jumps with
velocity u relative to his own buggie on the front buggie.
Find the velocity of each buggie after the jump.
Solution :

V0 V0 V1 V2
m m u

M M

  Fex   0 [for any buggie and man system]

 momentum remains conserved in that direction [ground frame]

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 26 QUIZRR
(i) For rear buggie and man system
Let v0 be the velocity of both the buggies before the jump, and v1 be the velocity of the
buggy after the jump.
then velocity of man with respect to ground is given by (u + v1)
Now,since no external force acts,
hence (pi)x = (pf)x
 (M + m) v0 = Mv1 + m (u + v1)

v1 
 M  m  v0  mu

M  m
(ii) For front buggie and man system
let v2 be the combined velocity of buggie 2 and man, (pi)x = (pf)x
 Mv0 + m(u + v1) = (m + M)v2

Mv0  m(u  v1 )
 v2 =
Mm

Ex a m p l e 1 6
Two men, each of mass m are standing on one end of stationary buggie of mass M. Each
jumps off from the buggie with velocity u relative to buggie. Find the velocity of buggie
relative to ground
(a) when both men jumps off simultaneously
(b) when each jumps one after another.
Solution :
(a) When both men jump off simultaneously
v u

m m
initial condition
Final condition

Let us assume t he final velocit y of buggie aft er bot h men jump off is v, then
(pi)x = (pf)x {as no external force acts}
where vg is velocity of each man with respect to ground.
vg = (u v)
 0 = M ( v) + 2m (u v)

2 mu
 v
 M  2m 

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 QUIZRR 27

(b) When each jumps one after the another

V1 V2 u
u

After 1 man jumps off After both men jump off

(i) After the first man jumps only,

(pi)x = (pf)x
Let us assume that the buggie acquires a velocity v1 after 1 man jumps off
then, 0 = (m + M) ( v1) + m (u v1)
 (2m + M) v1 = m u

mu
 v1 
2m  M

(ii) after the second man jumps

let the velocity of the buggie be v2
then (pi)x = (pf)x
 (m + M)v1 = Mv2 + m (u v2)

v2 
 m  M  v1  mu

M  m

Ex a m p l e 1 7 10 m/s

A system consists of cart filled with a gun, having mass 50 37

m as shown. A shell is fired with velocity 10 m/s wrt gun.
Then find 5m

(a) velocity just after second shell is fired

(b) horizontal range of second shell, before it strikes the ground (height of gun = 5 m)
(mass of each shell = m)
Solution :
(a) After the first shell is fired 10 m/s
37
(pi)x = (pf)x
 0 + 0 = 49 m( v1) + m (10 cos 37 v1)
V1 +ve
 8 
 v1     0.16 m/s
 50 
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 28 QUIZRR
After the second shell is fired
10 m/s
(pi ) x = (pf)x
37
(49 m)v1 = 48 m (v2) + m (v2 10 cos 37 )
+Ve
V2 5m
 49 m  v1  8m  v
2
49m

v2 = 0.323 m/s
(b) For the shell fired;
u x = (10 cos 37 v2)
u y = 10 sin 37

1
5 = 6t  10t2
2

R = (10 cos 37 v2) t = 10.02m

Ex a m p l e 1 8
A block of mass m starts sliding from the top of an inclined wedge of mass M. Find the
velocity of wedge and block when it reaches the bottom (all surfaces are smooth).
Solution : +ve ve

  Fex x  0
(pi)x = (pf)x V0 h mg

 0 = Mv0 + m (Vb,w + vw)

where Vv,w = velocity of block with respect to
 
wedge in x - direction = v cos  V
vw = + v0 = velocity of wedge N0 Mg

 0 = Mv0 + m ( v cos  + v0)

mv cos 
 v0  ... (1)
m M

Energy also remains conserved (in ground frame)

Tip : In this question, energy cannot be conserved in the reference frame of wedge, since a
pseudo force will also act on the block, whose work will not be zero.
k + u = 0

2
1 1   
mgh = Mv02   vb, w  v w 
2 2 

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 QUIZRR 29


1
2
1

Mv02  m v02  v2  2vv0 cos (  )  mgh
2

M  m  v02  2mv cos  v0  mv2  2mgh  0 ...(2)

using (1) in (2)

 m  M  v02
2

  M  m v02  2M  m v02   2mgh  0

m cos2 

2mgh
 v0 
 m M 
 M  m   1
 m cos  

1 2  M  m  gh
and v
cos  mM 
m  1
 m cos 

Ex a m p l e 1 9
A small disc of mass m rolls from height h down a smooth hill as shown. A plank of mass
M is placed on the bottom of hill on a smooth surface. When the disc is getting onto the
plank, after certain time, the disc and the plank start moving together. Find the work done
by friction on the disc, on the plank and on disc + plank system.
Solution :

u  2 gh , the velocity of the disc m

when it reaches the bottom of hill.

Now,  Fex  x  0 {for plank + disc

system} h

 linear momentum remains

conserved in horizontal direction
(pi)x = (pf)x m
mu = (m + M)v M

 mu 
 v 
 M m 

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 30 QUIZRR
Now, the change in velocity for each body can be attributed to the work done by friction
Wfr (disc) = K (disc)

1 1
= mv2  mu2
2 2

{we can see here that work done is negative}

Wfr (plank) = Kplank

1 1
= Mv2  0  Mv2
2 2

 Wfr (disc) + Wfr (plank) = Wfr (system)

Tip : Work done by friction on the system is negative and same in all frame of reference.

1 1
 Wfr =  M  m  v2  mu2
2 2

1 m2 1
= u2  mu2
2 M  m 2

1 u2 Mm
Wfr = 
2  M  m

Ex a m p l e 2 0
A small disc of mass m is placed on the horizontal portion of a
smooth surface of body of mass M as shown. An initial velocity u
is imparted towards right. Find :
m
u
(a) the maximum height upto which the disc will rise above the
initial level. M
(b) Also find the maximum velocity acquired by the plank.
Solution :
V2
V1

V2 V3
V2

V4

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 QUIZRR 31

The momentum of system remains conserved in horizontal direction

(a) In attaining maximum height above ground,
(energy also remains constant)
(pi ) x = (pf)x
mu = (m + M)v2 ... (1)
using energy conservation (from ground frame)

1 1
mgh  mu2   m  M  v22 ... (2)
2 2

1 u2  M 
 h  
2 g m  M

(b) The particle of mass m (disc) lands again back on the same platform. Maximum velocity,
hence is achieved when the disc reaches the flat portion of platform.
Note : The disc after breaking off from the platform lands back again on platform,
 horizontal range of disc = distance moved forward by the platform in the same time.
(pi ) x = (pf)x {system}
 mu = ( m v4) + Mv3 ...(1)
using energy conservation

1 1 1
mu2  mv42  M v32 ...(2)
2 2 2

2 mu
 v3 
M m

Ex a m p l e 2 1
M
m
l
A

A bob of mass m is is attached to a point A with a light rigid rod as shown, which can slide
down. The block is placed on a smooth horizontal slot. The system is released from rest. Find
(a) the maximum displacement of the block
(b) the velocity of the block, when the rod becomes vertical
Solution :
The block performs the oscillatory motion
consider at an instant P when the bob has moved down by  and displacement of block is xm.

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P

A
A A


The rod (with bob) is moving in circle about point A is the reference frame of block.

(a)   Fex   0  xCM = 0 [ uCM = 0]

M xm + mxb = 0            xb = xb, M + xm

= l (1 cos ) + xm
 M xm + m [– l (1 cos) + xm]

ml 1  cos 
xm 
M m

maximum displacement of block occurs at  = 

 2ml 
xm   
 M m

(b) Using momentum conservation

(pi ) x = (pf)x
0 = m ( v sin  + v0) + Mv0 ...(1)

 mv sin  
v0   
 mM 

using energy conservation (from ground frame)

v0
2
1 1   M
Mv02  m v b,m  v m  mgl sin  
2 2

1 1   m
Mv02  m v2  v02  2 vv0 sin    mgl sin  2 
v0
2 2   
v

put   and solve yourself.
2

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Ex a m p l e 2 2
u u
Two identical beads, each of mass m are brought to the
m
diametrically opposite points of circular ring and imparted an m
initial velocity u as shown. The ring is placed on a smooth O
surfaces. Find the velocity of ring when the beads are about to
collide. M
Solution : +N
N v
(m2 R) N
V0
N 
 

FBD of the bead Y

(from the reference
frame of bead itself) (FBD of the ring)

* Due to a net outward normal force, the ring starts moving in positive y direction.
* logically, this can be thought also; since momentum remains conserved in the y-direction. In the
topmost position, when the velocities are horizontal, the momentum remains conserved only when
the ring has velocity along y-direction.
Using momentum conservation
(pi)x = (pf)x
 2mu = 2 m[v cos  + v0] + v0M ...(1)
using energy conservation

1
2


 1

2  mu2   m v2  v02  2vv0 cos   Mv02
2


mu2  m v2  v02  2vv0 cos    1
2
Mv02 ...(2)

2mu
when the beads are about to collide then  = /2  v0 
M  2m

Note : In the question, when for example, two insects starts crawling w.r.t.
ring without the interference of an external force then to conserve the
momentum, the ring moves in y-direction.

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Ex a m p l e 2 3
Three identical balls A, B, C each of mass M are connected by two ideal string of equal
length and placed on smooth surface. An initial velocity v0 is imparted to the ball B along
.
y-axis. Find the velocity of each ball when the angle between the string is 2


Solution : v

s
co
 vcos

v0
v0

v cos vcos

T T
 
v1
v1

A m B m C m

[Assume the velocity in the directions, one along the length of the string and another perpendicular
to the length].
Along the length of the string, velocity = vcos
[ relative longitudinal velocity along the string = 0]
velocity perpendicular to the string = v1 (say)
Momentum remains conserved
mv0 + 0 + 0 = mv + 2m [v cos2  v1 sin ]
2
mv0 = mv + 2m [cos  v1 sin ] ...(1)
using energy conservation

1
2
1 1

mv02  mv2  2  m v2 cos2   v12
2 2
 ...(2)

solve (1) and (2) yourself

Ex a m p l e 2 4
Two identical blocks A and B each of mass m are connected by a A m
spring string system, such that initial compression in the spring
7mg
7 mg l0 =
K
=
k
B m
Find the maximum vertical displacement of CM (after the string has
been burnt through).
Solution : Initial N = k l0 + mg = 8 mg
(N0 = 8 mg)

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On releasing the spring, the normal force starts decreasing on the system N
and motion of CM is accelerated with decreasing acceleration. But when
N  2 mg, the CM starts de-accelerating, still moving upward, until the
l0
lower block B breaks off from the ground, after which the motion of CM
is under gravity.
(i) Till the break-off point, the displacement of CM mg

m1y1  m2 y2  l0  l   0

y´1   m1
m1  m2 m1  m2
 
Here, for the lower block to 
 
 7 mg mg   break off K  l  mg 
m 
 k k   4 mg   mg 
=    l  
2m  k   K 

(ii) After break off point

velocity acquired by mass A when constant is lost

1
2
  1
k l02  l 2  mg  l  l0   mv2
2

 
k l02  l2  2mg  l  l0   mv2

 7mg 
l0  k 
k   
v2    l0  l   2 g   l0  l 
m  l   mg  
  k 
 

8mg  32 mg 2 
=  4 g. 
 
k  k 

m1 v1  m2 v2 mv v
 velocity of CM =  
m1  m2 2m 2

 After the contact is lost, the motion of CM is under gravity

 v2CM   2 2
y´2     v   32 mg  4mg
 2g   8g  k 8g k
   

 8mg 
 y1´  y2´   
 k 

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 36 QUIZRR
Fe w p o i n t s t o n o t e : y

A n a l y s is f r o m c e n t re o f m a s s f r a m e
y
When we analyse the motion of the particles of system from the
reference frame of CM, following results must be remembered : r´
x
CM
 

(1)
 mi ri´  0 [where ri is the position vector wrt CM frame]
r
 mi
x
O


(2)
 mi vi´  0 
[ v´i is the velocity of ith particles in CM frame]
 mi

(3)
 mi ai´  0 
[ ai´ is the acceleration of ith particle in CM frame]
 mi
(4) From (2), we can easily conclude
The vector sum of linear momenta of particle of a system is always zero in CM frame.

Ex a m p l e 2 5
Find the maximum deformation in the spring in situation shown :
F1 (CM) F2
m1 m2

Solution :
(A) Analysis from CM frame
Let the individual displacement be x1´ & x2´ of m1 and m2 at maximum deformation.
(1) we know, at maximum deformation relative longitudinal
velocity must be zero  (v1 + v2 = 0) ...(1) v1́ v2́

CM
(2) In CM frame,  Pi  0 m2 m1

 m1v1´  m2 v´2 = 0 ...(2)

x2́ x1́

Now, easily check that v1´  0, v´2  0 is the only solution possible for (1) and (2).

Thus, in CM frame, velocities of individual particles connected by a spring is zero at

maximum deformation.

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 QUIZRR 37

Writing the force equation

 F  F1  a
aCM   2 
 m1  m2  kx1
CM
kx2
(m1a) (m2a)
 Fnet ´2  F2  m2 a

 F2  F1   m1 F2  m2 F1 
= F2  m2   
 m1  m2   m1  m2 
 
 
 m1 F2  m2 F1   
 Fnet ´1  F1  m1 a     2 (F2 m2a) 
 m1  m2   
 
 
 
1 2 
F1´ x1  Fx2  k  x1  x2    (F1 + m1a) 1 
2  
 Energy conservation  

F1´  x1´  1
 F2´ x´2  k  x1  x2  
2
2



F.B.D. of blocks 


 m1 F2  m2 F1  1
   x1  x2   k( x1  x2 ) + KE´ {KE´ = 0 since v1´  v2´  0 }
 m1  m2  2

2  m1 F2  m2 F1 
 x1  x2    
k  m1  m2 

(B) Analysis from the ground frame :

F1 K F2
m1 m2

At maximum deformation velocity of both the block is same in magnitude ( relative longitudinal
velocity = 0)
Wext = K + U

1 1 2 1
F1x1 + F2x2 =  m1 v  m2 v   k  x2  x1 
2 2
 2 2  2

1 1
 F1x1 + F2x2 =  m1  m2  vCOM
2
 k ( x2  x1 ) 2 ...(1)
2 2

aCM 
 F2  F1  m   x1   m2  x2 
, xCM 
 m1  m2   m1  m2 
 2
vCM  2  aCM xCM  ...(2)

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 38 QUIZRR

1  F2  F1  m1   x1   m2 x2  1
F1 x1  F2 x2    m1  m2   2    k  x2  x1 
2
 
 2  m 1  m 2   m 1  m 2   2

 F1 x1  F2 x2  m1  m2    F2  F1   m2 x2  m1 x1   1 k x  x 2
 2 1
 m1  m2  2

 F1 m2  F2 m1  x2   F1 m2  F2 m1  x1 1
k  m1  m2 
2

 m1  m2  2

2  F1 m2  F2 m1 
  x1  x2    
K  m1  m2 

3 . V A RI A B L E M A SS
Problems related to variable mass can be solved in following three steps
1. Make a list of all the forces acting on the main mass and apply them on it.

   dm 
2. Apply an additional thrust force F t on the mass, the magnitude of which is vr    and
 dt 

direction is given by the direction of 

vr in case the mass is increasing and otherwise the

direction of  if it is decreasing.
vr


 dv
3. Find net force on the mass and apply F net m (m = mass at that particular instant)
dt

3 .1 Ro c k e t Pr o p u l s i o n
Consider the powered flight of a rocket vehicle. Assuming the following :
1. The rocket may have an initial velocity
2. The rocket is initially unpowered.
3. Gravity is negligible.
4. The propellant mass flow rate is constant.
5. The exhaust velocity relative to the rocket is constant.

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 QUIZRR 39

A diagram of the rocket is shown for two time cases in Figure 1.

v,m

Time = t

u, m
v + v , m m

Time = t + t

Note that
v = absolute rocket velocity
u = absolute exhaust gas velocity
m =mass
The initial momentum of the system Pi is
Pi = mv (1)
The final momentum of the system Pf is
Pf = (m m)(v + v) + m u (2)
The change in momentum P is
P = Pf Pi (3)
P = [(m m)(v + v) + m u] mv (4)
P = mv + mv mv – mv + mu – mv (5)
P = mv vm – mv + mu (6)
P = [u (v + v)] m + mv (7)
Let c be the exhaust gas velocity relative to the rocket. Recall that c is assumed to be constant.
c = [u (v + v)] (8)
Substitute equation (8) into (7).
P = c m + mv (9)
The change in momentum with respect to time is

P m v
c m (10)
t t t

Take the limit as the time interval approaches zero.

dP dm dv
c m (11)
dt dt dt

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40 QUIZRR
Now let F be an external force applied to the system. NewtonÊs second law is

dP
F
dt

The external force applied to the rocket is zero, however. The thrust is generated internally. Thus

dP
0
dt

Substitute equation (11) into (13)

dm dv
c m 0
dt dt

dm dv
c m ...(2)
dt dt

Equation (2) governs the flight of the rocket.

Now solve for the final velocity. Multiply through by dt.
c dm = m dv

dm
c  dv
m

dm
dv   c ...(3)
m

Let
m0 = initial rocket mass
mf = final rocket mass
v0 = initial rocket velocity
vf = final rocket velocity
Integrate equation (3)

vf mf dm
 v0 dv    m0 c
m

mf
vf  v0   c 1n  m  m0

The final velocity is

m 
vf  c 1n  0   v0
 mf 
 

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 QUIZRR 41

Ex a m p l e 2 6
(a) A rocket set for vertical firing weighs 50 kg and contains 450 kg of fuel. It can have
a maximum exhaust velocity of 2 km/s. What should be its minimum rate of fuel
consumption
(i) to just lift it off the launching pad?
(ii) to give it an acceleration of 20 m/s2?
(b) What will be the speed of the rocket when the rate of consumption of fuel is 10 kg/s
after whole of the fuel is consumed? (Take g = 9.8 m/s2)
Solution :
(a) (i) To just lift it off the launching pad
weight = thrust force

  dm 
mg = vr  
 dt 

  dm  mg
 dt  = v
  r

Substituting the values, we get

  dm   450  50  9.8 
 dt  =
  2  103

= 2.45 kg/s Ans.

2
(ii) Net acceleration a = 20 m/s
ma = Ft mg

Ft
a = g
m

vr   dm 
a = g
m  dt 

 dm  m ( g  a)
This gives   dt  = vr
 

Substituting the values, we get

 dm   450  50  9.8  20 
  dt  =
  2  103

= 7.45kg/s Ans.

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42 QUIZRR
(b) The rate of fuel consumption is 10 kg/s. So, the time for the consumption of entire fuel is

450
t =  45s
10

 m0 
Using Eq. (1), i.e., v = u gt + vr 1n  
 m 

Here, u = 0, vr = 2 103 m/s, m0 = 500 kg and m = 50 kg

Substituting the values, we get

 500 
v = 0 (9.8)(45) + (2 103) 1n  
 50 

or v = 441 + 4605.17
or v = 4164.17 m/s
or v = 4.164 km/s

4. I M PU L SE
An impulse is defined as the integral of a force with respect to time. When a force is applied to
a rigid body it changes the momentum of that body. A small force applied for a long time can
produce the same momentum change as a large force applied briefly, because it is the product of
the force and the time for which it is applied that is important.

Mat hem at ic al de rivat ion

t2
I t1 F dt
where
I is impulse (frequently marked J).
F is the force, and
dt is an infinitesimal amount of time.
t1 and t2 denote a time interval
A simple derivation using NewtonÊs second law yields :

t2 dP
I t1 dt
dt

t2
I t1 dP
I = P

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 QUIZRR 43

where
P is momentum
This is often called the impulse-momentum theorem.
As a result, an impulse may also be regarded as the change in momentum of an object to which
a force is applied. The impulse may be expressed in a simpler form when both the force and the
mass are constant :
I = Ft = mv = p
where
F is the constant total net force applied.
t is the time interval over which the force is applied.
m is the constant mass of the object
v is the change in velocity produced by the force in the considered time interval, and
mv = (mv) is the change in linear momentum.
It is often the case that not just one but both of these two quantities vary.
In the technical sense, impulse is a physical quantity, not an event or force. The term „impulse‰
is also used to refer to a fast-acting force. This type of impulse is often idealized so that the change
in momentum produced by the force happens with no change in time. This sort of change is a step
change, and is not physically possible. This is a useful model for certain purposes, such as
computing the effects of ideal collisions, especially in game physics engines.
Impulse has the same units and dimensions as momentum (kg m/s = N.s)

Ex a m p l e 2 7
A truck of mass 2 103 kg travelling at 4 m/s is brought to rest in 2 s when it strikes a wall.
What force (assume constant) is exerted by the wall?
Solution :
Using impulse = change in linear momentum
F u +ve
We have F . t = mvf mvi = m(vf vi)
or F(2) = 2 103 [0 ( 4)]
or 2F = 8 103
or F = 4 103 N Ans.

Ex a m p l e 2 8
A bullet of mass 10 3 kg strikes an object and moves at 60 to its original direction. If its
speed also changes from 20 m/s to 10 m/s. Find the magnitude of impulse acting on the
bullet.

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 44 QUIZRR
Solution :
3
Mass of the bullet m= 10 kg
Consider components parallel to J1.
3
J 1 = 10 [ 10 cos 60 ( 20]

20 m/s J1 10 cos 60

120 60
10 m/s J2
10 sin 60

3
or J 1 = 15 10 N-s
Similarly, parallel to J2, we have

J 2 = 10 3
[sin 60 0] = 5 3  103 N-s
The magnitude of resultant impulse is given by

15 2  5 
2
J = J12  J 22  10 3 3

J = 3  102 N-s

Ex a m p l e 2 9
A particle of mass 2 kg is initially at rest. A force starts acting on it in one direction whose
magnitude changes with time. The force time graph is shown in figure. Find the velocity
of the particle at the end of 10 s. F(N)

20

10

O t(s)
2 4 6 10
Solution :
Using impulse = Change in linear momentum (or area under F-t graph)
We have
m(vf vi) = Area
1 1 1
or 2(vf 0) = 2 10 + 2 10 + 2 (10 + 20) + 4 20
2 2 2
= 10 + 20 + 30 + 40
or 2vf = 100
 vf = 50 m/s Ans.

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 QUIZRR 45

Po i n t s t o r e m e m b e r
(1) Impulsive Tensions : When a string jerks, equal and opposite tensions act suddenly at
each end. Consequently equal and opposite impulses act on the objects to which the two ends
of the string are attached. There are two cases to be considered.
(a) One end of the string is fixed : The impulse which acts at the fixed end of the string
cannot change the momentum of the fixed object there. The object attached to the free end
however will undergo a change in momentum in the direction of the string. The momentum
remains unchanged in a direction perpendicular to the string where no impulse forces act.
(b) Both ends of the string attached to movable objects : In this case equal and opposite
impulses act on the two objects, producing equal and opposite changes in momentum. The
total momentum of the system therefore remains constant, although the momentum of each
individual object is changed in the direction of string. Perpendicular to the string however,
no impulse acts and the momentum of each particle in this direction is unchanged.
The velocities of two objects moving at the ends of a taut string are not independent. The
relationship between them is illustrated as under :

v1 v1 sin 1 v2 cos 2

1
A B 2
v2 A v1 cos 1 v2 sin 2

AB is a taut string. Particles A and B are moving with velocities as shown in the diagram.
The important components of velocity are those along AB since :
if v1 cos 1 > v2 cos 2 the string is not taut
and if v2 cos 2 > v1 cos 1 the string is snapped.
Hence, for the string to remain taut and unbroken,
1 = v2 cos 2
v1 cos
So, the two ends of a taut string have equal velocity components in the direction of the
string.
(2) Spring cannot exert impulsive forces
Reason : Spring can compress and elongate under the action collision.

{Hence, here momentum can be

conserved in any direction}

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 46 QUIZRR
(3) Strings exert impulsive forces only when they have tendency to become taut.

(impulsive
tension) string ha tendency
to become slack

momentum cannot be momentum can be

conserved in vertical conserved in vertical

Ex a m p l e 3 0 A
A string AB of length 2l is fixed at A to a point on a smooth horizontal
table. A particle of mass m attached to B initially at a distance l from A
l
as shown in figure. The particle is projected horizontally with speed u at
right angles to B. Find the impulsive tension in the string when becomes
taut and the velocity of the particle immediately afterwards. u
B
Solution :
When the string becomes taut AB = 2l
and B´AB = 60
Just before the string jerks that the particle has velocity components parallel and perpendicular
to AB´ of u sin 60 and u cos 60 respectively. When the string becomes taut the length of AB
is fixed and particle cannot travel in the direction AB´. After the jerk the velocity of the particle
is, therefore, perpendicular to AB´.

A A
J
60 u cos 60
2l
l
J
B´
B B´ u sin 60

Using impulse = change in momentum

(a) Along B´ A, J = 0 ( mu sin 60 )

3
or J = mu Ans.
u

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(b) Perpendicular to B´A (no impulsive component)

0 = mv mu cos 60

u
or v = u cos 60 =
2

u
Therefore, the velocity of the particle just after the string becomes taut is perpendicular to the
2
string.

5. COL LI SI ON
Contrary to the meaning of the term ÂcollisionÊ in our everyday life, in physics it does not necessarily
mean one particle ÂstrikingÊ against other. Indeed two particles may not even touch each other and
may still be said to collide. All that is implied is that as the particles approach each other.
(i) an impulse (a large force for a relatively short time) acts on each colliding particles
(ii) the total momentum of the particles remain conserved.
Now, let us have a look at various stages of collision between two bodies

m1 m2 m1 m2
u1 u2 v1 v2
Fi Fi

t < t1 t1 < t < t2 t > t2

(Before collision) t = (t2 t1 ) (After collision)
(During contact)
During collision, the two bodies interact with each other with large impulsive force, leading to
finite change in their momentum.

line of
impact
t
Impulse during
collision

Note : In collisions and explosions, neglect the effect of the constant forces for very short time
intervals, unless the time of impact is mentioned.

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I. For example, let us analyse an illustration where the body explodes. When it is at maximum
height.
V0

ucos
Due to very short time, the effect of constant
force mg can be neglected.
V

Hence, momentum of the system can be conserved in all directions.

II. Here we analyze a collision between a big body with a small body.
No
N
Here, normal reactions at point A and base
impulsive in nature.
 V mg Tip : Any force which can be expressed in
terms of impulsive forces, is also impulsive.

Mg
Here, momentum cannot be conserved in vertical directions.
III. Now, analyze a collision between similar bodies both moving horizontally.

N1 N2
Momentum can be conserved in any
direction,
øN1  N1, N2, øN1, øN2 are all constant forces
øN2 and hence an be neglected.
mg

IV. Analyzing 2 similar bodies when one is kept on ground

N
Momentum of the system cannot be
conserved in vertical direction as here also N
is impulsive.

5 .1 H e a d -On a n d Ob l iq u e Co l li s io n
Head-On Collisions : If the velocities of point of contact of two bodies before collision coincide
with line of impact.
u1 u2
(CN : Common normal)

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Oblique Collision : If the velocity of point of contact of any of the colliding bodies, does not lie
along the common normal, then it is oblique collision.

u1 u2

1 2

Note : If there is no friction at the surfaces of contact, then the component of velocities perpendicular
to common normal remains unchanged.

u1 sin 1 u2 sin 2
u1 u2

1 u2 cos 2 2
m1 m2
A u1 cos 1
B

(Before collision)

u1 sin 1 u2 sin 2

N N
(CN)

(During collision)

We can see here that an impulsive force N acts on both the bodies in opposite directions.

u1 sin 1 u2 sin 2

v1
v2

A B

(After collision)

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We assume that the body A acquires a horizontal velocity v1 and B acquires a horizontal velocity
v2. Please not the vertical component of the velocities remain unchanged as there was no force
in vertical direction.

5 .2 N e w t o n ’s L a w o f Re s t i t u t io n
When two objects are in direct (head on) impact, the speed with which they separate after impact
is usually less than or equal to their speed of approach before impact.
Experimental evidence suggests that the ratio of these relative speeds is constant for two given
set of objects. This property formulated by Newton, is known as the law of restitution and can
be written in the form

separation speed
e ...(1)
approach speed

The ratio e is called the coefficient of restitution and is constant for two particular objects.
In general 0  e  1
e = 0, for completely inelastic collision, as both the objects stick together. So, their separation speed
is zero or e = 0 from (1).
e = 1, for an elastic collision, as we can show that

v´2  v1´  u1 cos 1  u2 cos 2

or separation speed = approach speed

or e = 1
Let us now find the velocities of two particles after collision if they collide directly and the
coefficient of restitution between them is given as e.
m2 m1 v1 v1´
v2 v2´

Before Collision After Collision

Applying conservation of linear momentum

m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1´ + m2v2´ ....(2)
Further separation speed= e (approach speed)
v1´ v2´ = e (v2 v1) ....(3)
Solving Eqs. (2) and (3), we get

 m1  em2   m2  em2 
v1´ =  m  m  v1   m  m  v2
 1 2   1 2 

 m2  em1   m1  em1 
and v2´ =  m  m  v2   m  m  v1
 1 2   1 2 

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Sp e c i a l Ca s e s
1. If collision is elastic, i.e., e = 1, then

 m  m2   2m2   m2  m1   2m1 
v1 ´   1  v1    v2 and v2 ´    v2    v1
 m1  m2   m1  m2   m1  m2   m1  m2 

2. If collision is perfectly inelastic, i.e., e = 0, then

m1 v1  m2 v2
v1 ´  v2 ´   v´ (say)
m1  m2

3. If m1 = m2 and v1 = 0, then

m2 m1 v1´
v2 v2´
v1 = 0

Before Collision After Collision

1  e 1  e
v1 ´    v2 and v2 ´    v2
 2   2 
Remember :
The equation from coefficient of restitution is always written along the line of impact.
e = 1 (elastic collision)
 < e < 1 (inelastic collision)
e = 0 (perfectly inelastic collision)

H OW T O A PPL Y T H E COEFFI CI EN T OF REST I T U T I ON EQU A T I ON ?

(1) Identify the line of impact
(2) Determine the component of velocities of u1 = 0
points of contact of colliding bodies along
the line of impact, before and after the
collision. 
v0
d
(3) Use the equation.
line of
For example, take the case of a particle impact
u v
hitting a stationary rod at distance d from
its centre.

e
 v0  wd   v
u  0 
Note :
1. Displacement of colliding particles are neglected just before and after collision.
2. If mass of one body is very-very greater than that of the other, then after collision velocity
of heavy body does not change appreciably. (Whether the collision is elastic or inelastic).

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Ex a m p l e 3 1
A ball of mass m moving at a speed v makes a head on collision with an identical ball at
rest. The kinetic energy of the balls after the collision is 3/4th of the original. Find the
coefficient of restitution.
Solution :
As we have seen in the above discussion, that under the given conditions :
m m
v v2´ v1´

Before Collision After Collision

 1  e 1  e
v1 ´    v and v2 ´   v
 2   2 

3
Given that Kf = Ki
4

1 1 31 2
or m1 ´ 2  mv2 ´ 2 =  mv 
2 2 42 

Substituting the value, we get

2 2
1  e 1  e 3
 2   2  =
    4

or (1 + e)2 + (1 e)2 = 3
or 2 + 2e2 = 3

1
or e2 =
2

1
or e = Ans.
2

Ex a m p l e 3 2
A ball is moving with velocity 2 m/s towards a heavy wall moving 2m/s 1m/s
towards the ball with speed 1 m/s as shown in figure. Assuming
collision to be elastic, find the velocity of ball immediately after the
collision.
Solution :
The speed of wall will not change after the collision. So let v be the velocity of the ball after the
collision in the direction shown in figure. Since collision is elastic (e = 1),

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2m/s 1m/s v 1m/s

Before Collision After Collision

Separation speed = approach speed

or v 1 = 2+ 1
or v = 4 m/s Ans.

Ex a m p l e 3 3
Two blocks of mass 2 kg and M are at rest on an inclined
plane and are separated by a distance of 6.0 m as shown. The m M
6.0
coefficient of friction between each block and the inclined 2kg
plane is 0.25. The 2 kg block is given a velocity of 10.0 m/s up
the inclined plane. It collides with M, comes back and has a 
velocity of 1.0 m/s when it reaches its initial position. The
other block M after the collision moves 0.5 m up and comes to rest. Calculate the coefficient
of restitution between the blocks and the mass of the block M. [Take sin   tan  = 0.05 and
g = 10 m/s2]
Solution :
Let v1 = velocity of 2 kg block just before collision (up the plane)
v2 = velocity of 2 kg block just after collision (down the plane)
and v3 = velocity of block M just after collision (up the plane)
Applying work energy theorem (change in kinetic energy = work done by all the forces) at
different stages as shown in figures (a), (b) and (c) :
Figure (a) : KE = Wfriction + Wgravity

1

 2

2 
 2 m v1  10   =

6ø mg cos  mgh1 (m = 2 kg) v1

/s
or v12  100 = 2 [6øg cos  + gh1] 10m
2kg m
6.0
1  sin   1   0.05   0.99
2
cos  = 2

h 1 = 6 sin  = 0.3 m
(a)
v12  100  2[(6)  0.25 10  0.99   10  0.3 ]

or v1  8 m/s

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KE = Wfriction + Wgravity /s
Figure (b) : v2m
/s
1 2 1m
 2 m[(1)   v2   =
2
6ø mg cos  + mgh1
  2kg m
6.0
1  v22 = 2[ 6øg cos  + gh1] 

= 2[ (6)(0.25)(10)(0.99) + (10)(0.3)] = 23.7 (b)

 v22  24.7 or v2  5 m/s

Figure (c) : KE = Wfriction + Wgravity

0
1  v=
M 0  v32  = (0.5) (ø) (M)g cos  Mgh2 v3
2  

M m
or  v32 = øg cos  2 gh2 0.5

h 2 = 0.5 sin  = 0.025 m
(c)
or v32 = (0.25)(10)(0.99) + 2(10)(0.25)

or v32 = 2.975  v3  1.72 m/s

relative speed of separation

Now, (i) Coefficient of restitution =
relative speed of approach

v2  v3 5  1.72 6.72
=  
v1 8 8

or e  0.84 Ans.
(ii) Applying conservation of linear momentum before and after collision.
2v1 = Mv3 2v2

2  v1  v2  2  8  5 26
M = = 
v3 1.72 1.72

M  15.12 kg Ans.

Ex a m p l e 3 4
A ball of mass m hits a floor with a speed v0 making an angle of incidence  with the
normal. The coefficient of restitution is e. Find the speed of the reflected ball and the angle
of reflection of the ball.

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Solution :
The component of velocity v0 along common tangent direction v0 sin  will remain unchanged.
Let v be the component along common normal direction after collision. Applying
v

v0 sin  v0 sin 

v0
v0 cos 

Relative speed of separation = e (relative speed of approach)

along common normal direction, we get
v = ev0 cos 
Thus, after collision components of velocity v´ are v0 sin  and ev0 cos 

v´ =  v0 sin  2   ev0 cos  2 Ans.

ev0 cos  v´
v0 sin  
and tan  =
ev0 cos 
ev0 sin 

tan 
or tan  = Ans.
e

Note : For elastic collision, e = 1

 v´ = v0 and    = .

Ex a m p l e 3 5
A ball of mass m makes an elastic collision with another identical ball at rest. Show that
if the collision is oblique, the bodies go at right angles to each other after collision.
Solution :
In head on elastic collision v sin 
between two particles, they v sin 
1
exchange their velocities. In this v
 1
case, the component of ball, 1
along common normal direction, v cos 
v cos  becomes zero after
2
collision, while that of 2 becomes
2
v cos . While the components v cos 
along common tangent direction Before collision After collision

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 56 QUIZRR
of both the particles remain unchanged. Thus, the components along common tangent and common
normal direction of both the balls in tabular form are given below :
Component along common Component along common
Ball tangent direction normal direction
Before collision After collision Before collision After collision
1 v sin  v sin  v cos  0
2 0 0 0 v cos 
From the above table and figure, we see that both the balls move at right angles after collision
with velocities v sin  and v cos .

Po i n t s t o r e m e m b e r
Suppose a ball is a projected with speed u at an angle  with horizontal. It collides at some
distance with a wall parallel to y-axis as shown in figure. Let vx and vy be the components of its
velocity along x and y directions at the time of impact with wall. Coefficient of restitution between
the ball and the wall is e. Component of its velocity along y-direction (common tangent) vy will
remain unchanged while component of its velocity along x-direction (common normal) vx will
become evx is opposite direction.

vy
vy v

vx
evx

u y
 x

Further, since vy does not change due to collision, the time of flight (time taken by the ball to
return to the same level) and maximum height attained by the ball will remain same as it would
had been in the absence of collision with the wall. Thus,
A
E D
u
u

O  F C 
B
O
2u sin 
tOAB = tCD + tDEF = T =
g

u2 sin 2 
and h A = hE =
2g

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Further, CO + OF  Range or OB
It collision is elastic, then

u2 sin 2
CO  OF  Range 
g

and if it is inelastic, CO + OF < Range

Ex a m p l e 3 6
A ball is projected from the ground with speed u at an angle  with horizontal. It collides
with a wall at a distance Âa Ê from the point of projection and returns to its original position.
Find the coefficient of restitution between the ball and the wall.
Solution :
As we have discussed in the theory, the horizontal component of the velocity of ball during the
path OAB is u cos  while in its return journey BCO it is eu cos . The time of flight T also
remains unchanged. Hence,
T = tOAB + tBCO

2u sin  a a
or = 
g u cos  eu cos 
C
a 2u sin  a
or = 
eu cos  g u cos 
A

a 2u2 sin  cos   ag O

or =
eu cos  gu cos  a

ag
 e= 2
2u sin  cos   ag

1
or e= Ans.
 u sin 2
2 
 1 
ag 
 

5 .3 I m p u l s e -Mo m e n t u m Eq u a t i o n
 F
Impulse =  F ext dt area under
the curve =
 
 d p  dt    change in momentum
 
J   F ext 
dt =  dt 
p
 
   t
J   F ext dt   p O
(t)

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Net impulse in any direction is equal to change in momentum in that direction :


Jx    Fext  x dt  px 
  
Jy    F ext  dt  py  Net impulse of force in any
 y  direction is equal to change in

that direction
J z    Fext  z  pz 


Note : Impulse momentum conservation to be used in those questions in which momentum cannot
be conserved.

Ex a m p l e 3 7
Two identical balls each of mass m are suspended by identical strings. A C
third ball C of mass 2m but having same radius falls vertically from height
h and collides simultaneously with A and B. Find the velocity of each ball 2m
just after collision. (e = 0.5)

A m m B

Solution :
v T
N N
N line of impact

v1
A

2m C

N Mg
N 2mg
(after collision)
(after collision)

(i) Momentum cannot be conserved in vertical (impulsive tension is present)

(ii) Coefficient of restitution (equation along the line of impact)

v1 cos60  v cos30
e ...(1)
u cos30  0

wher e v1 is the velocity of ball A in the horizontal direction after the collision has occured
and V is the velocity of ball C after the collision.

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(iii) Impulse momentum equations :

(a) for block C :

 2N cos 30 dt  2m  v  u ...(2)

{Impulse due to 2 mg is neglected)

(b) for block A (in horizontal)

 N cos 60 dt  m  v1  ...(3)

(iv) u  2 gh ...(4)

Solving (1), (2), (3) and (4) we get

v1 3v

0.5  2 2  6 gh  v  3 v
1
3 ... (5)
2 gh
2

and 
3  2 mv1   2m v  2 gh 
 3 v1  v  2 gh ...(6)

From (5) and (6)

3  
6 gh  3 v  v  2 gh

 3 2 gh  4v  2 gh

gh
 v
2

also, from (6)

3 gh
v1 
2

3 gh
Hence the velocity of balls A and B are gh and of C is
2 2

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Ex a m p l e 3 8
Particle 1 moving at a velocity v0 experiences elastic collision with another stationary
particle and fly apart symmetrically relative to initial motion of direction of particle 1, with
angle of diversion 60 . Find the velocities of each after collision and the coefficient of
restitution. V1
Solution : A

30

30
u=0

m2
B
B
Li pact V2
im

(instant of
ne

collision)
of

Let the velocities of A and B after the collision be v1 and v2

(i) Momentum can be conserved in any direction (No external force is acting)
In horizontal : m1v0 + 0 = m1v1 cos 30 + m2v2 cos 30 ... (1)
In vertical : 0 = m1v1 sin 30 m2v2 sin 30 ... (2)
(ii) Coefficient of restitution

v2   v1 cos60 
e ... (3)
v0 cos30
From (1) and (2)
 m1v1 = m2v2
and m1v0 = 2m2v2 cos 30
m1 v0
 v2 
m2 3

v0
and v1 
3
from (3)
m1 v0 v 1
 e  0  
m2 3  3 2

 2m1  m2 
 e
3 m2

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Ex a m p l e 3 9
(a) Three identical discs A, B and C are placed
on a smooth horizontal surface as shown, v0 nd
where d is the diameter of each disc. After
some time, A experiences an elastic
collision simultaneously with disc B and
C. Find the velocity of A just after the
collision.
(b) Also find the values of n for which disc A stops and recoil and also the values of n for
which it moves on.
Solution :

V1 N

d
N
V0  nd 
2 V

N

V2 N
Just before collision Velocities after collision impulse on each bodies

(i) Momentum of system remains conserved in every direction

mv0 = mv + 2mv1 cos  {in horizontal direction} ... (1)
(ii) From coefficient of restitution equation

v1  v cos 
e 1 ... (2)
v cos   0

Solving (1) & (2), we get

v
 n  2 v
2
0

6  n  2

 to stop, just after collision

v = 0, n  2

and to undergo recoil, v < 0

 n < 2

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Ex a m p l e 4 0
m
In the arrangement shown the ball of mass m is dropped from height h and
collides with B and sticks to it. Find the maximum height to which block h
A will rise. m B

Solution : A 3m

As the ball collides with B, an impulsive tension is exerted by the string, which breaks off the
block A from ground. The block A after acquires certain velocity, moves with constant retardation
and attains a maximum height. T0 T0
(i) Momentum cannot be conserved in vertical v
writing the impulse momentum eqn. {for block A and ball system] v
2mg 3mg
  T dt  2mv  mu ... (1)

for block A  T dt  3mv ... (2)

{Please note that block A and B will have same velocity as the string is tight}
Add (1) and (2) and solve

u 2 gh
v 
5 5

 3m  2m   g
(ii) Constant retardation of A = g 
 3m  2m   5 

u2  5 u2 2 gh  h
  
Maximum height gained by A =
 25  2  g 10 g 10 g =  5 
Important results in case of Head on collision

m1 m2 m1 m2
v1 v2
u1 u2

(i) Momentum conserved : m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

(ii) Coefficient restitution eqn. : (v2 v1) = (u1 u2)

v1 
 m1  m2  u1 
2m2 u2
 m1  m2   1  m2 
m

v2 
 m2  m1  u2 
2m1 u1
 m1  m2   m1  m2 
This can be used in oblique collision also provided u1, u2 are comp. of velocities along the line of
impact.
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 QUIZRR 63

Variations :
(i) If m1 = m2, velocities of colliding masses get interchanged
(ii) If m2 >> m1
v1 = 2u2 u1
v2 = u2

Ex a m p l e 4 1
Two block A and B, each of mass 2m are connect by an ideal string and
suspended as shown. A ball of mass m moving with initial velocity v0 collides
with B and sticks to it. Find :
(a) the max. height upto which block B will rise above the initial
position A 2m 2m B
(b) Time taken to reach the max. height and V0
(c) total loss in K.E. during motion. m
Solution :
The ball m strikes the block B and the string sticks, as tension becomes zero, due to collision. B,
acquires velocity due to (T = 0) in string. Both the blocks move under free fall until, the string
again becomes taut and equalises their velocity. After this consider, the motion of blocks as that
of two block and pulley system.
(i) During collision using momentum conservation we get
 v0 
mv0 = 3mv     v =  
 3 
(ii) Let the time after which the string become taut again be t
XA = XB {i.e., displacement of one block should be equal to the other for the string to
become taut}

1 2 1 v
 gt  vt  gt2  t=  
2 2  g
velocity of B just before string becomes taut
v´ = u gt = v g (v/g) = 0
velocity of A = gt = v
 v
(iii) When the string becomes taut at  t   , let the common velocities be v3.
 g
for B  Tdt  3mv3 ... (1)
T T
for A   Tdt  2m  v3  v ... (2)
0 = 5mv3 2mv v3
B 2m A 2m
 2v   2v0  mu=0 v v3
v3 =     
 5   15 

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Total height gained by block B
= h1 + h2

 1 2  v32   g 
=  vt  gt    a   5 
 2  2a   

  v  1  v2   v32
= v  g   2 g  2    2a
    g  

 v2 v2  4v2
=  g  2g   5g  2
 

v2 2v2 5v2  4v2 9v02 v2

=     0
2g 5g 10 g 10 g (9) 10 g

2
1 1 v 
K1 (loss in KE during collision) = mv02   3m   0 
2 2  3

1 2 1
K2 loss in KE when the string becomes taut =   2m  v    3m  2m  v3
2
2  2

Ex a m p l e 4 2
In the given arrangement, the bullet collides with mass m and
A
sticks to it. Find : m/s
0 m
=1 P


(a) The maximum height by block B V0

(b) The time taken to reach the maximum height m
 = 30 M B
M
Also, 4
m
Solution :
Situation : The bullet strikes the mass m and after collision, moves up the plane sticking with
A. The string becomes slack (T = 0). The mass A after going up comes back down the plane, after
acquiring certain velocity and again reaching the point P, its velocity is equalized with that of B,
due to impulsive tension created in the string. Hence, find the height gained by M.
(i) Using momentum conservation
mv0 = 2mv

v0
 v=
2

(ii) Now, the velocities of A and B just before string becomes taut is, V and 0 respectively.

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After string becomes taut, T N T

 Tdt  Mv1 A
B
and   Tdt  2m  v1  v V1
Mg
Mv1 = 2m (v1 v)
 4 v1 = 2 (v1 v)

v
 v1  m/s
3

 M  2 m sin   3g g
acceleration in block = g= 
M  2m 6 2

v2 v2 v2
height gained by B =  
2a  g  9g
92 
2

 v v 2v
time taken to reach height B =    
g
 a  3    3g
 
2

Ex a m p l e 4 3
A simple pendulum of length l is held in a vertical plane in horizontal position as shown
and released from rest. The ball collides with e = 0. Find the maximum height upto which
the bob will rise on the other side if
(a) ø = 0, (b) ø  0
P l

l/
2

Solution :
(a) When there is no friction :

l
u  2g   gl
 2
P l
 e = 0, u cos 30 component becomes zero and the ball moves 30
l/ N
along the surface with u sin 30 , till at the other end it 2
u sin 30
experiences an impulsive tension.

u
u cos 30

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2
u sin 
T


u sin 

v = 0 {due to impulsive tension}

The ball moves up with v = u sin 30

v2 u2 sin4  gl  l 
 maximum height rises =  =  
2g 2g 32  g  32 

[Note : loss of KE occurs at the colliding point and due to impulsive tension as well}

(b) Where there is friction : u   gl 

 Ndt  0  (m   u cos  
= mu cos  N

and    N dt  m  v  u sin   v øN
 ø mu cos  = m (v u sin )
 v = u(sin  ø cos ) P

using energy conservation between points M and N to find

the velocity at point M

1 1 2 l 3
 mv2  mv12  mg  
2 2  2  V1

  
v12  v2  2g l 3 ...(1) M N
Now,
v1 cos  = 0 V1 sin   P

v12 sin2 
 maximum height risen above ground = 
2g V1


 
 v2  2 g l 3 
 sin2 
=  2g 
 

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 QUIZRR 67

Ex a m p l e 4 4
A small ball is projected with initial velocity 10 m/s and  = 37 . Find the range of the ball
after first collision (e = 0.5) if,
(a) ø = 0.5, (b) ø = 0.9

6m/s N
V2

37
8m/s øN V1

Solution :
(i) Coefficient of restitution equation

0  v2
e  0.5
6

 v2 = 3 m/s
(ii) Momentum equation after first collision

In vertical :  Ndt  m 3  6 =9m

In horizontal :   N dt    9m  = 4.5 m

Impulse required to stop the body = 8 m

 J >   N dt

hence the body does not stop

 J1 = J Jmax = 8 m 4.5 m = 3.5 m

3.5m
 v1   3.5 m/s
m
 Total range = R1 + R2

 uy   2v2 
= u   g   v1  g 
   

8  2  6  3.5  2  3 117
=   11.7 m
g 10

(b) (Jmax) due to friction =   N dt  8.1m

here (Jmax > J)

 component of velocity along the surface = 0

826
total range = R1   9.6 m
g

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68 QUIZRR

Note : Jmax =   Ndt, J = mv (before collision, momentum)

(i) J < Jmax   comp. of velocity along the surface = 0

impulse due to friction = J
(ii) J < Jmax   comp. of velocity along the surface = 0
impulse due to friction = Jmax
mvf mvi = J Jmax

 J  Jmax 
 uf = vi 
m

(iii) In the previous case, if the surface is not rough, then

V0 sin ev sin e 2 sin

V0 cos V0 cos V0 cos

Total range (in this case)

 u  uy  2ux
= 2  g   g euy 
 
2u 2
g

e uy 2ux 3
g
 
e u y  ...  
2 v02 cos  sin  
= 1  e  e2  e3  ......  
g  

v02 sin 2
=
g 1  e

Time of flight =
2v0 sin 
g

1  e  e2  e3  .......   0
2v sin 
g (1  e)

SPRING HAVING MASS AND KINETIC ENERGY ASSOCIATED WITH IT

The spring of mass m and spring constant k is attached to a mass M from one end to the wall
at the other end.
Assumption : spring stretches uniformly
Consider an element dx at a distance x from the fixed end. Now,

v0 v
 {as it stretches uniformly} dx
l x x (k,m)
V0
M
m
dm =   dx {where dm is the mass of element}
 l 

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 QUIZRR 69

2
k l1  v 
 0 dk    dx  x 0 
02  l 

1  m 2 l 2 1
 k
2  l3 
v0 0 x dx 
6
mv02

1 m 2
 k v0
2  3 

m
 You can consider a mass of   attached to mass in spring of mass m; and then
3

treat it as a simple light spring problem.

 v0   v 
Remember,    obtained only when spring stretch uniformly.
 l   x

(2) When the other end of the spring is not fixed :

 v2  v1   v  v1 

l x
V1 dx V2
x v
 v = v1 +  v2  v1 
l
x
K l 2
1  x 
 dK   2   dx v1  l  v2  v1 
0 0

Hence K can be solved accordingly.

Ex a m p l e 4 5
A uniform chain of mass m, and length l is held in a vertical position with lower end just
touching the horizontal surface and is released from rest. Find the net force exerted by the
chain on the horizontal surface, when it falls down by a length y.
Solution : m, l
Note that two kinds of the force are exerted on the surface by the fallen
part, one due to weight of already fallen part and the other is the
thrust due to the just fallen part of the chain due to sudden change in dy
momentum.
y y
m
Let   be the mass per unit length of chain
l

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 70 QUIZRR
Thrust exerted by the just fallen infinitesimal part dy :

v  2 gy


 d p  0   dyv ( j     dy v

 dp    dyv  2
     v
 dt   dt 

 thrust = v2
 Total force exerted by the chain = v2 + (g)y {Here gy is the weight of fallen part}

 3mgy 
= (2gy) + gy = 3gy =  
 l 

Ex a m p l e 4 6
A uniform chain of length l and mass m is placed as a heap on a smooth horizontal surface.
Now the chain starts slipping from the hole in the surface below. Find the velocity of the
chain when it has slipped off by a length y and time taken.
Solution :
The overhanging parts exerts a thrust on the heap as a result of which the heap
pulls the hanging part by an equal opposite force.
Analysing the forces on the falling part y

dp   v dy where v = 2 gy
v2
 dP 
F 
 dt 
 dy 
   v  v
 dt 
2
 
write the force equation for the length y of the chain
gy
 dv 

 y  v   gy  v2
 dy 

dv
yv
dy
 v2  gy
1
2   
d y2 v2   gy2 dy

 v2 y2  gy3
y v dv + v2 dy = gy dy    c
 2  3

y2 v dv + v2y dy = gy2 dy At y = 0, v = 0  c = 0
2g
 v2  y
3

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 QUIZRR 71

 2 gy 
 (velocity of the fallen part of length y) =  
 3 

Now, to find the time, use

 dy  2 gy
 
 dt  3

y t
dy 2g  2g 
  y

3  dt  2 y 
 3 
t
0 0

 3y 
 t= 2  
 2g 

Ex a m p l e 4 7
Z
A wedge of mass m and triangular cross section (AB = BC
A
= CA = 2R) is moving with a constant velocity vi→ towards v
R
sphere of radius R fixed on smooth horizontal table as
X
shown in figure. The wedge makes an elastic collision with B C
the fixed sphere and returns along the same path without
any rotation. Neglect all friction and suppose that the Y
wedge remains in contact with the sphere for a very short
time  t, during which the sphere exerts a constant force F on the wedge.
(a) Find the force F and also normal force N exerted by the table on the wedge during the
time  t.
(b) Let h denotes the perpendicular distance between the centre of mass of the wedge and
the line of action of F. Find the magnitude of the torque due to the normal force N
about the centre of the wedge during the interval  t. (JEE 1998)
Solution :
The collision is perfectly elastic. Hence, the wedge will recede with the same velocity, as sphere
is fixed.
The change in momentum of the wedge is given by
 px = 2mv ...(i)
At the time of collision, the different forces are shown in figure below
Component of force along X axis = F cos 30
Hence, F cos 30 t = 2mv

4 mv
F = ...(ii)
3t

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 72 QUIZRR

In vector form  →
F = F cos 30 i + F sin 30
 k→  
Z
N

F =
4mv
3 t
.
2
3→
i 
4 mv 1
3 t 2
 
.  k→

30
60 mg
30 2mv  → 1 →
60 F =  i  k ...(iii)
X t  3 

For vertical direction mg + F sin 30 = N

4 mv 1
mg  . =N
3 t 2

2mv
N  mg ...(iv)
3 t


In vector form N  2mv / 3 t  mg  k→ ...(v)

(b) Taking the moments about the centre of the wedge

   
   0, i.e., F   N   mg  0

  
Here, mg 0  N   F

  4 mvh
 N  F  F.h  Ans.
3t

Ex a m p l e 4 8 y
A structure is made up of three masses, m 1 = m 2 = 2 kg and m 3 m1
= 3 kg, connected rigidly by massless rods. At the moment of
interest, the coordinates of the three masses are (1.25 m, 3 m),
(2 m, 2 m) and (0.75 m), respectively. At the same instant, m2

the velocities of the three masses are 2i→, 2 i→  1.5 j→   and 1 →j , m3

respectively. Find the coordinates of the centre of mass of the x

structure.
Solution :
Left us do this problem in two ways first using scalar equations for the coordinates of the centre
of mass, and second, using vector equations for the position of the centre of mass.

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 QUIZRR 73

(a) Scalar calculations : Let (xcm, ycm) be the coordinates of the mass-centre.
Then from the definition of mass-center,

 mi xi 
mi x i  m2 x2  m3 x3
xcm =
 mi m1  m2  m3

1kg . 1.25 m  2 kg . 2 m  3 kg .0.75 m

=
1 kg  2 kg  3 kg

7.5 kg . m
=  1.25 m
6 kg
Similarly,

 mi yi 
mi y i  m2 y2  m3 y3
ycm =
 mi m1  m2  m3

1kg . 3 m  2 kg . 2 m  3 kg .0.5 m
= 1kg  2 kg  3 kg

8.5 kg . m
=  1.42 m
6 kg
Thus the centre of mass is located at the coordinates (1.25 m, 1.42 m)

(b) Vector calculations : Let 

rcm be the position vector of the mass-center. Then

3
   

mtot rcm =  mi ri  m1 r1  m2r2  m3 r
3
i 1

  
m1 r1  m2r2  m3 r
 rcm = 3
m1  m2  m3

Substituting the values of m1, m2 and m3 and 

r = 1.25 mi→ + 3 mj→ ,
1


r2 = 2mi→  2mj→ , and 
r3 = 0.75 mi→  0.5 mj→, we get,


    
1 kg . 1.25i→  3 →j m  2 kg . 2i→  2 →j m  3 kg . 0.75i→  0.5 →j m 7.5i→  8.5 →j  kg . m
rcm = =
1  2  3 kg 6 kg

= 1.25 mi→ + 1.42 mj→

Which, of course, gives the same location of the mass-centre as above


rcm  1.25 mi→  1.42 mj→

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 74 QUIZRR
Ex a m p l e 4 9 1m

Centre of mass of a bent bar : A uniform bar of mass 4 kg is bent .5m

in the shape of an asymmetric ÂZÊ as shown in the figure. Locate
the centre of mass of the bar. .5m
Solution :
Since the bar is uniform along its length, we can divide it into three straight segments and use
their individual mass-centers (located at the geometric centers of each segment) to locate the
center of mass of the entire bar. The mass of each segment is proportional to its length. Therefore,
if we let m2 = m3 = m, then m1 = 2 m; and m1 + m2 + m3 = 4 m = 4 kg which gives m = 1 kg.
Now, from Fig.

 = li→  l →j
r1

l

r2 = 2li→  →j
2
y
2l m1
 l  → 5l →

r3 =  2l   i  i c1 m2
 2 2
l c2 m3
c3
x
 
m r  m2 r2  m3r3
 l
 = 1 1
rcm
mtot

=
 
 l   5l 
2m li→  l →j  m  2li→  →j   m  i→ 
 2  2 
4m

 1 5 
ml  2i→  2 →j  2i→  →j  i→ 
=  2 2 
4m

=
l
8
13i→  5 →j 

=
0.5 m
8

13i→  5 →j 
= 0.812 + mi→  0.312 mj→


rcm  0.812 mi→  0.312 mj→

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 QUIZRR 75

Ex a m p l e 5 0 2m

A2m 2 m uniform square plate has mass m = 4 kg. A circular

section of radius 250 mm is cut out from the plate as shown in the .25m
2m
figure. Find the center of mass of the plate.
O

.5m
Solution :
Let us use an xy-coordinate system with its origin at the geometric center of the plate and the x-
axis passing through the center of the cut-out. Since the plate and the cut-out are symmetric
about the x-axis, the new center of mass must lie somewhere on the x-axis. Thus, we only need
to find xcm (since ycm = 0). Let m1 be the mass of the plate with the hole, and m2 be the mass
of the circular cut-out. Clearly, m1 + m2 = m = 4 kg. The center of mass of the circular cut-out
is at A, the center of the circle. The center of mass of the intact square plate (without the cut-
out) must be at O, the middle of the square. Then,
m1xcm + m2xA = mxO = 0

m2
 xcm = xA .
m1

Now, since the plate is uniform, the masses m1 and m2 are proportional to the surface areas of
the geometric objects they represent, i.e.
y
m2 r 2 
m1
= 2 2
 2
l  r l
  
r A
O r x
Therefore,
d
m 
xcm = 2d d
m1 l
2
2m
2  
 


= .05 m
2
 2m 
  
 .25 m 
3
= 25.81 10 m = 25.81 mm
Thus the center of mass shifts to the left by about 26 mm because of the circular cut-out of the
given size.
xcm = 25.81 mm

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