Chapter-1 Force

Exercise – 1 (A)
Question: 1
State the condition when on applying a force, the body has:
(a)the translational motion,
(b)the rotational motion.

Solution:
(a) When the body is free to move it produces translational motion.
(b) When the body is pivoted at a point, it produces rotational
motion.

Question: 2
Define moment of force and state its S.I. unit.

Solution:
The moment of force is equal to the product of the magnitude of the
force and the perpendicular distance of the line of action of force from
the axis of rotation.
S.I. unit of moment of force is Newton metre (N m).

Question: 3
State whether the moment of force is a scalar or vector quantity?

Solution:
The moment of force is a vector quantity.

Question: 4
State two factors affecting the turning effect of a force.

Solution:
Moment of force about a point depends on the following two factors:
(a) The magnitude of the force applied and,
(b) The distance of line of action of the force from the axis of rotation.

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Question: 5
When does a body rotate? State one way to change the direction of
rotation of a body. Give a suitable example to explain your answer.

Solution:
When the body is pivoted at a point, the force applied on the body at
a suitable point rotates the body about the axis passing through the
pivoted point.
The direction of rotation can be changed by changing the point of
application of force. The given figure shows the anticlockwise and
clockwise moment s produced in a disc pivoted at its centre by
changing the point of application of force F from A to B

Question: 6
Write the expression for the moment of force about a given axis.

Solution:
Moment of force about a given axis = Force x perpendicular distance
of force from the axis of rotation.

Question: 7
What do you understand by the clockwise and anticlockwise moment
of force? When is it taken positive?

Solution:
If the turning effect on the body is anticlockwise, moment of force is
called anticlockwise moment and it is taken as positive while if the

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turning effect on the body is clockwise, moment of force is called
clockwise moment and is taken negative.

Question: 8
State one way to reduce the moment of a given force about a given
axis of rotation.

Solution:
Moment of force depends on the distance of line of action of the force
from the axis of rotation. Decreasing the perpendicular distance from
the axis reduces the moment of a given force.

Question: 9
State one way to obtain a greater moment of a force about a given
axis of rotation.

Solution:
Moment of a force is the product of the force and the perpendicular
distance of force from axis of rotation. So, one way to increase the
moment would be to increase the distance from the axis of rotation
where the force would act.

Question: 10
Why is it easier to open a door by applying the force at the free end of
it?

Solution:
It is easier to open a door by applying the force at the free end of it
because larger the perpendicular distance, less is the force needed to
turn the body.

Question: 11
The stone of hand flour grinder is provided with a handle near its rim.
Give a reason.

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Solution:
The stone of hand flour grinder is provided with a handle near its rim
so that it can be rotated easily about the iron pivot at its centre by a
small force applied at the handle.

Question: 12
It is easier to turn the steering wheel of a large diameter than that of
a small diameter. Give reason.

Solution:
It is easier to turn the steering wheel of a large diameter than that of
a small diameter because less force is applied on steering of large
diameter which is at a large distance from the centre of rim.

Question: 13
A spanner (or wrench) has a long handle. Why?

Solution:
A spanner (or wrench) has a long handle to produce larger turning
moment so that nut can easily be turned with a less force.

Question: 14
A jack screw is provided with a long arm. Explain why?

Solution:
A jack screw has a long arm so that less effort is required to rotate it
to raise or lower the jack, which is used to lift a heavy load like a
vehicle.

Question: 15
A, B and C are the three forces each of magnitude 4N acting in the
plane of paper as shown in Figure. The point O lies in the same plane.

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(i) Which force has the least moment about O? Give a reason.
(ii) Which force has the greatest moment about O? Give a reason.
(iii) Name the forces producing
(a) Clockwise and
(b) Anticlockwise moments.
(iv) What is the resultant torque about the point O?

Solution:
(i) As we know that,
Moment of force = Force × Perpendicular distance
Since vector C perpendicular distance is least from the point O
So, vector C will have least moment about O.
(ii) As we know that,
Moment of force = Force × Perpendicular distance
Since vector A perpendicular distance is greatest from the point O
So, vector A will have greatest moment about O.
(iii) (a) Clockwise moments are produced by vectors A and B.
Explanation: If the turning effect on the body is clockwise, moment of
force is called clockwise moment and it is negative.
(b) Anticlockwise moment is produced by vector C
Explanation: If the turning effect on the body is anticlockwise,
moment of force is called anticlockwise moment and it is positive.
(iv) Sum of torques due to vectors A, B and C = Resultant torque about
point O
So,
Resultant torque about point O = – (4 × 0.9) – (4 × 0.8) + (4 × 0.6) Nm
= – 3.6 – 3.2 + 2.4
= – 6.8 + 2.4
= – 4.4 Nm

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Here the negative sign indicates that the resultant torque is in
clockwise direction.

Question: 16
The adjacent diagram shows a heavy roller, with its axle at O, which is
to be raised on a pavement XY. If there is friction between the roller
and pavement, show by an arrow on the diagram the point of
application and the direction of force to be applied.

Solution:

Force F should be applied in the direction as shown in the above

figure.

Question: 17
A body is acted upon by two forces each of magnitude F, but in
opposite directions. State the effect of the forces if
(a) both forces act at the same point of the body.
(b) the two forces act at two different points of the body at a
separation r.

Solution:
(a) Resultant force acting on the body = F – F = 0 moment of forces
= 0 i.e., no motion of the body
(b) The forces tend to rotate the body about the mid-point between
two forces, Moment of forces = Fr

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Question: 18
Draw a neat labelled diagram to show the direction of two forces
acting on a body to produce rotation in it. Also mark the point O about
which the rotation takes place.

Solution:

At A and B, two equal and opposite forces each of magnitude F are

applied. The two forces rotate the bar in anticlockwise direction.

Question: 19
What do you understand by the term couple? State its effect. Give two
examples in our daily life where couple is applied to turn a body.

Solution:
Two equal and opposite parallel forces not acting along the same line,
form a couple. A couple is always needed to produce the rotation. For
example, turning a key in a lock and turning a steering wheel.

Question: 20
Define moment of a couple. Write its S.I unit.

Solution:
The moment of a couple is equal to the product of the either force and
the perpendicular distance between the line of action of both the
forces. S.I unit of moment of couple is Nm.

Question: 21
Prove that
Moment of couple = Force x Couple arm.

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Solution:

At A and B, two equal and opposite forces each of magnitude F are

applied. The two forces rotate the bar in anticlockwise direction. The
perpendicular distance between two forces is AB which is called the
couple arm.
Moment of force F at the end A
= F x OA(anticlockwise)
Moment of force F at the end B
= F x OB(anticlockwise)
Total moment of couple =F x OA + F x OB
= F x (OA +OB)= F x AB
= F x d(anticlockwise)
= Either force x perpendicular distance between the two forces
(or couple arm)
Thus, Moment of couple = Force x Couple arm

Question: 22
What do you mean by equilibrium of a body?

Solution:
When a number of forces acting on a body produce no change in its
state of rest or of motion, the body is said to be in equilibrium.

Question: 23
State the condition when a body is in (i) static, (ii) dynamic
equilibrium. Give one example each of static and dynamic equilibrium.

Solution:
(i)When a body remains in the state of rest under the influence of the
applied forces, the body is in static equilibrium. For example a book
lying on a table is in static equilibrium.

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(ii)When a body remains in the same state of motion (translational or
rotational), under the influence of the applied forces, the body is said
to be in dynamic equilibrium. For example, a rain drop reaches the
earth with a constant velocity is in dynamic equilibrium.

Question: 24
State two conditions for a body, acted upon by several forces to be in
equilibrium.

Solution:
For a body to be in equilibrium:
(i)The resultant of all the forces acting on the body should be equal to
zero.
(ii)The resultant moment of all the forces acting on the body about the
point of rotation should be zero.

Question: 25
State the principle of moments. Name one device based on it.

Solution:
According to the principle of moments, if the algebraic sum of
moments about the axis of rotation of all the forces acting on the body
is zero, then the body is said to be in equilibrium. A beam balance is
the device which works on the principle of moments.

Question: 26
Describe a simple experiment to verify the principle of moments, if
you are supplied with a metre rule, a fulcrum and two springs with
slotted weights.

Solution:
Suspend a metre rule horizontally from a fixed support by means of a
strong thread at O as shown. Now suspend two spring balances with
some slotted weights W1 and W2 on them on either side of the thread.
The scale may tilt to one side. Now adjust the distances of two spring

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balances from the support by keeping one at A and the other at B in
such a way that the scale again becomes horizontal.

Let the weight suspended on the right side of thread from the spring
balance at A be W1 at distance OA=l1, while the weight suspended on
the left side of thread from the spring balance at B be W2 at distance
OB= l2.
The weight W1 tends to turn the scale clockwise, while the weight
W2 tend to turn the scale anticlockwise.
Clockwise moment = W1 x l1
Anticlockwise moment = W2 x l2
In equilibrium, when the scale is horizontal, it is found that
Clockwise moment = Anticlockwise moment
i.e., W1 x l1 = W2 x l2
This verifies the principle of moments.

Question: 27
Complete the following sentences:
(i) The S.I. unit of moment of force is _________.
(ii) In equilibrium algebraic sum of moments of all forces about the
point of rotation is ______________.
(iii) In a beam balance when the beam is balanced in a horizontal
position, it is in ____________equilibrium.
(iv) The moon revolving around the earth is in ____________
equilibrium.

Solution:
(i) The S.I. unit of moment of force is newton-metre.
(ii) In equilibrium algebraic sum of moments of all forces about the
point of rotation is zero.

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(iii) In a beam balance when the beam is balanced in a horizontal
position, it is in static equilibrium.
(iv) The moon revolving around the earth is in dynamic equilibrium.

MCQs – 1 (A)
Question: 1
The moment of a force about a given axis depends:
(a) Only on the magnitude of force
(b) Only on the perpendicular distance of force from the axis
(c) Neither on the force nor on the perpendicular distance of force
from the axis
(d) Both on the force and its perpendicular distance from the axis.

Solution:
The moment of a force about a given axis depends on both on the
force and its perpendicular distance from the axis.

Question: 2
A body is acted upon by two unequal forces in opposite directions, but
not in same line. The effect is that
(a) The body will have only the rotational motion
(b) The body will have only the translational motion
(c) The body will have neither the rotational motion nor the
translational motion
(d) The body will have rotational as well as translational motion.

Solution:
(d) The body will have rotational as well as translational motion.

Numerical – 1 (A)
Question: 1
The moment of a force of 10 N about a fixed point O is 5 Nm. Calculate
the distance of the point O from the line of action of the force.

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Solution:
Moment of force = force x perpendicular distance of force from point
O
Moment of force = F x r
5 Nm = 10 x r
R = 5/10 = 0.5 m

Question: 2
A nut is opened by a wrench of length 10cm. If the least force required
is 5.0N, find the moment of force needed to turn the nut.

Solution:
Length, r = 10 cm = 0.1 m
F = 5N
Moment of force = F x r = 5 x 0.1 = 0.5 Nm

Question: 3
A wheel of diameter 2 m is shown in Fig. with axle at O. A force F = 2
N is applied at B in the direction shown in figure. Calculate the
moment of force about (i) the centre O, and (ii) the point A.

Solution:
Given , F = 2 N
Diameter = 2 m
Perpendicular distance between B and O =1 m
(i) Moment of force at point O
=Fxr

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= 2 x 1 = 2 Nm (clockwise)
(ii) Moment of force at point A= F x r
= 2 x 2 = 4 Nm (clockwise)

Question: 4
The diagram in Fig. 1.29 shows two forces F1 = 5N and F2 = 3N acting
at points A and B of a rod pivoted at a point O, such that OA = 2m and
OB = 4 m

Calculate:
(i) the moment of force F1 about O.
(ii) the moment of force F2 about O.
(iii) total moment of the two forces about O.

Solution:
Given AO=2 m and OB=4 m
(i) Moment of force F1(= 5N) at A about the point O
= F1 x OA
= 5 x 2 = 10Nm (anticlockwise)
(ii)Moment of force F2 (= 3N) at B about the point O
= F2 x OB
= 3 x 4 =12 Nm (clockwise)
(iii) Total moment of forces about the mid-point O
= 12 – 10 = 2Nm(clockwise)

Question: 5
Two forces each of magnitude 10 N act vertically upwards and
downwards respectively at the two ends A and B of a uniform rod of
length 4 m which is pivoted at its mid-point O as shown. Determine
the magnitude of resultant moment of forces about the pivot O.

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Solution:
Given, AB=4 m hence, OA=2 m and OB =2 m
Moment of force F (= 10 N) at A about the point O
= F x OA= 10 x 2 = 20 Nm (clockwise)
Moment of force F (=10N) at point B about the point O
= F x OB = 10 x 2 =20Nm (clockwise)
Total moment of forces about the mid-point O =
= 20 +20= 40 Nm (clockwise)

Question: 6
Figure 1.31 shows two forces each of magnitude 10 N acting at the
points A and B at a separation of 50 cm, in opposite directions.
Calculate the resultant moment of the two forces about the point (i)
A, (ii) B and (iii) O, situated exactly at the middle of the two forces.

Solution:
(i) Perpendicular distance of point A from the force F = 10 N at B is 0.5
m, while it is zero from the force F = 10 N at A
Hence, moment of force about A is
= 10 N x 0.5 m=5 Nm(clockwise)
(ii) Perpendicular distance of point B from the force F=10 N at A is 0.5
m, while it is zero from the force F=10N at B
Hence, moment of force about B is

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= 10 N x 0.5m =5 Nm(clockwise)
(iii) Perpendicular distance of point O from either of the forces F=10N
is 0.25 m
Moment of force F(=10 N) at A about O = 10N x 0.25 m
= 2.5Nm(clockwise)
And moment of force F(=10N) at B about O
=10N x 0.25m = 2.5Nm(clockwise)
Hence, total moment of the two forces about O
=0.25 + 0.25 = 5Nm (clockwise)

Question: 7
A steering wheel of diameter 0.5 m is rotated anti-clockwise by
applying two forces each of magnitude 5 N. Draw a diagram to show
the application of forces and calculate the moment of forces applied.

Solution:

Moment of couple = either force x couple arm

= 5 N x 0.5 m
=2.5 Nm

Question: 8
A uniform metre rule is pivoted at its mid-point. A weight of 50gf is
suspended at one end of it. Where a weight of 100gf should be
suspended to keep the rule horizontal?

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Solution:
Let the 50 gf weight produce anticlockwise moment about the middle
point of metre rule .i.e, at 50 cm.and Let a weight of 100 gf produce a
clockwise moment about the middle point. Let its distance from the
middle be d cm. Then,
according to principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment = Clockwise moment
50 gf x 50 cm=100 gf x d

So, d=

Question: 9
A uniform metre rule balances horizontally on a knife edge placed at
the 58 cm mark when a weight of 20 gf is suspended from one end.
(i) Draw a diagram of the arrangement.
(ii) What is the weight of the rule?

Solution:
(i) Weight mg (W) of rule produces an anti-clockwise moment about
the knife edge O. In order to balance it, 20 gf must be suspended at
the end B to produce clockwise moment about the knife edge O.

(ii) From the principle of moments,

Anticlockwise moment= Clockwise moment
W x (58-50) =20 gf x (100-58)
= W x 8=20 gf x 42

W=

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Question: 10
The diagram below (fig. 1.32) shows a uniform bar supported at the
middle point O. A weight of 40gf is placed at a distance 40 cm to the
left of the point O. How can you balance the bar with a weight of 80
gf?

Solution:
Anticlockwise moment = 40 gf x 40 cm
Clockwise moment = 80 gf x d cm
From the principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment = Clockwise moment
40 gf x 40 cm = 80 gf x d

So, d =

Question: 11
Figure 1.33 shows a uniform metre rule placed on a fulcrum at its mid-
point O and having a weight 40 gf at the 10 cm mark and a weight of
20 gf at the 90 cm mark. (i) Is the metre rule in equilibrium? If not,
how will the rule turn? (ii) How can the rule be brought in equilibrium
by using an additional weight of 40 gf?

Solution:
(i) Anticlockwise moment= 40 gf x (50-10)cm
= 40 gf x 40 cm=1600 gf x cm
Clockwise moment= 20 gf x (90- 50) =20 gf x 40 cm = 800 gf x cm
Anticlockwise moment is not equal to clockwise moment. Hence the
metre rule is not in equilibrium and it will turn anticlockwise.

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(ii) To balance it, 40gf weight should be kept on right hand side so as
to produce a clockwise moment about the middle point. Let its
distance from the middle be d cm. Then,
clockwise moment= 20 gf x 40 cm + 40 gf x d cm
From the principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment= Clockwise moment
40 gf x 40 cm = 20 gf x 40 + 40 x d cm
1600-800 = 40 gf x dcm
So, d = (on the other side)
Hence, by placing the additional weight of 40 gf at the 70 cm mark the
rule can be brought in equilibrium.

Question: 12
When a boy weighing 20 kgf sits at one end of a 4m long see-saw, it
gets depressed at its end. How can it be brought to the horizontal
position by a man weighing 40 kgf.

Solution:
From the principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment= Clockwise moment
20 kgf x 2m = 40 kgf x d
So, d= from the centre on the side opposite to the boy.

Question: 13
A physical balance has its arms of length 60 cm and 40 cm. What
weight kept on a pan of longer arm will balance an object of weight
100 gf kept on other pan?

Solution:
From the principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment= Clockwise moment
100 gf x 40 cm =W x 60 cm
So, weight on the longer pan,

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Question: 14
The diagram in fig.1.34 shows a uniform metre rule weighing 100 gf,
pivoted at its centre O. Two weights 150 gf and 250 gf hang from the
point A and B respectively of the metre rule such that OA = 40 cm and
OB = 20 cm. Calculate: (i) the total anticlockwise moment about O, (ii)
the total clockwise moment about O, (iii) the difference of
anticlockwise and clockwise moment, and (iv) the distance from O
where a 100 gf weight should be placed to balance the metre rule.

Solution:
(i)Total anticlockwise moment about O
= 150 gf x 40 cm=6000 gf cm
(ii)Total clockwise moment about O,
=250 gf x 20 cm= 5000 gf cm
(iii) The difference of anticlockwise and clockwise moment= 6000-
5000= 1000 gf cm
(iv) From the principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment= Clockwise moment
To balance it, 100 gf weight should be kept on right hand side so as to
produce a clockwise moment about the O. Let its distance from the
point O be d cm. Then,
150 gf x 40 cm=250 gf x 20 cm +100 gf x d
6000 gf cm= 5000 gf cm + 100 gf x d
1000gf cm =100 gf x d

So, d= on the right side of O.

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Question 15
A uniform metre rule of weight 10 gf is pivoted at its 0 mark.
(i) What moment of force depresses the rule?
(ii) How can it be made horizontal by applying a least force?

Solution:
(i)Anticlockwise moment= 10 gf x 50 cm= 500 gf cm
(ii)From the principle of moments,
Anticlockwise moment= Clockwise moment
10 gf x 50 cm= W x 100 cm

So, W=
By applying a force 5 gf upwards at the 100 cm mark, rule can be made
horizontal.

Question 16
A uniform half metre rule can be balanced at the 29.0 cm mark when
a mass 20 g is hung from its one end.
(a) Draw a diagram of the arrangement.
(b) Find the mass of the half metre rule.

Solution:
(a)

Figure shows a uniform half metre rule PQ which is balanced at 29 cm

mark. Let M be the mass of the rule. A uniform rule has same
distribution of mass throughout its length So its weight Mg will act at
its middle point which is at 25 cm. The weight mg produces
anticlockwise moment about point o. In order to balance the 20 g

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(0.02kg) weight is tied at 50 cm mark which generates clockwise
moment.
(b) Hence from the principle of moments
Anticlockwise moment = clockwise moment
Mg(29-25) = 0.02 g(50-29)
M = 21(0.02)/4
M = 0.105 kg
M = 105 g

Question 17
A uniform metre rule of mass 100 g is balanced on a fulcrum at mark
40 cm by suspending an unknown mass m at the mark 20 cm.
(i) find the value of m.
(ii) To which side the rule will tilt if the mass m is moved to the mark
10 cm?
(iii) What is the resultant moment now?
(iv) How can it be balanced by another mass 50 g?

Answer 17
(i) From the principle of moments,
Clockwise moment= Anticlockwise moment
100 g x (50-40) cm = m x (40-20) cm
100 g x 10 cm = m x 20 cm = m = 50 g
(ii) The rule will tilt on the side of mass m (anticlockwise), if the mass
m is moved to the mark 10 cm.
(iii) Anticlockwise moment if mass m is moved to the mark 10 cm =
50g x (40-10)cm = 50 x 30 = 1500 g cm
Clockwise moment = 100 g x (50 - 40) cm = 1000 g cm
Resultant moment = 1500 g cm -1000 g cm = 500 g cm (anticlockwise)
(iv) From the principle of moments,
Clockwise moment= Anticlockwise moment
To balance it, 50 g weight should be kept on right hand side so as to
produce a clockwise moment. Let its distance from fulcrum bed cm.
Then,
100g x (50-40) cm + 50g x d = 50g x (40 - 10) cm

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1000g cm + 50g x d = 1500 g cm
50 g x d = 500g cm
So, d = 10 cm
By suspending the mass 50 g at the mark 50 cm, it can be balanced.

Question: 18
In figure 1.35 below, a uniform bar of length l m is supported at its
ends and loaded by a weight W kgf at its middle. In equilibrium, find
the reactions R1 and R2 at the ends.

Solution:
According to the principle of moments,
Clockwise moments = anticlockwise moments
As the s
System is in equilibrium,

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 Exercise 1 (B)
Question: 1
Define the term ‘centre of gravity of a body’.

Solution:
Centre of gravity is the point about which the algebraic sum of
moments of weights of particles constituting the body is zero and the
entire weight of the body is considered to act at this point.

Question: 2
Can the centre of gravity of a body be situated outside its material of
the body? Give an example.

Solution:
Yes, the centre of gravity can be situated outside the material of the
body. For example, centre of gravity of ring.

Question: 3
State factor on which the position of centre of gravity of a body
depend? Explain your answer with an example.

Solution:
The position of centre of gravity of a body of given mass depends on
its shape i.e., on the distribution of mass in it. For example: the
centre of gravity of a uniform wire is at its mid-point. But if this wire
is bent into the form of a circle, its centre of gravity will then be at
the centre of circle.

Question: 4
What is the position of centre of gravity of a:
(a) A rectangular lamina and
(b) the cylinder?

Solution:
(a) At the point of intersection of its diagonals.

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(b) At the mid point on the axis of cylinder.

Question: 5
At which point is the centre of gravity of situated in:
(a) A triangular lamina and
(b) A circular lamina?

Solution:
(a) Centre of gravity of a triangular lamina is situated at the point of
intersection of its medians.
(b) Centre of gravity of a circular lamina is situated at the centre of
circular lamina.

Question: 6
Where is the centre of gravity of a uniform ring situated?

Solution:
Centre of gravity of a uniform ring is situated at the centre of ring.

Question: 7
A square card board is suspended by passing a pin through a narrow
hole at its one corner. Draw a diagram to show its rest position. In
the diagram mark the point of suspension by the letter S and centre
of gravity by the letter G.

Solution:
A square card board in rest position with G as centre of gravity and S
as point of suspension.

Question: 8
Explain how will you determine experimentally the position of centre
of gravity for a triangular lamina (or a triangular piece of card board).

Solution:

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Take a triangular lamina. Make three fine holes at a, b, c near the
edge of triangular lamina. Now suspend the given lamina along with
a plumb line from hole ‘a’. Check that the lamina is free to oscillate
about the point of suspension. When lamina has come to rest, draw
straight line ad along the plumb line. Repeat the experiment by
suspending the lamina through hole ‘b’ and then through hole ‘c’ for
which we get straight lines be and cf respectively. It is noticed that
the lines ad, be and cf intersect each other at a common point G
which is the position of centre of gravity of triangular lamina i.e. the
point of intersection of medians.

Question: 9
State whether the following statement is true or false.
(i) The position of centre of gravity of a body remains unchanged
even when the body is deformed’.
(ii) ‘The centre of gravity of a freely suspended body always lies
vertically below the point of suspension’.

Solution:
(i) False. The position of centre of gravity of a body of given mass
depends on its shape i.e., on the distribution of mass in it.
(ii) True.

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Question: 10
A uniform flat circular rim is balanced on a sharp vertical nail by
supporting it at point A, as shown in Fig. 1.41. Mark the position of
centre of gravity of the rim in the diagram by the letter G.

Solution:

Question: 11
Figure 1.42 shows three pieces of card board of uniform thickness
cut into three different shapes. On each diagram draw two lines to
indicate the position of centre of gravity G.

Solution:

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 MCQs – 1 (B)
Question: 1
The centre of gravity of a uniform ball is
(a) At its geometrical centre
(b) At its bottom
(c) At its topmost point
(d) At any point on its surface

Solution:
(a) At its geometrical centre

Question: 2
The centre of gravity of a hollow cone of height h is at distance x
from its vertex where the value of x is:
(a) h/3
(b) h/4
(c) 2h/3
(d) 3h/4

Solution:
The centre of gravity of a hollow cone is at a height h/3 from the
base. Hence, from the vertex the height is h – h/3 = 2h/3.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).

Exercise – 1 (C)

Question: 1
Explain the meaning of uniform circular motion. Why is such motion
said to be accelerated?

Solution:
The motion is said to be in circular motion when the particle moves
with a constant speed in a circular path. For example: Earth’s
revolution around the sun is an example of uniform circular motion.

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Question: 2
Draw a neat labelled diagram for a particle moving in a circular path
with a constant speed. In your diagram show the direction of velocity
at any instant.

Solution:
Particle moving in a circular path with a constant speed.

Question: 3
Is it possible to have an accelerated motion with a constant speed?
Name such type of motion.

Solution:
uniform circular motion has an accelerated motion with a constant
speed.

Question: 4
Give one example of motion in which speed remains uniform, but
the velocity changes.

Solution:
Motion of a cyclist on a circular track is an example of motion in
which speed remains uniform, but the velocity changes.

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Question: 5
A uniform circular motion is an accelerated motion. Explain it. State
whether the acceleration is uniform or variable? Name the force
responsible to cause this acceleration. What is the direction of force
at any instant? Draw diagram in support of your answer.

Solution:
When the object moves in a circular path with uniform speed, it
means that its magnitude of velocity does not change, only its
direction changes continuously. Hence, it is considered as uniformly
accelerated motion.

Question: 6
Differentiate between a uniform linear motion and a uniform circular
motion.

Solution:
Uniform linear motion Uniform circular motion
The body moves along a straight The body moves along a circular
line. path.
Speed and direction both remain Speed is constant, but direction
constant. changes continuously.
It is not an accelerated motion. It is an accelerated motion.

Question: 7
Name the force required for circular motion. State its direction.

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Solution:
The force required for circular motion is centripetal force. The
direction of centripetal force is always directed towards the centre of
circle.

Question: 8
What is centripetal force?

Solution:
Force acting on a body which is in circular motion is called centripetal
force. It acts towards the centre of circular path.

Question: 9
Explain the motion of a planet around the sun in a circular path.

Solution:
A planet moves around the sun in a nearly circular path for which the
gravitational force of attraction on the planet by the sun provides
the necessary centripetal force required for circular motion.

Question: 10
(A) How does a centripetal force differ from a centrifugal force with
reference to the direction in which they act?
(B) Is centrifugal force the force of reaction of centripetal force?
(C) Compare the magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force.

Solutions:
(A) Both forces act in opposite direction with reference to the
direction in which they act.
(B) No, centrifugal force is not the force of reaction of the centripetal
force.
(C) The magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force is 1: 1

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Question: 11
Is centrifugal force a real force?

Solution:
No, centrifugal force is a fictitious force.

Question: 12
A small pebble tied at one of a string is placed near the periphery of
a circular disc, at the center of which the other end of the string is
tied to a peg. The disc is rotating about an axis passing through its
centre.
(A) What will be your observation when you are standing outside the
disc? Explain.
(B) What will be your observation when you are standing at the
centre of the disc. Explain.

Solution:
(A) On standing outside the disc, we find that the pebble is moving
on a circular path.
(B) On standing at the centre of the disc, we find that the pebble is
stationary placed just in front of us.

Question: 13
A piece of stone tied at the end of a thread is whirled in a horizontal
circle with uniform speed with the help of hand. Answer the
following questions.
a. Is the velocity of stone uniform or variable?
b. Is the acceleration of stone uniform or variable?
c. What is the direction of acceleration of stone at any instant?
d. What force does provide the centripetal force required for circular
motion?
e. Name the force and its direction which acts on the hand.

Solution:
Force of tension in the thread provides the centripetal force.

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Question: 14
State two differences between the centripetal and centrifugal force.

Solution:
Centripetal force Centrifugal force
It acts towards the centre of It acts away from the centre of the
the circle. circle.
It is a real force. It is a fictitious force.

Question: 15
State whether the following statements are true or false by writing
T/F against them.
(a) The earth moves around the sun with a uniform velocity.
(b) The motion of the moon around the earth in circular path is an
accelerated motion.
(c) A uniform linear motion is unaccelerated, while a uniform circular
motion is an accelerated motion.
(d) In a uniform circular motion, the speed continuously changes
because the direction of the motion changes.
(e) A Boy experiences a centrifugal force on his hand when he
rotates a piece of stone tied at one end of a string, holding the other
end in the hand.

Solution:
(a) False
(b) True
(c) True
(d) False
(e) False

Exercise – 1 (C) – MCQs

Question: 1
Which of the following quantity remains constant in uniform circular
motion:

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(a) Velocity
(b) Speed
(c) Acceleration
(d) Both velocity and speed

Solution:
Speed
Speed remains constant in uniform circular motion.

Question: 2
The centrifugal force is:
(a) a real force
(b) the force of reaction of centripetal force
(c) a fictitious force
(d) directed towards the centre of circular path

Solution:
The centrifugal force is a fictitious force.

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