KIKANI VIDHYA MANDIR

COIMBATORE

PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

Motion in a Plane

Submitted in partial fulfillment of

ASSCE 2023-2024

Under the guidance of, By

Ms. Aswani Krishna S R Shakityaa Sherwin .K
M.Sc. Physics, B.Ed. Roll No: 16
PGT Physics, Kikani Vidhya Mandir, Grade: 11 ‘c’

Coimbatore
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this ‘Physics Project’ on the topic “

Motion in a Plane” has been successfully completed by

Shakityaa Sherwin Karthikeyan of Class XII under the

guidance of, Ms. Aswani Krishna S R ,M.Sc., B.Ed., PGT

Physics, in partial fulfillment of the curriculum of Central

Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) leading to the award

of SSCE of the year 2023-2024.

Internal Examiner Principal

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have sincerely taken efforts in this project. However, it would not

have been possible without the kind support and help of many

individuals.

I would like to thank my beloved Principal Mrs. Geetha Raj, Vice

Principal Mrs. Jayalatha Rosalin and the school for providing me with

facilities required to do my project.

I am highly indebted to my physics teacher, Ms. Aswani Krishna S R

for her invaluable guidance which has sustained my efforts in all the

stages of this project work.

I would also like to thank my parents for their continuous support and

encouragement.

My thanks and appreciations to my fellow classmates and the

laboratory assistant in developing the project and to the people who

have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

CONTENTS: Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. KEY ELEMENTS 1-2

3. MOTION IN TWO DIMENSIONS 2

4. VECTORS AND SCALARS 2-3

5. VECTOR ADDITION 3-5

6. POSITION, DISPLACEMENT, & DISTANCE 5-6

7. VELOCITY AND ACCELERETION IN 2D 7-8

8. PROJECTILE MOTION 9-11

9. UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION 11-16

10. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATIONS 17-18

11. CONCLUSION 18-19

12. WEBLIOGRAPHY 20
 MOTION IN A PLANE

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the captivating world of motion in a plane, where objects dance across two-
dimensional landscapes, tracing paths and creating intricate patterns. In this exploration, we
will embark on a journey to understand the fundamental concepts that govern the motion of
objects in two dimensions.

Definition:
Motion, in its essence, refers to the change in position of an object over time. When we
extend this concept to a two-dimensional plane, we enter a realm where objects can move not
only forward and backward but also side to side — a dynamic and multidimensional canvas
for exploration.
In the study of motion in a plane, we consider how objects navigate space along both the x-
axis and y-axis. This introduces a wealth of possibilities and complexities, as the object's
position is now described by two coordinates, often referred to as \( (x, y) \). Imagine a plane
as a vast stage, and the objects as performers capable of graceful movements in any direction,
creating a spectacle of motion.

KEY ELEMENTS:
1. Position Vector:

^ y JΛ , encapsulates both the horizontal (\(x\)) and vertical (\(y\))

At the heart of motion in a plane lies the concept of the position vector. This vector,
represented byr⃗ =x i+
components of an object's position. It serves as a mathematical tool to precisely define the
location of an object at any given moment.
2. Displacement and Distance:
As objects traverse the plane, we delve into the notions of displacement and distance.
Displacement measures the change in position, taking into account both direction and
magnitude, while distance measures the path travelled. Understanding these concepts helps us
interpret the intricacies of an object's journey.
3. Velocity and Acceleration:
Motion in a plane involves the study of velocity and acceleration, where velocity is the rate of
ⅆ r⃗
change of displacement with respect to time ⃗v = , and acceleration is the rate of change of
ⅆt
velocity a⃗ =
ⅆ ⃗v
.These vectors reveal not only how fast an object is moving but also in
ⅆt
what direction.

1|Page
4. Projectile Motion:
One of the most captivating aspects of motion in a plane is projectile motion. Imagine
launching an object into the air - its trajectory is a beautiful curve dictated by gravity and
initial conditions. By dissecting this motion, we gain insights into the physics of free-fall and
the fascinating dance of objects in flight.

MOTION IN TWO DIMENSIONS

Motion in two dimensions refers to the movement of an object in both the horizontal and
vertical directions simultaneously. This type of motion can be described using vector
quantities, where each dimension is treated as a separate component. The key parameters
used to describe motion in two dimensions include displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
1. Displacement (Δr):
The change in position of an object in both the horizontal and vertical directions. It is a vector
quantity and is often represented as Δr=r f −r i where r f is the final position vector and r i is
the initial position vector.
2. Velocity ¿):
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. It is also a vector quantity and can be
expressed as the derivative of displacement with respect to time.

VECTORS AND SCALARS:

Vectors and scalars are two distinct types of quantities in physics, and they are differentiated
based on their mathematical and physical properties.

1. Scalars:
 Definition: Scalars are quantities that have only magnitude (size) and no direction
associated with them.
 Examples: Mass, temperature, time, energy, speed, and distance are examples of
scalar quantities.
 Mathematical Representation: Scalars are typically represented by single numerical
values without any directional information.
 Mathematical Operations: Scalars follow regular arithmetic operations, and they
can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided just like ordinary numbers.

2. Vectors:
 Definition: Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction.
 Examples: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum are examples
of vector quantities.

2|Page
  Mathematical Representation: Vectors are often represented by arrows or boldface
letters, indicating both magnitude and direction. For example, V or ⃗ A.
 Mathematical Operations: Vector operations involve both magnitude and direction.
Addition, subtraction, and multiplication of vectors are subject to specific rules, such
as the parallelogram law for addition and the dot product for multiplication.

Differentiation:
 Scalars: When differentiating a scalar with respect to a variable (e.g., time), the result
ⅆs
is a scalar. For example, if sis a scalar representing distance, gives the scalar
ⅆt
speed.
 Vectors: When differentiating a vector with respect to a variable, the result is a vector.
ⅆv
For example, if V is a vector representing velocity, gives the vector acceleration.
ⅆt

The key distinction lies in whether a quantity has both magnitude and direction (vector) or
only magnitude (scalar). When performing mathematical operations like differentiation,
vectors and scalars behave differently, with vectors retaining their directional information.

Examples:
 Scalar quantities: Mass, speed, distance, time, energy, density, volume, temperature,
work, etc. Scalar quantities are fully described by a magnitude or numerical value and
do not have directions.
 Vector quantities: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, momentum, force, weight,
etc. Vector quantities are fully described by both magnitude and direction.

For instance, if you are driving a car, the speedometer in your car shows the speed of the car,
which is a scalar quantity.
However, if you are driving a car and you want to know the direction of the car, you need to
look at the compass, which shows the direction of the car, which is a vector quantity.

VECTOR ADDITION APPLICATION:

Vector addition is crucial in various fields of science and engineering due to its ability to
represent and analyze quantities that have both magnitude and direction. Here are some areas
where vector addition is of particular importance:
1. Physics:
Force Analysis: Forces acting on an object are vectors. Vector addition is essential for
calculating the net force on an object, which determines its motion according to Newton's
laws.

3|Page
Projectile Motion: In two-dimensional motion, like projectile motion, vectors are used to
analyze the horizontal and vertical components of velocity and acceleration.

2. Engineering:
Structural Analysis: In civil and mechanical engineering, vector addition is used to analyze
forces and moments acting on structures. This is critical for designing and ensuring the
stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Electrical Engineering: In circuit analysis, currents and voltages are often represented as
vectors. Vector addition is used to determine the overall current and voltage in a circuit.

3. Navigation:
Navigation and Mapping: In navigation systems, vectors are used to represent the
movement of objects such as ships, airplanes, and vehicles. Vector addition helps in
calculating the resultant velocity or displacement.

4. Computer Graphics:
3D Graphics: In computer graphics, vectors are used to represent 3D points, directions, and
transformations. Vector addition is employed to calculate the final position or orientation of
objects in a 3D space.

5. Fluid Dynamics:
Fluid Flow: The study of fluid dynamics involves the analysis of vectors such as velocity
and acceleration fields. Vector addition is essential for understanding how fluids move and
interact in various situations.

6. Astronomy:
Celestial Mechanics: Vector addition is used in celestial mechanics to describe the motion of
planets, satellites, and other celestial bodies. Gravitational forces, which are vector quantities,
are crucial in these calculations.

7. Robotics:
Robot Motion Planning: In robotics, vectors are used to represent the position and
orientation of robotic arms or mobile robots. Vector addition helps in calculating the overall
displacement or motion of the robot.

4|Page
8. Physics Simulations:
Simulation Software: Vector addition is fundamental in physics simulations, such as fluid
flow simulations, structural simulations, and simulations of physical systems. It allows for the
accurate representation of real-world phenomena.

Thus, vector addition is a fundamental mathematical operation that is widely applied in

various scientific and engineering disciplines. Its ability to handle both magnitude and
direction makes it a powerful tool for analyzing and solving problems in these fields.

POSITION, DISPLACEMENT, and DISTANCE

Position:
Definition: Position refers to the location of an object in space relative to a reference point. It
is a vector quantity and includes both the distance and direction from the reference point.
Mathematical Representation: Usually represented as a vector r or as coordinates (x, y, z)
in a specific coordinate system.

Displacement:
Definition: Displacement is the change in position of an object. It is also a vector quantity,
taking into account both the distance and direction of the change.
Mathematical Representation: Often denoted as Δr or r f −r i , where r f is the final position
and r i is the initial position.

Distance:
Definition: Distance is the scalar quantity representing the total length of the path travelled
by an object, irrespective of its direction. It does not consider the actual direction travelled.
Mathematical Representation: Denoted as d

Formulas:
1. Displacement Formula: Δr=r f −r j

2. Distance Formula: d=|Δr|¿ denotes the magnitude)

Illustrative Examples:

5|Page
Let's consider a particle moving along the x-axis.
Initial position: r i=2mⅈ (2 meters along the positive x-axis)

Final position: r f =6 mⅈ (6 meters along the positive x-axis)

Displacement Calculation:
Δr=r f −r İ =6 mⅈ−2 mⅈ=4 mⅈ

Distance Calculation:
d=|Δr|=|4 mⅈ|=4 m

Graphical Representation of Position and Displacement:

Imagine a coordinate system with the x-axis. If the particle starts at x=2 and ends at
x=6 , the position is represented by two points on the x-axis.

Position:
At t=0 , the particle is at x=2
At t=Δt , the particle is at x=6 .
This can be represented by two points on the x-axis.

Displacement:
Draw an arrow from the initial position to the final position. The length of the arrow
represents the magnitude of displacement (4 meters), and the direction indicates the direction
of motion (along the positive x-axis).

Position-Displacement vector graph

6|Page
VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION IN TWO DIMENSIONS:
As we delve into the realm of motion in a plane, the concepts of velocity and acceleration take on a
new dimension—quite literally. In two-dimensional motion, objects navigate both the horizontal and
vertical axes, introducing complexities that enrich our understanding of how things move. Let's
embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of velocity and acceleration in two dimensions.

1. Vector Nature of Velocity:

In two-dimensional motion, velocity becomes a vector quantity. Unlike one-dimensional
motion, where speed suffices, the velocity of an object in a plane is a vector defined by both
magnitude and direction. If an object moves along the x-axis with velocity v x and along the y-
axis with velocity v y, its total velocity vector ⃗v is given by:
⃗v =v x ⅈ +v y j

This vector encapsulates not only how fast the object is moving but also in what direction.
Understanding this vector is crucial for predicting the object's path and behavior in a two-
dimensional space.

2. Dissecting Acceleration:
Acceleration, too, becomes a vector in two dimensions. It accounts for changes in both the
horizontal and vertical components of velocity. The acceleration vector a⃗ is given by:
a⃗ =a x ⅈ +a y ⅈ

Here, a x represents the horizontal acceleration, and a yrepresents the vertical acceleration. By
analyzing these components, we gain insights into how the object's speed and direction are
changing over time.

3. Projectile Motion:
One of the most captivating examples of motion in two dimensions is projectile motion.
Imagine launching a ball into the air—it follows a curved trajectory dictated by gravity.
While the horizontal component of velocity remains constant (assuming no horizontal
forces), the vertical component is influenced by acceleration due to gravity. Understanding
how these vectors interact unveils the beauty of projectile motion.

7|Page
 Kicking a ball in projectile trajectory.

4. Relative Motion:
In the dynamic interplay of objects in a plane, relative motion becomes a fascinating concept.
If two objects are moving in different directions, their relative velocity is the vector sum of
their individual velocities. This adds a layer of complexity as we explore scenarios where
objects influence each other's motion.

5. Circular Motion:
Objects moving in circles or arcs introduce yet another facet of two-dimensional motion.
Here, acceleration plays a crucial role, known as centripetal acceleration. This acceleration is
directed toward the center of the circle and keeps the object in its curved path. Understanding
centripetal acceleration enhances our comprehension of circular motion dynamics.

PROJECTILE MOTION
Projectile:
A projectile is any object thrown into space upon which the only acting force is gravity. The
primary force acting on a projectile is gravity. This doesn’t necessarily mean that other forces

8|Page
do not act on it, just that their effect is minimal compared to gravity. The path followed by a
projectile is known as a trajectory. A baseball batted or thrown is an example of a projectile.
What is Projectile motion?
When a particle is thrown obliquely near the earth’s surface, it moves along a curved path
under constant acceleration directed towards the centre of the earth (we assume that the
particle remains close to the earth’s surface). The path of such a particle is called a projectile,
and the motion is called projectile motion.
In a Projectile Motion, there are two simultaneous independent rectilinear motions:
 Along the x-axis: uniform velocity, responsible for the horizontal (forward) motion of
the particle.
 Along the y-axis: uniform acceleration, responsible for the vertical (downwards)
motion of the particle.
Acceleration in the horizontal projectile motion and vertical projectile motion of a particle:
When a particle is projected in the air with some speed, the only force acting on it during its
time in the air is the acceleration due to gravity (g). This acceleration acts vertically
downward. There is no acceleration in the horizontal direction, which means that the velocity
of the particle in the horizontal direction remains constant.

Parabolic motion of Projectiles:

Let us consider a ball projected at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal x-axis with the
initial velocity u as shown below:

The point O is called the point of projection; θ is the angle of projection and OB = Horizontal
Range or Simply Range. The total time taken by the particle from reaching O to B is called
the time of flight.
For finding different parameters related to projectile motion, we can make use of differential
equations of motions:

9|Page
Total Time of Flight
Resultant displacement (s) = 0 in Vertical direction.
Therefore, the time of flight formula is given by using the Equation of motion:
gt2 = 2(uyt – sy) [Here, uy = u sin θ and sy = 0]
i.e., gt2 = 2t × u sin θ
Therefore, the time of flight formula (t) is given by:
2 u sinθ
Total Time of Flight (t )=
g

Horizontal Range
Horizontal Range Horizontal Range (OA) = Horizontal component of velocity (ux) × Total
Flight Time (t)
R = u cos θ × 2u×sinθg
Therefore, in a projectile motion, the Horizontal Range is given by (R):
2
u sin 2 θ
Horizontal Range (R)=
g

Maximum Height
Maximum Height of Projectile After understanding what a projectile is, let us know the
maximum height of the projectile. The object’s maximum height is the highest vertical
position along its trajectory. The horizontal displacement of the projectile is called the range
of the projectile.
The range of the projectile depends on the object’s initial velocity. If v is the initial velocity, g
= acceleration due to gravity and H = maximum height in metres, θ = angle of the initial
velocity from the horizontal plane (radians or degrees).
The maximum height of the projectile is given by the formula:
2 2
v 0 si n θ
Maximmum Height ( H )=
2g

The Equation of Trajectory

This is the equation of trajectory in projectile motion, and it proves that the projectile motion
is always parabolic in nature.
2
gx
Equation of Trajectory=x tan ⁡θ− 2 2
2u co s θ

10 | P a g e
Some examples of Projectile motion:

Ballistic missile trajectory

UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION

Uniform circular motion is the motion of an object moving in a circular path at a constant
speed. In this type of motion, the speed of the object remains constant, but the direction of its
velocity changes continuously, leading to circular motion. Here are some key characteristics
and concepts related to uniform circular motion:

1. Constant Speed:

11 | P a g e
The object travels along the circumference of a circle at a constant speed.

2. Centripetal Acceleration:
 Even though the speed is constant, there is an acceleration present directed towards
the center of the circle. This acceleration is called centripetal acceleration ¿ ¿)
2
v
 The centripetal acceleration is given by (a c = ¿, where (v)is the constant speed and
r
( r ) is the radius of the circular path.

3. Centripetal Force:
 The force responsible for keeping the object in circular motion is called centripetal
force F c
 Centripetal force is related to centripetal acceleration through the equation ( F c =m⋅ ac )
, where ¿) is the mass of the object.

4. Angular Velocity:
 Angular velocity ( ω )is a measure of how quickly the object is rotating about the center
of the circle.
 It is related to linear velocity ( v )and the radius ( r ) by the equation (v=ω . r ).

5. Period and Frequency:

 The time taken for one complete revolution is called the period ¿).
 The frequency ¿) is the number of revolutions per unit time.
1
 They are related by f = .
T

Formulas:
1. Centripetal Acceleration:
2
 v
a c=
r

2. Centripetal Force:
 F c =m. a c

12 | P a g e
3. Angular Velocity:
v
 ω=
r

Graphical Representation:

1. Position Vector:
The position vector of the object in uniform circular motion is always directed radially
outward from the center of the circle.

2. Velocity Vector:
The velocity vector is always tangent to the circle and perpendicular to the radial vector.

3. Acceleration Vector:
The acceleration vector (centripetal acceleration) is directed towards the center of the circle.

13 | P a g e
Mathematical Analysis:

1. Centripetal Acceleration:
2
 v
a c=
r
2. Centripetal Force:
 F c =m. a c

3. Angular Velocity:
v
 ω=
r
4. Period:
2π
 T=
v
5. Frequency:
1
 f=
T
By using these formulas, you can describe and quantify the motion of an object undergoing
uniform circular motion. The graphical representation helps visualize the position, velocity,
and acceleration vectors in this type of motion.

Real-life Applications

14 | P a g e
 Fig. Ferris wheel London eye

Fig. Nascar circuit – banked curved road

15 | P a g e
Forces in Two Dimensions:
When dealing with forces in two dimensions, it means that forces can act not
only along the horizontal (x-axis) or vertical (y-axis) directions but at angles in
between. This introduces the need to use vector components to analyze and
solve problems.

Newton's Second Law for Two Dimensions:

Newton's second law in two dimensions is expressed as a vector equation. For
an object subjected to forces F , the acceleration a is related to the net force and
the object's mass mby the equation:
F=m . a

In each dimension (x and y), this equation can be written separately, allowing
for the analysis of forces acting in both directions.
F x =m . a x

Fy=m⋅ a y

Resolving Forces into Components:

When forces act at an angle to a coordinate axis, it's often useful to resolve these
forces into their horizontal and vertical components. This is done using
trigonometric functions. If F is the magnitude of the force, and θ is the angle it
makes with the positive x-axis:
F x =F ⋅ cos θ

F y =F ⋅sin θ

Analyzing Forces in Inclined Planes:

When dealing with forces on inclined planes, the force of gravity can be
decomposed into components parallel and perpendicular to the incline. Consider
an object on an incline with an angle α with respect to the horizontal:

Force parallel to the incline F p:

F p=m⋅ g sin α

16 | P a g e
 Force perpendicular to the incline F perpendicular:
F perpendicular =m. g cos α

The normal force acting on the object is equal to F perpendicular, and the frictional
force can be considered in the parallel direction.

1. Gravity Components:
 F ¿=m. g sin α
 F perpendicular =m. g cos α
2. Normal Force and Friction:
- The normal force N is equal to F perpendicular.
- The frictional force f fric t on can be calculated using f fric t on=μ . N
i i

3. Net Force and Acceleration:

F net .¿ = F ¿ - f fric t on
i

a=F net .¿ /m

By applying these principles, you can analyze the forces acting on the block on
an inclined plane and determine its acceleration. This approach is crucial for
solving problems involving forces in two dimensions.
RELEVANCE AND APPLICATIONS
Motion in a plane, which involves the movement of objects in two dimensions,
is a fundamental concept in physics with widespread relevance and applications
across various fields. Here are some key areas where the understanding of
motion in a plane is highly relevant:

1. Projectile Motion:
Understanding motion in a plane is crucial for analyzing the trajectory of
projectiles. This is applicable in fields such as ballistics, sports, and space
exploration.

2. Aerospace Engineering:

17 | P a g e
Aircraft and spacecraft often move in a three-dimensional space. The study of
motion in a plane is essential for designing flight paths, optimizing fuel
efficiency, and predicting the behaviour of flying vehicles.

3. Robotics:
Robots often move in a two-dimensional plane, and their motion needs to be
precisely controlled. Concepts of motion in a plane are applied in robotics for
path planning and navigation.

4. Computer Graphics and Animation:

Motion in a plane is used extensively in computer graphics and animation to
simulate the movement of objects in a 2D or 3D space. This is crucial for
creating realistic and visually appealing virtual environments.

5. Physics Simulations:
Motion in a plane is a fundamental aspect of physics simulations, such as fluid
dynamics simulations, where the movement of fluids in two dimensions is
modelled.

6. Mechanical Engineering:
In mechanical systems, parts may move in a plane, and understanding their
motion is vital for designing mechanisms, predicting wear and tear, and
optimizing performance.

7. Civil Engineering:
The study of motion in a plane is relevant in civil engineering for analyzing the
behavior of structures subjected to lateral loads, wind forces, or seismic forces.

8. Navigation Systems:
Navigational systems for vehicles, ships, and aircraft involve understanding and
predicting the motion of these entities in a two-dimensional plane.

18 | P a g e
9. Sports Science:
Concepts of motion in a plane are applied in sports science for analyzing the
trajectories of balls, optimizing the performance of athletes, and designing
sports equipment.

10. Mathematics and Physics Education:

Motion in a plane serves as a practical and illustrative example for teaching and
learning physics and mathematics. It helps students grasp concepts like vector
addition, displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

11. Video Game Development

Video games often involve characters and objects moving in a two-dimensional
or three-dimensional plane. Understanding motion is essential for creating
realistic and engaging gaming experiences.

12. Biomechanics:
The study of motion in a plane is relevant in biomechanics for analyzing the
movements of the human body, understanding sports biomechanics, and
designing prosthetics.

13. Surveying:
Surveyors use principles of motion in a plane to measure distances, angles, and
elevations in various construction and land development projects.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, motion in a plane is a fundamental concept with broad
applications, ranging from physics and engineering to computer science,
biology, and various practical industries. Its relevance extends to both
theoretical understanding and practical applications in diverse fields of study
and industry.

19 | P a g e
WEBLIOGRAPHY:
 Wikipedia
 Britannica
 Chatgpt
 Byjus
 GeeksforGeeks
 Study.com
 Toppr
 Khan academy

20 | P a g e