Cambridge International

AS & A Level Mathematics:

Mechanics
Practice Book
Contents
How to use this book

1 Velocity and acceleration

2 Force and motion in one dimension

3 Forces in two dimensions

4 Friction

5 Connected particles

6 General motion in a straight line

7 Momentum

8 Work and energy

9 The work-energy principle and power

Answers
 How to use this book

Throughout this book you will notice particular features that are designed to help your learning.
This section provides a brief overview of these features.

■ Relate force to acceleration.

■ Use combinations of forces to calculate their effect on an object.
■ Include the force on an object due to gravity in a force diagram and calculations.
■ Include the contact force on a force diagram and in calculations.

Learning objectives indicate the important concepts within each chapter and help you to navigate
through the practice book.

TIP

The velocity jumps suddenly when t = 5. This can happen, for

example, in a collision. The displacement still needs to be continuous.

Tip boxes contain helpful guidance about calculating or checking your answers.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2.1

A block of mass 16 kg is pushed across a smooth horizontal surface using a constant

horizontal force of T newtons. The block starts from rest and takes 5 seconds to travel 20
metres. Find the value of T.

Answer

s = 20, u = 0, t = 5 Constant force so constant

acceleration.

a = 1.6 m s−2

Newton’s second law: Resultant force = mass × acceleration.

T = 16 × 1.6 = 25.6

Worked examples provide step-by-step approaches to answering questions. The left side shows a fully
worked solution, while the right side contains a commentary explaining each step in the working.

END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 7

 1 A raindrop of mass 0.005 kg has momentum of magnitude between 0.01 Ns and 0.02 Ns.
Calculate the range of speeds of the raindrop.
2 A train of mass 300 000 kg is travelling along a straight track. The train speeds up from 4 m
s−1 to 6.5 m s−1. Calculate the increase in the momentum of the tr sured in the direction of
travel.

The End-of-chapter review exercise contains exam-style questions covering all topics in the chapter.
You can use this to check your understanding of the topics you have covered.

E
Extension material goes beyond the syllabus. It is highlighted by a red line to the left of the text.

Throughout each chapter there are multiple exercises containing practice questions. The questions are
coded:

PS These questions focus on problem solving.

P These questions focus on proofs.

M These questions focus on modelling.

You should not use a calculator for these questions.

You can use a calculator for these questions.

Chapter 1
Velocity and acceleration

■ Work with scalar and vector quantities for distance and speed.
■ Use equations of constant acceleration.
■ Sketch and read displacement–time graphs and velocity–time graphs.
■ Solve problems with multiple stages of motion.
1.1 Displacement and velocity

WORKED EXAMPLE 1.1

A plane flies from Warsaw to Athens, a distance of 1600 km, at an average speed of 640 km
h−1.
How long does the flight take?

Answer

State the equation to use.

Rearrange the equation to make time the subject.

Use consistent units, substitute values into the

equation.

Flight takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Convert the decimal answer into hours and
minutes.

EXERCISE 1A

1 How long will an athlete take to run 1500 metres at 7.5 m s−1?
2 A train maintains a constant velocity of 60 m s−1 due south for 20 minutes. What is its
displacement in that time? Give the distance in kilometres.
3 Some Antarctic explorers walking towards the South Pole expect to average 1.8
kilometres per hour. What is their expected displacement in a day in which they walk for
14 hours?
Questions 4 and 5 refer to the four points, A, B, C and D, which lie in a straight line with
distances between them shown in the diagram. The displacement is measured from left
to right.

4 Find:
a i the displacement from D to A
ii the displacement from D to B
b i the distance from D to B
ii the distance from C to A
c i the total displacement when a particle travels from B to C and then to A
ii the total displacement when a particle travels from C to D and then to A.

TIP

Remember displacement is a vector quantity, and distance is a

scalar quantity.

PS 5 a i A particle travels from A to C in 23 seconds and then from C to B in 18 seconds.

Find its average speed and average velocity.
ii A particle travels from B to D in 38 seconds and then from D to A in 43 seconds.
 Find its average speed and average velocity.
b i A particle travels from B to D in 16 seconds and then back to B in 22 seconds.
Find its average speed and average velocity.
ii A particle travels from A to C in 26 seconds and then back to A in 18 seconds.
Find its average speed and average velocity.

TIP

Remember speed is a scalar quantity, and velocity is a vector

quantity.

6 Here is an extract from the diary of Samuel Pepys for 4 June 1666, written in London.
‘We find the Duke at St James’s, whither he is lately gone to lodge. So walking through
the Parke we saw hundreds of people listening to hear the guns.’
These guns were at the battle of the English fleet against the Dutch off the Kent coast, a
distance of between 110 and 120 km away. The speed of sound in air is 344 m s−1. How
long did it take the sound of the gunfire to reach London?
7 Light travels at a speed of 3.00 × 108 m s−1. Light from the star Sirius takes 8.65 years
to reach the Earth. What is the distance of Sirius from the Earth in kilometres?

TIP

Consider how many seconds there are in 8.65 years.

1.2 Acceleration

WORKED EXAMPLE 1.2

A skateboarder travels down a hill in a straight line with constant acceleration. She starts
with speed 1.5 m s−1 and finishes with speed 9.5 m s−1. The length of the hill is 22 m.
a Find the time taken.
b Find the acceleration of the skateboarder.

Answer
a s = 22, u =1.5, v = 9.5 Begin by listing the information given.

so State the equation to be used and substitute in the

known values.

t=4 Rearrange the equation to find the time.

Time taken = 4 seconds Include the units in the final answer.

b Choose the equation to be used.

Substitute in the known values.

=2

Acceleration = 2 m s−2 Include the units in the final answer.

EXERCISE 1B

1 Write the following quantities in the specified units, giving your answers to 3 significant
figures.
a i 3.6 km h−1 in m s−1
ii 62 km h−1 in m s−1
b i 5.2 m s−1 in km h−1
ii 0.26 m s−1 in km h−1
c i 120 km h−2 in m s−2
ii 450 km h−2 in m s−2
d i 0.82 m s−2 in km h−2
ii 2.7 m s−2 in km h−2

TIP

Use velocities not speeds.

2 A police car accelerates from 15 m s−1 to 35 m s−1 in 5 seconds. The acceleration is

constant. Illustrate this with a velocity–time graph. Use the equation v = u + at to
calculate the acceleration. Find also the distance travelled by the car in that time.
3 A marathon competitor running at 5 m s−1 puts on a sprint when she is 100 metres from
the finish, and covers this distance in 16 seconds. Assuming that her acceleration is
constant, use the equation to find how fast she is running as she crosses
the finishing line.
 4 Starting from rest, an aircraft accelerates to its take-off speed of 60 m s−1 in a distance
of 900 metres. Assuming constant acceleration, find how long the take-off run lasts.
Hence calculate the acceleration.

TIP

‘Rest’ means not moving, so the velocity is zero.

5 A train is travelling at 80 m s−1 when the driver applies the brakes, producing a
deceleration of 2 m s−2 for 30 seconds. How fast is the train then travelling, and how far
does it travel while the brakes are on?
PS 6 A balloon at a height of 300 m is descending at 10 m s−1 and decelerating at a rate of
0.4 m s−2. How long will it take for the balloon to stop descending, and what will its
height be then?
7 A train goes into a tunnel at 20 m s−1 and emerges from it at 55 m s−1. The tunnel is
1500 m long. Assuming constant acceleration, find how long the train is in the tunnel for,
and the acceleration of the train.
PS 8 A cyclist riding at 5 m s−1 starts to accelerate, and 200 metres later she is riding at 7 m
s−1. Find her acceleration, assumed constant.
1.3 Equations of constant acceleration

WORKED EXAMPLE 1.3

A train is travelling at 55 m s−1. The driver needs to reduce the speed to 35 m s−1 to pass
through a junction. The deceleration must not exceed 0.6 m s−2. How far ahead of the
junction should the driver begin to slow down the train?

Answer

Using the maximum deceleration:

u = 55, v = 35, a = −0.6 Begin by listing the information given. As we have

deceleration, the acceleration is a negative value.

v2= u2+ 2as so 1225 = 3025 − State the equation to be used and substitute in the
1.2s known values.

s = 1500 Rearrange to find the distance.

The driver should start to slow Include the units in the final answer and clarify the
down at least 1500 m ahead of answer in the contextof the question.
the junction.

EXERCISE 1C

P 1 Use the formulae v = u + at and to prove that .

TIP

Decide which variable to eliminate.

P 2 a Use the formulae and v = u + at to derive the formula

.
b A particle moves with constant acceleration 3.1 m s−2. It travels 300 m in the first 8
seconds. Find its speed at the end of the 8 seconds.
P 3 Use the formulae v = u + at and to derive the formula v2 = u2 + 2as.

4 An ocean liner leaves the harbour entrance travelling at 3 m s−1, and accelerates at 0.04
m s−2 until it reaches its cruising speed of 15 m s−1.
a How far does it travel in accelerating to its cruising speed?
b How long does it take to travel 2 km from the harbour entrance?
5 A boy kicks a football up a slope with a speed of 6 m s−1. The ball decelerates at 0.3 m s
−2. How far up the slope does it roll?

6 A cyclist comes to the top of a hill 165 metres long travelling at 5 m s−1, and free-wheels
down it with an acceleration of 0.8 m s−2. Write expressions for his speed and the
distance he has travelled after t seconds. Hence find how long he takes to reach the
bottom of the hill, and how fast he is then travelling.
PS 7 A particle reduces its speed from 20 m s−1 to 8.2 m s−1 while travelling 100 m.
Assuming it continues to move with the same constant acceleration, how long will it take
to travel another 20 m?
PS 8 A particle moves with constant deceleration of 3.6 m s−2. It travels 350 m while its
speed halves. Find the time it takes to do this.
 9 A car reduces its speed from 18 m s−1 to 9 m s−1 while travelling 200 m. Assuming the
car continues to move with the same uniform acceleration, how much further will it
travel before it stops?
10 a A particle moves in a straight line with constant acceleration a = −3.4 m s−2. At t = 0
its velocity is u = 6 m s−1. Find its maximum displacement from the starting point.
b Explain why this is not the maximum distance from the starting point.
M 11 A car travelling at 10 m s−1 is 25 metres from a pedestrian crossing when the traffic light
changes from green to amber. The light remains at amber for 2 seconds before it changes
to red. The driver has two choices: to accelerate so as to reach the crossing before the
light changes to red, or to try to stop at the light. What is the least acceleration which
would be necessary in the first case, and the least deceleration which would be necessary
in the second?
M 12 A cheetah is pursuing an impala. The impala is running in a straight line at a constant
speed of 16 m s−1. The cheetah is 10 m behind the impala, running at 20 m s−1 but tiring,
so that it is decelerating at 1 m s−2. Find an expression for the gap between the cheetah
and the impala t seconds later. Will the impala get away?
1.4 Displacement–time graphs and multi-stage problems

WORKED EXAMPLE 1.4

The diagram shows the displacement–time graph for a cyclist moving in a straight line.

a Find the velocity of the cyclist over the first 50 seconds.

b Estimate the times when the velocity of the cyclist is 0 m s−1.
c Find the greatest (positive) velocity over the 100 seconds.

Answer

a The gradient of a displacement-time graph is equal

to the velocity.

b t = 50 to 70 and at As the gradient represents the velocity, we look at

approximately 82 seconds when the gradient is zero.

c Velocity = gradient of graph

Greatest (positive) velocity is This is where the graph is steepest.
t = 90 to 100
In this time s increases from 10 to 20

Gradient = increase in height/change in horizontal

distance.

EXERCISE 1D

1 A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement from point P is shown on the
displacement–time graph.

a How far from P does the particle start?

b In the first 20 seconds, is the particle moving towards P or away from it?
c What happens when t = 20 seconds?
 d What happens after 60 seconds?
e At what time does the particle pass P?
f Is the particle’s speed increasing or decreasing during the first 20 seconds?
g Is the particle’s speed increasing or decreasing between 50 and 60 seconds? What
about its velocity?
h Find the total distance travelled by the particle in the first 60 seconds.
PS 2 For each displacement–time graph, draw the corresponding straight line velocity–time
graph:
a

3 This displacement–time graph represents the motion of a particle moving in a straight

line. The particle passes point A when t = 0.
 The particle is at point B when t = 12 and at point C when t = 30.
a Describe what happens between t = 12 and
b Write down the displacement of C from A. Hence find the average velocity of the
particle during the 30 seconds.
c Find the average speed of the particle during the 30 seconds.
PS 4 A cyclist is free-wheeling down a long straight hill. The times between passing
successive kilometre posts are 100 seconds and 80 seconds. Assuming his acceleration is
constant, find this acceleration.

TIP

Each individual km can be considered, or the combined motion

for 2 km can be considered.

5 A train is slowing down with constant deceleration. It passes a signal at A, and after
successive intervals of 40 seconds it passes points B and C, where AB = 1800 m and BC
= 1400 m.
a How fast is the train moving when it passes A?
b How far from A does it come to a stop?
PS 6 A particle is moving along a straight line with constant acceleration. In an interval of T
seconds it moves D metres; in the next interval of 3T seconds it moves 9D metres.
How far does it move in a further interval of T seconds?
7 A ball is thrown vertically upwards, travels up and then down; when the ball hits the
ground it bounces up again.
The following graph shows the height of the ball above the ground against time.

Sketch a graph to show the distance that the ball has travelled against time.
8 Amir and Sofia start side by side on the starting line of a 100 m track. Amir runs the 100
metres at a constant speed of v m s−1. Sofia starts from rest 1 second after Amir and
accelerates at a constant 0.5 m s−2.
a When v = 4, how far has Amir run when Sofia overtakes him?
b What happens when v = 5?
9 A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration.
a Sketch the displacement–time graph.
In the first 4 seconds the particle moves 16 metres.
 b Find how far the particle travels in the next 4 seconds.
PS 10 A motorbike and a car are waiting side by side at traffic lights. When the lights turn to
green, the motorbike accelerates at 2.5 m s−2 up to a top speed of 20 m s−1, and the car
accelerates at 1.5 m s−2 up to a top speed of 30 m s−1. Both then continue to move at
constant speed.
a Using the same axes, sketch the displacement–time graphs.
b After what time will the motorbike and the car again be side by side?
c What is the greatest distance that the motorbike is in front of the car?
M 11 The displacement, in metres, of a particle is plotted against time, in seconds. The resulting
displacement–time graph is modelled as a quadratic equation that passes through (0, 20),
(10, 5) and (12, 20).

At some time the displacement is x metres and 4 seconds later the displacement is again x
metres. Find the value of x.
1.5 Velocity–time graphs and multi-stage problems

WORKED EXAMPLE 1.5

A train moves along a straight track. The train passes a signal at time t = 0 seconds and is
moving with a velocity of 18 m s−1. The train accelerates at 2 m s−2 for 5 seconds, travels at
a constant velocity for some time, and then decelerates at 1.4 m s−2 until it stops at a
station. The signal is 1000 m from the station. Find the time at which the train reaches the
station.

Answer

When t = 0, v = 18 State the initial values.

When t = 5, v = 18 + 2 × 5 = 28 Use v = u + at to find the velocity after 5 seconds.

The velocity–time graph looks Although we don’t have all the informationfor a
like this: velocity–time graph, drawing a sketchof what we
do know may help to answer the question.

While accelerating, the train Use to find the distance travelled

travels 0.5(18 + 28) × 5 =115 during the first section of the motion.
metres

The deceleration phase takes Use to find the time taken to deceleration
to rest.

The distance travelled while Use to find the distance travelled

decelerating is0.5(28 + 0) × 20 during the final section of the motion.
= 280 metres

So the distance travelled at 28 m Use the total distance to find the distance travelled
s−1 is1000 −115 − 280 = 605 during the constant speed section of motion.
metres

This takes 605 ÷ 28 = 21.6 Use .

seconds

5 + 21.6 + 20 = 46.6 Finally add the time for each of the threesections.
The train reaches the station at
time t = 46.6 seconds

EXERCISE 1E

1 For each velocity–time graph, find:

a the acceleration from A to B and from C to D
b the total distance travelled.
i
 ii

iii

2 For each of these descriptions of motion, draw the velocity–time graph and find the total
distance travelled.
a A particle accelerates uniformly from 20 m s−1 to 32 m s−1 in 15 seconds, then
moves with constant speed for 25 seconds and finally decelerates uniformly and
comes to rest in another 10 seconds.
b An object starts from rest and accelerates at 2.5 m s−2 for 12 seconds. It then moves
with a constant velocity for 8 seconds and finally decelerates at 6 m s−2 until it
comes to rest.
c A particle accelerates uniformly from 11 m s−1 to 26 m s−1 with acceleration 0.4 m s
−2. It then decelerates at 2 m s−2 until it comes to rest.

3 A train travelling at 20 m s−1 starts to accelerate with constant acceleration. It covers

the next kilometre in 25 seconds. Use the equation to calculate the
acceleration. Find also how fast the train is moving at the end of this time. Illustrate the
motion of the train with a velocity–time graph. How long does the train take to cover the
first half kilometre?
4 A long-jumper takes a run of 30 metres to accelerate to a speed of 10 m s−1 from a
standing start. Find the time he takes to reach this speed, and hence calculate his
 acceleration. Illustrate his run-up with a velocity–time graph.
PS 5 A particle moves in a straight line, starting from rest at point P. It accelerates for 5
seconds, until it reaches a speed of 16 m s−1. It maintains this speed for T seconds and
then decelerates at 2 m s−2 until it comes to rest at point Q.
a Sketch the velocity–time graph to represent the motion of the particle.
b Given the average speed of the particle on the journey from P to Q is 12 m s−1, find
the value of T.
6 A cyclist travels from A to B, a distance of 240 metres. He passes A at 12 m s−1,
maintains this speed for as long as he can, and then brakes so that he comes to a stop at
B. If the maximum deceleration he can achieve when braking is 3 m s−2, what is the least
time in which he can get from A to B?
PS 7 Two villages are 900 metres apart. A car leaves the first village travelling at 15 m s−1
and accelerates at m s−2 for 30 seconds.
How fast is it then travelling, and what distance has it covered in this time?
The driver now sees the next village ahead, and decelerates so as to enter it at 15 m s−1.
What constant deceleration is needed to achieve this? How much time does the driver
save by accelerating and decelerating, rather than covering the whole distance at 15 m s
−1?

M 8 A cyclist starts at the bottom of a hill moving at a speed of 13.5 m s−1. She moves with a
constant deceleration of 0.9 m s−2, reaching the top of the hill 9.2 seconds later. She
then accelerates down the hill at 1.6 m s−2 for 86 m. Find the speed of the cyclist when
she reaches the bottom of the hill.
9 A car comes to a stop from a speed of 30 m s−1 in a distance of 804 m. The driver brakes
so as to produce a deceleration of m s−2 to begin with, and then brakes harder to
produce a deceleration of m s−2. Find the speed of the car at the instant when the
deceleration is increased, and the total time the car takes to stop.
10 A ball is dropped from a height of 2.6 m above the surface of a water well and falls freely
under gravity. After it enters the water, the ball’s acceleration decreases to 1.2 m s−2. It
reaches the bottom of the well 0.9 seconds after reaching the surface of the water.
Assuming the acceleration through the water is constant over a short period of time, find
the depth of the water in the well.

TIP

Use a value of 10 m s−2 for the acceleration whilst the ball is

above the surface of the water.

M 11 A roller-skater increases speed from 4 m s−1 to 10 m s−1 in 10 seconds at a constant

rate.
a What is her average velocity over this period?
b For what proportion of the time is she moving at less than her average velocity?
c For what proportion of the distance is she moving at less than her average velocity?
12 A car starts from rest at time t = 0. It accelerates uniformly until its speed reaches V m s
−1. It travels at constant speed for 12 seconds and then decelerates uniformly, coming to
rest when t = 26. The total distance travelled by the car is 840 m. Find the value of V.
1.6 Graphs with discontinuities

WORKED EXAMPLE 1.6

In a game of miniature golf, a player hits the ball from the tee so that it rolls along the
ground with an initial speed of 10 m s−1. The ball is subject to a deceleration of constant
magnitude D m s−2 throughout its motion.
The ball hits a small wall 5 metres from the tee and returns past the tee. It hits another wall
1 metre beyond the tee and returns to the tee where it stops, having been rolling for T
seconds. The ball loses 50% of its speed each time it hits a wall.
a Sketch the velocity–time graph for the motion.
b Find the value of D.
c Find the value of T.

Answer

a Taking the direction from the tee to

the first wall as the positive direction:

Each time the ball hits a wall the velocity changes

sign.

b From the tee to the first wall:

s = 5, u = 10, a = −D Begin by listing the information given,noting the

acceleration is negative asit is a deceleration.

Using v2 = u2 + 2as: Choose the most suitable equation.

v2 = 100 −10D Substitute in the known values.

Ball hits the wall with The ball leaves the wall with half the previous
velocity and velocity and the velocitychanges sign.
leaves with velocity
.

From the first wall to the second wall:

s = −6, u = − List the new information known.

,a=D

Using v2 = u2 + 2as: Choose the most suitable equation.

v2 = 0.25(100 − 10D) −12D Substitute in the known values andsimplify the

= 25 −14.5D answer.

Ball hits the second wall with Again the ball leaves the wall with halfthe previous
velocity and velocity and the velocitychanges sign.
leaves with velocity
.

From the second wall to the tee:

s = 1, u = List the new information known.

, v = 0, a = −D
 Using v2 = u2 + 2as: Choose the most suitable equation.

0 = 0.25(25 −14.5D) − 2D Substitute in the known values.

Solve to find D.

c From the tee to the first wall:

s = 5, u = 10, v = 9.43, a = List the new information known.

−1.11

Using v = u + at: Choose the most suitable equation.

9.43 = 10 −1.11t so t = Substitute in the known values and findthe time.

0.514

From the first wall to the second wall:

s = −6, u = −4.72, v = List the new information known.

−2.98, a =1.11

Using v = u + at: Choose the most suitable equation.

−2.98 = −4.72 +1.11t so t = Substitute in the known values and findthe time.
1.559

From the second wall to the tee:

s =1, u =1.49, v = 0, a = List the new information known.

−1.11

Using v = u + at: Choose the most suitable equation.

0 =1.49 −1.11t so t =1.342 Substitute in the known values and findthe time.

T = 0.518 +1.559 +1.342 = Add together the times for each of thethree
3.42 seconds sections of motion.

EXERCISE 1F

M 1 An ice hockey puck slides across the ice with a constant speed of 15 m s−1. The puck
travels 10 metres, bounces off the board at the edge of the ice, losing 20% of its speed,
and returns with constant velocity to the point where it was hit.
How long does the player who hit the puck have to get out of the way, to avoid being hit
by the puck?
PS 2 A car is travelling at 20 m s−1 when the driver brakes heavily. The car is instantly subject
to a constant deceleration that lasts for 1.5 seconds and slows the speed of the car to 5 m
s−1. The driver then eases off the brakes so the deceleration changes to a different
constant value that brings the car to rest after travelling a further 50 metres.
Find:
a the total time taken
b the total distance travelled from when the brakes are applied to when the car stops.
PS 3 A ball is dropped from a window that is 10 m above the ground. The initial speed of the
ball is 0 m s−1 and it accelerates at 9.8 m s−2 while it is falling. The ball bounces and
loses 10% of its speed in the bounce.
a How high does the ball rise after the first bounce?
b How long does it take until the ball hits the ground for the second time?
A person spots the bouncing ball and catches it as it approaches the ground for the
first time that is more than 10 seconds from when the ball first bounced.
c How many more bounces does the ball make after the first bounce before it is
caught?
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 1

TIP

Graphs and equations of motion may both be helpful.

1 A train leaves a station, starting from rest, with a constant acceleration of a m s−2. It
reaches a signal 100 seconds later at a speed of 40 m s−1. Find:
a the value of a
b the distance between the station and the signal.
M 2 A woman skis down a slope with constant acceleration. She starts from rest and is
travelling at 25 m s−1 when she reaches the bottom of the slope. The slope is 125 m long.
Find:
a her acceleration down the slope
b the time taken to reach the bottom of the slope.
PS 3 A particle moves along a straight line ABC with constant acceleration. AB = 50 cm and
BC = 150 cm. After passing through A, the particle travels for 2 seconds before passing
through B, and for a further 3 seconds before passing through C. Find the acceleration of
the particle and the speed with which it reaches C.

TIP

Remember to use SI units throughout.

4 A car is travelling at V m s−1 along a straight road and passes point A at t = 0. When the
car is at point A the driver sees a pedestrian crossing the road at a point B ahead and
decelerates at 1 m s−2 for 6 seconds. The car then travels at a constant speed and
reaches B after a further 6 seconds. The distance AB is at 180 m.
a Sketch a velocity–time graph for the car’s journey.
b Determine the value of V.
5 A car is travelling along a road. It passes point A at a constant speed of V m s−1, and
drives for T seconds at this speed. It then accelerates at a constant rate for 6 seconds
until it reaches a speed of 2V m s−1. Maintaining this speed, it arrives at point B after a
further 2T seconds. The total distance travelled between A and B was 528 m and the
average speed was 20 m s−1. Find V and T.
6 A goods train travels along a straight track between two signals. The train has speed 3 m
s−1 as it passes through the first signal. The train moves with constant acceleration 0.5 m
s−2 for the first 30 s, then with constant speed for 180 s, and finally with constant
deceleration 0.12 m s−2 to come to rest at the second signal.
a Find the total time taken for the train to travel between the two signals.
b Calculate the distance between the two signals.
c Find, to the nearest whole number, the percentage of the distance between the two
signals that the train travels at more than half the maximum speed.
M 7 Two runners, Ayesha and Fatima, are completing a long-distance race. They are both
running at 5 m s−1, with Ayesha 10 m behind Fatima. When Fatima is 50 m from the
finish line, Ayesha accelerates but Fatima doesn’t. What is the least acceleration Ayesha
must produce to overtake Fatima?
If instead Fatima accelerates at 0.1 m s−2 up to the finish line, what is the least
acceleration Ayesha must produce?
M 8 A woman stands on the bank of a frozen lake with a dog by her side. She slides a bone
across the ice at a speed of 3 m s−1 and at the same instant the dog begins to chase the
bone. The bone slows down with deceleration 0.4 m s−2, and the dog chases it with
 acceleration 0.6 m s−2. How far out from the bank does the dog catch up with the bone?
9 A man is running for a bus at 3 m s−1. When he is 100 m from the bus stop, the bus
passes him going at 8 m s−1. If the deceleration of the bus is constant, at what constant
rate should the man accelerate so as to arrive at the bus stop at the same instant as the
bus?
10 The distance from A to B is 10 000 m. A car starts from rest at A and accelerates
uniformly until it has travelled 2000 m. The car travels at a constant speed V m s−1 for
300 s and then decelerates uniformly for T s to come to rest at B.
The average speed of the car between A and B is 20 m s−1.
a Find the value of V.
b Find the value of T.
PS 11 If a ball is placed on a straight sloping track and then released from rest, the distances
that it moves in successive equal intervals of time are found to be in the ratio 1 : 3 : 5 : 7
: …. Show that this is consistent with the theory that the ball rolls down the track with
constant acceleration.
Chapter 2
Force and motion in one dimension

■ Relate force to acceleration.

■ Use combinations of forces to calculate their effect on an object.
■ Include the force on an object due to gravity in a force diagram and calculations.
■ Include the normal contact force on a force diagram and in calculations.
2.1 Newton’s first law and relation between force and acceleration

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2.1

A block of mass 16 kg is pushed across a smooth horizontal surface using a constant

horizontal force of T newtons. The block starts from rest and takes 5 seconds to travel 20
metres. Find the value of T.

Answer

s = 20, u = 0, t = 5

so Constant force so constant

acceleration.

a = 1.6 m s−2

Newton’s second law:

T = 16 × 1.6 = 25.6 Resultant force = mass × acceleration.

TIP

We often need to use constant acceleration equations of motion before

we can use Newton’s second law.

EXERCISE 2A

1 Find the magnitude of the force, in newtons, acting on the object in each case.
a A crate of mass 53 kg moves with constant acceleration of 2.6 m s−2.
b A stone of mass 1.5 kg is pushed across ice and decelerates at a constant rate of 0.3
m s−2.
c A truck of mass 6 tonnes accelerates uniformly at 1.2 m s−2.
d A toy car of mass 230 g moves with constant acceleration of 3.6 m s−2.
e A box of mass 32 kg is dragged across the floor in a straight line, at a constant speed
of 5.2 m s−1.
f A ball of mass 120 g falls with a constant acceleration of 9.8 m s−2.
g A book of mass 340 g rests on a horizontal table.
2 The engine of a car of mass 800 kg which is travelling along a straight horizontal road, is
producing a driving force of 1200 N. Assuming that there are no forces resisting the
motion, calculate the acceleration of the car.
3 A van is pulling a broken-down car of mass 1200 kg along a straight horizontal road. The
only force acting on the car which affects the motion of the car is the tension in the
horizontal towbar. Calculate the acceleration of the car when the tension is 750 N.
4 A stone of mass 120 g is pushed across ice with a speed of 3.2 m s−1. It comes to rest 8
 seconds later. Find the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the stone.
5 A crate of mass 28 kg is pulled across a horizontal floor. The pulling force acting on the
crate is 260 N. Assuming that any frictional forces can be ignored, how long does it take
for the crate to accelerate from rest to 2.5 m s−1?
6 Two children are sliding a box from one to the other on a frozen lake. The box, of mass
0.4 kg, leaves one with speed 5 m s−1 and reaches the other, who is 8 m away, after 2.5 s.
Calculate the deceleration of the box, and find the frictional force resisting the motion of
the box.
7 A hockey player hits a stationary ball of mass 0.2 kg. The contact time between the stick
and the ball is 0.15 s and the force exerted on the ball by the stick is 60 N. Find the
speed with which the ball leaves the stick.
8 A car of mass 1000 kg runs out of petrol and comes to rest just 30 m from a garage. The
car is pushed, with a force of 120 N, along the horizontal road towards the garage.
Calculate the acceleration of the car and find the time it takes to reach the garage.
9 A van of mass 2.3 tonnes, travelling in a straight line, decelerates under the action of a
constant braking force. Its speed decreases from 50 km h−1 to 30 km h−1 while it covers
the distance of 650 m. Find the magnitude of the braking force.
10 A girl pulls a toy truck with a constant horizontal force of 23 N. The truck starts from rest
and accelerates uniformly, travelling 16 m in 3 seconds. Find the mass of the truck.
2.2 Combinations of forces

WORKED EXAMPLE 2.2

A motor boat of mass 1500 kg is propelled forwards by a driving force of 280 N from the
engine. A constant resistance force of 200 N acts on the boat. Find the acceleration of the
boat.

Answer

Newton’s second law: Draw a force diagram.

280 − 200 = 1500a Resultant force = mass × acceleration.

a = 0.0533 m s−2 Include units in the final answer.

TIP

Always draw a force diagram to ensure you have considered all forces
in the problem and added them into the relevant equations.

EXERCISE 2B

1 Two people attempt to push-start a car on a horizontal road. One person pushes with a
force of 100 N; the other with a force of 80 N. The car starts to accelerate constantly at
0.15 m s−2. Assuming these are the only horizontal forces acting, find the mass of the
car.
2 A sledge of mass m kg is pushed horizontally through the snow by a force of 40 N. There
is resistance to its motion of magnitude 10 N as shown in the diagram. If the sledge is
accelerating at 1.5 m s−2, find m.

3 A motorcyclist moves with an acceleration of 5 m s−2 along a horizontal road against a

total resistance of 120 N. The total mass of the rider and the motorcycle is 400 kg. Find
the driving force provided by the engine.
4 Three men are trying to move a large rubbish bin. Two of the men are pushing
horizontally with forces of magnitude 120 N and 150 N and one man is pulling with a
horizontal force of magnitude X N. The frictional force resisting the motion is 385 N.
Given that the bin does not move, find the value of X.
5 A car of mass 1200 kg is moving with a constant speed of 20 m s−1 in a horizontal
straight line, against a resisting force of 300 N. What driving force is being provided to
sustain this motion?
The driver speeds up uniformly over the next 30 s to reach a speed of 30 m s−1.
Assuming that the resisting force remains at 300 N, calculate the extra driving force
produced.
6 A student is dragging a luggage trunk of mass 85 kg along a corridor with an
acceleration of 0.18 m s−2. The horizontal force the student exerts is 180 N. Find the
frictional force between the floor and the trunk.
7 A porter is pushing a heavy crate of mass M kg along a horizontal floor with a horizontal
force of 180 N. The resistance to motion has magnitude 3M newtons. Given that the
acceleration of the crate is 0.45 m s−2, find the value of M.
8 A motor-boat of mass 8 tonnes is travelling along a straight course with a constant speed
of 28 km h−1. The constant force driving the boat forward has magnitude 780 N. Find the
force resisting motion, assumed constant.
The engine is now shut off. Calculate, to the nearest second, the time it takes the motor-
boat to stop, assuming that the resistance remains the same as before.
9 A child pushes a box of mass 8 kg horizontally with a constant force of 28 N. The
frictional force between the box and the floor is 12 N. Find the acceleration of the box.
10 Two men are pushing a car, in a straight line each using an equal force of magnitude FN.
The resistance to motion has magnitude 420 N. The mass of the car is 850 kg and it is
moving at a constant speed of 6 km h−1. Find the value of F.
2.3 Weight and motion due to gravity

WORKED EXAMPLE 2.3

A ball is thrown vertically upwards from ground level with initial speed 12 m s−1. At the
same instant as the ball is released a second ball is dropped from rest from a window. The
two balls collide after one second. Calculate the height of the window.

Answer

For the first ball:

u = 12, a = −10, t = 1 Use upwards as the positive direction, so

acceleration is negative.

so s = 7 12 × 1 + 0.5(−10 × 12) = 12 − 5 = 7

The ball reaches a height of 7 m

after 1 second.
For the second ball:

u = 0, a = 10, t = 1 Use downwards as the positivedirection, so

acceleration is positive.

so s = 5 0 + 0.5(10 × 12) = 5

The ball falls 5 m in 1 second.

7 + 5 = 12 Add the distance the first ball rises to thedistance

the second ball falls.

The height of the window is 12

m.

EXERCISE 2C

1 A piece of luggage weighs 170 N. Find its mass.

2 A lift bringing miners to the surface of a mine shaft is moving with an acceleration of 1.2
m s−2. The total mass of the cage and the miners is 1600 kg. Find the tension in the lift
cable.
M 3 The total mass of a hot-air balloon, occupants and ballast, is 1300 kg. What is the
upthrust on the balloon when it is travelling vertically upwards with constant velocity?
The occupants now release 50 kg of ballast. Assuming no air resistance, find the
immediate acceleration of the balloon. (The upthrust is the upward buoyancy force,
which does not change when the ballast is thrown out.)
4 A crate is lowered from a window of a space ship on Mars, using a rope. The tension in
the rope is 328 N and the crate is descending at a constant speed. Given that the
gravitational acceleration on Mars is 3.7 m s−2, find the mass of the crate.
5 A boy of mass 45 kg is stranded on a beach as the tide comes in. A rescuer of mass 75 kg
is lowered down, by rope, from the top of the cliff. The boy and rescuer are raised
together, initially with a constant acceleration of 0.6 m s−2. Find the tension in the rope
for this stage of the ascent.
As they near the top of the cliff, the tension in the rope is 1020 N and they are moving
with a constant deceleration. Calculate the magnitude of this deceleration.
6 The tension in the vertical cable of a crane is 1250 N when it is raising a girder with
constant speed. Calculate the tension in the cable when it is raising the girder with an
 acceleration of 0.2 m s−2, assuming no air resistance.
PS 7 A load of mass M is raised with constant acceleration, from rest, by a rope. The load
reaches a speed of in a distance of s. The tension in the rope is T. Find an expression for
s in terms of M, T, v and g.
PS 8 A load of weight 7 kN is being raised from rest with constant acceleration by a cable.
After the load has been raised 20 metres, the cable suddenly becomes slack. The load
continues upwards for a distance of 4 metres before coming to instantaneous rest.
Assuming no air resistance, find the tension in the cable before it became slack.
2.4 Normal contact force and motion in a vertical line

WORKED EXAMPLE 2.4

Two boxes are stacked one on top of another. Each box has mass 15 kg. The lower box is
raised upwards at a constant 2 m s−2. Calculate the magnitude of the contact force between
the boxes.

Answer

The forces acting on the

upper box are:

Weight of the box is 15 × 10 = 150 N.

Newton’s second law

F − 150 = 15 × 2 The acceleration of the box is 2 m s−2

upwards.

F = 180 N

TIP

Do not include units on diagrams where forces are indicated by

unknowns.

EXERCISE 2D

1 A book rests on a table. The magnitude of the normal contact force on the book from the
table is 28 N. What is the mass of the book?
M 2 An oil drum of mass 250 kg rests on the ground. A vertical cable is attached to the drum
and the tension is gradually increased. At one stage the tension in the cable has
magnitude 1800 N. What is the magnitude of the normal contact force between the drum
and the ground at this instant? What happens when the tension reaches 2500 N?
3 A fork-lift truck is raising a container of car batteries with an acceleration of 1.5 m s−2.
The normal contact force on the container from the horizontal forks is 1610 N. Calculate
the mass of the load.
4 A jet aircraft of mass 7 tonnes stands at rest on a part of the deck of an aircraft carrier
that can be lowered to allow the jet to be housed in the hold of the carrier. Find the
magnitude of the normal contact force on the wheels of the aircraft from the lowering
part of the deck as it is lowered with an acceleration of 0.4 m s−2.
M 5 When a man stands on bathroom scales placed on the floor of a stationary lift, the
reading is 90 kg. While the lift is moving upwards, he finds that the reading is 86 kg.
Account for this change and describe the motion of the lift at this time.
6 A man of mass M kg and his son of mass m kg are standing in a lift. When the lift is
accelerating upwards with magnitude 1 m s−2 the magnitude of the normal contact force
exerted on the man by the lift floor is 880 N. When the lift is moving with constant speed
the combined magnitude of the normal contact forces exerted on the man and the boy by
 the lift floor is 1000 N. Find the values of M and m.
7 A bucket of mass 0.5 kg contains a bag of sand of mass 4.5 kg. The bucket is pulled
vertically upwards with constant acceleration using a rope. The bucket rises 24 metres in
5 seconds, starting from rest. Find the contact force that the bucket exerts on the bag of
sand.
PS 8 A pile of three identical books, each of mass m kg, sit one on top of the other. The lowest
book is raised with acceleration 1 m s−2. Find the contact force between each pair of
adjacent books.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 2

M 1 A car moves on a straight horizontal road, under the action of a constant driving force of
magnitude 1360 N. It accelerates from rest to the speed of 12.6 m s−1 in 8 seconds.
a Assuming that any resistance forces can be ignored, find the mass of the car.
b How would your answer change if a resistance force was included?
2 A box of mass 13 kg slides across a rough horizontal floor with an initial speed of 2.6 m s
−1 and moves in a straight line. It comes to rest after it has travelled 3.7 m. Find the
magnitude of the frictional force between the box and the floor.
PS 3 A particle, of mass 0.4 kg, is projected horizontally with initial speed 10 m s−1. The
particle is slowed by a constant resistance of 2.5 N.
A second particle, of mass 0.5 kg, falls vertically from rest.
a How long does it take until the first particle comes to rest?
b If the particles are released at the same time, after how many seconds have they
travelled the same distance?
4 As a load moves downwards at a constant speed of 2 m s−1 the tension in the cable
supporting it is 6000 N. Calculate the tension in the cable when the load is moving
downwards with an acceleration of 2 m s−2.
5 A balloon of total mass 680 kg is descending with a constant acceleration of 0.4 m s−2.
Find the upthrust acting on the balloon. When the balloon is moving at 1.5 m s−1, enough
ballast is released for the balloon to fall with a deceleration of 0.2 m s−2. Calculate:
a how much ballast was released
b the time for which the balloon continues to fall before it begins to rise.
P 6 A stone of mass is released from rest on the surface of a tank of water of depth d. During
the motion, the water exerts a constant resisting force of magnitude R. The stone takes t
seconds to reach the bottom of the tank. Show that .

M 7 A construction worker drops a screwdriver of mass 0.15 kg into a tank of water 1 metre
deep. It enters the water with speed of 8 m s−1, and when it hits the base of the tank it is
moving at 9ms−1.
a What forces, apart from its weight, act on the screwdriver in the water?
b Assuming that, in the water, the screwdriver falls with constant acceleration a m s
−2, calculate a. Hence find the total force opposing the motion of the screwdriver in
the water.
PS 8 An acrobat of mass slides down a vertical rope of height h. For the first three-quarters of
her descent she grips the rope with her hands and legs so as to produce a frictional force
equal to five-ninths of her weight. She then tightens her grip so that she comes to rest at
the bottom of the rope. Sketch a (t, v) graph to illustrate her descent, and find the
frictional force she must produce in the last quarter. If the rope is 60 metres high,
calculate:
a her greatest speed
b the time she takes to descend.
Chapter 3
Forces in two dimensions

■ Resolve forces in two dimensions.

■ Find resultants of more than one force in two dimensions.
■ Use F = ma in two directions.
■ Find directions of motion and accelerations.
3.1 Resolving forces in horizontal and vertical directions in equilibrium
problems

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

WORKED EXAMPLE 3.1

A ball of mass M kg is suspended on two light ropes. The first rope makes an angle of 30°
with the upward vertical, the tension in this rope is 20 N. The second rope makes an angle
of 45° with the upward vertical. The ball hangs in equilibrium. Show that

Answer

Draw a force diagram.

Tension in the second rope = T N.

Resolve the tension in each rope

into horizontal and vertical
components.

The ball is in equilibrium, so the

horizontal resultant force = 0

20 sin 30° = T sin 45°

T=
and the vertical resultant force =
0
20 cos 30° + T cos 45° = 10 M

So, + 10 = 10 M Substitute in the value found for the tension.

M= +1

EXERCISE 3A

1 For each of the following diagrams, find the resolved parts of each of the forces in the
directions Ox and Oy.
 a

2 The diagram shows three coplanar forces acting on a particle P, which is in equilibrium.
By resolving in the direction of the 5 N force, calculate the value of θ ; by resolving in the
direction of the X N force, calculate the value of X.

3 In the following diagram the particle is in equilibrium.

 a Find the angle θ.
b Find the force F.
4 A mass of 200 g is being held by a string at an angle θ to the vertical with tension T
newtons and a horizontal force of 5 N.
a Show that T cos θ = 2.
b Find the value of θ.
c Find the value of T.
5 A particle P of mass 4 m kg is at rest on a horizontal table. A force of magnitude 50 m N,
acting upwards at an acute angle θ to the horizontal, is applied to the particle. Given that
and that there is a resistance to motion of magnitude 20 m N, find the
acceleration with which P moves. Find, in terms of m, the magnitude of the normal
contact force of the table on P.
P 6 A lamp is supported in equilibrium by two chains fixed to two points A and B at the same
level. The lengths of the chains are 0.3 m and 0.4 m and the distance between A and B is
0.5 m. Given that the tension in the longer chain is 36 N, show by resolving horizontally
that the tension in the shorter chain is 48 N. By resolving vertically, find the mass of the
lamp.
7 A block of wood of mass 5 kg rests on a table. A force of magnitude 35 N, acting upwards
at an angle of θ to the horizontal, is applied to the block but does not move it. Given that
the normal contact force between the block and the table has magnitude 30 N, calculate:
a the value of θ
b the frictional force acting on the block.
8 A man is pulling a chest of mass 40 kg along a horizontal floor with a force of 140 N
inclined at 30° to the horizontal. His daughter is pushing with a force of 50 N directed
downwards at 10° to the horizontal. The chest is moving with constant speed. Calculate
the magnitude, F N, of the frictional force, and the magnitude, R N, of the normal contact
force from the ground on the chest. Show that the ratio lies between 0.50 and 0.51.
PS 9 A particle is in equilibrium under the action of three forces acting in a horizontal plane,
as shown in the diagram. The angle between the force F N and the force 4 N is 135°.

Find:
a the angle between the force 4 N and the force 6 N
b the magnitude of F.
10 A mass of 12 kg is suspended from two ropes. One rope makes an angle 30° with the
upward vertical and the other makes an angle θ with the upward vertical. Calculate the
tension in each rope, in terms of θ.
3.2 Resolving forces at other angles in equilibrium problems

WORKED EXAMPLE 3.2

A block of mass 5 kg sits on a slope inclined at 20° to the horizontal. The block is held in
equilibrium and is prevented from sliding down the slope by a frictional force. The block is
then pulled up the slope at a constant speed, using a rope that makes an angle of 50° to the
horizontal. Assume that the frictional force has the same magnitude as before but now acts
down the slope. Find the tension in the rope.

Answer

Block about to slip downthe Because the normal reaction and thefrictional
slope: force are perpendicular,it is easier to resolve the
weight inthe directions parallel andperpendicular
to the slope, rather
than resolving R and F horizontallyand vertically.

The component of theweight in The angle between the slope and thehorizontal is
the direction that isparallel to the same as the anglebetween the normal and the
the slope is50 sin 20° = 17.1N vertical.
down theslope The angle between the weight andthe (inward)
normal is 20°.

Resolving forces parallel tothe The force up the slope balances thecomponent of
slope the weight downthe slope.
F = 17.1N

Block being pulled up theslope. The angle between the slope andthe horizontal is
20°, the anglebetween the rope and the
horizontalis 50°, so the angle between therope and
the slope is 30°.

Resolving forces parallel tothe F = 17.1 from the previous part.

slope Component of the weight down theslope
F + 50 sin 20° = T cos 30° = 50 sin 20° = 17.1N as before.
T = (17.1 + 17.1) ÷ cos 30°
= 39.5 N

TIP

Resolve forces parallel and perpendicular to the slope.

EXERCISE 3B

1 Calculate the magnitude of the horizontal force needed to maintain a crate of mass 6 kg
in equilibrium, when it is resting on a frictionless plane inclined at 20° to the horizontal.
Calculate also the magnitude of the normal contact force acting on the crate.
2 A skier of mass 78 kg is pulled at constant speed up a slope, of inclination 12°, by a force
of magnitude 210 N acting upwards at an angle of 20° to the slope (see diagram). Find
 the magnitudes of the frictional force and the normal contact force acting on the skier.

M 3 A particle of weight 10 N is placed on a smooth plane inclined at 35° to the horizontal.

Find the magnitude of the force required to keep the particle in equilibrium if it acts:
a parallel to the plane
b horizontally
c upwards at an angle of 25° to a line of greatest slope of the plane.
Without making any calculations state, with a reason, which of the three cases has the
greatest normal contact force.
4 A metal sphere of weight 500 N is suspended from a fixed point O by a chain. The sphere
is pulled to one side by a horizontal force of magnitude 250 N and the sphere is held in
equilibrium with the chain inclined at an angle θ to the vertical. Find, in either order, the
tension in the string and the value of θ.
5 Three friends are pulling a 100 kg load across a smooth horizontal surface. Omar pulls
with a force of 200 N. Ren pulls with a force of 150 N and is positioned at an angle 15°
clockwise from Omar. David pulls with force k N and is positioned at an angle 40°
clockwise from Ren.
Modelling the load as a particle, and given that the load begins to move exactly towards
Ren, find k and determine the initial acceleration of the load.
M 6 A small, smooth ring R of weight 5 N is threaded on a light, inextensible, taut string. The
ends of the string are attached to fixed points A and B at the same horizontal level. A
horizontal force of magnitude 4 N is applied to R. In the equilibrium position the angle
ARB is a right- angle, and the portion of the string attached to B makes an angle θ° with
the horizontal.

a Explain why the tension T is the same in each part of the string.
b Find T and θ.
7 A boat on a trailer is held in equilibrium on a slipway inclined at 20° to the horizontal, by
a cable inclined at θ° to a line of greatest slope of the slipway, as shown in the diagram.
The combined mass of the boat and trailer is 1250 kg. The cable may break if the tension
exceeds 7000 N. Find the maximum value of θ.

PS 8 A glider of weight 2500 N is being towed with constant speed by a four-wheel drive
vehicle. The towrope is inclined at 25° to the horizontal and the glider is inclined at 30°
to the horizontal as shown in the diagram. The air resistance has magnitude R N and the
lift has magnitude L N; the directions in which they act are shown in the diagram.
Calculate the values of R and L, given that the tension in the rope is 3000 N.
E 3.3 The triangle of forces and Lami’s theorem for three-force equilibrium
problems

TIP

The methods in this section are not required by the syllabus, but can
be useful when solving problems.

WORKED EXAMPLE 3.3

A particle is held in equilibrium under the action of three forces acting in a horizontal plane,
as shown in the diagram.

The angle between the F1 N force and the 2 N force is 95° and the angle between the 2 N
force and the F2 N force is 105°. Find the magnitude of F1 and the magnitude of F2.

Answer

Draw a triangle of forces. The forces must join ‘nose to tail’ around the
triangle, but can be drawn in any order.

Using the sine rule: The internal angle between the 2 N force and force
F1 is 180° − 95° = 85°.
Similarly the internal angle between theforce F2
F1 = 5.65, F2 = 5.83
and the 2 N force is 75°.
The internal angle between the force F1 andthe
force F2 is 20°.

Or using Lami’s theorem: The angle ‘opposite’ F2is 95°. The angle opposite
F1 is 105° and the angle oppositethe 2 N force is
360° − 200° = 160°.
F1 = 5.65, F2 = 5.83

EXERCISE 3C

1 A box sits in equilibrium on a rough inclined plane. The plane makes an angle θ ° with
the horizontal. The frictional force is 0.3 × the normal contact force. Find the value of θ.
2 A particle is held in equilibrium under the action of three forces acting in a horizontal
plane. The angle between the first force and the second force is 120°. The angle between
the second force and the third force is 80° and the magnitude of the third force is 17 N.
Find the magnitude of the first force.
3 A sign is suspended from two wires. The first wire makes an angle of 50° to the
horizontal and the tensions in the wires are 3 N and 4 N, as shown in the diagram. Find
the mass of the sign.
 4 An object is in equilibrium under the action of three horizontal forces P, Q and R. Use a
triangle of forces to find the magnitudes of Q and R respectively in each of the following
cases.
a P has magnitude 10 N and bearing 090°, Q and R have bearings 210° and 340°
respectively
b P has magnitude 20 N and bearing 020°, Q and R have bearings 090° and 240°
respectively
Confirm your answers by resolving in directions perpendicular to R and Q.
5 A cable car is connected to a cable by two rigid supports which make angles of 75° and
35° with the upward vertical, as shown in the diagram. Find the tensions in the supports
when the total weight of the cable car and its passengers is 8000 N and the cable car is
stationary.

P 6 A boat is held in equilibrium by three horizontal ropes. Each rope is in tension. The angle
between the first rope and the second rope is twice the angle between the second rope
and the third rope.

Use the identity sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ to deduce that if tension in the first rope equals
the tension in the third rope then the angle between the first rope and the second rope is
120° and explain why this is not physically possible.
3.4 Non-equilibrium problems for objects on slopes and known directions of
acceleration

WORKED EXAMPLE 3.4

A raft of mass 50 kg is pulled along a canal using two ropes. The rope to the left bank of the
canal has a tension of 100 N and is at an angle of 20° to the direction of motion. The rope to
the right bank of the canal is at an angle of 25° to the direction of motion. The resistance to
the motion of the raft is 40 N. Find the acceleration of the raft.

Answer

Resolving perpendicular to the The resisting force has no component in

direction ofmotion thisdirection, so the components of the twotensions
100 sin 20° = T sin 25° must therefore be equal.

so T = 80.93 N Use more than 3 significant figures in working.

Resultant force along the direction of motion

= 100 cos 20° + T cos 25° − 40 The resisting force is negative.

= 127.3 N Substitute in the value of the tension foundto find

the resultant force.

F = ma Use Newton’s second law.

127.3 = 50a

a = 2.55 m s−2 Solve to find the acceleration and nowround to 3

significant figures.

EXERCISE 3D

1 A toy of mass 1.8 kg is pulled along a horizontal surface by a string inclined at 30° to the
horizontal. Given that the tension in the string is 6 N and that there are no forces
resisting motion, calculate the acceleration of the toy.
2 A van of mass 750 kg is being towed along a horizontal road with constant acceleration
0.8 m s−2 by a breakdown vehicle. The connecting towbar is inclined at 40° to the
horizontal. Given that the tension in the towbar has magnitude 1000 N, calculate the
magnitude of the force resisting the motion of the van.
3 A shopper pushes a shopping trolley in a straight line towards her car with a force of
magnitude 20 N, directed downwards at an angle of 15° to the horizontal. Given that the
acceleration of the trolley is 2.4 m s−2, calculate its mass. Find also the magnitude of the
normal contact force exerted on the trolley by the ground.
P 4 The diagram shows three horizontal forces acting on a mass of 4 kg. Given that the mass
moves in the direction of the dotted line, show that θ = 30° and find the magnitude of the
acceleration.
5 A paraglider of mass 90 kg is pulled by a rope attached to a speedboat. With the rope
making an angle of 20° to the horizontal, the paraglider is moving in a straight line
parallel to the surface of the water with an acceleration of 1.2 m s−2. The tension in the
rope is 250 N. Calculate the magnitude of the vertical lift force acting on the paraglider,
and the magnitude of the air resistance.
6 The lid of a desk is hinged along one edge so that it can be tilted at various angles to the
horizontal. A book of mass 1.8 kg is place on the lid. The lid is tilted to an angle of 15°, as
shown in the diagram. Find the frictional force, given that the book does not move.
As the desk lid is tilted further, the book begins to move when the lid is inclined at θ ° to
the horizontal. Given that the maximum magnitude that the frictional force can attain is
8.45 N, find the maximum value of θ for which equilibrium remains unbroken.
The book is held at rest and the lid is tilted until it is inclined at 40° to the horizontal. The
book is then released. Find the acceleration of the book down the desk lid, assuming the
maximum frictional force still acts.

7 A box of mass 12 kg is dragged, with a constant acceleration of 1.75 ms−2, up a path

inclined at 30° to the horizontal. The force pulling the box has magnitude 2X N and acts
at 10° to the path, as shown in the diagram. The frictional force has magnitude X N.
Calculate the value of X and the magnitude of the normal contact force of the path on the
box.
3.5 Non-equilibrium problems and finding resultant forces and directions of
acceleration

WORKED EXAMPLE 3.5

Two students are moving a crate of mass 400 kg across a rough floor. One student pulls the
crate with a force of 40 N and the other student pushes the crate with a force of 50 N. The
angle between these forces is 120°, as shown in the diagram.

a Calculate the angle between the direction in which the first student pulls and the
direction in which the crate moves.
b Calculate how long it takes to move the crate 5 metres, starting from rest.

Answer

a Resolve the 50 N force into a component along the

direction of the 40 N force and acomponent
perpendicular to this direction.
180° − 120° = 60°

The resultant force has a

component of 65 N along the
direction of the 40 N force
and a component of 43.3
Nperpendicular to this
direction.

θ= angle between the Consider the right-angled triangle below,

direction in which the first showingthe direction of motion of the crate.
student pulls and
thedirection in which the
crate moves.

θ = 33.7°

b Magnitude of the resultant Use Pythagoras in the same right-angledtriangle.

force

= 78.1 N Find the resultant force in order to find

theacceleration of the crate.

Use Newton’s second law.

s = 5, u = 0, a = 0.195 List the known values.

 Choose the most suitable equation ofconstant
acceleration.

Substitute in the known values.

t = 7.16 seconds Rearrange to find the time taken.

EXERCISE 3E

1 A small boat is moving under the action of four forces: a force of magnitude 50 N on a
bearing of 030°, a force of magnitude 90 N on a bearing of 100°, a force of magnitude 70
N on a bearing of 200° and a force of magnitude 30 N on a bearing of 330°.

Find the bearing, to the nearest degree, of the direction in which the boat moves.
2 Three coplanar forces act on a particle of mass 0.5 kg. The first force has magnitude 5 N
and acts at 45° to the positive x-axis and at 45° to the positive y-axis. The second force
has magnitude 6 N and acts along the negative x-axis. The third force has magnitude 4 N
and acts at an angle of 45° to the positive -axis and at 45° to the negative y-axis.
Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle.
3 The resultant vertical force acting on a hot air balloon is 50 N vertically upwards. A wind
of magnitude 30 N acts on the balloon at an angle of 60° to the vertical. Find the possible
angles between the resulting direction of motion of the balloon and the upward vertical.
Hint: consider the possible directions of the wind.
4 The drive force from the engine of a light aircraft is 400 N. The pilot sets a course for the
plane to fly due North. A strong wind of 40 N blows from West to East and pushes the
plane off its course. What bearing, to the nearest degree, should the pilot set for the
plane to actually fly due North?
5 A floating buoy is moved using three wires. Each of the wires acts horizontally. The angle
between the first and second wires is 40°, the angle between the second and third wires
is 200° and the angle between the third and first wires is 120°. The tension in the first
wire is twice the tension in the second wire and three times the tension in the third wire.
Find, to 1 decimal place, the angle between the direction of motion and the first wire.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 3

1 A particle P is in equilibrium on a smooth horizontal table under the action of horizontal

forces of magnitudes F N, 2F N, G N and 8 N, acting in the directions shown. Find the
values of F and G.

2 A small block is held at rest on a smooth plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. The
particle is held in equilibrium by a horizontal force of magnitude 20 N acting in the
vertical plane containing the line of greatest slope.

Find the weight of the block.

3 Three horizontal forces of magnitudes 10 N, F N and 2F N act at a fixed point and are in
equilibrium. The angle between the 10 N force and the F N force is θ °, the angle
between the F N force and the 2F N force is 90° and the angle between the 2F N force
and the 10 N force is 270° − θ °.
Calculate the angle θ °, to the nearest degree, and the value of F.
4 A cyclist exerts a constant driving force of magnitude 80 N while cycling along a straight
horizontal road against a constant resistance of F N. The total weight of the cyclist and
her bicycle is 700 N. The cyclist​s acceleration is 0.1 m s−2.
a Find the value of F.
The cyclist then travels with the same driving force and against the same resistance as
before, up a hill inclined at an angle to the horizontal.
The cyclist’s acceleration is 0.01 m s−2 in the direction of travel, up the hill.
b Find the value of sin ɑ.
5 A particle P of mass 0.2 kg lies on a smooth horizontal plane. Horizontal forces of
magnitudes 0.3 N, 0.4 N, 1.2 N and 1.3 N act on P. The 0.3 N force is perpendicular to
the 0.4 N force and P is in equilibrium.
The 1.3 N force is then removed.
a Find the magnitude of the acceleration with which P begins to move.
b Find the possible angles between the direction of motion and the 0.3 N force, giving
your answers as angles between 0° and 180°.
M 6 A box of mass 4 kg is held at rest on a plane inclined at an angle of 2.5° to the horizontal.
The box is then released and slides down the plane.
a A simple model assumes that the only forces acting on the box are its weight and the
normal reaction from the plane. Show that, according to this simple model, the
acceleration of the box down the plane is 0.436 m s−2, correct to three significant
figures.
b In fact, the box moves down the plane with constant acceleration and takes 2 s to
travel 0.8 m. By using this information, find the acceleration of the box.
c Explain why the answer to part b is less than the answer to part a.
7 Three horizontal forces of magnitudes 15 N, 11N and 13 N act on a particle P in the
directions shown in the diagram.
 The particle is in equilibrium.
Find the value of sin ɑ.
8 A block with mass 2 kg is pulled from rest up a smooth slope inclined at 20° to the
horizontal by a string with tension T, maintained at an angle of 30° to the horizontal.
a After 5 seconds, the block has moved 1 m along the slope. Calculate T.
b The block is allowed to come to rest again, then the tension is increased so that the
block is about to lift off the slope. Calculate the minimum tension needed to achieve
this.
Chapter 4
Friction

■ Calculate the size of frictional forces.

■ Use friction to solve problems in motion.
■ Determine the direction of motion of an object.
■ Solve problems where a change in direction of motion changes the direction of friction.
4.1 Friction as part of the contact force

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4.1

A car of mass 1500 kg has broken down on a slope that makes an angle of 8° to the
horizontal. The brakes of the car are off and the driver is trying to push the car down the
slope. The driver pushes with a force of 400 N parallel to the slope but because of friction
the car does not move.
a Modelling the car as a particle, find the angle that the total contact force makes with the
slope.
b Find the minimum value of the coefficient of friction between the car and the slope.

Answer

a Draw a force diagram.

Weight = 10 × 1500 = 15 000 N.

Resolve the weight into Angle between the weight and the normal to the
components slope = 8°.
paralleland
perpendicular to the
slope.

Resolving Car does not move so forces are inequilibrium.

perpendicular to the
slope
R = 14 850 N
Resolving parallel to
the slope
F = 400 + 2090 =
2490 N

θ = angle between the Total contact force is the resultant of R and F. Use
total contact force and exact values inthe calculation.
the slope

Note this is also 90° − 8°.

θ = 82°

b Minimum value for the Use the exact values found; the minimum value for
coefficient of friction the coefficientof friction is if the car is just aboutto
move at this point.
F = μR
 μ 0.141

EXERCISE 4A

1 The diagram shows horizontal forces of magnitudes P N and Q N acting in opposite

directions on a block of mass 5 kg, which is at rest on a horizontal surface. State, in
terms of P and Q, the magnitude and direction of the frictional force acting on the block
when:
a P>Q
b Q > P.

2 The diagram shows horizontal forces of magnitudes P N and 100 N acting in opposite
directions on a block of weight 50 N, which is at rest on a horizontal surface. Given that
the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.4, find the range of
possible values of P.

3 The diagram shows a force of magnitude 8 N acting downwards at 30° to the horizontal
on a block of mass 3 kg, which is at rest on a horizontal surface. Calculate the frictional
force on the block.

4 In each of the following problems, a block of mass m kg is pulled along a rough horizontal
surface by a light horizontal rope with tension T newtons. The acceleration is a m s−2.
The coefficient of friction is µ.

a Find µ when:
i m = 2, T = 5, a = 0.1
ii m = 8, T = 2, a = 0.2
b Find a if:
i m = 1.1, T = 6, µ = 0.455
ii m = 5, T = 1, µ = 0.01
5 A car of mass 1000 kg has a coefficient of friction of 0.9 with the road. What horizontal
force is required to move the car?
6 A block of mass 1.5 kg lies in limiting equilibrium on a horizontal surface, with a
horizontal force of 6 N applied to it.
a Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
b Find the magnitude of the contact force between the block and the surface.
4.2 Limit of friction

TIP

If the object is moving relative to the surface, friction will take the
value F = µR.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4.2

A box of mass 200 kg is dragged across a rough horizontal surface by a chain attached to a
truck. The angle between the chain and the horizontal is 30°. The coefficient of friction
between the box and the ground is 0.32. Calculate the tension needed in the chain to enable
the box to move.

Answer

Model the box as a particle and the chain as light

and straight.
It is important to be clear that F is the
frictionalforce and not the resultant force (as in F
= ma).

Resolve vertically: Resolve vertically to find R in terms of T.

R + T sin 30° = 2000
so R = 2000 − 0.5 T

Resultant horizontal force The box moves if there is a resultant

= T cos 30° − F horizontalforce in the direction of motion.

F = μR The box is moving so friction is limiting.

= 0.32 R

So F = 0.32(2000 − 0.5T) = 640 Substitute R = 2000 − 0.5 T in F = 0.32 R.

− 0.16 T

Resultant horizontal force Substitute F = 640 − 0.16 T in T cos 30° − F.

= 0.866 T − (640 − 0.16 T)
= 1.026 T − 640

1.026 T − 640 > 0 For motion, the resultant horizontal force must be
T > 624 N positive.
So the tension must be greater
than 624 N for the box to move.

EXERCISE 4B

1 An airline passenger pushes a 15 kg suitcase along the floor with his foot. A force of 60 N
is needed to move the suitcase. Find the coefficient of friction. What force would be
needed to give the suitcase an acceleration of 0.2 m s−2?
2 A block of mass 6 kg is accelerating at 1.25 m s−2, on a horizontal surface, under the
action of a horizontal force of magnitude 22.5 N. Calculate the coefficient of friction
between the block and the surface.
PS 3 The diagram shows a block of mass 4 kg at rest on a plane inclined at 35° to the
horizontal, under the action of a force of magnitude P N acting up the plane. The
coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.45. Find the range of possible
values of P.

4 A child pulls a toybox of mass 3.5 kg across a rough floor, using a light string tied to the
box at one end. The tension in the string is 28 N and the string remains at an angle of
25° to the horizontal. If the coefficient of friction between the box and the floor is 0.7,
what is the acceleration of the box?

TIP

To calculate the acceleration, resolve perpendicular to the

surface first to find the normal contact force and, hence, the
frictional force. Then resolve parallel to the surface and calculate
acceleration using Newton’s second law.

5 A car of weight 12 000 N, travelling at 25 m s−1, skids to a halt in 50 m, taking 4

seconds.
a Assuming a constant braking force, find the deceleration of the car.
b Assume that friction is the only force acting on the car. Find the coefficient of friction
between the car and the road.
6 A particle of mass 5 kg rests on a rough horizontal table. The coefficient of friction
between the particle and the table is 0.4. A light inextensible string, inclined at an angle
20° above the horizontal, is attached to the particle. The tension in the string is 15 N.
a Show that the particle remains at rest.
b Find the magnitude of the contact force between the particle and the table.
P 7 A particle of mass m lies on a rough horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction
between the particle and the surface is µ. A horizontal force acts on the particle, which is
in limiting equilibrium. Show that the magnitude of the contact force between the
particle and the surface is .
P 8 A particle of mass 1 kg lies on a rough horizontal surface, with the coefficient of friction
between surface and particle equal to 0.75. A light inextensible string is attached to the
particle, and tension applied with the string at an angle θ above the horizontal where 0°
< θ < 90°.

Given the system is in limiting equilibrium, show that the tension T in the string satisfies
the equation for some value α, and find α.
4.3 Change in direction of friction in different stages of motion

TIP

Draw a different force diagram for each stage of the motion and deal
with the stages separately. The direction of the frictional force will be
different if the object changes direction.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4.3

A crate of weight 500 N is being winched up a slope using a rope. The slope makes an angle
of 10° to the horizontal and the rope is parallel to the slope. The tension in the rope is 200 N
and the coefficient of friction between the crate and the slope is 0.05.
The crate starts from rest and has been pulled 5 metres along the slope when the rope
breaks. The crate continues to move up the slope and then slides back down the slope.
How long does it take from when the crate starts to be winched up the slope to when it
returns to the start point?

Answer

Travelling up the slope beforethe It is important to be clear that F is the frictional

rope breaks: force and not the resultant force (as in F = ma).

Resolving perpendicular to the Resolve perpendicular to the slope to find the

slope: normal contact force.
R = 500 cos 10° = 492 N

F = μR The crate is moving so friction is limiting.

= 0.05 × 492 = 24.6 N

Resultant parallel to the slope Resolve in the direction of motion to find the
(up the slope) resultant force.
= 200 − 500 sin 10° − F
= 88.6 N

Resultant force = mass × Weight = 10 × mass.

acceleration

88.6 = 50a Use Newton’s second law.

a = 1.77 m s−2 Constant acceleration up the slope.

When the rope breaks: State the values for the first section of motion.
s = 5, u = 0, a = 1.77

v2 = u2 + 2as so v = 4.21 m s−1 Use the most suitable equation of motion to find
the velocity when the rope breaks.

v = u + at so t = 2.38 s Use the most suitable equation of motion to find

Rope breaks after 2.38 seconds, the time taken for the rope to break.
thecrate is then moving at 4.21
m s−1up the slope.
Travelling up the slope after Draw a new diagram of forces, this time omitting
therope breaks: the tension in the rope.

Resolving perpendicular to slope Resolve perpendicular to the slope to find the

R = 500 cos 10° = 492 N normal contact force, note this is the same as
before.

F = μR= 24.6 N Again the crate is moving so friction is limiting.

Resultant force parallel to Resolve in the direction of motion to find the

theslope (up the slope) resultant force, note this has changed now there is
= −500 sin 10° − F no tension in the rope.
= −111 N

Resultant force = mass × Use Newton’s second law.

acceleration
−111 = 50a

a = −2.22 m s−2 The crate is now decelerating up the slope.

From when the rope breaks until
when the crate comes to
instantaneous rest:

u = 4.21, v = 0, a = −2.22 State the values for the second section of motion.

v2 = u2 + 2as so s = 3.97 m Use the most suitable equation of motion to find

the distance the crate travels up the slope during
the second stage of motion.

v = u + at so t = 1.89 s Use the most suitable equation of motion to find

the time taken for the second stage of motion.

2.38 + 1.89 = 4.26 s Add the two times for the two sections of motion.

5 + 3.97 = 8.97 m Add the two distances for the two sections of
The crate comes to motion.
instantaneousrest 4.26 seconds
after starting,crate is then 8.98
m up the slopefrom the start.

Sliding down the slope: Friction opposes motion so it now acts up the
slope.
Although the same symbol has been used, the
frictional force is not the same as before.

Resolving perpendicular to slope: Resolve perpendicular to the slope to find the

R = 500 cos 10° = 492 N normal contact force, note this is the same as
before.

F = μR= 24.6 N Again the crate is moving so friction is limiting.

Resultant force parallel to the
 slope (down the slope)

= 500 sin 10° − F Resolve in the direction of motion to find the

= 62.2 N resultant force, note the weight component is now
positive as the crate is moving down the slope.

Resultant force = mass × Use Newton’s second law.

acceleration

62.2 = 50 a The crate is now accelerating down the slope.

a = 1.24 m s−2

From when the crate comes to

instantaneous rest to when it
returns to the start point:

s = 8.97, u = 0, a = 1.24 State the values for the final section of motion.

t = 3.80 s Use the most suitable equation of motion to find

the time taken for the final stage of motion.

3.80 + 4.26 = 8.06 s Add this time to the previous time found for the
The crate returns to the start first and second sections of motion.
8.06 seconds after starting.

EXERCISE 4C

1 A particle P is projected upwards along a line of greatest slope from the foot of a surface
inclined at 45° to the horizontal. The initial speed of P is 8 m s−1 and the coefficient of
friction is 0.3. The particle P comes to instantaneous rest before it reaches the top of the
inclined surface.
a Calculate the distance P moves before coming to rest.
b Calculate the time P takes before coming to rest.
c Find the time taken for P to return to its initial position from its highest point.
PS 2 A block B of mass 1 kg lies on a smooth plane inclined at 35° to the horizontal. A light,
inextensible string is attached at one end to B, and runs from B upslope parallel to the
line of greatest slope on the plane to a smooth peg. This string is attached at the other
end to a particle P of mass 2 kg, which hangs vertically below the peg, exactly 1 metre
from the floor. The system is released from rest.
a Find the acceleration of B up the slope.
b When P hits the floor, the string breaks. Assuming the initial distance between the
block and the peg is sufficiently great that the block will not reach the peg, find the
total distance travelled by the block when it instantaneously passes through its initial
position.
3 An ice-hockey puck is struck from one end of a rink of length 27 m towards the other end.
The initial speed is 6 m s−1, and the puck rebounds from the boundary fence at the other
end with a speed which is 0.75 times the speed with which it struck the fence, before just
returning to its starting point. Calculate the coefficient of friction between the puck and
the ice.
4 A particle P with mass 4.5 kg lies on a rough plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. A
light, inextensible string connects to P then runs parallel with the line of greatest slope of
the plane to a smooth peg, then vertically downwards, through a smooth, free ring R with
mass 2 kg and then vertically upwards to attach to a fixed point S.
 The coefficient of friction between P and the plane is 0.15.
a By resolving forces vertically at R, show that the acceleration of R when the system
is released from rest is related to the tension T in the string by a + T = g.
b By resolving forces at P, find an equation linking a and T with friction F.
c Find the direction and magnitude of the frictional force.
d Determine whether P will remain stationary, move upslope or move downslope when
the system is released from rest.
5 A toy hovercraft with mass 0.5 kg is placed on a rough surface inclined at 30° to the
horizontal. Propulsion of the toy is achieved by directing two small fans, one either side
of the toy, set at an angle to provide a driving force for movement. The force produced by
the fans is 10 N.

The coefficient of friction between the toy and the surface is 0.1.
a Find the acceleration of the toy up the slope if the fans are set to blow horizontally.
b Find the acceleration of the toy up the slope if the fans are set to blow parallel to the
slope.
c The fans are set so that the direction of the driving force is an angle θ greater than
the slope (i.e. at (30° + θ ) above the horizontal). Find the value of θ that maximises
the acceleration.
6 The diagram shows a force of magnitude 20 N acting downwards at 25° to the horizontal
on a block of mass 4 kg, which is at rest in limiting equilibrium on a horizontal surface.
Calculate the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.

The direction of the force of magnitude 20 N is now reversed. Calculate the acceleration
with which the block starts to move.
P 7 A particle is projected upwards on a rough slope inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal.
There is a coefficient of friction µ between the particle and the slope. The acceleration on
the way up is twice the acceleration on the way down. Prove that tan θ = 3µ.
E 4.4 Angle of friction

TIP

The methods in this section are not required by the syllabus, but can
be useful when solving problems.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4.4

A book of mass 0.75 kg sits in the middle of a horizontal plank. The plank is 1.3 metres long.
One end of the plank is gradually raised, with the other end remaining fixed, so the angle
between the plank and the horizontal is gradually increased. When the book starts to slip
the end of the plank has been raised through a height of 50 cm. Calculate the coefficient of
friction between the plank and the book.

Answer

5, 12, 13 is a Pythagorean triple.

In limiting equilibrium: θ = angle of friction.

TIP

The angle of friction is related to the coefficient of friction by λ = tan−1

µ.

EXERCISE 4D

M 1 A bowl of mass 500 grams is placed on a table, which is tilted at various angles to the
horizontal. The coefficient of friction is 0.74. Calculate the net force on the bowl down a
line of greatest slope on the table when the angle of tilt is:
a 36°
b
c 37°.
Describe what happens in each of these cases.
2 A block of mass 3 kg lies at rest on a rough board, with µ = 0.45. If the board is slowly
raised at one end, beyond what angle will the block begin to slide?
3 A block of mass m lies on a flat, rough surface. The coefficient of friction between the
block and the surface is µ. The surface is initially horizontal, and its inclination is
gradually increased. When the inclination of the surface exceeds 42° to the horizontal,
the block begins to move.
a Find µ.
b The inclination of the surface is increased further to 44°. Find, in terms of m, the
 magnitude of the contact force between the block and the surface.
PS 4 A block B of mass 3 kg lies on a surface inclined at 45° to the horizontal. A light,
inextensible string is attached at one end to B, and runs from B upslope parallel to the
line of greatest slope on the plane to a smooth peg P. The string passes over the peg,
through a smooth ring R of mass 4 kg, and is attached to a wall at W.
Given that the angle PRW equals 120° and the system is in equilibrium, determine the
possible values for µ, the coefficient of friction between block B and the surface.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 4

1 A box of weight 300 N sits on a rough horizontal surface. A string is X N attached to the
box and a tension of magnitude X N is applied to θ the box at an angle of θ to the vertical.
The box remains in equilibrium.

a Find, in terms of X and θ, the normal component of the force exerted on the box by
the surface.
b Given that the box is about to slip, find an expression, in terms of X and θ, for the
coefficient of friction between the surface and the box.
2 A small ring of mass 0.2 kg is threaded on a rough rod which is fixed vertically. The ring
is in equilibrium, acted on by a force of magnitude 10 N pulling upwards at 45° to the
vertical.

a Show that the frictional force acting on the ring has magnitude 5.07 N, correct to 3
significant figures.
b The ring is on the point of sliding down the rod. Find the coefficient of friction
between the ring and the rod.
3 A particle is projected with speed 8 m s−1 across a rough horizontal surface and comes to
rest 10 m from its starting point.
a Calculate the coefficient of friction between the particle and the surface.
b A second, identical particle is projected across the same surface and comes to rest
20 m from its starting point. Determine its initial speed.
M 4 A box of mass 5 kg is placed on a rough slope inclined at an angle of 20° to the
horizontal. It is released from rest and slides down the slope.
a Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the box.
The slope is 1.5 m long. The box takes 4.8 seconds to reach the bottom of the slope.
b Find the acceleration of the box.
c Find the coefficient of friction between the box and the slope.
d State an assumption that you have made about the forces acting on the box.
5 A block of weight 20 N is at rest on a plane which is inclined to the horizontal at angle α,
where sin α = 0.28. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is µ. A
force of magnitude 7.2 N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope is applied to the block.
When the force acts up the plane, the block remains at rest.

a Find the minimum possible value of µ.

When the force acts down the plane the block is in limiting equilibrium.
 b Find the value of µ.
P 6 A particle is projected with speed 5 m s−1 down the line of steepest slope of an inclined
rough plane. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 1.
It takes the same time T seconds for a particle of mass 2 kg to travel 1 metre from its
start position if the plane is inclined at angle 2θ to the horizontal as it takes for a particle
of mass 1 kg to travel 1 metre from its start position if the plane is inclined at angle θ to
the horizontal.
Show that (4 cos θ − 1) (cos θ − sin θ ) = 2. 49
PS 7 Two right-angled triangular prisms of equal height, with angle of greatest slope 30° and
45° respectively, are positioned as shown, with a smooth peg P between the two highest
points.

Block A, with mass 2 kg, is placed on the 30° slope and block B, with mass 3 kg, is placed
on the 45° slope. The two blocks are connected by a light, inextensible string which runs
parallel to the line of greatest slope of each prism and passes over the smooth peg.
The coefficient of friction between block A and the 30° slope surface is µ and the
coefficient of friction between block B and the 45° slope surface is 2µ.
At time t = 0, block A is projected down the 30° slope with speed 9 m s−1.
a Calculate the acceleration of block A in terms of µ.
It is determined that µ = 0.1.
b Calculate whether the blocks will return to their original positions, and if so, the time
at which this will occur.
Chapter 5
Connected particles

■ Use Newton’s third law for objects that are in contact.

■ Calculate the motion or equilibrium of objects connected by rods.
■ Calculate the motion or equilibrium of objects connected by strings.
■ Calculate the motion or equilibrium of objects that are moving in lifts (elevators).
5.1 Newton’s third law

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

WORKED EXAMPLE 5.1

A boy puts two boxes, one on top of the other, on a low trolley and pushes the trolley across
horizontal ground. The boxes do not fall off the trolley. Describe and state the direction of
each force that acts on:
a the upper box
b the lower box.

Answer

a Weight of box (vertically downwards).

Contact force (vertically The lower box pushes upwards on the upper box.
upwards) from contact with
the lower box. The upper box moves forwards so there must be a
Friction force (horizontally in resultant force in the direction of travel.
the direction of travel) from
contact with the lower box.

b Weight of box (vertically downwards).

Contact force (vertically The upper box pushes down on the lower box (with
downwards)from contact an equal and opposite contact force).
with the upper box.
The friction forces between the boxes are equal
Friction force (horizontally and opposite.
opposing the direction of
travel) from contact with The trolley pushes upwards on the lower box.
upper box.
Contact force (vertically The lower box moves forwards so there must be a
upwards) fromcontact with resultant force in the direction of travel.
the trolley.
Friction force (horizontally in
thedirection of travel) from
contact withthe trolley.

EXERCISE 5A

1 A crate of weight 80 N is stacked on top of a crate of weight 100 N, on horizontal ground

as shown. Make separate sketches showing the forces acting on the upper and lower
crates. Indicate the magnitudes of the forces in your sketches.

2 A birdbath consists of a concrete pillar of weight 1000 N with a concrete bowl of weight
200 N on top, as shown in the diagram. State the magnitude and direction of the force
exerted by:
 a the pillar on the bowl
b the bowl on the pillar
c the ground on the pillar.
3 A sack is in contact with both the base and the vertical back of an excavator scoop, as
shown in the diagram. The excavator is moving forwards at constant speed in a straight
line. Make separate sketches showing the forces acting on:

a the sack
b the scoop.
4 A reckless truck-driver loads two identical untethered crates stacked one upon the other
as shown in the diagram. No sliding takes place. Make separate sketches to show the
forces acting on each crate when the truck travels on a horizontal straight road:

a with constant speed

b while accelerating
c while decelerating.
Each crate has mass 250 kg. When the acceleration of the truck is 1.5 m s−2, calculate
the magnitude of the frictional force exerted on:
d the upper crate by the lower
e the lower crate by the deck of the truck.
5 In an archaeological reconstruction, a group of students try to drag an ancient warship
along a beach. This requires a horizontal force of 5000 N. The average weight of a
student is 600 N, and the coefficient of friction between each student’s feet and the sand
is 0.2. How many students are needed?
5.2 Objects connected by rods

TIP

Newton’s second law can be applied in a connected system to the

entire system or to the individual components of the system.

WORKED EXAMPLE 5.2

A car of mass 1800 kg tows a trailer of mass 2000 kg along a level road. The driving force
from the engine is 600 N. The resistance on the car is 50 N and on the trailer is 100 N.
a Find the acceleration of the car.
b Find the tension in the towbar.

Answer

Draw a force diagram.

Newton’s second law for the system: Resolve horizontally in the directionof
motion on the whole system.
600 − 50 − 100 = 3800 a

a = 0.118 m s−2 Solve to find the acceleration.

b Newton’s second law for the trailer: Resolve horizontally in the direction of
motion on the trailer only. (Alternatively
T − 100 = 2000 a
resolve for the car only.)

T = 337 N Substitute in the acceleration value

already found.

EXERCISE 5B

M 1 A car of mass 1200 kg, towing a caravan of mass 800 kg, is travelling along a motorway
at a constant speed of 20 m s−1. There are air resistance forces on the car and the
caravan, of magnitude 100 N and 400 N respectively. Calculate the magnitude of the
force on the caravan from the towbar, and the driving force on the car.
The car brakes suddenly, and begins to decelerate at a rate of 1.5 m s−2. Calculate the
force on the car from the towbar. What effect will the driver notice?
2 A car of mass 750 kg is towing a trailer of mass 350 kg. The driving force on the car has
magnitude 15 kN. The resistance forces on the car and the trailer are 600 N and 400 N,
respectively. Find:
a the acceleration of the car and the trailer
b the tension in the tow bar.
3 A car of mass 1200 kg is towing a trailer of mass 400 kg using a light towbar. The
resistance forces acting on the car and the trailer are 500 N and 300 N, respectively. The
car starts to brake and decelerates at 1.2 m s−2. Find the magnitude of the braking force.
4 A train is made up of an engine of mass 4500 kg and two carriages of mass 2500 kg each.
 The train is accelerating at 0.9 m s−2. The resistance force acting on the engine is 1200
N and the resistance force acting on each carriage is 500 N. Find:
a the driving force on the engine
b the tension in each coupling.
5 A train consists of an engine of mass 4000 kg and two carriages of mass 2000 kg each.
The train is decelerating at 2 m s−2. The resistance forces are: 9000 N on the engine,
6000 N on the first carriage and 3000 N on the second carriage.
a Determine whether the engine is driving or braking.
b Find the magnitude of the force in each coupling, stating whether it is a tension or a
thrust.
6 A car of mass 1000 kg is towing a trailer of mass 250 kg along a straight road. There are
constant resistances to the motion of the car and the trailer of magnitude 150 N and 50
N respectively. The driving force on the car has magnitude 800 N. Calculate the
acceleration of the car and the trailer, and the tension in the towbar, when:
a the road is horizontal
b the road is inclined at sin−1 0.04 to the horizontal and the car is travelling uphill.
7 When a car of mass 1350 kg tows a trailer of mass 250 kg along a horizontal straight
road, the resistive forces on the car and trailer have magnitude 200 N and 50 N
respectively. Find the magnitude of the driving force on the car when the car and trailer
are travelling at constant speed, and state the tension in the towbar in this case.
Find the acceleration or deceleration of the car and trailer, and the tension in the towbar,
when the driving force exerted by the car has magnitude:
a 330 N
b 170 N
c zero.
P 8 A car of mass M pulls a trailer of mass down a straight hill which is inclined at angle α°
to the horizontal. Resistive forces of magnitudes P and Q act on the car and the trailer
respectively, and the driving force on the car is F. Find an expression for the
acceleration, a, of the car and trailer, in terms of F, P, Q, M, m and α.
Show that the tension in the towbar is independent of α.
In the case when F = P + Q, show that the acceleration is g sin α and that the tension in
the towbar is Q.
5.3 Objects connected by strings

WORKED EXAMPLE 5.3

A box of mass 5 kg sits on a rough horizontal table that is 70 cm high. The coefficient of
friction between the table and the box is 0.25. Light inextensible strings are attached to the
box, one passing over a small smooth pulley at the left edge of the table and the other
passing over a small smooth pulley at the right edge of the table. The free ends of the
strings hang vertically. A box of mass 1 kg hangs from the end of the string on the left side
of the table and a box of mass 4 kg hangs from the end of the string on the right side of the
table.
The system is released from rest and the boxes move without hitting any of the pulleys. How
long does it take for the box on the right side to descend to the floor?

Answer

Draw a force diagram for each box.

Resolving vertically for the box The box on the table does not move vertically.
on the table:
R = 50 N

Friction is limiting The box is moving so F = μR.

F = 0.25 × 50 = 12.5 N

Newton’s second law for each Resolve in the direction of motion for each box.
box:

40 − T1 = 4 a Right (4 kg) box.

T1 − T2 − 12.5 = 5a (5 kg) box on table.

T2 − 10 = a Left (1 kg) box.

Sum to eliminate T1 and T2: Solve the equations simultaneously by adding all
17.5 = 10a three.

a = 1.75 m s−2 Solve to find the acceleration of each of the three

boxes.

Constant acceleration: State the known values.

s = 0.70, u = 0, a = 1.75 Box descends 70 cm to floor.

Use the most suitable equation of motion to find

the time taken for the 4 kg box to descend to the
t = 0.894 floor.
It takes 0.894 seconds for the
box to reachthe floor.

EXERCISE 5C

1 Particle P of mass 4.5 kg is being pulled by a light inextensible string. Another light
inextensible string is attached to the other side of P and particle Q, of mass 6 kg, is
attached to the other end of this string. The particles move with acceleration 2.1 m s−2 in
a straight line on a smooth horizontal table. Find the tension in each string.
2 Two identical boxes, each of mass 10 kg, are connected by a light inextensible cable. One
box is pushed away from the other with a force of 75 N. The boxes move in a straight line
at constant velocity on a rough horizontal table. Find the magnitude of the friction force
between each box and the table.
3 A box of mass 24 kg is pulled across a rough horizontal floor with a force of F N. The
friction force between this box and the floor is 80 N. Another box, of mass 15 kg, is
attached to the first box by a light inextensible string. The friction force between the
second box and the floor is 50 N.

a The string connecting the two boxes will break if the tension exceeds 120 N. Find the
largest possible value of F.
b The string breaks when the boxes are moving with a speed of 2.4 m s−1. Assuming
the two boxes do not collide, how long does it take for the second box to stop?
4 A crate of mass 35 kg is suspended by a light inextensible cable. Another crate, of mass
50 kg, is attached to the bottom of the first crate by another light inextensible cable. Find
the tensions in the two cables when the crates are:
a being raised with acceleration 0.8 m s− 2
b being lowered at constant speed.
5 Two particles of masses 5 kg and 7 kg are connected by a light inextensible string that
passes over a fixed smooth pulley. The system is released from rest with both ends of the
string vertical and taut. Find the acceleration of each particle and the tension in the
string.

6 Box A, of mass 15 kg, rests on a rough horizontal table. It is connected to one end of a
light inextensible string which passes over a fixed smooth peg. Box B, of mass 6 kg, is
attached to the other end of the string.

a Given that the system is in equilibrium, find the magnitude of the frictional force
between box A and the table.
b Given instead that the contact between box A and the table is smooth, find the
acceleration of the system and the tension in the string.
7 A particle of mass 3 kg is attached to one end of each of two strings, s1 and s2. A particle
of mass 2.5 kg is attached to the other end of s1, and a particle of mass 1 kg is attached
to the other end of s2. The particles are held in the positions shown, with the strings taut
 and s1 passing over a smooth fixed peg. The system is released from rest. Find the
acceleration of the particles, and the tensions in s1 and s2.

PS 8 Two particles are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth
fixed peg. The heavier particle is held so that the string is taut, and the parts of the
string not in contact with the pulley are vertical. When the system is released from rest
the particles have an acceleration of . Find the ratio of the masses of the particles.
9 Two particles have masses and km, with k > 1. The particles are connected by a light
inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley. The system is released from rest and the
particles move with acceleration . Find the value of k.
10 A particle of mass 4 kg is attached by light inextensible strings to two other particles of
masses 7 kg and 5 kg. The string connecting the 4 kg particle to the 7 kg particle passes
over a smooth pulley, as shown in the diagram. The particle of mass 7 kg is attached to
the floor by another light inextensible string.

a Given that the system is in equilibrium, find the tension in the string connecting the
7 kg particle to the floor.
b This string is now removed. Find the acceleration of the system.
5.4 Objects in moving lifts

WORKED EXAMPLE 5.4

A lift can carry a maximum of 5 persons of average mass 80 kg. The maximum acceleration
of the empty lift when it travels upwards is 1 m s−2. By considering the lift travelling
upwards when empty and when full:
a find the mass of the lift
b find the maximum tension in the lift cable
c comment on the calculated values.

Answer

a Draw a force diagram.

Newton’s second law for the empty

lift travelling upwards at maximum
acceleration:

Tmax − 10M=M Resolve in the direction of motion.

so Tmax = 11M Find the maximum tension interms of the

mass of the lift.

5 persons of average mass 80 kg have

total mass 400 kg.

Draw a new force diagram.

Newton’s second law for the full lift

travelling upwards at acceleration a
m s−2:

Tmax − 10(M + 400) = (M + 400)a Resolve in the direction of motion.

a > 0 so 11M− 10(M + 400) > 0 Replace the maximum tension with the
expression found earlier, and consider
that the acceleration must be positive.

M> 4000 Solve the inequality for the mass of the

lift.
The mass of the lift is at least 4000
kg.

b When M= 4000 kg, Tmax = 11M = Use the expression for the maximum
44 000 N tension found earlier.

c The value of a will need to be more

than just greater than 0, perhaps
0.1, and there needs to besome
spare capacity in case some heavy
peopleget into the lift, so the figure
 400 kg should beincreased, perhaps
to 500 kg.

Tmax − 10(M+ 500) = (M+ 500)a Resolve in the direction of motion for a
full lift with a mass of 500 kg for the load
in the lift.

11M− 10(M+ 500) = (M+ 500)a Replace the maximum tension with the
expression found earlier.

M(1 − a) = (500) (10 + a) Simplify the equation.

If a = 0.1 then M= 5611 kg and Consider an acceleration of 0.1 to see how

this affects the mass of the lift and the
Tmax = 61 700 N maximum tension in the lift cable.
So the actual values will be greater
than the values calculated in parts a
and b.

EXERCISE 5D

1 A crate of mass 120 kg lies on the horizontal floor of a lift. The lift accelerates upwards at
0.4 m s−2. Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force between the crate and the
floor of the lift.
2 A basket of mass 750 grams is attached to a light inextensible rope and is being lowered
at a constant speed. A box of mass 120 grams rests at the bottom of the basket. Find the
magnitude of the normal contact force between the box and the basket.
3 A child of mass 35 kg stands in a lift of mass 500 kg. The lift is suspended by a light
inextensible cable and accelerates upwards at 0.6 m s−2. Find:
a the tension in the cable
b the magnitude of the normal reaction force between the child’s feet and the floor of
the lift.
4 A person of mass 85 kg stands in a lift of mass 360 kg. The lift is suspended by a light
inextensible cable. Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force between the person’s
feet and the floor of the lift when the lift is:
a moving downwards and decelerating at 4.2 m s−2
b moving upwards at a constant speed.
5 A lift of mass 520 kg is supported by a steel rod attached to its bottom. The rod can
withstand a maximum thrust of 15 400 N. The lift can accelerate at 2.5 m s−2 and
decelerate at 7.8 m s−2. Find the maximum allowed load in the lift.
PS 6 A woman of mass 63 kg stands in a lift of mass 486 kg. The lift is supported by a cable
and moves with acceleration 2.2 m s−2. The magnitude of the normal reaction force
between the woman’s feet and the floor of the lift is 765 N.
a Is the lift going up or down?
b Find the tension in the cable.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 5

PS 1 Particles P and Q, of masses 1 kg and 0.6 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a
light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed peg. The particles are held at
rest with both hanging at a height of 0.9 m above the floor.

The system is released from rest. Find:

a the time until P reaches the floor
b the time between P reaching the ground and P leaving the floor again, assuming that
P does not bounce.
2 Particles A and B, of masses m kg and 2m kg respectively, are connected by a light
inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth pulley at the edge of a table. Particle
A hangs freely and particle B is sitting on the table.

a The system is in limiting equilibrium. Find the coefficient of friction between the
table and particle B.
A horizontal force of magnitude F N is then applied to particle B, acting away from the
pulley.
b The system is in limiting equilibrium. Find the value of F.
3 Particles P and Q, of masses M kg and m kg respectively where M > m, are attached to
the ends of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth pulley which
is fixed at the point where two rough planes meet. The coefficient of friction for each
plane is 0.1. The planes each make an angle θ with the ground.

The particles are released from rest.

a Find, in terms of M, m and θ, the tension in the string while both particles are
moving.
Particle P reaches the ground after 2 seconds. The speed of particle P when it
reaches the ground is v m s−1.
b Find v in terms of M, m and θ.
Particle P is immediately brought to rest and particle Q continues to moves up the slope.
In the case when θ = 60°, M = 0.3 and m = 0.1, particle Q just reaches the pulley.
 c Find the height of the pulley above the ground.
4 A crate of mass 80 kg lies on a horizontal platform. The platform is being raised and
decelerates at 2.6 m s−2. Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force between the
crate and the platform.
5 A book of mass 310 g lies on a rough horizontal table. A light inextensible string is
attached to the book. The string passes over a smooth pulley fixed at the edge of the
table. A ball of mass 120 g is attached to the other end of the string.

The system is in equilibrium with the string taut. Find the magnitude of the friction force
between the book and the table.
6 Machinery of mass 300 kg is placed on the floor of a lift of mass 450 kg. The magnitudes
of the tension in the cable holding the lift, and the normal contact force between the
machinery and the lift floor, are T newtons and R newtons respectively. By considering
the forces acting on the machinery, find the value of R when the lift is moving upwards
with a deceleration of 2.2 m s−2. By considering the motion of the machinery and the lift
as one body, find the value of T for the same deceleration.
7 A car is pulling a trailer using a light rigid tow bar. The mass of the car is 1200 kg and
the mass of the trailer is 350 kg. Assume that any resistances to motion can be ignored.
a The car is moving with a speed of 9.2 m s−1 when it starts to accelerate at 1.8 m s−2.
Find the driving force acting on the car.
b The car continues to accelerate uniformly for 4 seconds. It then starts to brake, with
uniform deceleration, until it comes to rest. During the braking phase, it travels 26m.
Find the magnitude of the thrust in the towbar during the braking phase.
8 A small ring of mass 0.1 kg is threaded on a fixed vertical rod. A string AB, of length 1.5
m, is attached to the ring at A. A second string BC, of length 2 m, is attached to the rod
at a point C. The point C is vertically above A and each string is light and inextensible.

A horizontal force of magnitude 8 N is applied at the point B. The system is in equilibrium

with the strings taut and AB perpendicular to BC.
a Find the tension in each string.
The coefficient of friction between the rod and the ring is µ. The ring is on the point of
slipping.
b Find the value of µ to 3 s.f.
9 A person of mass 75 kg stands in a lift of mass 450 kg. The lift is suspended by a light
inextensible cable and moving downwards.
a The lift is decelerating at 5.2 m s−2. Find the normal reaction force between the
person’s feet and the floor of the lift.
b Given instead that the normal reaction force between the person’s feet and the floor
of the lift is 577.5 N:
i find the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the lift
ii calculate the tension in the cable.
10 Two skaters stand on ice 5 m from each other, holding onto the ends of a light
 inextensible rope. They pull at the rope with a constant force and come together in 1.5
seconds. Any friction can be ignored. Given that the mass of the first skater is 62 kg, and
that he moves with acceleration 1.8 m s−2, find the mass of the second skater.
PS 11 Box A of mass 6 kg is held at rest at one end of a rough horizontal table. The box is
attached to one end of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth pulley fixed
to the other end of the table. The length of that part of the string extending from A to the
pulley is 3 m. Box B, of mass 2.5 kg, is attached to the other end of the string and hangs
1.2 m above the ground. The system is released from rest and moves with acceleration
0.3 m s−2.

a Find the magnitude of the frictional force between box A and the table.
b Box B reaches the floor and remains at rest. The magnitude of the frictional force
between box A and the table remains unchanged. Will box A reach the pulley?
12 Particles P and Q, of masses 3 kg and 5 kg, are connected by a light inextensible string.
The string passes over a smooth pulley and the particles hang in the vertical plane with Q
2.5 m above the ground.

At time t = 0 the system is released from rest with the string taut.
a Find the time required for Q to hit the ground.
Once Q is on the ground, P continues to move. Assume that in subsequent motion,
neither particle reaches the pulley.
b Find the greatest height of P above its start point.
c Find the time when the string becomes taut again.
Chapter 6
General motion in a straight line

■ Use differentiation to calculate velocity when displacement is given as a function of time.

■ Use differentiation to calculate acceleration when velocity is given as a function of time.
■ Use integration to find displacement when velocity is given as a function of time.
■ Use integration to find velocity when acceleration is given as a function of time.
6.1 Velocity as the derivative of displacement with respect to time

TIP

Remember

WORKED EXAMPLE 6.1

A particle moves along the x-axis for 5 seconds. The position of the particle, in metres, at
time t seconds after the start is given by:

a What is the position at the start?

b What is the initial velocity?
There is no sudden change in the velocity when t = 4.
c Find the values of A and B.
d What are the positions when the particle is stationary?
e What is the total distance travelled?

Answer

a x = −3 Put t = 0.

b v = −6t + 12t0.5 Use

t = 0 gives initial velocity = 0 m s−1

c A + 4 − 16B = 13 t = 4 gives x = 13.

t = 4 gives v = 0.

so A = 11 and B = 0.125 Solve to find B, then substitute in the first

equation to find A.

d Stationary when v = 0 m s−1 Stationary means the particle is not

moving, so the velocity is zero.

0 ⩽ t ⩽ 4: −6t + 12t0.5 = 0 Set the first velocity expression equal to

zero.

6t0.5(2 − t0.5) = 0 Factorise to find the time.

t = 0 or 4

4 ⩽ t ⩽ 5: 1 − 0.25t = 0 Set the second velocity expression equal

to zero.
t=4
Stationary when t = 0 or t = 4

Positions are x = −3, x = 13 Substitute the time values into the

expressions for displacement to find the
positions when the particle is stationary,
or use the values found in parts a and c.

e t = 5 gives x = 12.875 Starts at x = −3 and moves to 13 then

instantaneously at rest and then travels to
 Total distance = 16.125 metres x = 12.875.

EXERCISE 6A

1 A particle moves along a straight line. The displacement, s m, from a fixed point at time t
s is given by:
s = 5 + 9t − 3.3t2 + 0.4t3 where 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 4
Find the times at which the particle is stationary.
2 A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement, x m, from a fixed point at time t s is
given by:

a Find the velocity when t = 2.

b Find the average velocity between t = 0 and t = 4.
3 Given that x = 120 − 15t − 6t2 + t3 where is measured in metres and t in seconds, find
the time when the velocity is zero. Find the displacement at this instant.
4 Given that displacement in metres is x = 2 + 48t − t3 for time t s, find the displacement
when the velocity is zero.
5 Two ants move around so that the distance, d cm, between them at time t seconds is
given by:

What is the minimum separation between the ants?

M 6 A spider runs forwards and backwards along a pipe. The distance, s cm, of the spider
from the end of the pipe at time t seconds is given by:

The spider gets to the end of the pipe after 5 seconds.

a How long is the pipe?
b How fast is the spider moving when it gets to the end of the pipe?
c What is the average speed of the spider?
M 7 The height, in metres, of the tide at a certain place on a certain day, at time t hours after
midnight, is given by:

where angles are measured in radians.

a What is the height of the high tide?
b What is the time between successive high tides? Give your answer to the nearest
minute.
c When is the tide increasing most rapidly?
6.2 Acceleration as the derivative of velocity with respect to time

WORKED EXAMPLE 6.2

A particle moves along a straight line. The velocity, v m s−1, of the particle at time t seconds
is given by:

Calculate the acceleration of the particle when it is instantaneously stationary.

Answer

v = 0 whent = 6 or 10 Instantaneously stationary when v = 0.

v = 0.025(t2 − 16t + 60) Expand the double brackets to make differentiation

easier.

Differentiate with respect to time to find an

expression for acceleration.
= 0.05(t − 8)

When t = 6, a = −0.1 m s−2 Substitute the time values already found into the
acceleration expression.
When t = 10, a = 0.1 m s−2

TIP

Remember

EXERCISE 6B

1 Given that v = t2 − 12t + 40 in m s−1, find the velocity when the acceleration is zero.
2 Given that x = t3 + 4t + 6 for t s and x m, find expressions for and a in terms of t. Find
the displacement, velocity and acceleration when t = 2.
3 Given that in metres for t s, find the velocity and acceleration when t = 2.
4 An object moves in a straight line. Its displacement, x m, from point O, t seconds after it
passes O is given by x = 0.1t3 − 1.2t2 + 3.5t.
a Find the speed and the magnitude of the acceleration of the object 6 seconds after
passing O.
b What is the speed of the object when it first returns to O?
c Find the first time when the speed is zero, and the object’s distance from O at this
time.
5 A particle moves in a straight line. Given that v = 4t(8 − t), and that the particle has
mass 3 kg:
a find the maximum velocity
b sketch the (t, v) graph for 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 8
c find the resultant force acting on the particle when t = 2.
6 A car is accelerating from rest. At time t seconds after starting, the velocity of the car is v
m s−1, where , for 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 6.
a Find the velocity of the car 6 seconds after starting.
 b Find the acceleration of the car when its velocity is 10 m s−1.
7 A train leaves a station and travels in a straight line. After t seconds the train has
travelled a 65 distance x metres, where x = (320t3 − 2t4) × 10−5. This formula is valid
until the train comes to rest at the next station.
a Find when the train comes to rest, and hence find the distance between the two
stations.
b Find the acceleration of the train 40 seconds after the journey begins.
c Find the deceleration of the train just before it stops.
d Find when the acceleration is zero, and hence find the maximum velocity of the train.
M 8 A flare is launched from a hot-air balloon and moves in a vertical line. At time t seconds,
the height of the flare is x metres, where for t ⩾ 5. The flare is
launched when t = 5.
a Find the height and the velocity of the flare immediately after it is launched.
b Find the acceleration of the flare immediately after it is launched, when its velocity is
zero, and when t = 25.
c Find the terminal speed of the flare.
d Find when the flare reaches the ground.
e Sketch the (t, v) graph and the (t, x) graph for the motion of the flare.
6.3 Displacement as the integral of velocity with respect to time

TIP

Remember

WORKED EXAMPLE 6.3

The velocity, v m s−1, of a car under braking is given as a function of time, t s, by:

a Find the initial deceleration of the car.

b Find the distance travelled under braking until the car comes to a stop.

Answer

a − 0.5(6 − t) Differentiate the expression for velocity with

respect to time to find an expression for
acceleration.

t = 0 gives a = −3 Initially, time is zero. Use this to find the

acceleration at this time.

Initial deceleration = 3 m s−2 As the acceleration is −3, the deceleration is

+3.

b Stops when t = 6 v = 0 when 0.25(6 − t)2 = 0, so the time is 6.

Expand the double brackets in the expression

for velocity, then integrate with respect to time
to find an expression for displacement.

Use limits of 0 and 6 for the time to find the

distance travelled.
= 18 metres

EXERCISE 6C

TIP

Unless you are told otherwise, in work involving calculus the

displacement will be measured from the initial position, so s will
be 0 when t = 0.

1 A particle moves in a straight line. Its velocity, v m s−1, at time t seconds is given by v =
2.4t − 1.5t2.
a Find the acceleration of the particle after 2 seconds.
b Find the velocity at the point when the acceleration is zero.
c The displacement of the particle from its initial position is x m.
Find an expression for in terms of t.
 2 Given that v = 3t2 + 8 and that the displacement is 4 m when t = 0, find an expression
for in terms of t. Find the displacement and the velocity when t = 2.
3 Given that and that the displacement is 30 m when t = 4, find the displacement,
velocity and acceleration when t = 1.
4 Given that v = 3t2 + 4t + 3 in m s−1, find the distance travelled between t = 0 and t = 2.
5 Given that in m s−1, find the distance travelled between t = 1 and t = 4.
6 Given that in m s−1, find the distance travelled between t = 1 and t = 5.

7 Given that v = 3(t − 3) (t − 5) in m s−1, find the distance travelled:

a between t = 0 and t = 3
b between t = 3 and t = 5
c between t = 5 and t = 6.
Hence find the total distance travelled between t = 0 and t = 6. Sketch the (t, v) graph
and the (t, x) graph (assume that the displacement is zero when t = 0). How far is the
particle from its starting point when t = 6?
PS 8 A particle moves in a straight line. Its velocity, v m s−1, at time t seconds is given by v(t)
= (t + 3) (t − 2) (t − 7). Find the average speed of the particle during the first 7 seconds.
PS 9 The velocity of a particle is given by:

The average speed of the particle during the first T seconds is 4 m s−1. Find the value of
T, where T < 15.

TIP

The velocity jumps suddenly when t = 5. This can happen, for

example, in a collision. The displacement still needs to be
continuous.

PS 10 A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement,, from point O is given by x(t) = 24t
− 3t2, where t is measured in seconds. The average velocity of the particle during the
first T seconds is 9 m s−1. Find its average speed during this time.
6.4 Velocity as the integral of acceleration with respect to time

TIP

Remember v = ∫a dt.

WORKED EXAMPLE 6.4

The game of boccia is a variant of bowls for Paralympic athletes. In one game a player rolls
a ball down a curved slide and onto the target area. The player gives the ball an initial speed
of 0.5 m s−1. The acceleration, a m s−2, of the ball as it descends the slide is modelled as a
function of time, t s, by:

The length of the slide is 1.73 metres.

a Show that the ball takes about 0.6 seconds to reach the end of the slide.
b Calculate the speed of the ball when it reaches the end of the slide.

Answer

Integrate acceleration with respect to time to find

a an expression for velocity.

= 8t − 0.1t2 + c1 Use a constant of integration.

v = 0.5 when t = 0 so c1 = Use initial conditions to find the constant of

0.5 integration.

v = 8t − 0.1t2 + 0.5 Substitute in the value of the constant to give an

expression for velocity.

Integrate velocity with respect to time to find an

expression for displacement.

= 4t2 − 0.0333t3 + 0.5t + Use a constant of integration.

c2

At start of slide, s = 0 Use initial conditions to find the constant of

integration.
when t = 0 so c2 = 0

s = 4t2 − 0.0333t3 + 0.5t Substitute in the value of the constant to give an

expression for displacement.
At end of slide, s = 1.73

4(0.6)2 − 0.0333(0.6)3 + Use the value of 0.6 seconds given in the question
(0.5) (0.6) = 1.73 to 3 to show the displacement is 1.73 metres.
significant figures

It takes about 0.6 seconds State the conclusion.

for the ball to reach the
end of the slide.

b When t = 0.6,v = 5.264 m s Use the expression found for velocity with a time of
−1 0.6 seconds.
EXERCISE 6D

1 A car starts from rest and moves in a straight line. Its acceleration, a m s−2, is given by
a(t) = 0.12t2 − 1.44t + 4.32.
a Find the equations for the car’s velocity and its displacement from the starting point.
b Find the velocity and the displacement at the point when the acceleration is zero.
2 A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement from the point P is metres and its
acceleration is a = (1 − 0.6t) m s−2. The particle is initially 25 m from P and moving away
from P with velocity 7.5 m s−1.
a Find an expression for the velocity in terms of t.
b Find the particle’s displacement from P after 10 seconds.
c Find the particle’s displacement from P at the time when its acceleration is −2 m s
−2.

3 A particle moves in a straight line with acceleration a = (2 − 6t) m s−2, where the time is
measured in seconds. When t = 2 its velocity is −8 m s−1. Find the average velocity of
the particle between t = 5 and t = 8.
4 Given that a = 10 − 6t2, and that the velocity is 4 m s−1 and the displacement is 12 m
when t = 1, find expressions for and x in terms of t. Find the displacement, velocity and
acceleration when t = 0.
5 Given that , and that the velocity is 6 m s−1 and the displacement is zero
when t = 1, find the displacement, velocity and acceleration when t = 3.
6 Given that a = 3t − 12, and that the velocity is 30 m s−1 and the displacement is 4 m
when t = 0, find the displacement when the acceleration is zero.
7 Given that a = 4t − 1 and that the velocity is 5 m s−1 when t = 0, find the distance
travelled between t = 0 and t = 3.
8 A particle moves in a straight line. Given that and that the velocity is 4 m s−1
when t = 1, find the velocity when t = 100. State the terminal speed of the particle.
P 9 Given that , and that the velocity is 2 m s−1 and the displacement is zero when t
= 1, find the displacement when t = 4. Show that the velocity is always positive but the
displacement never exceeds 2 m.
10 A truck, with initial velocity 6 m s−1, brakes and comes to rest. At time t seconds after
the brakes are applied the acceleration is a m s−2, where a = −3t. This formula applies
until the truck stops.
a Find the time taken for the truck to stop.
b Find the distance travelled by the truck while it is decelerating.
c Find the greatest deceleration of the truck.
11 A force of (36 − t2) newtons acts at time t seconds on a particle of mass 2 kg. When t = 0
the particle has velocity 2 m s−1 in the direction of the force. Find the velocity of the
particle when t = 6 and find the distance travelled between t = 0 and t = 6.
PS 12 A train is travelling at 32 m s−1. The driver brakes, producing a deceleration of
after t seconds. The train comes to rest in 16 seconds. Find k, and find
how far the train travels before coming to rest.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 6

M 1 Salma runs in a straight line. At time t seconds, her displacement, metres, from the
starting point satisfies the equation x = 1.8 t2 − 0.2t3.
a Show that Salma starts running from rest.
b Find her maximum velocity.
2 The velocity of a car, v m s−1 at time t seconds, satisfies:

a Find the acceleration of the car after 5 seconds.

b Find the car’s displacement from the starting point when:
i t=3
ii t = 10.
3 A dog runs past a tree when t = 0 with the speed of 3.7 m s−1. It accelerates for 5
seconds so that its speed satisfies v = (u + 0.4t) m s−1.
a Write down the value of u.
For the next 5 seconds, the dog decelerates and its speed satisfies:

b Find the dog’s final speed.

c Find the dog’s final displacement from the tree.
d After how long is the dog 32 m from the tree?
PS 4 The acceleration of a particle moving in a straight line, a m s−2, satisfies a = 0.1(t − 5)2
for 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 5 seconds. The particle is initially at rest.
a Explain why the velocity of the particle is never negative between t = 0 and t = 5.
b Find the average speed of the particle between t = 0 and t = 5.
c By sketching the graph of x(t) show that there is a value of t where the instantaneous
speed equals the average speed.

5 A particle starts from rest. Its acceleration after t seconds is . Find its

speed and how far it has moved after 2 seconds.

6 A particle moving in a straight line has displacement x metres after t seconds for 0 ⩽ t ⩽
5, where x = t3 − 12t2 + 21t + 18.
a Find the displacement, velocity and acceleration when the time is zero.
b Find the time, velocity and acceleration when the displacement is zero.
c Find the time, displacement and acceleration when the velocity is zero.
d Find the time, displacement and velocity when the acceleration is zero.
7 A particle moving on the x-axis has displacement metres from the origin O after t seconds
for 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 5, where x = t2 (t − 2) (t − 5).
a For what values of t is the particle on the positive side of O?
b For what values of t is the particle moving towards O?
c For what values of t is the force on the particle directed towards O?
8 The displacement, x metres, of a particle moving on the -axis at a time t seconds after it

starts to move is given by x = t5 for 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 1, and by for t ⩾ 1.

a Verify that both formulae give the same value for x when t = 1.
b Find the value of k for which there is no sudden change of velocity when t = 1.
 For the rest of the question, take k to have the value you found in part b.
c Show that the particle stays on the same side of O throughout the motion.
d What is the greatest distance of the particle from O?
e For what values of t is the force on the particle acting in the positive direction?
9 A particle moves with velocity v m s−1, where:

Find the two times when the particle is 200 m away from the starting point.
PS 10 A car is travelling along a road that has a speed limit of 90 km h−1. The speed of cars on
the road is monitored via average speed check cameras, which calculate the average
speed of a car by measuring how long it takes to travel a specified distance.

The car starts from rest next to one of the cameras. Its velocity in m s−1 is given by
, and it comes to rest after 10 seconds. It stays stationary for T

seconds and then starts moving again with a constant acceleration of 3.5 m s−2. The
velocity–time graph of the car’s motion is shown in the diagram.
The second camera is positioned 300 m away from the first one.
a Find the time the car takes to reach the second camera after it has started from rest
the second time.
b Show that the car’s speed exceeded 90 km h−1 during both stages of motion.
c The cameras did not detect the car breaking the speed limit. Find the smallest
possible value of T.
11 Cars can go over speed bumps at 5 km h−1. For an average car, the maximum
acceleration is 1.4 m s−2 and the maximum deceleration is 3.2 m s−2. How far apart
should the speed bumps be placed to restrict the maximum speed to 30 km h−1?
12 A goods train is moving along a straight track. The velocity, v ms−1 at time t s after the
train starts to move is given by:

where A, B, C and T are constants.

The train is at rest when t = 0 and when t = 5T.
a Find the value of T.
b Find B and C in terms of A.
The train travels 565 metres between the times t = 0 and t = 5T.
c Find the maximum speed of the train during its journey.
Chapter 7
Momentum

■ Calculate the momentum of a moving body or a system of bodies.

■ Use the principle of conservation of momentum to solve problems involving the direct impact
of two bodies that separate after impact.
■ Use the principle of conservation of momentum to solve problems involving the direct impact
of two bodies that coalesce on impact.
7.1 Momentum

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7.1

A ball of mass 0.05 kg falls 3.2 metres onto hard ground. The ball starts at rest and falls
under gravity. Resistance forces are negligible.
a Calculate the momentum of the ball just before impact with the ground.
b The ball rebounds to a height of 1.8 metres. Calculate the change in the momentum in
the bounce.

Answer

a s = 3.2, u = 0, a = 10 Taking up as positive, list the known values with

acceleration due to gravity.

v2 = u2 + 2as Choose the equation of motion to find the velocity

as the ball leaves the ground.

v=8 Substitute in values and calculate the velocity.

The ball is travelling at8 m Substitute the values for m and v into the formula
s−1 downwards whenit hits for momentum, and remember to give units.
the ground.
Momentum = mv = 0.4 N s
downwards

b s = 1.8, v = 0, a = −10 Taking down as positive, list the known values with
acceleration due to gravity.

v2 = u2 + 2as Choose the equation of motion to find the velocity

just before impact with the ground.

u=6 Substitute in values and calculate the velocity.

The ball is travelling at 6 m Substitute the values for m and v into the formula
s−1 upwards when it leaves for momentum, and remember to give units.
the ground.
Momentum = mv = 0.3 N s
upwards

So change in Direction has changed from downwards to

upwards. If we use down as positive there is a loss
momentum = (0.3) − in momentum of 0.7 N s.
(−0.4)
= 0.7 N s upwards

TIP

Remember momentum is given by mv where a body of mass m kg is

moving with a velocity of v m s−1.
EXERCISE 7A

1 Calculate the momentum, in newton seconds (N s), for each situation. Change to SI units
(kg, m, s) before you start, if necessary.
a A rocket of mass 15 kg and velocity 150 m s−1
b A cat of mass 4.5 kg and velocity 5 m s−1
c A marble of mass 10 grams and velocity 20 m s−1
d A car of mass 1200 kg and velocity 60 km h−1
e A rhino of mass 1.4 tonnes running at 20 m s−1
2 A bullet of mass 5 grams is fired from a gun. Its momentum is 4.5 N s as it leaves the
gun. Work out its velocity.
3 A car is moving at a velocity of 15 m s−1. Its momentum is 18 000 N s. Find its mass, in
metric tonnes.
PS 4 A dinghy of mass 600 kg is moving at 20 m s−1 when a wind starts to blow, directly
opposing the motion of the dinghy. The wind exerts a constant force of 16 N for 30
seconds. Find the percentage decrease in the momentum of the dinghy.
5 A bowling ball of mass 2 kg is travelling at 7 m s−1 when it hits a wall. The ball rebounds
directly, leaving the wall with speed 5 m s−1. Calculate the change in the momentum of
the ball.
6 A motorbike of mass 250 kg is travelling in a straight line. The speed is slowed from 23 m
s−1 to 13 m s−1. Calculate the loss in momentum.
7.2 Collisions and conservation of momentum

TIP

Momentum is conserved in impacts. The total momentum is constant.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7.2

Particles A, B and C lie in a line on a smooth table, with B between A and C. There is a wall
on the other side of C. Particle A has mass 4 kg, B has mass 3 kg and C has mass 2 kg.
Initially B is stationary, A is moving with speed 6 ms−1 towards B, and C is moving with
speed 1 ms−1 towards B from the other side.
A hits B and after the collision the velocity of A has reduced to 3 m s−1, in the same
direction as before the impact.
B then hits C and they coalesce. This object then hits the wall and leaves the wall with half
the speed that it had when it hit the wall. Finally BC hits A and brings A to rest. Find the
speed of BC when it hits the wall for the second time.

Answer

First impact

Draw a diagram to summarise the

information.

Momentum is conserved.

u = 4 m s−1 towards C Solve the equation to find the velocity of

B after the first impact.

Second impact

Draw a diagram to summarise the new

information.

The particles coalesce after the second

impact, so the combined mass is 5 kg.

momentum before momentum after Momentum is conserved.

3 × 4 + 2 ´ −1 = 5v Remember that momentum is a vector

10 = 5v quantity.

v = 2 m s−1 towards the wall Solve the equation to find the velocity of
the combined particle after the second
impact.
 Third impact

Draw a diagram to summarise the new

information.

BC hits the wall with speed 2 m s−1 and

leaves the wall with speed 1 m s−1 in the
opposite direction.

Fourth impact A comes to rest and BC cannot pass

through A so it must reverse its direction
of travel.

Draw a diagram to summarise the new

information.

momentum before momentum after Momentum is conserved.

Remember that momentum is a vector

quantity.

w = 1.4 m s−1 towards the wall Solve the equation to find the velocity of
the combined particle after the fourth
impact.

BC hits the wall for the second time with Taking the original direction of travel for
speed 1.4 m s−1 A as the positive direction.

EXERCISE 7B

1 A ball, A, of mass 1.5 kg is travelling at 3 m s−1. It collides with a stationary ball, B, of

mass 2 kg. Ball A is brought to rest in the collision. Find the speed of ball B immediately
after the collision.
2 A ball, A, of mass 2 kg, moving at 8 m s−1, collides with a ball, B, of mass 2.5 kg, moving
towards it at 10 m s−1 in the same straight line. If ball A then moves in a direction
opposite to its original path, at a velocity of 6 m s−1, find the final speed of ball B.
3 A cat of mass 3.5 kg jumps onto a stationary toy train of mass 1.5 kg that is free to move
on a straight horizontal track. The velocity of the cat in the direction of the track
immediately before it lands on the train is 20 m s−1. Find the speed of the cat and the
train, in the direction of the track, immediately after the cat lands on the train.
4 Particle, A, of mass 0.7 kg, is moving with velocity 8 m s−1 towards particle B, of mass
0.9 kg. Particle B is moving towards A, in the same straight line, with a velocity of 6 m s
−1. The particles coalesce. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the
combined particles.
5 Particle A, of mass 0.8 kg, is moving with velocity 8 m s−1 towards particle B. Particle B
is moving towards particle A, in the same straight line, with velocity 6 m s−1. The two
 particles collide. After the collision the two particles move in opposite directions, both
with speed 4 m s−1. Find the mass of particle B.
6 A skateboard of mass 2 kg is moving at 14 m s−1 when it hits a football of mass 400
grams, which is at rest. Immediately after the collision the skateboard moves at 12 m s−1
in the same straight line and in the same direction. Find the speed of the football
immediately after the collision.
PS 7 A particle A, of mass m kg, is moving along a straight line with speed 5 m s−1. It collides
with another particle, B, of mass 3 kg, moving towards it on the same straight line at a
speed of 3 m s−1. After the collision the particles coalesce and move at a speed of v m s
−1.

a Find an expression for the two possible values of v, in terms of m.

b In each case the magnitude of v is 2 m s−1. Find the two possible values of m.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 7

1 A raindrop of mass 0.005 kg has momentum of magnitude between 0.01 N s and 0.02 N
s. Calculate the range of speeds of the raindrop.
2 A train of mass 300 000 kg is travelling along a straight track. The train speeds up from 4
m s−1 to 6.5 m s−1. Calculate the increase in the momentum of the train, measured in the
direction of travel.
3 A toy car of mass 0.3 kg is at rest when it is hit from behind by another toy car. The
second car has mass 0.2 kg and was moving at speed 1.6 m s−1 immediately before the
collision.
The cars become joined together and continue to move together. Find the common speed
of the cars immediately after the collision.
4 A curling stone, of mass 17.5 kg, is moving in a straight line across a horizontal ice rink.
The stone is moving at 3.7 m s−1 when it collides with a stationary curling stone. The
second stone has mass m kg. Immediately after the collision, the stones move together
with a common speed of 1.75 m s−1.
Find m.
5 In a simple model of an impact between a proton and an electron, a proton is moving in a
straight line at speed 2.12 × 103 m s−1 when it collides head on with an electron. After
the impact the electron has speed 2.09 × 106 m s−1 and the proton is stationary.
The mass of a proton is 1836 times the mass of an electron.
Calculate the speed of the electron immediately before the collision.
PS 6 Two identical balls, A and B, travel directly towards one another in a straight line. When
they impact ball A is travelling with twice the speed of ball B. After the impact the balls
are travelling in the same direction with ball B travelling at twice the speed of ball A.
Find the speed of ball B before the impact as a multiple of its speed after the impact.
7 Two balls, X and Y, of masses 0.3 kg and 0.2 kg respectively, are thrown into a box that
sits on a smooth horizontal floor. When the balls land in the box the horizontal component
of the velocity of ball X is 8 m s−1 and the horizontal component of the velocity of ball Y is
9 m s−1 in the opposite direction. The box, with the balls sitting inside it, slides across
the floor with speed 0.2 m s−1. Find the mass of the box.
PS 8 Four balls, A, B, C and D, of masses 1 kg, 2 kg, 0.5 kg and 10 kg respectively, lie in a line
on a smooth table in the order ABCD. Initially B, C and D are stationary.
Ball A is projected towards ball B with speed 0.4 m s−1. After this impact ball B hits ball
C and coalesces with it and then BC hits D and comes to rest. At the end of these impacts
the velocity of D is 0.05 m s−1 travelling away from BC. Find the final velocity of A.
Chapter 8
Work and energy

■ Calculate the work done by a force in moving a body.

■ Calculate the kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of a body.
8.1 Work done by a force

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

TIP

Work done by a force F N moving a body a distance d m, at an angle θ

to the direction of the force is W = Fd cos θ.

WORKED EXAMPLE 8.1

A constant force of 20 N acting downwards at 30° to the horizontal is used to push a box of
mass 10 kg across a rough horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between the box and
the floor is 0.08 and the box is pushed 5 metres across the floor. Calculate the work done on
the box:
a by the push force
b against friction.
The box is then pushed by the same force down a slope that is parallel to the force. The
coefficient of friction between the box and the slope is 0.08 and the box is pushed 5 metres
down the slope. Calculate the work done on the box:
c by the push force
d against friction
e by the weight of the box.

Answer

a Draw a force diagram.

Weight = 10 × 10 = 100 N.

Work done by the push Box moves horizontally.

force Work = Fd cos θ.
= 20 cos 30° × 5
= 86.6 J

b Resolving vertically: Resolve vertically to find the normal contact force.

R = 100 + 20 sin 30°
= 110 N

F = μR = 8.8 N Box is moving so friction is limiting so use F = μR.

Work done against friction Use W= Fd as the box moves along the line of
action of the force.
= 8.8 × 5
= 44 J

Draw a new force diagram.

 c

Work done by the push Box moves down the slope.

force
= 20 × 5
= 100 J

d Resolving perpendicular to Angle between normal and vertical = 30°.

slope:

R = 100 cos 30° = 86.6 N Resolve perpendicular to the slope to find the
normal contact force.

F = μR = 6.93 N Box is moving so friction is limiting so use F = μR.

Work done against friction Use W= Fd as the box moves along the line of
action of the force.
= 6.93 × 5
= 34.6 J

e Work done by weight Angle between slope and vertical = 60°, use W=
Fd cos θ.
= 100 cos 60° × 5
= 250 J

EXERCISE 8A

1 A ball of mass 100 g is dropped from a window. Calculate the work done by gravity as it
falls vertically to the ground 6.0 m below.
2 A puck slides 50 metres across an ice rink, against a resistive force of 2.5 N. Calculate
the work done against resistance.
3 A cyclist travelling on horizontal ground pedals with a force of 25 N against a headwind
of 10 N and a resistance from the road surface of 5.0 N. The cyclist travels 1.2 km. Find:
a the work done by the cyclist
b the total work done against wind and surface resistances.
4 An object of mass 20 kg is pulled 7 metres at a constant speed across a rough horizontal
floor by means of a horizontal rope. The tension in the rope is 100 N. Calculate the work
done by the rope. State the work done by the weight of the object and the normal contact
force between the object and the floor. State also the work done against resisting forces.
5 A gardener moves a wheelbarrow 30 metres along a level, straight path. The work done
by the gardener is 120 J, and the barrow is initially and finally at rest. Calculate the
average force resisting the motion.
6 A vehicle engine with driving force 400 N does 50 kJ of work moving the vehicle along a
horizontal rough road from A to B. Resistance to motion averages 185 N. Calculate the
work done against resistance as the van moves from A to B.
7 A crate is moved at a steady speed in a straight line by means of a towrope. The work
done in moving the crate 16 metres is 800 J. Calculate the resolved part of the tension in
the rope in the direction of motion.
8 A father pulls his children on a wagon along a level path. The rope by which the wagon is
pulled makes an angle of 20° with the horizontal, and has tension 30 N. Calculate the
work done in moving the wagon 40 metres at constant speed.
8.2 Kinetic energy

TIP

Remember .

WORKED EXAMPLE 8.2

a Calculate the kinetic energy of a bag of mass 5 kg in a car moving at 10 m s−1.

The car stops and the bag is dropped over the edge of a cliff. The bag falls from rest; air
resistance may be ignored.
b Calculate the distance that the bag has fallen when it has twice the kinetic energy that it
had in part a.

Answer

a .
= 250 J

b When the bag has fallen h Taking down as positive.

metres:

s = h, u = 0, a = 10 State the known values.

v2 = u2 + 2as Use a constant acceleration equation to find the

square of the velocity in terms of the distance
= 20h
fallen.

Find the kinetic energy of the bag at this point.

= 50 h

50 h = 2 × 250 Twice the KE from part a.

h = 10 metres Solve the equation to find the distance fallen.

EXERCISE 8B

1 Find the kinetic energy of:

a a football player of mass 90 kg running at 6 m s−1
b an elephant of mass 6 tonnes charging at 10 m s−1
c a racing car of mass 1.5 tonnes travelling at 300 km per hour
d a bullet of mass 20 grams moving at 400 m s−1
e a meteorite of mass 20 kg as it enters the Earth’s atmosphere at 8 km s−1.
2 Calculate the kinetic energy of a cyclist and her bicycle, having a combined mass of 70
kg, travelling at 12 m s−1. Give your answer in kJ.
3 Calculate the mass of an athlete who is running at 8.5 m s−1, with kinetic energy 3500 J.
4 Calculate the speed of a bus of mass 20 tonnes with kinetic energy 1100 kJ . Give your
answer in km h−1.
PS 5 A ball of mass 0.8 kg is travelling at speed 15 m s−1. The ball slows down and loses 36%
of its kinetic energy. Calculate the new speed of the ball.
6 A car of mass 800 kg is being driven along a horizontal straight road. The initial speed of
 the car is 5 m s−1 and the final speed is 25 m s−1. Calculate the increase in the kinetic
energy of the car.
PS 7 A particle of mass 2 kg falls freely from rest. Calculate the kinetic energy of the particle
after it has descended 20 metres.
8.3 Gravitational potential energy

TIP

Remember PE = mgh = 10mh.

WORKED EXAMPLE 8.3

A ball of mass 0.05 kg is thrown vertically upwards with an initial speed of 5 m s−1. The ball
rises and then falls back down, finishing 2 metres below where it started. Air resistance may
be ignored.
a Calculate the gain in potential energy between the start and the top.
b Calculate the loss in potential energy between the start and the finish.

Answer

a From the start to the top: Taking up as positive.

u = 5, v = 0, a = −10 State the known values.

v2 = u2 + 2as Use a constant acceleration equation to find the

height gained by the ball.
The ball rises 1.25 metres.

Gain in PE = 0.05 × 10 × PE = mgh.

1.25
= 0.625 J

b The finish is 2 metres below the start.

Loss in PE = 0.05 × 10 × 2 Use PE = mgh.

=1J

EXERCISE 8C

1 Calculate the loss of potential energy when a mass of 2 tonnes is lowered through 10 m.
2 A mountaineer of mass 65 kg scales a peak 3.2 km high. Calculate her gain in potential
energy.
3 A boy of mass 70 kg climbs a vertical rope. His potential energy increases by 2.45 kJ.
Calculate the height that he climbs.
4 A golf ball of mass 0.045 kg is given an initial speed of 30 m s−1.
a Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the ball.
b The ball lands 20 metres below where it started. Calculate the loss of potential
energy of the ball.
5 A bag of mass m kg is dropped h metres, from rest. Air resistance may be ignored.
a Calculate the loss of potential energy.
b Calculate the gain in kinetic energy.
6 A crate of mass 80 kg slides down a slope that is inclined at 15° to the horizontal. The
crate descends 3 metres down the slope.
a Calculate the vertical height that the crate descends.
b Calculate the loss of potential energy.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 8

1 A box is pushed across a rough horizontal floor by a force that is at an angle of 12° below
the horizontal.
The box travels at a constant speed of 2 m s−1 for 3.75 seconds, and the work done
against friction is 240 J.
Calculate the tension in the rope.
2 A sledge of mass 100 kg is pulled across a horizontal floor by a constant force of
magnitude 120 N acting at an angle θ above the horizontal. The total resistance to
motion of the sledge has constant magnitude 40 N.
The sledge is initially at rest. After travelling 30 m it has accelerated to a speed of 5 m s
−1.

Work out:
a the increase in the kinetic energy of the sledge
b the work done against the resistance.
The work done by the force that is pushing the sledge is 2450 J.
c Calculate the angle θ.
3 A parcel is dragged 5 metres across a horizontal floor by means of a horizontal rope. The
tension in the rope is 12 N. Calculate the work done by the tension in the rope.
4 A box of mass 25 kg is pushed up a slope that is inclined at 10° to the horizontal. The
increase in the potential energy of the box is 217 J.
a Calculate the length of the slope to the nearest metre.
b The resistance to the motion is 22 N. Calculate the work done against the resistance.
5 Water is being pumped from a flooded basement. Each minute 200 litres of water are
pumped through a height of 5 metres and ejected at a speed of 1.2 m s−1. The mass of
200 litres of water is 200 kg.
a Calculate the increase in the potential energy of the 200 litres of water.
b Calculate the increase in the kinetic energy of the 200 litres of water.
6 A circus performer jumps off a swing and lands in the safety net. When she leaves the
swing she has speed 4 m s−1 and she is 2.4 m above the safety net.
a Modelling the performer as a particle of mass 56 kg with no resistance forces acting
on her, find:
i the kinetic energy of the performer when she leaves the swing
ii the loss of potential energy for the performer between leaving the swing and
reaching the safety net.
b Assume that the potential energy lost is all converted into kinetic energy. Calculate
the speed of the performer when she reaches the safety net.
M 7 Priya and Raj stand side by side behind a safety rail at the top of a cliff. They each hold a
pebble of mass 350 grams. Priya throws her pebble vertically upwards with speed 4 m s
−1. At the same time Raj throws his pebble vertically downwards with speed 4 m s−1.

a Calculate the initial kinetic energy of each pebble.

b Describe what happens to the kinetic energy of Raj’s pebble.
c Describe what happens to the kinetic energy of Priya’s pebble.
8 Finn throws a sack of mass 20 kg from a bridge. The sack falls 4 metres vertically
downwards.
a Calculate the potential energy lost by the sack while it is falling through air.
b The initial velocity of the sack was 1 m s−1 vertically downwards. Assuming that the
potential energy lost is all converted into kinetic energy, find the speed of the sack
when it has fallen 4 metres.
9 A car of mass 1200 kg is travelling down a hill when the brakes and engine fail. The
driver steers into an ‘escape road’ to stop the car. The escape road is a short horizontal
side road with a rough surface and then a big pile of sand. The rough surface is 48 m
long and slows the car which will then be stopped by the sand. The car is moving at 14 m
 s−1 when it enters the escape road.
a Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the car.
The average resistance from the rough surface is 2000 N.
b Calculate the work done against resistance while the car travels 48 m over the rough
surface.
c Assuming that the change in the kinetic energy is the same as the work done against
resistance, calculate the speed of the car when it gets to the sand.
d The resistance from the sand is 8000 N. Assuming that the change in the kinetic
energy is the same as the work done against resistance, calculate how far the car
travels into the sand before it is brought to rest.
PS 10 A block B lies on a rough horizontal plane. Horizontal forces of magnitudes 30 N and 40
N, making angles of α and β respectively with the -direction, act on B as shown in the
diagram, and B is moving in the x-direction with constant speed. It is given that cos α =
0.6 and cos β = 0.8.
a Find the total work done by the forces shown in the diagram when B has moved a
distance of 20 m.
b Given that the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is , find the
weight of the block.
Chapter 9
The work–energy principle and
power

■ Use the work–energy principle.

■ Understand when mechanical energy is conserved.
■ Calculate the power of a moving body.
■ Use power to calculate the maximum speed of a moving body.
9.1 The work–energy principle

TIP

Unless otherwise stated, g should be taken as 10 m s−2.

WORKED EXAMPLE 9.1

A particle of mass 3 kg slides down a curved track. The particle starts with speed 1 m s−1
and descends through 5 m vertically. At the end of the track the particle is moving with
speed 4 m s−1. Throughout the journey the particle experiences a constant resistance force
of 4.25 N. Use the work– energy principle to find the length of the track.

Answer

Increase in KE Use increase in

.
= 22.5 J

Increase in GPE Use PE = mgh.

= 3 × 10 × −5 = −150 J As the particle has descended, the increase in

potential energy is negative.

So increase in mechanical energy Increase in mechanical energy = increase in KE +

= −127.5 J increase in GPE.

Work done against resistance x = length of track, in m.

= 4.25 x
Increase in mechanical energy =
total work done

Set up and solve the equation to find the length of

the track.

The track is 30 metres long.

TIP

Remember: increase in mechanical energy = total work done by forces

that act to speed the body up − total work done by forces that act to
slow the body down.

EXERCISE 9A

1 A stone of mass 0.8 kg is thrown vertically upwards with speed 10 m s−1. Calculate the
initial kinetic energy of the stone, and the height to which it will rise.
2 A child of mass 25 kg slides 15 metres down a water-chute inclined at 30° to the
horizontal, starting from rest. Calculate the speed the child will have at the foot of the
chute, assuming no energy is lost during the descent.
3 If no mechanical energy is lost, a skate-boarder descending a straight 40 metre slope will
 arrive at the foot of the slope with speed 15 m s−1. Calculate the angle the slope makes
with the horizontal.
4 A box of mass 20 kg is pulled up a ramp inclined at 30° to the horizontal. The work done
in moving the box 10 metres is 1200 J. Calculate the magnitude of the average resisting
force.
5 A cyclist free-wheels down a slope inclined at 15° to the horizontal, increasing his speed
from 4 m s−1 to 10 m s−1 over a distance of 50 metres. Calculate the mean resistance on
the cyclist, given that the mass of the cyclist and his bicycle is 60 kg.
6 A parachutist of mass 70 kg falls from a stationary helicopter at an altitude of 1 km. She
has speed 8 m s−1 on reaching the ground. Calculate the work done against air
resistance.
7 A tractor of mass 500 kg pulls a trailer of mass 200 kg up a rough slope inclined at 17° to
the horizontal. The resistance to the motion is 4 N per kg. Calculate the work done by the
tractor engine, given that the vehicle travels at a constant speed of 1.4 m s−1 for 2
minutes.
8 A box of mass 5.0 kg is pulled from A to B across a smooth horizontal floor by a
horizontal force of magnitude 10 N. At point A, the box has speed 1.5 m s−1 and at point
B the box has speed 2.8 m s−1. Find:
a the increase in kinetic energy of the box
b the work done by the force
c the distance AB.
PS 9 A car driver brakes on a horizontal road and slows down from 20 m s−1 to 12 m s−1. The
mass of the car and its occupants is 1150 kg. Find the loss in kinetic energy. Given that
the work done against resistance to motion is 50 kJ, find the work done by the brakes.
PS 10 A bullet of mass 10 grams passes horizontally through a target of thickness 5.0 cm. The
speed of the bullet is reduced from 240 m s−1 to 90 m s−1. Calculate the magnitude of
the average resistive force exerted on the bullet.
9.2 Conservation of energy in a system of conservative forces

WORKED EXAMPLE 9.2

A child slides down a fun-fair ride. The child starts with speed 1 m s−1 and descends
through a vertical height of 4 metres. Find the speed of the child at the end of the ride if
there is no resistance to the motion.

Answer

Increase in KE Mass of child = m kg.

Final speed = v m s−1.

Increase in GPE Use PE = mgh.

= m × 10 × −4 As the child has descended, theincrease in

= −40 m potential energy is negative.

Mechanical energy is conserved As there are no resistances, increasein KE = loss in

PE.

Set up an equation to solve.

v2 − 1 = 80 The mass of the child cancels in theequation.

v=9 Solve to find the final velocity.

Final speed = 9 m s−1

TIP

For a closed system of conservative forces the total mechanical

energy, KE + GPE is constant.

EXERCISE 9B

1 A particle is projected with speed 4 m s−1 up a line of greatest slope of a smooth ramp
inclined at 30° to the horizontal. It reaches the top of the ramp with speed 1.2 m s−1.
Calculate the length of the ramp.
2 A simple pendulum is modelled as a thread of length 0.7 metres, fixed at one end and
with a particle (called the ‘bob’) attached to the other end. As the pendulum swings, the
greatest speed of the bob is 0.6 m s−1. Calculate the angle through which the pendulum
swings.
3 A particle of mass 0.2 kg is attached to one end of a light rod of length 0.6 metres. The
other end of the rod is freely pivoted at a fixed point O. The particle is released from rest
with the rod making an angle of 60° with the upward vertical through O. Calculate the
speed of the particle when the rod is:
a horizontal
b vertical.
4 Two particles of mass 0.3 kg and 0.5 kg are connected by a light inextensible string
passing over a smooth rail. The particles are released from rest with the string taut and
vertical except where it is in contact with the rail. Calculate the velocity of the particles
after they have moved 1.3 metres.
PS 5 Particles of mass 1.2 kg and 1.4 kg hang at the same level, connected by a long light
inextensible string passing over a small smooth peg. They are released from rest with
the string taut. Calculate the separation of the particles when they are moving with
speed 0.5 m s−1.
PS 6 A particle of mass 1.2 kg is at rest 2 metres from the edge of a smooth horizontal table.
It is connected by a light inextensible string, passing over a light pulley on smooth
bearings at the edge of the table, to a particle of mass 0.7 kg which hangs freely. The
system is released from rest. Calculate:
a the distance moved by the particles when their speed is 3 m s−1
b the speed of the particles just before the heavier particle reaches the pulley.
9.3 Conservation of energy in a system with non-conservative forces

WORKED EXAMPLE 9.3

A train of mass 80 000 kg is travelling at 15 m s−1 when the brakes are applied. The train
comes to a rest after travelling 2 km horizontally.
a Work out the loss in mechanical energy.
b Into what forms has this energy been changed?
c Calculate the average resistance force.

Answer

a Decrease in KE Use decrease in .

= 9 000 kJ

b Heat, sound and possibly

some light.

c 9 000 000 = 2000 F F = average resistance force. Use work done

against resistance force = force × distance.

F = 4500 N Solve to find the average resistance force.

EXERCISE 9C

1 In an amusement park, a boy reaches the foot of a slide with speed 7 m s−1, after starting
from rest. Because of friction, only 25% of his initial potential energy has been converted
into kinetic energy. Calculate the vertical distance the boy has descended.
2 An object of mass 1.6 kg rests on a smooth slope inclined at 10° to the horizontal. It is
connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth rail at the top of the slope
to an object of mass 0.8 kg which hangs freely. After their release from rest, calculate:
a their speed when they have moved 0.5 metres
b the distance they have moved when their speed is 3 m s−1.
3 Two particles of mass 0.1 kg and 0.2 kg are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string which passes over a smooth peg. Given that the particles move vertically after
being released from rest, calculate their common speed after each has travelled 0.6 m.
Deduce the work done on the lighter particle by the string, and use this to calculate the
tension in the string.
PS 4 A particle of mass 2.2 kg rests on a smooth slope inclined at 30° to the horizontal. It is
connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth rail at the top of the slope
to a particle of mass 2.7 kg which hangs freely. The particles are set in motion by
projecting the lighter particle down a line of greatest slope with speed 4 m s−1. Find the
distance the particles travel before their direction of motion is reversed. Find the total
energy gained by the hanging mass during this part of the motion, and hence find the
tension in the string.
PS 5 A and B are two points 1 km apart on a straight road, and B is 60 metres higher than A.
A car of mass 1200 kg passes A travelling at 25 m s−1. Between A and B the engine
produces a constant driving force of 1600 newtons, and there is a constant resistance to
motion of 1150 newtons. Calculate the speed of the car as it passes B.
6 A box of mass 80 kg slides down a curved path AB of length 20 m. Point A is 3 m above
point B. A constant resistance of 100 N acts throughout the motion. The particle starts
from rest at A.
Calculate the speed of the box when it reaches B.
9.4 Power

TIP

Power = rate of doing work = Fv where F, the driving force, is

constant.

WORKED EXAMPLE 9.4

A car of mass 1500 kg accelerates up a hill against a resistance of 400 N. The hill is
modelled as a slope that is inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal, where sin θ = 0.16.
At a certain instant the engine is working at 60 kW and the car is travelling at 20 m s−1.
Calculate the acceleration of the car at this instant.

Answer

Draw a force diagram.

60 000 = 20 F Power = driving force × speed.

F = 3000 N Solve to find the driving force.

Resultant force up slope Resolve in the direction of motion to find the

= F − 15 000 sin θ − 400: resultant force up the slope.
= 3000 − 2800
= 200 N

Newton’s second law: Resultant force = ma.

200 = 1500 a Solve to find the acceleration of the car at this

a = 0.133 m s−2 instant in time.

EXERCISE 9D

M 1 A helicopter of mass 800 kg rises to a height of 170 metres in 20 seconds, before setting
off in horizontal flight. Calculate the potential energy gain of the helicopter, and hence
estimate the mean power of its engine. State a form of kinetic energy that has been
ignored in this model.
2 A 160 kg barrel of bricks is raised vertically by a 2 kW engine. Calculate the distance the
barrel will move in 7 seconds travelling at a constant speed.
3 A car of mass 1800 kg, including the driver and passengers, is travelling at 32 m s−1 on a
level road when the driver makes an emergency stop. The car comes to rest 5 seconds
after the brakes were applied.
Find the power that the brakes provide.
4 A car engine has a maximum driving force of 750 N when travelling at 80 km h−1.
Calculate the power of the engine.
5 A train engine has a power rating of 2.5 MW. Calculate the tractive force when the train
is travelling at 216 km h−1.
PS 6 A boat is travelling at a constant speed of 16 km h−1. The boat has mass 10.5 tonnes and
the engine is working at its maximum power output of 8 kW. Calculate the work done
when the boat is displaced (5.0i + 6.0j) km.
7 Alina is cycling on level ground. Alina and her cycle have a combined mass of 61.5 kg and
she is working at a rate of 380 W. Given that Alina is accelerating at 0.65 m s−2, find the
sum of the resistive forces acting on Alina and her cycle at the instant when her speed is
7.5 m s−1.
8 Victor is driving his 35 tonne truck on a horizontal road. Victor accelerates from 50 km h
−1 to 65 km h−1, which is his maximum speed at 500 kW power output. Find the
maximum acceleration of the truck, assuming that total resistance is constant.
9 Vince is driving his van against a constant resistance to motion of 5500 N. The van has
mass 2.8 tonnes and engine power 125 kW. Vince’s acceleration at the instant when his
speed is u m s−1 is 0.90 m s−2. Calculate u.

P 10 The resistance to motion of a car is , where v m s−1 is the speed of the car and k is a
constant. The power of the car’s engine is 12 kW and the car has a constant speed of
27.5 m s−1 along a horizontal road. Show that k = 3.0.
11 A rocket, Athena, of mass 500 kg is moving in a straight line in space, without any
resistance to motion. Athena’s rocket motor is working at a constant rate of 500 kW and
its mass is assumed to be constant. Athena’s speed increases from 90 m s−1 to 140 m s−1
in time t seconds.
a Calculate the value of t.
b Calculate Athena’s acceleration when its speed is 120 m s−1.
END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISE 9

1 A car travels along a straight horizontal road. The resistance to motion is kv N, where is
the speed of the car, measured in m s−1. The car travels at a constant speed of 25 m s−1
and the engine of the car works at a constant rate of 21 kW. Show that k = 33.6.
2 A van travels along a horizontal road. The resistance force is 20v N, where is the speed of
the van in m s−1.
The maximum speed that the van can achieve is 25 m s−1.
a Show that when the van is travelling at a constant speed of 25 m s−1 the power
being produced by the engine is 12.5 kW.
The mass of the van is 2000 kg.
b Find the acceleration of the van when it is travelling at 60% of its maximum speed
and the engine is working at 7.5 kW.
3 A sports car is travelling on a horizontal track. When the engine is working at full power,
the car is travelling at a maximum speed of 80 m s−1 and the total resistance force is
2500 N.
Find the maximum power output of the engine.
4 A train, of mass 14 tonnes, moves along a horizontal track. A constant resistance force of
3600 N acts on the train. The power output of the engine of the train is 150 kW. Find the
acceleration of the train when its speed is 30 m s−1.
5 Ahmed is driving a train of mass 65 tonnes at its maximum speed of 42.5 m s−1 on a
straight horizontal track. Its engine is working at 850 kW.
a Find the magnitude of the resistance acting on the train.
When the train is travelling at 42.5 m s−1, Ahmed disengages the engine and the train
slows down. Assume that the total resistance is unchanged.
b Use a work–energy calculation to find how far the train travels as it reduces its speed
from 42.5 m s−1 to 32.5 m s−1.
6 A parcel of mass 2 kg slides down a rough inclined plane. The distance that the parcel
travels is 5 metres and the parcel descends through a height of 1 metre. The parcel
starts from rest and after 5 metres is at speed 3 m s−1.
a Calculate the average resistance force acting on the parcel.
b Assuming that the resistance is constant, calculate the distance that the parcel has
travelled when it reaches a speed of 1.5 m s−1.
PS 7 A particle P of mass 0.2 kg is projected vertically upwards from ground level with speed
3 m s−1.
At the same time a particle Q of mass 0.1 kg is dropped, from rest, from a point 12 m
vertically above the launch point of P.
Each particle is subject to air resistance of 0.08 N.
The particles meet when P has risen through a height h m and is at its maximum height.
a Use the work-energy principle to find h.
b Find the speed of Q just before it meets P.
The particles then coalesce to form a single particle, R , of mass 0.3 kg.
c Find the speed of R just after it has been formed.
Particle R is also subject to air resistance of 0.08 N.
d Use the work–energy principle to find the speed of R when it reaches the ground.
8 A boy and his sledge have a total mass of 75 kg. The boy sits on his sledge at the top of a
slope. He sets off down the hill with initial speed 2 m s−1.
The boy travels 200 m and descends through 20 m. At the end of his journey the boy has
speed 8 m s−1.
a Use the work–energy principle to find the average resistance acting on the boy.
b Assuming that the resistance is constant, find the time taken for the descent.
 9 Objects A and B, with masses 2.8 kg and 3.2 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a
light inextensible string which passes over a small, smooth pulley.
The system is released from rest with A and B at the same height above the ground.
a Find the tension in the string.
After 3 seconds of travel, A has not reached the pulley and B has just reached the
ground.
b Find, for the motion in the first 3 seconds:
i the gain in potential energy for A
ii the work done on A by the tension in the string
iii the gain in kinetic energy.
When B reaches the ground some of the kinetic energy is absorbed. B rebounds with 90%
of the kinetic energy that it had when it hit the ground.
At the instant when B comes to rest, at the top of its path, A gets to the pulley.
c Find:
i the height of the pulley above the ground
ii the length of the string.
10 A truck of mass 3200 kg is driven along a horizontal road. The resistance to motion of the
truck is constant and has magnitude 1000 N. The engine of the truck is working at a
constant rate of 16 kW.
a Calculate the maximum possible speed of the truck.
b Calculate the acceleration of the truck at the instant when its speed is 10 m s−1.
The truck accelerates from rest until the maximum possible speed is achieved. It travels
at this speed for a time and then the engine fails and provides no more driving force. The
driver brings the truck safely to rest in a distance of 200 m.
c Find the work done by the brakes in bringing the truck to rest, assuming that the
road remains horizontal.
M P 11 A car manufacturer plans to bring out a new model with a top speed of 65 m s−1 to be
capable of accelerating at 0.1 m s−2 when the speed is 60 m s−1. Wind-tunnel tests on a
prototype suggest that the air resistance at a speed of v m s−1 will be 0.2v2 newtons.
Find the power output (assumed constant) of which the engine must be capable at these
high speeds, and the constraint which the manufacturer’s requirement places on the
total mass of the car and its occupants.
PS 12 If the air resistance to the motion of an airliner at speed v m s−1 is given by kv2 newtons
at ground level, then at 6000 metres the corresponding formula is 0.55 kv2, and at 12
000 metres it is 0.3 kv2. If an airliner can cruise at 220 m s−1 at 12 000 metres, at what
speed will it travel at 6000 metres with the same power output from the engines?
Suppose that k = 2.5 and that the mass of the airliner is 250 tonnes. As the airliner takes
off its speed is 80 m s−1 and it immediately starts to climb with the engines developing
three times the cruising power. At what angle to the horizontal does it climb?
M P 13 A smooth wire is bent into the shape of the graph of for 0 < x < 6,
the units being metres. Points A, B and C on the wire have coordinates (0, 0), (3, 3) and
(6, 6). A bead of mass m kg is projected along the wire from A with speed u m s−1 so that
it has enough energy to reach B but not C. Prove that u is between 8.16 and 10.95, to 2
decimal places, and that the speed at B is at least 2.58 m s−1.
If u = 10, the bead comes to rest at a point D between B and C. Find:
a the greatest speed of the bead between B and D
b the coordinates of D, to 1 decimal place.
What happens after the bead reaches D?
P 14 A block of mass M is placed on a rough horizontal table. A string attached to the block
runs horizontally to the edge of the table, passes round a smooth peg, and supports a
sphere of mass m attached to its other end. The motion of the block on the table is
resisted by a frictional force of magnitude F , where F < mg. The system is initially at
rest.
a Show that, when the block and the sphere have each moved a distance h, their
 common speed v is given by .
b Show that the total energy lost by the sphere as it falls through the distance h is
. Hence find an expression for the tension in the string.

c Write down an expression for the energy gained by the block as it moves through the
distance h. Use your answer to check the expression for the tension which you found
in part b.
Answers
Answers to proof-style questions are not included.

1 Velocity and acceleration

Exercise 1A
1 200 s
2 72 km south
3 25.2 km south
4 a i −410 m
ii −290 m
b i 290 m
ii 210 m
c i −120 m
ii −210 m
5 a i 7.32 m s−1, 2.93 m s−1
ii 8.64 m s−1, −1.48 m s−1
b i 15.3 m s−1, 0 m s−1
ii 9.55 m s−1, 0 m s−1
6 About minutes

7 8.18 × 1013 km

Exercise 1B
1 a 1.00 m s−1
ii 17.2 m s−1
b i 18.7 km h−1
ii 0.936 km h−1
c i 0.00926 m s−2
ii 0.0347 m s−2
d i 10 600 km h−2
ii 35 000 km h−2
2

4 m s−2, 125 m
3

4 30 s, 2 m s−2
5 20 m s− 1, 1500 m
6 25 s, 175 m
7 40 s,

8 0.06 m s−2

Exercise 1C
1 Proof
2 a Proof
b 49.9 m s−1
3 Proof
4 a 2.7 km
b 250 s
5 60 m
6 (5 + 0.8t) m s−1, (5t + 0.4t2) m; 15 s, 17 m s−1
7 4.43 s
8 8.05 s
9 66.7 m
10 a 5.29 m
b It will go an unlimited distance in the negative direction.
11

12

Exercise 1D
1 a 50 metres
b Away
c Particle changes direction
d The particle stops moving (it is stationary), 30 m from P
e When t = 50
f Decreasing
g Speed is decreasing, velocity is increasing
h 200 m
2 a

b
 c

3 a The particle is stationary.

b 200 m, 6.67 m s−1
c 13.3 m s−1
4

5 a 50 m s−1
b 5000 m
6 5D metres
7

8 a 71.8 metres
b Amir reaches the end of the 100 m before Sofia catches him.
9 a

b 48 metres
10 a

b 22 seconds
c 53.3 metres
11 −4

Exercise 1E
1 i a 0.65 m s−2, −0.52 m s−2
b 1950 m
ii a 1 m s−2, −3 m s−2
b 888 m
iii a −1.39 m s−2, 1.25 m s−2
b 398 m
2 a d = 1350 m

b d = 495 m

c d = 863 m
3 1.6 m s−2, 60 m s−1, 15.5 s

4 6 s, 12 m s−2

5 a

b 13
6 22 s
7 30 m s−1, 675 m; ; 20 s

8 17.4 m s−1
9 12 m s−1, 44 s
10 6.98 m
11 a 7 m s−1
b

c
12 44.2

Exercise 1F
1 1.5 seconds
2 a 21.5 seconds
b 68.8 metres
3 a 8.1 metres
b 4 seconds
c 4 bounces

End-of-chapter review exercise 1

1 a 0.4
b 2 km
2 a 2.5 m s−2
b 10 s
3 0.1 m s−2; 0.65 m s−1
4 a

b 19.5
5 T = 6.8, V = 12.3
6 a 360 s
b 4910 m
c 92%
7 0.2 m s−2; 0.338 m s−2
8 10.8 m
9 0.08 m s−2
10 a 25
b 40
11 Proof
2 Force and motion in one dimension
Exercise 2A
1 a 138 N
b 0.45 N
c 7200 N
d 0.828 N
e 0N
f 1.18 N
g 0N
2 1.5 m s−2
3 0.625 m s−2
4 0.048 N
5 0.269 s
6 1.44 m s−2, 0.576 N
7 45 m s−1
8 0.12 m s−2, 22.4 s
9 218 N
10 6.47 kg

Exercise 2B
1 1200 kg
2 20
3 2120 N
4 115
5 300 N, 400 N
6 165 N
7 52.2
8 780 N, 1 min 20 s
9 2 m s−2
10 210

Exercise 2C
1 17 kg
2 17 900 N
3 13 000 N; 0.4 m s−2
4 88.6 kg
5 1270 N; 1.5 m s−2
6 1280 N

8 8400 N

Exercise 2D
1 2.8 kg
2 700 N; the drum leaves the ground
3 140 kg
4 67 200 N
5 The scales register the normal contact force between the man and the scales, not the ‘weight’; the
lift is decelerating at 0.444 m s−2.
6 80, 20
7 53.6 N
8 Between top and middle book = 11 m
Between middle and lowest book = 22 m

End-of-chapter review exercise 2

1 a 863 kg
b Lower mass
2 11.9 N
3 a 1.6 s
b 1.23 s
4 4800 N
5 6530 N
a 40 kg
b 7.5 s
6 Proof
7 a There are forces acting upwards: buoyancy and water resistance.
b 8.5, 0.255 N
8

a 20 m s−1
b 6s
3 Force in two dimensions
Exercise 3A
1 a 4 N, 6.93N; −7.88N, −1.39N
b 3.46 N, −2N; −3N, 5.20 N
c −4 N, 0 N; 2.05 N, −5.64 N
d 2.5 N, 4.33 N; −2.5 N, 4.33 N
2 60, 8.66
3 a 41.8°
b 112 N
4 a Proof
b 68.2°
c 5.39
5 5 m s−2, 10 m N
6 Proof, 6 kg
7 a 34.8°
b 28.7 N
8 170 N, 339 N, proof
9 a 73.1°
b 8.12

10

Exercise 3B
1 21.8 N, 63.9 N
2 35.2 N, 691 N
3 a 5.74 N
b 7.00 N
c 6.33 N
In case b a component of the applied force will be added to 10 cos 35°; in c it is subtracted.
4 559 N, 26.6°
5 k = 252 N, a = 3.64 m s− 2
6 a They are two parts of the same string.
b 4.53 N, 83.7°
7 52.4°
8 471, 4620

Exercise 3C
1 16.7°
2 19.3 N
3 0.580 kg
4 a 12.3 N, 11.3 N
b 25.7 N, 37.6 N
5 4880 N, 8220 N
6 Proof; but then the angle between the first rope and the third rope is 180° and the component of T2
perpendicular to the direction of T1 has nothing to balance it.
Exercise 3D
1 2.89 m s−2
2 166 N
3 8.05 kg, 85.7 N
4 Proof, 1.23 m s−2
5 986 N, 127 N
6 4.66 N, 28.0°, 1.73 m s−2
7 83.5, 74.9 N

Exercise 3E
1 099°
2 1.59 m s−2
3 21.8°, 36.6°
4 354°
5 1.5°

End-of-chapter review exercise 3

1 F = 4.62, G = 9.24
2 34.6 N
3 θ° = 117°, F = 4.47
4 a 73
b 0.009
5 a 6.5 m s−2
b 14.3°, 121°
6 a Proof
b 0.4 m s−2
c Slowed by friction and air resistance
7 0.7
8 a 7.11 N
b 108 N
4 Friction
Exercise 4A
1 a (P − Q) N in the direction of the force of magnitude Q N
b (Q − P) N in the direction of the force of magnitude P N
2 80 ⩽ P ⩽ 120
3 6.93 N
4 a 0.24
ii 0.005
b i 0.905
ii 0.1
5 9000 N
6 a 0.4
b 16.2 N

Exercise 4B
1 0.4, 63 N
2 0.25
3 8.2 ⩽ P ⩽ 37.7, to 1 decimal place
4 2.62 m s−2
5 a 6.25 m s−2
b 0.625
6 a Proof
b 48.3 N
7 Proof
8 Proof;

Exercise 4C
1 a 3.48 m
b 0.870 s
c 0.186 s
2 a 4.75 m s−2
b 3.66 m
3 0.024
4 a α=T−g
b 2.25 g − T − F = 9α
c Up the slope with magnitude 5.73 N
d Down the slope, with acceleration 0.652 m s− 2
5 a 10.5 m s−2
b 14.1 m s−2
c 5.71°
6 0.374; 1.58 m s−2
7 Proof

Exercise 4D
1 a 0 N; the bowl remains at rest
 b 0 N; the bowl remains at rest with limiting equilibrium
c 0.054 N; the bowl slides down with acceleration 0.108 m s−2
2 24.2°
3 a 0.9
b 9.68 m
4 µ > 0.886

End-of-chapter review exercise 4

1 a 300 − X cos θ

b
2 a Proof
b 0.717
3 a 0.32
b 11.3 m s−1
4 a

b 0.13 m s−2
c 0.35
d No air resistance force acting; no other forces acting on the box; no turning effect (due to forces)
5 a

b
6 Proof
7 a in direction of A moving up slope
b Yes, 7.36 s after the start of the movement
5 Connected particles
Exercise 5A
1

2 a 200 N upwards
b 200 N downwards
c 1200 N upwards
3 a

4 a

d 375 N
e 750 N
5 42

Exercise 5B
1 400 N, 500 N; 800 N forwards; it will appear that the car is being pushed from behind
2 a 12.7 m s−2
b 4850 N
3 1120 N
4 a 10.8 kN
b 5.5 kN, 2.75 kN
5 a Driving (driving force = 2000 N)
b Tension of 1000 N between the engine and the first carriage, thrust of 1000 N between the two
carriages
6 a 0.48 m s−2, 170 N
b 0.08 m s−2, 170 N
7 250 N, 50 N
a 0.05 m s−2 acceleration, 62.5 N
b 0.05 m s−2 deceleration, 37.5 N
c 0.156 m s−2 deceleration, 10.9 N

Exercise 5C
1 12.6 N, 22.1 N
2 37.5 N
3 a 312 N
b 0.720 s
4 a 918 N, 540 N
b 850 N, 500 N
6 a 60 N
b 2.86 m s−2, 42.9 N
7 2.31 m s−2; 30.8 N, 7.69 N
8 3:1
9 k=5
10 a 20 N
b 1.25 m s−2

Exercise 5D
1 1248 N
2 1.20 N
3 a 5670 N
b 371 N
4 a 1210 N
b 850 N
5 345 kg
6 a Up
b 6700 N

End-of-chapter review exercise 5

1 a 0.849 s
b 0.424 s
2 a 0.5
b 20 m
3 a

b
c 16.0
4 592 N
5 1.20 N
6 2340, 5850
7 a 2790 N
b 1810 N
8 a AB = 6.4 N; BC = 4.8 N
b 0.555
9 a 1140 N
b i 2.3 m s−2 downwards
ii 4040 N
10 42.2 kg
11 a 23.2 N
b No (stops after total distance of 1.30 m)
12 a 1.41 s
b 3.13 m
c 2.12 s
6 General motion in a straight line
Exercise 6A
1 2.5 s and 3 s
2 a 19 m s−1
b 27 m s−1
3 5 s; 20 m
4 130 m
5 16 cm
6 a 30 cm
b 24 cms−1
c 5.6 cms−1
7 a 5 metres
b 11 hours 25 minutes
c t = 8.57

Exercise 6B
1 4 m s−1
2 v = 3t2 + 4, a = 6t; 22 m, 16 m s−1, 12 m s−2
3 1 m s−1, −1 m s−2
4 a 0.1 m s−1, 1.2 m s−2
b 1 m s−1
c 1.92 s, 3.00 m
5 a 64 m s−1
b

c 48 N
6 a 18 m s−1
b 4 m s−2
7 a 120 s, 1380 m
b 0.384 m s−2
c 1.15 m s−2
d 80 s, 20.5 m s−1
8 a 952 m, 62.4 m s−1
b −41.0 m s−2, −10 m s−2, −0.328 m s−2
c 40 m s−1
d 40 s
 e

Exercise 6C
1 a −3.6 m s−2
b 0.96 m s−1
c x = 1.2t2 − 0.5t3
2 x = t3 + 8t + 4; 28 m, 20 m s−1
3 2 m, 6 m s−1, 3 m s−2
4 22 m
5 26 m
6 7.2 m
7 a 54 m
b 4m
c 4m
62 m; 54 m

8 28.9 m s−1
9 1.82 s
10 10.2 m s−1

Exercise 6D
1 a v = 0.04t3 − 0.72t2 + 4.32t;
x = 0.01t4 − 0.24t3 + 2.16t2
b v = 8.64 m s−1, x = 38.9 m
2 a v = 7.5 + t − 0.3t2
b x = 50 m
c x = 62.5 m
3 −116 m s−1
4 v = 10t − 2t − 4, ; ,−4 m s−1, 10 m s−2

5 12 m, 71 m s−1, 17 m s−2
6 60 m
7 28.5 m
8 4.99 m s−1, 5 m s−1
9 ; Proof.
10 a 2s
b 8m
c 6 m s−2
11 74 m s−1, 282 m
12 , 205 m

End-of-chapter review exercise 6

1 a when t = 0, x = 0,

b 5.4 m s−1
2 a −2.4 m s−2
b i 13.5 m
ii 40.5 m
3 a 3.7
b 1.43 m s−1
c 37.8 m
d 7.13 s
4 a Positive acceleration throughout, starting from rest
b 3.13 m s− 1

5 0.24 m s−1, 0.4 m

6 a 18 m, 21 m s−1, −24 m s−2
b 3 s, −24 m s−1, −6 m s−2
c 1 s, 28 m, −18 m s−2
d 4 s, −26m, −27 m s−1
7 a 0<t<2
b and 4 < t < 5
c 0.569 … < t < 2 and 2.93 … < t < 5
8 a Proof
b 3
c Proof
d
e 0 < t < 1 and t > 3 2
9 5.86 s, 34.1s
10 a 8.73 s
b Proof
c 0s
11 34.7 m
12 a 10
b B = 8A, C = A
c 27.1 m s− 1
7 Momentum
Exercise 7A
1 a 2250 N s
b 22.5 N s
c 0.2 N s
d 20 000 N s
e 28 000 N s
2 900 m s−1
3 1.2 tonnes
4 4%
5 24 N s away from the wall
6 2500 N s

Exercise 7B
1 2.25 m s−1
2 1.2 m s−1
3 14 m s−1
4 0.125 m s−1 in the direction that A was travelling before the collision
5 0.96 kg
6 10 m s−1
7 a

End-of-chapter review exercise 7

1 2 m s−1 to 4 m s−1
2 750 000 N s
3 0.64 m s− 1
4 19.5
5 1.80 × 106 m s−1
6 1.5
7 2.5 kg
8 0.1 m s−1 away from BC (in the opposite direction to the original motion)
8 Work and energy
Exercise 8A
1 6J
2 125 J
3 a 30 000 J
b 18 000 J
4 700 J, 0 J, 700 J
5 4N
6 23 100 J
7 50 N
8 1130 J

Exercise 8B
1 a 1620 J
b 300 kJ
c 5.21 × 106J
d 1600 J
e 6.4 × 108J
2 5.04 kJ
3 96.9 kg
4 37.8 km h−1
5 12 m s−1
6 240 kJ
7 400 J

Exercise 8C
1 200 kJ
2 2.08 × 106J
3 3.5 m
4 a 20.25 J
b 9J
5 a 10 mh J
b 10 mh J
6 a 0.776 m
b 621 J

End-of-chapter review exercise 8

1 32.7 N
2 a 1250 J
b 1200 J
c 47.1°
3 60 J
4 a 5m
b 110 J
5 a 10 kJ
 b 144 kJ
6 a i 448 J
ii 1344 J
b 8 m s−1
7 a The pebbles start with the same KE = 2.8 J
b Raj’s pebble gains speed and gains KE as it falls, assuming that the terminal velocity is not
achieved.
c Priya’s pebble slows down as it rises and loses KE. It comes to rest with KE = 0 and then falls
downwards. When it is level with the starting point it has speed 4 m s−1 downwards and KE =
2.8 J; from then on the KE is the same as it was for Raj’s pebble.
8 a 800 J
b 9 m s−1
9 a 118 k J
b 96 k J
c 6 m s−1
d 2.7 metres
10 a 1000 J
b 80 N
9 The work–energy principle and power
Exercise 9A
1 40 J, 5 m
2 12.2 m s−1
3 16.3°
4 20 N
5 105 N
6 698 kJ
7 814 kJ
8 a 14.0 J
b 14.0 J
c 1.40 m
9 17 kJ; 97.2 kJ
10 4950 N

Exercise 9B
1 1.46 m
2 26.0°
3 a 2.45 m s−1
b 4.24 m s−1
4 2.55 m s−1
5 0.025 m
6 a 1.22 m
b 3.84 m s−1

Exercise 9C
1 9.8 m
2 a 1.48 m s−1
b 2.07 m
3 2 m s−1, 0.8 J, 1.33 N
4 2.45 m, 44.6 J, 18.2 N
5 13.2 m s−1
6 3.16 m s−1

Exercise 9D
1 1.36 × 106J, 68 kW, the kinetic energy of the rotor
2 8.75 m
3 184 kW
4 16.7 kW
5 41.7 kN
6 14 MJ
7 10.7 N
8 1.03 m s− 2
9 u = 15.6 m s−1
10 Proof
11 a 5.75 s
b 8.33 m s− 2

End-of-chapter review exercise 9

1 Proof
2 a Proof
b 0.1 m s− 2
3 200 kW
4 0.1 m s−2
5 a 20 000 N
b 1220 m
6 a 2.2 N
b 1.25 m
7 a 0.433
b 14.6 m s−1
c 8.42 m s−1
d 8.91 m s−1
8 a 63.75 N
b 40 s
9 a 29.9 N
b i 84 J
ii 89.6 J
iii 5.6 J
c i 6.15 m
ii 6.3 m
10 a 16 m s−1
b 0.188 m s−2
c 210 J
11 54.9 kW, mass must not exceed 1950 kg
12 180 m s−1; 6.51°
13 Proof
a 6.83 m s−1
b (5.7, 5)
The bead retraces its motion back to A, with the same speed as before at each point of the wire.
14 a Proof

b Proof,

c
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