NEWTON’S LAW OF MOTION

Total Sessions – 09
SESSION – 1
AIM
 To study Newton’s three laws of motion
 Concept of Momentum
NEWTON’S FIRST LAW OF MOTION:
According to first law, “everybody continues in
the state of rest or of uniform motion in a
straight line unless an external force acts on
it to change the state.”
We draw the following inferences from Newton’s
first law of motion:
i] If a body is at rest and we want to set it in
motion, then a force has to be applied.
ii] If the body is moving with a constant speed
along a straight line, then in order to increase or
decrease its speed, a force has to be applied in
the direction of motion or opposite to the direction
of motion.
iii] If the body is moving with constant speed along
a straight line, then in order to change its direction
of motion, a force has to be applied normal to
the direction of motion.
Therefore, a body is reluctant to change its present
state. This property of the body is known as inertia.
Hence Newton’s first law of motion is also known as
law of inertia. It is also obvious from Newton’s first
law of motion that a force has to be applied on the
body to change its state of rest or state of uniform
motion along a straight line. Hence, Newton’s first
law of motion defines force.
THEORY:
Force is an external effort in the form of push and
pull which either changes or tend to change the
state of rest or of uniform motion of a body.
Newton’s first law of motion can also be stated in
the following manner.
“If the vector sum of all the forces acting on
particle is zero then and only then the
particle remains at rest or moves with
constant velocity (unaccelerated).” i.e., a=0 if
and only if F=0.
LINEAR MOMENTUM
The linear momentum of a body is defined as total
quantity of motion contained in the body,
depends upon the mass and velocity of the
body, is measured by the product of mass m and
velocity of the body i.e.,
Momentum = mass x velocity
p=mv

MOMENTUM IS A VECTOR QUANTITY

Consider a ball of mass m and a car of mass (M >
m) are moving with the same velocity v. If p and p 1 2

be their momentum respectively, then

P m P
= ∨ =
P M P M
m
As M > m, hence p > p
1 1
2 1
2 2

Therefore, if a ball and car be moving with the

velocity, then the momentum of car will be greater
than the momentum of ball.
The above facts are represented in the following
graphs (fig)
Y Y
Y
v= co n stan t p = co n stan t
m = c o n sta n t

P P v

O X O X O X
m v m

NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

According to Newton’s second law of motion, the
rate of change of linear momentum of a body
is directly proportional to the external force
applied on it and the change of momentum
takes place in the direction of force.
Let p be the linear momentum of a body and an
external force F is applied on it. Then
F  (dp/dt) or F = k (dp/dt)
where k is a constant of proportionality
In S.I. and C.G. S. systems the unit of force is
selected in such a way that k= 1.
A unit force is defined as that force which when
applied on a body of unit mass accelerates it with
unit acceleration.
dp d
∴ F= = ( mv )
dt dt
dv
Or F=m dt =ma [ if mis constant ]

F = ma
In scalar form, F = m a
The second law of motion gives a measure of force.
In S.I. system, the absolute unit of force is newton.
1 newton = 1 kg x 1 m/s2 = 1 kg m/s2
In C.G.S. system, the unit of force is dyne.
1 dyne = 1 g x 1 cm/s2 = 1 g cm/s2
Further 1 newton = 105 dyne
In S.I. unit, the gravitational unit of force is
kilogram weight.
In C.G.S., system, the gravitational unit of force is
gram weight
1 kg wt (or kg f) = 9.8 N
and 1 g wt ( or g f ) = 980 dyne

NEWTONS THIRD LAW OF MOTION

According to Newton’s third law of motion, to very
action, there is always an equal and opposite
reaction.
To explain the Newton’s third law, let us consider
the following two examples:
1. Consider a body A of weight W resting on
another body B as shown in fig. The body A
exerts force F (called action) which is equal to
1

its weight W on body B. According to Newton’s

third law, the body B also exerts an opposite
force F (called reaction) which is equal to −W on
2

body A. Thus F =−F

1 2

F 1 (A c tio n )

F2 B
(R ea c tion)

2. Consider free fall of a body A on the earth as

shown in fig. The body is acted upon by the
A
F1
F2

E a rt h

force of gravity of the earth (action). The body

also exerts equal and opposite force on the earth
(reaction). The force of gravity produces
acceleration in the body while reaction produces an
acceleration in the earth (negligibly small).
Following are few examples of action and
reaction:
 When a man jumps on the shore from a boat
(action), the boat is simultaneously pushed
away from the shore (reaction)
 When a rubber ball is struck against the wall
(action) then it is rebounded back by the wall
(reaction).
 When a rifle is fired, the bullet moves forward
(action) while the rifle recoils backward
(reaction).
 When a swimmer pushes the water backwards
(action), the water pushes the swimmer forward
(reaction).
 A book lying on the table exerts a force on the
table (action). The table also exerts an equal
force on the book (reaction).
CLASS EXERCISE
1] Two forces ⃗
F1 act ⃗
F 2on a 2 kg mass. If F 1=10 N and F 2=5 N , find the
acceleration.

a) 2.5 √ 3 m/s 2 b)2.5 m/s2 c) 2√ 3m/s2 d) √ 3m/s2

2] Two particles with inertial masses 3 kg and 9 kg are acted upon by the
same force. If the acceleration of the 9 kg particle is3 m/s 2, the
acceleration of the 3 kg particle is
a) 1 m/s 2 b)9 m/s 2 c)0.9 m/s 2 d)0.1 m/s 2
3] A train reduces its speed uniformly from 75 to 15 kmph in 40s in a straight
line. To come to rest, travelling at the same rate it will take a further time of
a) 40s b) 20s c) 15s d) 10s

4] The horizontal and vertical components of a force are 30N and 40N. If the
force acts on a body of mass 5 kg, acceleration produced is
a) 5 m/s 2
b) 0.5 m/s 2
c)1 m/s 2 d)10 m/s 2

HOME EXERCISE
1] A 5 gm bullet acquires a speed of 120 m/s in a gun with barrel length 2.0m.
The average force exerted on the bullet is
a) 3.6 N b) 18 N c) 36 N d) 72N

2] A force of 100N stops a body moving with a velocity of 20 m s−1. The force
required to stop the same body when moving with 30 ms-1 in the same
distance is
a) 550 N b) 225N c) 112.5 N d) 65N

3] A body of mass 5 kg is dropped from the top of a tower. The force acting
on the body during motion is
a) 0 b) 9.8N c) 5 kg wt d) none

4] A 1.5 kg hammer moving with velocity 10 ms -1strikes a nail for 0.005,

seconds. Average force exerted on the nail is
a) 1000N b) 1500 N c) 750 N d) 3000N

5] A 0.6 kg ball strikes a wall with a velocity 5ms -1 at an angle of 300 with
the wall and rebounds at the same angle with the same speed. The
change in the momentum of the ball perpendicular to the wall is:
a) 15 kg ms-1 b)10 kg ms-1 c) 5 kg ms-1 d) 3 kg ms-1

6] A ball of mass m strikes a wall with a speed x and retraces its path with the
speed y. If the ball is in contact with the wall for time t, then the
magnitude of average force exerted by the wall on the ball is
a)
m ( x− y )
t
b)
mt
( x+ y ) c)( x+m y ) d)
m( x + y )
t
7] A ball moving with momentum 10 kg ms-1 strikes a wall at an angle 45 ° and
is reflected at the same angle, with the same magnitude of momentum. The
magnitude of change in momentum.
a) 0 b) 20 kg ms-1 c) 20 √ 2kg ms-1 d) 10 √ 2 kg ms-1
 SESSION – 2
AIM - To study about impulse and impulsive
forces
Impulse
Sometimes a large force acts for a very short
duration and produces a finite change in
momentum of the body. For example, hitting a
cricket ball by a bat. Here, the ball is reflected back
and the force on the ball acts for a very short time
when the two are in contact. Practically, it is not
possible to measure either the magnitude of force
or the time for which it acts. In such a case, the
total effect of force is measured by the impulse of
the force. The impulse of the force is defined
as the product of the force and its time of
action.
If a force F acts on a body for a very short time
t, then
Impulse= Force x time duration = F xt ...
= Change in momentum
The force acting for a short duration is called as
impulsive force.
Impulse ¿ p − p
2 1

Thus, impulse of the force is equal to the total

change in momentum of the body. Impulse is a
vector quantity and its direction is same as that
of force. The impulse of the force may be
 positive, negative or zero according as the
momentum of the body increases, decreases or
remains unchanged under the effect of force.
When a graph is drawn between force and time,
then it is called as force- time graph. If the force
F is constant, the force-time graph will be a
straight line parallel to X- axis as shown in fig.
If force F1 acts for time interval (t2 - t1) and
another force F2 acts for time interval (t3 - t2),
then force-time graph will be as shown in fig. If
the force is constantly varying, then the graph
will be as shown in fig.
From fig.
Impulse = F ×t = Area ABDC
From fig
Impulse = Area ABCD + Area GHID
Y Y
Y
A B B
G H
A B
F F2 F
F F1
C D C D 1 A C
O t1 t2 X O t1 t2 t3 X
O t1 t2 X
Tim e(t) T im e (t) Tim e(t)

Few applications of the concept of impulse

are:
 While catching a cricket ball, the player lowers
his hands.
  Vehicles like cars trucks, bogies of trains etc.
are provided with a spring system (known as
shockers) to avoid severe jerks.
 China- clay wares and glass wares are wrapped
in paper or straw pieces.
 An athlete is advised to come to stop slowly
after finishing a fast race.
 person falling on cemented floor is likely to
receive more injuries than one falling on a heap
of and.

CLASS EXERCISE
1] A 1kg ball drops vertically into the floor with a speed of 25 ms -1 and
rebounces with a speed of 10ms-1. What is the impulse acting on
the wall?
a) 15kg m/s b) 35kg m/s c) 45 m/s d) 60 m/s
2] A constant force acts on a body of mass 50 gm at rest for 2 seconds. If the
body moves through 27m during that time, impulse of the force is
a) 1.35 kg m/s b) 13.5 Ns c) 135 Ns d) 2.7 kg m/s

HOME EXERCISE
1] A ball strikes the bat with a force 400N.if both are in contact for a time
0.01s. the impulse of the force
a) 400Ns b) 4Ns c) 40000Ns d) 0.004 Ns
2] A player catches a cricket ball of mass150kg moving at 20m/s. if the
catching process is completed in 0.1s. the force exerted by the ball on
the hands is
 a) 3000N b) 300N c) 30N d)30000N
3] The area of the force time graph gives
a) velocity b) acceleration c) displacement d) change in momentum.
4] A block of metal weighing 2 kg is resting on a frictionless plane. It is
struck by a jet releasing water at a rate of 1 kg/s and at a speed of 5 m/s.
The initial acceleration of the block will be:
a) 2.5 m/s2 b) 5 m/s2 c) 10 m/s2 d) 5 m/s
5] A body of mass 40 kg, moves with a uniform velocity under the action of a
force 50 N on a surface. If a force of 70 N now acts on the same body in the
same direction as that of 50 N, moving on the same surface, the
acceleration of the body is
a) 1.75m/s2 b) 1.5 m/s2 c) 1.0 m/s2 d) 0.5 m/s2
6] A body moving with constant velocity is brought to rest in 0.25 sec by
applying a retarding force 100N. The initial momentum of the body
a) 25 kg m/s b) 50 kg m/s c) 100 kg m/s d) 125 kg m/s
7] A 2 kg plate is kept suspended in air by allowing 10 marbles hitting per
second with a speed v from the downward direction. If the mass of each
marble is 20 g then determine v.
a) 20 ms-1 b) 100 ms-1 c) 40ms-1 d)50ms-1
8] Two stones of masses m1 and m2 are let fall from heights 2h and h, their
momenta on reaching the ground are in the ratio.
a) 1 : 1 b) m1 : √2 m2 c) 2 m1 :m2 d)m1 : m2
9] A body of mass 100 kg is moving with a velocity 1m/s the frictional force
offered by the surface is 5 kg wt. If the body is pushed by a force of 50 N
for one minute, velocity of the body after one minute is
a) 0.16 m/s b)16 m/s c) 1.6m/s d) 3.2 m/s
10] A body of mass 1.5 kg falls vertically downwards with an acceleration of
29.4 m/s2. The force acting on the body in addition to force of gravity is
a) 9.8 N b) 19.6N c) 29.4 N d) 49N
11] A body of mass 5 kg started from rest with an acceleration of 4 ms -2. Its
momentum after 5s is
a) 20 kg ms-1 b) 100 kg ms-1 c) 4 kg ms-1 d) 25 kg ms-1
12] A 6 kg balls strikes a vertical wall with a velocity 34 ms -1 and rebounds
with a velocity of 26 ms-1. The impulse is
a) 60 Ns b) 180 Ns c) 48Ns d) 360Ns
13] A block of a mass 4 kg is sliding on a smooth inclined plane of inclination
30 ° . Its momentum after 2 sec is

a) 0 b) 39.2 kg ms-1 c) 19.6 kg ms-1 d) 9.8 kg ms-1

14] Two bodies of mass 5 kg and 20 kg at rest are acted upon by the same
force. The ratio of the times for which the force must act to produce the
same impulse is
a) 1 : 1 b) 1 : 4 c) 4 : 1 d) 1 : 16
 SESSION – 3
AIM - To study concept of Normal reaction
force and to learn free body diagram.
FREE BODY DIAGRAM
When several bodies are connected by strings,
springs, surfaces of contact, then all the forces
acting on the body are considered and sketched on
the body under consideration by just isolating it.
Then the diagram so formed is called the Free Body
Diagram (FBD) In order to sketch free body
diagram, the following points are kept in mind.
a] The reaction force also called Normal Reaction
(N) always acts normal to surface on which the
body is kept.
N

B lock B lo ck

Table N
W

(A) (B)
N

k
B lo c

In clin ed P la ne

(C)
b] When two blocks ( M and M say) are connected
1 2

by a string, the tension in string for block M is

1

towards M and for block M , it is towards M1.

2 2

T T
M1 M2

c] When a block is connected by a spring and the

spring is stretched by a distance x, then force on
block F=kx ( opposite to stretching of spring,
where k is the force constant of the spring)
d] A pulley changes the direction of force in a
convenient direction. If the pulley is light and
frictionless and a string passes over it without
any kinks, then tension on either side of the string
is the same.
e] While drawing a FBD always take into account
the forces which are acting on the body. Never take
into account the forces which the body is
exerting on others.
f] Always remember that friction is a tangential
force acting tangentially to the surfaces in contact.
g] All quantities involved in writing the Cause-
Effect equation must have units same as that of
force. Finally we write the Cause-Effect
equation which is a consequence of Newton 2nd
Law according to which
∑ ⃗F =m⃗a
 Sometimes you may even have to select a
convenient co-ordinate axis for writing Cause-Effect
equations. In that case we may write
∑ F x =ma x , ∑ F y =ma y ,∑ F z=ma z
As an illustration of FBD consider two bodies M
and m in contact placed on a table. If a force F
is applied on M from the left and the force of
interaction between bodies is f, then free body
diagram of M and m will be as shown in figure.
For horizontal motion of M
F−f =Maand for horizontal motion of m
f =ma
N1
M
f
F M
F M
m
Mg

(a) (b)
N2

f
m

mg

(c)
For the FBD of system shown above in figure
As system is having vertical equilibrium, so
N 1=Mg , N 2=mg
EQUILIBRIUM
A body is said to be in the equilibrium state when
Note:
a] No net force acts on the body
∑ ⃗F = ⃗0

∑ F x =0 ∑ F y =0 ∑ F z=0

(CONDITION FOR TRANSLATIONAL

EQUILIBRIUM)
b] No net torque acts on the body
∑ ❑=
⃗ 0⃗

∑ ❑ y =0 ∑ ❑ y =0 ∑ ❑ z=0
(CONDITION FOR ROTATIONAL EQUILIBRIUM)
This statement is none other than law of
conservation of moments according to which the
above condition can be restated as
∑ (totalmoments
clockwise
)=∑ (total moments
anticlockwise
)

THEORY: MOTION OF A BLOCK ON A

HORIZONTAL SMOOTH SURFACE
a] When subjected to a horizontal pull
 Consider a block of mass m placed on a
horizontal smooth surface as shown in fig.
R
a
m F

The block is subjected to a horizontal pull by

applying a force F. The different forces on block
are also shown is figure.
As there is no motion along vertical direction,
hence
R=mg
F
For horizontal motion, F=ma or a= m
b] When subjected to a pull acting at an
angle  to the horizontal
This situation is shown in fig. Resolving F in
horizontal and vertical directions, we have the
components Fcosθ and Fsinθ respectively.
a
F sin 
R F
 Fcos
m

mg
In this case, we have
R+ F sinθ=mg or R=mg−F sinθ ....(1)
Thus R ≠ mg but it has a value less than mg. For
horizontal motion,
F cos ❑
F cosθ=maor a= ....(2)
m
c] When subjected to a push acting at an
angle  to the horizontal
The situation is shown in fig. Resolving F in
horizontal and vertical directions, we have the
components Fcosθand F sinθ respectively. In this case,
we have
R=mg+ Fsinθ

R
F co s
a

F sin 

F
m

mg
Thus R is greater than mg.
F cos ❑
Further Fcosθ=ma,a= m

CLASS EXERCISE
1]Two blocks of masses 2 kg and 1 kg are in contact with each other on a
frictionless table. When a horizontal force of 3.0 N is applied to the block of
mass 2 kg , the value of the force of contact between the two blocks is:
a) 4N b) 3 N c) 2 N d) 1 N
2]Two bodies A and B of masses 3 kg and 2 kg are connected by a string as
shown in the figure. If the table and pulley are frictionless, the common
acceleration of the system is (g = 10 ms-1)
A

B
a) 4 m s−2 b) 6 m s−2 c)2 m s−2 d) zero
3] In the above question the tension in the string is
 a) 8 N b) 12 N c) 10 N d) 4 N
4] In the above question B moves down with acceleration if
a) mB < mA b)mB > mA c)mB =m A d) all the above

5] Three bodies A(1 kg), B (2kg) and C (3kg) are connected by light
inextensible strings and the system is pulled with a force F. If the tension in
the string connecting B and C is 4.5 N, the force F is
A B C F
a) 6 N b) 4.5 N c) 18 N d) 9N
6] In the above question the ratio of the accelerations of A, B and C is
a) 1: 2: 3 b) 3: 2:1 c) 1:1:1 d) 1:3:2

HOME EXERCISE
1] A bird of mass 0.1 kg, rising vertically with an acceleration 0.2 m s−2. The
muscular force exerted by it is ( g=9.8 m s−2 )
a) 1 Newton b) 9.8 kg.wt c) 1/9.8 kg.wt d) 980 newton’s
2] Three identical blocks of masses m = 2 kg are drawn of force F = 3.6 N
with an acceleration of 0.6 m s on a frictionless surface then what
−2

is tension in string between blocks B & C is

C B A F

a) 1.2 N b) 8N c) 4 N d) 1.8 N
3] A string of negligible mass going over a clamped pulley of mass m
supports a block of mass M as shown in figure. The force on the pulley
by the clamp is given by
m

a) √ 2 mg b) √ 2 mg c)√ [ ( M +m )2+ M 2 ] g d) √ [ ( M +m )2+ m2 ] g

 SESSION – 4
AIM - Concept of normal reaction force,
contact force and tension in case of
connected bodies
Tension in case of connected bodies: Two
bodies
Let us consider the case of two bodies of masses m 1

and m connected by a thread and placed on a

2

smooth horizontal surface as shown in fig. A force F

is applied on the body of mass m in forward 2

direction as shown. Our aim is to consider the

acceleration of the system and the tension T in the
thread. The force acting separately on two bodies
are also shown in the fig
a
T T F
m1 m2
//////////////////////////////////////////
N1 N2
M o tio n
M o tio n
T T F
m1 m2
//////////////////////////////////////////
m 1g m 2g

From fig T =m1 a

F−T =m2 a

Adding (1) and (2)

F
or a= m +m
F=( m1 +m2 ) a
1 2

The acceleration of the system can be calculated

from eq. (3) and tension in the thread by eq. (1)
Three bodies: In case of three bodies, the
situation is shown in fig.
a
T1 T2
m1 m2 m3 F
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
R1 R3 a

M1 T1 T2 M3 F
//////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////

m 1g m 3g
F
Acceleration a=
m1 +m2 +m3
m1 F
T 1=m1 a=
m1+ m2 +m3
F−T 2=m3 a
m3 F
T 2=F−
m1 +m2 +m3

MOTION OF BODIES IN CONTACT: FORCE OF

CONTACT
Let us consider the case of two bodies of masses
m1 and m2 respectively in contact placed on a
frictionless table as shown in fig. Let a force
a
F
fm f (a )
1 m2
//////////////////////////////////////////

a
F f
m1
(b )
//////////////////////////////////////////
F be applied on mass m1 as shown. Our aim is to
calculate the acceleration produced and the force
of contact between the bodies.
Force F
The acceleration a of both the bodies ¿ =
Total mass ( m1 +m2 )
The free body diagram of mass m1 is also shown in
fig.
We have F−f =m a 1

m1 × F
or f =F−m1 a=F−F−
m1+ m2

When the force is applied on the body of mass m 2

as shown in fig. then we have
F
acceleration¿ m +m 1 2

The free body diagram of the body of mass m 2 is

also shown in the fig.
a
f' f' F (a )
m1 m2
//////////////////////////////////////////

a
f' F
(b )
m2
//////////////////////////////////////////
Now we have
F−f =m2 a
f =F−m2 a
m2 × F
¿ F−
m1 +m2

MOTION OF CONNECTED BODIES:

Before discussing the motion of connected bodies,
let us first consider few fundamentals regarding
strings.
Fundamentals of Strings:
 A string is assumed to be inextensible, i.e.,
length remain constant.
  The magnitude of accelerations of a number of
bodies connected through strings is always
same.
 The tension in every part of the string remains
the same. This is equal to the applied force. In
order to produce a tension in the string,
two equal and opposite stretching forces must
be applied.
 If the tension in the string is increased
continuously, it breaks down. The maximum
tension which a string can bear without
breaking is called breaking strength.
 When a string is fixed horizontally by clamping
its free ends and loaded at the middle, as
shown in fig. the tension T is given by
W
T = ( 2cos θ )
R 2 T c os  R

T  T
T T
T sin  T sin 
W
W
or T = ( 2 cosθ )
2 T cosθ=W

It is clear from this expression, that tension in

the string will be lesser, equal or greater than load
depending upon the value of θ.
i) The tension in the string will be minimum when
cos θ=max

i.e., θ=0 ° as shown in fig.

 ∴ T min=W /2∴

T T
 0 0
W =2 T T T

This shows that the tension loaded at the

middle can never be lesser than half the suspended
load.
ii)The tension in the string will be maximum when
cos= minimum,
i.e., = 900 as shown in fig.
90
0


T T T T  9 0 0
T = h o rizo n tal
W W = v ertica l

In this case, Tmax = 

This situation cannot be realized practically
because the string can bear a finite tension while
the tension here is infinite. Therefore, a string
loaded at middle can never remain horizontal.

CLASS EXERCISE
1] A body of mass 4kg is suspended at the middle of a string clamped
horizontally such that now the string makes an angle 60. Find the
Tension in the string.
 R 2 T c os  R

T  T
T T
T sin  T sin 
W

2] A block of mass M is pulled along a horizontal frictionless surface by a

rope of mass m. If a force F is applied at one end of the rope, the
which the rope exerts on the block is:
a) F /(M +m) b) F c) FM /(m+ M ) d) Zero
3] Two blocks of masses 2 kg and 3 kg are on a smooth horizontal table, in
contact with each other. A horizontal force F=6 N is applied as
shown. Then the force of contact is
F
2 3

a) 2.4 N b) 3 N c)6 N d) 3.6 N

HOME EXERCISE
1] Two blocks are attached to the two ends of string passing over a smooth
pulley as shown in the figure. The acceleration of the block will
be (¿ m/ s )
2

10 0k g 50 kg

37 0 53
0

a) 0.33 b) 1.33 c)1 d) 0.66

2] A 40 N force pulls a system of three masses on a horizontal frictionless
surface as shown in the fig. Tension T 1 is
40N T1
10kg 6kg 4kg

a) 40 N b) 20 N c) 10N d) 5N
3] Find the tension T 2 in the system shown in fig.
 T1
1 kg
T2
2 kg
T3
3 kg
a) 1 g N b) 2g N c) 5 g N d) 6 g N
4] Three blocks are connected as shown in the fig. on a horizontal frictionless
table. If m1=1 kg,
m2=8 kg, m3=27 kg and T 3=36 N, T2 will be:

T1 T2 T3
m1 m2 m3

a) 18 N b) 9N c) 3.375N d) 1.75N
5] A load is suspended by a heavy rope from a rigid support A. If the tension
in the rope at A, B and C are TA, TB and TC respectively
A
B
C
M
a) TA = TB– TCb) TA> TB> TC c) TA< TB< TC d) TA < TB> TC
6] Five identical cubes each of mass m are on a straight line with two adjacent
faces in contact on a horizontal surface as shown in the fig.
P A B C D E

Suppose the surface is frictionless and a constant force P is applied from

left to right to the end face of A; which of the following statements
are correct?
5P
a) The acceleration of the system is m
P
b) The resultant force acting on each cube is 5
2P
c) The force exerted by C and D is 5
p
d) The acceleration of the cube D is 5 m
 SESSION – 5
AIM - Calculation of tension in case of pulley
systems
MOTION OF TWO BODIES CONNECTED BY A
STRING
Case 1:Let us consider the case of two bodies of
masses m1 and m2 which are connected by light
inextensible string passing over a light smooth
pulley as shown in fig. Here it is assumed that

T T
T
T a
m1
m2
a
m 1g
m 2g

Our aim is to find out the acceleration of the

m1 >m2.

system and tension in the string.

The mass m has downward acceleration hence
1

m1 g−T =m1 a

The mass m2 has upward acceleration hence T −m2 g=m2 a

Solving eq. (1) and eq. (2) we get (

a=
m1−m2
m1 +m2)g

T=
( 2 m1 m2
m1 +m2
g
)
Case 2:
ATWOOD’S MACHINE:
Masses M and M are tied to a string, which goes
1 2

over a frictionless light pulley.

The string is light and inextensible.
a] If M > M and they move with acceleration a, then
1 2

M 1 g−T =M 1 a

T −M 2 g=M 2 a

T
T
M2

M1

Where T is the tension in the string. It gives

a=
( M 1−M 2
M 1+ M 2
g∧T =
)
2 M1M2
M1 + M 2
g
( )
Thrust is given by 2T . So,
Thrust=
( 4 M1M2
M 1+ M 2
g
)
b] If the pulley begins to move with acceleration ⃗
a0

, then
a=
( M 1−M 2
M 1+ M 2 )
( ⃗g + a⃗ 0 ) and
T=
( 2 M1 M2
M 1+ M 2 )(
⃗g + a⃗ 0 )

So, if pulley accelerates up, then

a=
( M 1−M 2
M 1+ M 2
( )
g+a 0 )∧T =
(
2 M1 M2
M 1+ M 2 )
( g+a 0 )

c] When it accelerates down, then

a=
( M 1−M 2
M 1+ M 2
( )
g−a0 )∧T =
2M1 M2
(
M 1+ M 2 )
( g−a0 )

and thrust in the pulley is

 4 M1 M2
⃗
T= ( ⃗g −⃗a 0 )
M 1+ M 2

Case 3: Let us consider the case of a body of mass

m to which a light and inextensible string is
1

M o tio n

m1 T
//////////////////////////////////////////

M o ti o n
T
m1 T
m2
m 1g
m 2g

attached, rests on a smooth horizontal table. The

string passes over a frictionless pulley fixed at the
end of table. Another end of the string carries a
mass m2 as shown in fig. Our aim is to calculate
the acceleration of the system and tension in the
string. Here we have
(m2 g−T )=m2 a

And T =m a 1

Solvingeqs. (1) and (2) we have

a=
( m1
m1 +m2 )
g

T=
( m1 m2
m1 +m2 )
g

Case 4: Let us consider the case of a body of

mass m to which two light and inextensible strings
3

are attached, rests on a smooth horizontal table.

The string passes over a frictionless pulley fixed at
the end of table. Another end of the string carries a
mass m and the second string passes over a
1

frictionless pulley fixed at the other end of table.

Another end of the string carries a mass m as shown 2

in fig. Our aim is to calculate the acceleration of

the system. Here we have

For body of mass M1

, M 1 g−T 1 =M 1 a

For body of mass M2 T 2−M 2 g=M 2 A

For body of mass M 3 T 1−T 2=M 3 a

Solving these equations we get, a=

( m1−m2
m 1 +m 2+m
g
3
)
Case 5: Here we shall consider the above case
with a difference that m1 is placed on smooth
inclined plane making an angle  with horizontal as
shown in fig.
t io n
Mo
T
T
M o ti on

m2
m1
m 2g

 T

m1

R
. T

m2
s in  m 1 g c os 
g m 1g
m1 
H orizontal m 2g

In this case, T −m gsinθ=m a1 1 1

And (m g−T )=m a Solving, we get

2 2

( m −m sin θ ) g
a=
2 1
and T =m g−m a 2 2
m +m( 1 2 )

¿ T =mg 1−
[ ( m2−m1 sinθ )
( m1+ m2 ) ]
Case 6: Here we shall consider the above case
with a difference that m1 is placed on smooth
inclined plane making an angle  with horizontal
and m2 is placed on the other side on the smooth
inclined plane as shown in fig.

In this case, for body of mass m 1, m gsinα −T =m a 1 1

For body of mass m we get, T – m gsinθ=m a 2 2 1

On solving, we get
( m1 sinα−m2 sin β ) g
a=
( m1+ m2 )
Tension in the string will be: T =¿

CLASS EXERCISE
1] Three equal weights A, B and C each of mass 2 kg are hanging on a string
passing over a fixed frictionless pulley as shown in figure. The tension in string
connecting B and C is

a) zero b) 13 N c) 3.3 N d) 19.6 N

2] A light string passes over a frictionless pulley. To one of its ends a mass of
6 kg is attached. To its other end a mass of 10 kg is attached. The
tension in the thread will be (g=9.8m/s2)
a)24.5 N b)2.45 N c)79 N d)73.5 N

3] The elevator is going up with an acceleration of g/10, the pulley and the
string are light and the pulley is smooth. Find the reading of the
spring balance.

4] Two masses of 4 kg and 5 kg are connected by a string passing through a

frictionless pulley and are kept on a frictionless table as shown in
the figure. The acceleration of 5 kg mass is (g=9.8m/s2)
a) 4.9 m/ s2 b) 5.44 m/ s2 c)12.2 m/s 2 d) 9.8 m/ s2
5] Three masses of 1 kg, 6 kg and 3 kg are connected to each other with
threads and are placed on a table as shown in figure. What is the
acceleration with which the system is moving? Take
−2
g=10 ms
a) Zero b) l m s−2 c) 2 m s−2 d) 3 m s−2

6] To calculate the acceleration of the system and tension in the string when
mass m1=1 kg and mass m2=4 kg angle of incline is 30o.

7] Consider the situation shown in figure. All the surfaces are frictionless and
the string and the pulley are light. Find the magnitude of the
acceleration of the two blocks and tension in the string.

HOME EXERCISE
1] In the figure, the masses of the blocks A and B are same and each equal to
‘m’. The tensions in the strings OA and OB are T 1and T 1
respectively. The system is in equilibrium with a constant horizontal force
mg on B. The tension T 1 is
O
T2
2

A
T1
1
B
mg

a) mg b)√ 2 mg c)√ 3 mg d)√ 5 mg

2] Two masses of 8 kg and 4 kg are connected by an inextensible light thread
passing over a smooth fixed pulley. The force felt by the axle of
the pulley is
XT

T T

8kg 4kg
a) 8 g b) 12 g c) less than 12g d) greater than 12 g
3] Three blocks of masses m1, m2 and m3 are connected with weightless string
and are placed on a frictionless table. If the mass m3 is dragged with a force T,
the tension in the string between m2and m3 is:
T m3 T m3 ( m1 +m2 )
a) m + m +m b) m + m +m c) m + m +m T d) none of these
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

4] For the system shown in the figure, the pulleys are light and frictionless.
The tension in the string will be:

 m

2 3 1
a) 3
mg sinθ b) 2 mg sinθ c) 2 mg sinθ d) 2 mg sinθ
5] A string of length L and mass M is lying on a horizontal table. A force F is
applied at one of its ends. Tension in the string at a distance x from
the end at which force is applied is:
 a) Zero b) F c) F (L−x) /L d) F (L−x) /M
6] A chain of mass M and length L is held vertical by fixing its upper end to a
rigid support. The tension in the chain at a distance y from the rigid support
is:
a) mg b) Mg (L− y )/ L c) Mg L/(L− y ) d) Mg y /L
7] A load 5kg is suspended from a rigid support B using a uniform rope of
length 2m and 4 kg mass. The tension in the rope at the point B
which is 0.5m below A is (see the figure in the above question)
( g=10 m s−2 )
A
B

5k g

a) 60 N b) 80N c) 8N d) 4N
8] Two blocks of masses 5kg and 2kg are connected by a uniform rope of
mass 3kg. If an upward force F is applied on the system, the
acceleration of the system is found to be 2ms-2 upward, then F is equal to
a) 82.6N b) 148N c) 118N d) 78N
9] Two bodies A (400 gm) and B are connected by a light inextensible string
which passes over a frictionless pulley as shown. If B comes down with
acceleration 4 m s−2, its mass is

B
0
30
a) 600 gm b) 1200 gm c) 300gm d) 800gm
10] Two bodies A and B each of mass m are connected by a light inextensible
string which passes over a frictionless pulley as shown. If the angle
of inclination is 37 ° and the inclined plane is frictionless, then (sin 37=3/5)

A
B

a) The bodies will be in equilibrium and the tension in the string is zero
 b) B moves down with acceleration g/5 and the tension in the string is 4
mg/5
c) A moves down with acceleration g/5 and the tension in the string is 4
mg/5
d) None of the above is true
11] In the fig. given below two masses m and mare tied with a thread passing
over a pulley m is on a frictionless horizontal surface. If
acceleration due to gravity is g, the acceleration of m in this arrangement will
be:
m’

a) g b) mg/(m + m) c) mg/ m d) mg/ (m - m)

12] Two bodies of masses 5 kg and 4 kg are arranged in two positions as shown
in fig. (A) and (B), if the pulleys and the table are perfectly
smooth, the accelerations of the 5 kg body in case (A) and (B) are:

5 kg

4 kg 4 kg 5 kg
(A ) (B )

a) g and (5/9) g b) (4/9) g and (1/9) g

c) g/5 and g/5 d) (5/9) g and (1/9) g
13] Three equal weights of mass 2.5 kg each are hanging on a string passing
over a fixed pulley as shown in fig. What is the tension in the string connecting
weights B and C?

. B
A

a) 3.3N b) 13N c) 16.3N d) 19.6N

14] Two blocks each of mass M are resting on a frictionless inclined plane as
shown in fig.
 M

M
B

A
0
60 30
0

a) The block A moves down the plane b) The block B moves

down the plane
c) Both the blocks remain at rest d)Both the blocks move down the plane
 SESSION – 6
AIM - To study pulley constraints.
Pulley Constraints
The problems in which few bodies are connected
with one or more strings and strings are passed
through pulleys, some of which are fixed and some
are movable. A motion under some bounded
condition is called constraint motion.
LET US DISCUSS WITH FEW EXAMPLES:
Example 1: First start with simple cases of pulleys.
Consider the situation shown in fig. Two bodies
are connected with a string which passes over a
pulley at the corner of a table. Here if string is
inextensible, we can directly state that the
displacement of A in downward direction is equal
to the displacement of B in horizontal direction
on table, and if displacements of A and B are
equal in equal time, their speeds and
acceleration magnitude must also be equal.
A

(1)
L=l 1 +l 2=l 1 + x+l 2 − y
X=y i.e a 1=a2=a

FBD m1 g−T =m1 a

T =m2 a

a=
( m1
m1 +m2)g
 T=
( m1 m2
m1 +m2
g
)
Example 2:
Similarly consider the situation shown in fig. (2) Two
masses are hanging over a pulley with a string.
Here if mass A is heavy, it goes down and B goes
up by same distance. Thus here also the
displacement, speed and acceleration magnitude of
the two are equal. Hence when pulley is fixed two
blocks have same speed, dispend and acceleration.
If M > M and they move with acceleration a, then
1 2

M 1 g−T =M 1 a
T −M 2 g=M 2 a

Solving eq. (1) and eq. (2) we get (

a=
m1−m2
m1 +m2)g

A
B

T=
( 2 m1 m2
m1 +m2 )
g

Example 3:
Now consider the case shown in fig. (3) Two
masses A and B are tied to strings and arranged in
the situation shown. Here mass B is connected to a
movable pulley Y supported by a string which
passes over a fixed pulley X and to which mass A is
connected.
 X
X
a c
x

A b d
Y
A 2x
B
B

(3) (4)
To analyze the motions of A and B, you should look
carefully at analysis shown in fig(4) If mass B goes
up by a distance x, we can observe that the string
lengths ab and cd are slack, due to the weight of
block A, this length (ab + cd = 2x) will go on this
side and block A will descend by a distance 2x. As
in equal time duration. A has travelled a distance
twice that of B, thus its speed and acceleration
must also be twice that of B.
M 1 g−T =M 1 2 a
2 T −M 2 g = M 2a
a=
( 2 m1−m2
4 m1 +m2
g
)
Example 4:
l=l 1 +l 2+ l 3
l=( l 1 + x ) + ( l 2− y ) + ( l 3− y )
x=2 y ⇒ a1=2a 2
Let a 1=a
a
a 2=
2

Form 1 m1 g−T =m1 a … (1)

 a
For m2 2 T =m2
2 … (2)
---------------------------
4 T =m2 a

4 m1 g−4 T =4 m1 a
4 m1 g m1 m2 g
--------------------------a= m + 4 m
2 1
⇒
4 m1 +m2

Example 5:
In such cases it is not necessary that block B will go
up. It may also be possible that B will go down and
A will go up with twice the speed and acceleration,
it depends on the masses of the two objects.
Here we consider few more examples of pulley
constraints. Consider the situation shown in figure
(5). In this case we find relation in acceleration of
masses A and B. Let we analyze the motion of A
and B as shown in fig(6). In this case we find
relation in acceleration of masses A and B. Let we
analyze the motion of a and B as shown in fig(6). If
we consider that mass B is going ups by a distance
x, pulley Y which is attached to the same string will
go down by the same distance x. Due to this the
string which is connected to mass A will now have
free lengths ab and cd (ab = cd =x) which will go
on the side of mass A due to its weight as the other
end is fixed at point P. Thus mass A will go down by
2x hence its speed and acceleration will be twice
that of block B.
 X X
Y
Y a c
X
b d
x
A
A B
B
2x

(5) (6)
l=l 1 +l 2
l=( l 1 + x− y ) + ( l 2− y )
x=2 y
a 1=2 a2
Let a 1=a
a
a 2=
2

For mass m 1 m1 g−T =m1 a … (1)

a
For mass m 2 2 T −m2 g=m 2
2 … (2)
------------------------
4 T −2 m2 g=m2 a

4 m1 g−4 T =4 m1 a

--------------------------
a=
( 4 m1−2 m2
4 m1+ m2
g
)
Example 6:
Now consider a situation shown in fig.(7) Which is
an extension of the previous problem. A plank A is
tied to two strings which pass over two pulleys X
and Y and another mass B as shown. Here we
develop constraint relation between the motion of
bodies A and B. It is analyzed in situation shown in
fig.(8) If mass A will go up by a distance x, points P
and Q will also go up by the same distance x and
the pulley Y which is connected to point P will go
down by x and hence the strings lengths ab and cd
( ab=cd =x )which become free plus the length x due to

movement of Q upward will go on the side of mass

B, hence it will go down by a distance 3x. Thus its
speed and acceleration are thrice that of mass A.
X X
Y
Y
x

P Q
P Q x
A A
3x
B B

(7) (8)
' '
l=l 1 +l 2
'
l=l 1 + x + x+l 2 + x− y
3 x= y
3 a1 =a2

Let a =a, a =3 a
1 2

For mass m 1 m1 g−3 T =m1 a …(1)

For mass m 2 T −m2 g=m2 ( 3 a ) …(2)
--------------------------
3 T −3 m2 g=9 m2 a
m1 g−3 T =m1 a

--------------------------
( m1−3 m2) g
a=
( m1 +9 m2 )

Example 7:
l=l 1 +l 2
l=l 1 + x− y 1 +l 2+ x− y 2
2 x= y 1 + y 2
 2 a1=a2 +a3
a 2=a1−a
a 3=a1 + a
a 2+ a3=2 a1 …(1)
m1 g−2T =m1 a1 … (2)
m2 ( g+ a1 ) −T =m1 a
T −m3 ( g +a1 ) =m2 a

Example 8:
l=l 1 +l 2+ l 3+l 4
l=( l 1−x 1 ) + ( l 2 + x 3 ) + ( l 3 + x 3 ) + ( l 4 −x2 )
x 1+ x2 =2 x 3
a 1+ a2=2 a3 … (1)

For mass m 1 T =m1 a1 … (2)

For mass m 2 T =m2 a3 … (3)
T T
=a
m1 1 , =a
m2 2
T T
+ =a1+ a2=2 a 3
m1 m2
2m1 m2
T= a
m1+ m2 3
4 m1 m2
m3 g− a =m3 a3
m1 +m2 3
( m1 m3+ m2 m3 ) g
a 3=
4 m1 m2 +m3 m1+ m3 m2
Example 9:
l=l 1 +l 2+ l 3
l=( l 1− y ) + ( l 2+ x ) + ( l 3+ x )
y=2 x Let a 1=a
a 2=2 a1 a 2=2 a

For m1 m1 g−2T =m1 a … (1)

For m2 T −m2 gsmθ=m2 ( 2 a ) … (2)
a=
[ m1−2 m2 smθ
m 1+ 4 m 2
g
]
Example 10:
l=l 1 +l 2+ l 3+l 4 +l 5
l=( l 1 + x ) + ( l 2− y ) + ( l 3− y ) + ( l 4 − y ) + ( l 5− y )
x=4 y Let a 1=a
a
a 1=4 a2 a 2=
4

For mass m 1 m1 g−T =m1 a … (1)

a
For mass m 2 4 T =m2
4 … (2)
8 m1 g
a=
8 m1 +m2

Systems of variable Mass, Rocket Propulsion:

Initial momentum at any time ts P =dm⃗u + M ⃗v i

Final momentum after ( t+ dt ) s P =( M +dm ) ( ⃗v +d⃗ v ) f

Change in momentum dp=P −P =[ ( M + dm) ( ⃗V +⃗ dv ) −( dm ⃗u + M ⃗v ) ] f i

dp=Mdv +Vdm−⃗u dm
dp
Rate of change in momentum dt
=F ext

⃗
∑ F ext =M dv
dt
−( ⃗u−⃗v )
dm
dt
=M
dV
dt
−V rel
dM
dt
∑ F ert =ma−F thrust
The Velocity of rocket in presence and in the
absence of gravity:
1] Presence of gravity:
dv dM
M =F ext +V rel
dt dt
dV dM
m =−mg+V rel
dt dt
V t M

∫ dV =−∫ gdt+V rel ∫ dM

m
V0 0 M0

V ( t )=V 0−¿+ ⃗
V rel ln
M
m0 ( )
2] Absence of gravity
dV dM
M =F ext +V rel
dt dt
V M

∫ dV =V rel ∫ dM
M
V0 M0

V ( t )=V 0 +V rel ln ( MM )
0

ln (
M )
M0
V ( t )=V 0−V rel

F thrust =V rel ( dMdt )

CLASS EXERCISE
1] Find out the constrain relation between A1 and A2 in the figure

2] Consider the situation shown in fig. All the surfaces are smooth. The
tension in the string connected to 2 m is
mg 4 mg 2mg
a) 3 b) 3 c) 3 d) mg

3] In the given figure all the pulleys are smooth and massless, string is
inextensible. Find out acceleration of each block

HOME EXERCISE
1] Two bodies of masses m1 and m2 are connected by a light string passing
over a smooth light fixed pulley. The acceleration of the system is
g/7. The ratio of their masses is
a) 7 : 1 b) 7 : 2 c) 4 : 3 d) 4 : 5
2] In the system shown below, friction and mass of the pulley are negligible.
Find the acceleration of m2 if m1=300 g , m2=500 g and F=1.50 N
 a) 16/17 m/s2 b) 15/17m/s2 c) 18/17 m/s2 d) 19/17 m/s2
3] A mass of 15 kg and another of mass 6 kg are attached to a pulley system
as shown. A is a fixed pulley while B is a movable one. Both are
considered light and frictionless. Find the acceleration of 6 kg mass.

a) 20/13m/s2 b) 30/13 m/s2 c) 35/13 m/s2 d) 25/13 m/s2

4] Two particles of masses m and 2m are placed on a smooth horizontal table.
A string, which joins them hangs over the edge supporting a light pulley, which
carries a mass 3m. The two parts of the string on the table are
parallel and perpendicular to the edge of the table. The parts of the string
outside the table are vertical. Find the acceleration of the particle of mass
3m.
2m m

3m

5] Find the relation between accelerations of blocks A and B.

6] Using constraint method find the relation between accelerations of 1 and 2.

7] Find the constraint relation between the acceleration of block 1, 2 and 3.
Their acceleration are a 1, a 2 and a 3 respectively

8] In the shown figure masses of the pulleys and strings as well as friction
between the string and pulley is negligible. Find the acceleration
of the masses m1and m2.

m1
yA
B
y1
yB F ix e d
m2 y2

9] Using constraint equations find the relation between acceleration of 1 and

2.

10] Consider the situation of block pulley arrangement shown in fig. A plank is
connected to three strings and an electric motor M is fitted on to it and a
string is wound on it according to the arrangement shown in figure. Given that
the string is winding on shaft of motor at a speed v. Find the speed with
which the plank would be going up.
 X
Y

M
A

11] Shows a system of four pulleys with two masses A and B. Find, at an
instant:
a) Speed of block A when the block B is going up at 1 m/s and pulley Y is
going up at 2m/s.
b) Acceleration of block an if block B is going up at 3 m/s 2 and pulley Y
is going down at 1 m/s2.

X
Z
B A

12] Block C shown in fig. is going down at acceleration 2 m/s 2. Find the
acceleration of blocks. A and B
A B

13] Block A shown in fig. move by a distance 3m toward left. Find the distance
and direction in which the point P on string shown in fig. is
displaced.

A B

C
14] Consider the situation shown in fig. All the surfaces are smooth. The
tension in the string connected to 2m is
2m

m
mg 4 mg 2mg
a) 3 b) 3 c) 3 d)mg

15] A block A of mass m is tied to a fixed point C on a horizontal table through

a string passing round a massless smooth pulley B. A force F is
applied by pulley B as shown in fig. (B) Find the accelerations of the
pulley and mass A.
C B
F

A m

F F F F
∧F ∧F ∧F ∧F
a) m
2 b) m c) m d) m
2
m 2m m 2m
 SESSION – 7
AIM - Concept of inertial and non-inertial
frames
INERTIAL FRAME OF REFERENCE
Any system relative to which the motion of an
object can be described is called a frame of
reference. The frame of reference may also be
defined as the coordinate system relative to which
the motion of an object may be described. A
coordinate system in which Newton’s laws of
motion in their simplest form are valid is called as
inertial frame of reference.
Let there be no external force acting on a body in
such a frame. Then the body continues to be in its
state of rest or of uniform motion along a straight
line due to inertia. Hence the frame is called as
inertial frame of reference.
When a frame of reference is moving with linear
acceleration relative to an inertial frame or having
uniform rotatory motion with respect to inertial
frame is called as non-inertial frame or an
accelerated frame.
Properties of Inertial Frames
Following are the properties of inertial frames:
 When no external force acts on the body, the
body moves with uniform velocity in this frame
 The observation in different frames gives
different numerical values but the relations
 between these quantities are same for all
frames. Thus, all inertial frames are equivalent.
 They are also called as Galilean frames.

WEIGHT OF A BODY IN A LIFT

Earth attracts everybody towards its center. The
force of attraction exerted by the earth on the body
is called gravity force. If m be the mass of the body
then the gravity force on it will be mg. Generally,
the weight of a body is equal to the gravity force W
= mg. But when the body is on an accelerated
platform, the weight of a body appears changed.
The new weight is called as apparent weight of a
man standing in a lift which is in motion. We
consider the following cases:
1. The lift is unaccelerated( i.e. a = 0 or
constant) : The situation is shown in fig. In this
case R=ma=0
 a= 0
a

W W =m g
(a ) R =m a
(b )

a g

F=m a

W =m g

(c )

Hence apparent weight W= Actual weight =

mg
2. When the lift is accelerated upward: In this
case, there will be two forces acting on the
man, i.e., weight m g and reaction R = m a both
acting in the downward direction as shown in
fig.
Apparent weight
W= mg + R = mg + ma = m (g + a) Or
Apparent weight W> Actual weight W
3. When the lift is accelerated downward:
This situation is shown in fig. (5c). Here the
weight mg acts downward while the reaction R =
ma acts upward. We assume that a < g.
Hence apparent weight
W = W - R = mg - ma = m (g - a)
Apparent weight W< Actual weight W.
Now we consider the special case when g = a .
In this case,
 Apparent weight W = 0
Thus in a freely falling lift, the man will
experience a state of weightlessness.
4. When the lift is accelerated downward such that
¿ g : In this case R=ma is greater than the weight mg

Apparent weight W =m ( g−a ) =¿ negative

So the man will be accelerated upward and will
stay at the ceiling of the lift.
Let us consider the tension when a mass is
suspended from a vertical string in a carriage. We
consider the following cases:
1. When the carriage is at rest, then T =mg
0

2. When the carriage is accelerated up, then mass

has an upward acceleration a. In this case,
1T −mg=ma or T =m ( g+ a )
1 1 (T > T )
0

3. When the carriage is accelerated down, then

mass has a downward acceleration. In this case,
mg−T 2=ma

orT =m ( g−a ) ( T <T )

2 2 0

If a=g, then tension in string becomes zero.

4. When the carriage is accelerated horizontally.
The situation is shown in fig.
 a
 The tension in the string can be calculated by
considering an inertial frame of reference (ground)
or considering non-inertial frame of reference
(carriage).
Considering inertial frame of reference, the free
body diagram of mass is shown in fig.
T T co s 
a
=
T sin 

mg mg

Here, we have T cosθ = mg

and T sin θ = ma
or θ = tan- 1( g )
a a
tanθ= g
¿ T =m √ ( g + a ) ( T T 0 )
2 2

Let us consider the same situation in non-inertial

frame (carriage). The free body diagram is shown
in fig.
T
T co s 

ma ma
=
mg T sin 

mg

Again, we have T cosθ = mg and Tsin=ma . Hence the

same results can be obtained.

CLASS EXERCISE:
1] An elevator weighing 6000 kg is pulled upward by a cable with an
acceleration of 4.9 m/s2. The tension in the cable is
a) 6000 N b) 6000 gN c) 9000 N d) 9000 gN
2] With what acceleration ‘a’ should the box in the figure descend so that a
Mg
body of mass M placed in it exerts a force 4 on the base of the box?

3g g g g
a) 4 b) 4 c) 2 d) 8
3] A block can slide on a smooth inclined plane of inclination θ kept on the
floor of a lift. When the lift is descending with retardation, a m/s2 the
acceleration of the block relative to the incline will be
a) (g – a)sinθ b) (g + a)sinθ c) gsinθ d) g – a
4] A man of mass 90 kg is standing in an elevator whose cable broke
suddenly. If the elevator falls, apparent weight of the man is ___ .
a) 90 N b) 90 x 9.8 N c) zero d) 90 kg
5] A reference frame attached to the earth with respect to an observer in space
a) is an inertial frame because Newton’s laws of motion are applicable in it.
b) is an inertial frame by definition
c) cannot be an inertial frame because earth is rotating about its axis
d) can be an inertial frame because earth is revolving around the sun

HOME EXERCISE:
1] A 60 kg man stands on an elevator floor. The elevator is going up with
constant acceleration of
1.96 m/s2. Percentage change in the apparent weight of the person is
a) 10 b) 15 c) 20 d) 25
2] A spring balance suspended from the roof of a elevator indicates 90 kg as
the weight of a 120 kg body. Acceleration of the elevator
a) g/4 upwards b) g/4 downwards c) g/2 upwards d) g/2
downwards
3] A lamp hangs vertically from a cord in a descending lift. The lift has a
retardation of 5.2 m/s2 before coming to a halt. If the tension in cord is
30 N, mass of the lamp is
a) 2 kg b) 1 kg c) 9.8 kg d) 4.9 kg
4] The apparent weight of a mass in a lift moving up is 80 kg when its weight
in the stationary lift is
60 kg. If the same lift now moves up with sameretardation, the weight of
the mass will be
a) 40 kg b) 60 kg c) 80 kg d) 100 kg
5] A lift of mass 500 kg is descending with an acceleration of 2ms -2. If g = 10
ms-2, the tension in the cable is
a) 4000 N b) 8000 N c) 2000 N d) 6000 N
6] A boy is sliding down a rope, which can with stand to a maximum tension
of 2/3 of the weight of the boy. The maximum acceleration with
which the boy can slide down rope safely is
a) g/2 b) 3g/4 c) g/5 d) g/3
7] Two bodies A and B masses 3 kg and 5 kg are connected by a string as
shown in the figure. If the pulley is frictionless, ( g=10 m s−2 )

A
B

a) A moves down with acceleration of 2.5 m s−2

1 −2
b) B moves up with acceleration 4
ms

c) B moves down with acceleration 2.5 m s−2

1 −2
d) A moves up with acceleration 4
ms

8] In the above question tension in the string is

a) 17 N b) 37.5N c) 10N d) 27.5 N
9] Three blocks A (1 kg), B (2 kg) and C (3 kg) are hanging on two strings as
shown in the figure. The tension T 1 and T 2 are respectively
( g=10 m s−2 )
 T1 C
A T2

B
a) 50 N and 10 N b)3.3 N and 20 N c) 16.7 N and 10 N
d) 16.7N and 6.7 N
10] In the above question the acceleration B is
a) 0.67 m s−2 b) 9.8 m s−2 c)4.9 m s−2 d) 6.7 m s−2
11] A reference frame attached to the earth
a) is an inertial frame by definition
b) Cannot be an inertial frame because the earth is revolving around the sun
c) is an inertial frame because Newton’s laws are applicable in this frame

d) cannot be an inertial frame because the earth is rotating about its axis
a) A, B, C are correct b) b only correct
c) b and d are correct d) All are correct
12] A) In a frame of reference S1 though the net force is zero, the net
acceleration is not zero.
B) In a frame of reference S2, though the net force is not zero, the net
acceleration is zero.
C) In a frame of reference S3, the net acceleration is zero whenever the net
force is zero.
a) S1and S3 are inertial and S2 is non - inertial
b) S1and S2 are non-inertial and S3 is inertial
c) S1, S2, S3 are non- inertial
d) S1, S2, S3 are inertial
13] A body is kept on the floor of a lift at rest. The lift starts descending at
acceleration a :
1 2
a) if a> g , the displacement of body in time t is 2 g t
1 2
b) if a< g , the displacement of body in time t is 2 g t
 1 2
c) if a< g , the displacement of body in time t is 2 a t
1 2
d) if a< g , the displacement of body in time t is 2 ( a+ g ) t
14] A 5 kg block is supported by a cord and pulled upward with an acceleration
of 2 m/s 2. What is the tension in the string?( g=9.8 m/ s 2)
a) 59 N b) 61 N c) 70 N d) 10N
 SESSION –8
AIM - Concept of Wedge Constraints
WEDGE CONSTRAINTS
Example 1:
For mass m:
Along x-axis mgsinθ=m ( a−Acosθ ) …(i)
Along y-axis mgcosθ=mAsinθ …(ii)
For wedge of mass M.
Along x-axis Nsinθ=MA …(iii)
Along y-axis N =Ncosθ+ Mg '
… (iv)
MA MA
From eq (iii) N= Sinθ ⇒ mgcosθ− sinθ =mAsinθ
A=
[ mgcosθsinθ
2
M +msi n θ ]
( M + m) gsinθ
a= 2
M +msi n θ
Along the incline mgsinθ +mAcosθ=ma …(1)
⊥to the incline N +mAsinθ=mgcosθ …(2)

Example 2:
l=l 1 +l 2
l=( l 1 + x ) + ( l 2− y )
x= y
V m =V M
a m=a M =a

For body of mass m:

mgsinθ−T =m ( a−acosθ ) …(i)
mgcosθ−N=masinθ …(ii)
For body of mass M

T + Nsinθ−Tcosθ=Ma … (iii)
Tsinθ+ Mg + Ncosθ=N
'
…(iv)
T ( 1−cosθ )+ Nsinθ=Ma
T ( 1−cosθ )+ ( mgcosθ−masinθ ) sinθ= Ma
mgcosθsinθ ( M + msi n θ ) a
2
T+ =
1+cosθ 1+ cosθ
mgsinθ−T =m ( a−acosθ )
mgsinθ
a=
M +2 m ( 1−cosθ )

Example 3:
y
tanθ=
x
y=xtanθ
dy dx
= tanθ
dt dt
V rod =V wedge tanθ
a rod=awedge tanθ
a= Atanθ

For the wedge

Nsinθ=MA …(i)
'
N =Mg + Ncosθ …(ii)
For the rod
mg−NCosθ=ma …(iii)
NSinθ=N
'
…(iv)
MA
From Equation (1) N=
Sinθ
MA
mg− Cosθ=m( Atanθ)
Sinθ
mgtanθ
A= 2
M +mta n θ
a=tanθ
2
mgta n θ
a= 2
M + mta n θ

Example 4:
 y
tanθ=
x
y=xtanθ
a rod= A wedge tanθ
a= Atanθ … (i)
For wedge of mass M
Nsinθ=MA … (ii)
Ncosθ+ Mg=N
'
… (iii)
For rod of mass m

mg−2 Ncosθ=ma …(iv)

Nsinθ−Nsinθ=0 …(1)
MA
From equation (ii) N= Sinθ
MA
Sub in Eq (iv) mg−2 Sinθ Cosθ=mAtanθ
mgsinθcosθ
A= 2 2
msi n θ + Mco s θ

Example 5:
For body of mass m
Along x-axis O=m ( a−Acosθ )
a= Acosθ …(i)
Along y-axis mg−N =mAsinθ …(ii)
For body of mass M
Along x-axis Mgsinθ+ Nsinθ=MA …(iii)
Along y-axis Ncosθ+mgcosθ=N '
… (iv)
MA
From eq (iii) Mg+ N=
Sinθ
Mg−N=mASinθ

----------------------------

(
( M +m ) g= msinθ+
M
)
Sinθ
A

( M +m ) gsinθ
A− 2
M +mSi n θ
( M +m ) gsinθcosθ
a= Acosθ= 2
M + mSi n θ

CLASS EXERCISE:
1] A block of mass m=10 kg is placed on a wedge of mass M =20 kg and released.
Determine the acceleration of the 20 kg block ( θ=60 ° ).
2] All the surfaces are smooth. Rod is moving down vertically with an
acceleration 9 m/s 2 , mass of wedge is 10 kg and θ=37 ° . Force exerted on
the rod by the wedge will be
a) 120 N b) 200 N c) 135 N d) 225 N
3] A block of mass m=2 kg kept on a wedge of mass M =9 kg. A force of 210 N is
applied on wedge horizontally. Determine the distance moved by the
wedge when the block leaves the wedge θ=45 °

4] A block of mass m is moving on a wedge with the acceleration a 0. The

wedge is moving with the acceleration a 1. The observer is
situated on wedge. The magnitude of pseudo force on the block is?
a) m a0 b) m a1 c) m √ a20 +a21 d) m ( a 1+a2 2 )
HOME EXERCISE
1] A wedge is moving horizontally with uniform acceleration a towards right
and a block of mass m stays freely at rest on its smooth inclined surface as shown
in fig. What is the acceleration of the wedge?
a) g cot  b) g cos c) g sin  d) g tan 
2] Consider the shown arrangement. Assume all surfaces to be smooth. If 'N'
represents magnitudes of normal reaction between block and
wedge then acceleration of 'M' along horizontal equals.

Nsinθ Ncosθ
a) M
along+ ve x−axis b) M
along−ve x−axis

Nsinθ nsinθ
c) M −ve x−axis d) m+ M along−ve x−axis
3] In the situation shown in fig. if mass M is going down along the incline at
an acceleration of 5 m/s 2 and m is moving toward right relative to
M horizontally with 3 m/s .
2
Find the net acceleration
of m.
m
M

4] Imagine the situation in which a horizontal force F is applied on the wedge.

If F0 is the force required to keep the body stationary,
Choose the correct statement(s)
A) If F  F0, the block remains stationary with respect to wedge
B) If F < F0, the block slides down the wedge
C) If F > F0, the block slides up the wedge
D) If F = F0, the block is accelerating with respect to ground
 SESSION – 9
AIM - To Discuss Typical Problems
 Find the relation of velocities v and v
1 2

 If vehicle A moves with velocity v , then find

1

velocity of block B when angle between

strings is θ.
 One end of rope ACB, is attached by a block B
(Which is moving vertically downward) and
other end is attached by ring A (which is
moving on a horizontal rod).
 String BAC is attached by roof and ring B, and
this string is passes through ring A also. If
ring A slides on a vertical rod in downward
direction with velocity v . Then find velocity
1

of ring B at given moment.

 A chain of mass M and length lis held
vertical, such that its lower end just
touches the floor. It is released from rest.
Find the force executed by the chain on the
table when upper end is about to hit the
floor.
 A block of mass 25 kg is raised by a 50kg
man in two different ways as shown. In
 which way he will find easy to raise the
block of mass and why?
 The pulley arrangements of figure (a) and
(b) are identical. In (a) the mass m is lifted
up by attaching a mass 2 m to the other end
of the rope, In (b), m is lifted up by pulling
the other end of the rope with a constant
downward force F=2 mg. Is the acceleration of
m is the same in both cases.

 A monkey is holding on a rope that goes

over a smooth light pulley and supports a
mirror of equal mass at the other end.
Initially both are at rest and monkey can
see him image in the mirror. With what
acceleration the monkey should climb the
rope to escape seeing his image.
 Find the accelerations of block A and block B
in the given figure.
 A man of mass 60 kg standing on a light
weighing machine kept in a box of mass 30
kg. If the man manages to keep the box
at rest, what is the weight shown by the
machine? What force should he exert on
 the rope to get his correct weight on the
machine?
 In the pulley system shown the movable
pulleys A, B and C have mass m each, D and E
are fixed pulleys. The string are vertical,
light and inextensible. Find the acceleration
of the pulleys and tensions in the strings.
 At the moment t=0 force F=kt is applied to a
small body of mass m resting on a smooth
horizontal plane at an fixed angle with
horizontal. Find the velocity and the
distance travelled by the body upto the
moment of its breaking off the plane.
 A chain consisting of five links, each of
mass 0.1 kg is lifted vertically by pulling the
5th link with a constant acceleration

 . Find the force acting between 3rd

2
a=2.5 m/s

and 4th link and the force exerted on the

5th link.
 A cart carries two blocks of mass 2 kg and 1 kg
which are connected by a string passing
over a pulley. The cart is moving right
with an acceleration of a=1 m/s . Find the
2

acceleration of block with respect to

ground and tension in the string.