LAWS OF MOTION

 Force
A pull or push which changes or tends to change the state of rest or of uniform motion or direction of
motion of my object is called force. Force is the interaction between the object and the source its a
vector quality.
 Effect of force
may change only speed.
may change only direction of force.
may change both speed and direction of motion.
may change size and shape of the body.
 Newton’s Ist law
Unit of force - newton or kg m/s2
In C.G.S system unit of force is dyne.
1 dyne = 10–5 Newton or 1 Newton = 105 dyne
 Contact forces
Forces which are transmitted between bodies by short range atomic nuclear interactions are called
contact forces. When two objects come in contact they exert contact forces on each other.
 Normal force
It is the component of force perpendicular to the surface. It measures how strongly the surface in
contact are pressed against each other.
 Tension
Tension in a string is an electromagnetic force. It arises when the string is pulled. If a massless string
is not pulled, then tension in its zero.
Note:
1) Tension always act along the string and in such a direction that it tries to reduce the length of the string.
2) If the string is massless then the tension will be same along the string but if the string have some mass
then the tension will continuously change along the string.

1
 Newton’s 1st law of motion
A system will remain in stable of rest or of uniform motion unless a net external force acting on it.
The word external means external to the system, interaction with in the system has not to be considered.
 Inertia
Inertia means inability of a body to change its state of motion or rest by itself. The property of a body
that determines its resistance to a change in its motion is its mass. Greater the mass, then greater will
be the inertia.
 Newton’s second law of motion
It states that rate of change of momentum of a body is directly propotional to the applied force and
takes place in the direction in which the force acts.

 −1 
−1
dp−1 −1
dp−1
−1
d m v 
Fα F =K ; F=k   = kma −1
dt dt dt k =1

−1 −1
F = ma−1 ie Fact = ma−1

 Free body diagram

It is the diagram of a body which represents all the forces acting on the body.

2
eg:

find acc and Normal reaction

N = 50

Net F = mass × acc

5=5×a
a = 1m/s2 right
eg:

find acc and normal reaction.

Net F = mass × acc

10 - 5 = 5 × a
5=5a
a = 1m/s2 left

eg: Find acc and normal reaction

3
 Net F = mass × acc
24 = 5 Xa
a = 4.8 m/s2 right.
eg:

find acceleration and normal reaction.

Net F = mass × acc

30 cos 37 = 5 × a

30 × 4 = 5a
5
5a = 24
a = 4.8
N+ 30 sin 37 = 50

N + 30 × 3 = 50
5
N + 18 = 50
N = 32

4
 find the acc of the block.

Net F = mass × acc

mg sin θ = ma
a = g sin θ

Net F = mass × acc

F − 20 × 3 = 2 × a
5
F − 12 = 2 × 2
F = 16 N
 Contact force - Motion of bodies in contact
a) Two bodies in contact

A force F is applied on mass m1 horizontally. Masses m1 and m2 are in contact. Contact force
between m1 and m2 = F. Contact force that force with which one body presses the other at the point of
contact when the two bodies are placed on a frictionless surface.

Force applied to system

∴Acceleration a =
mass of system

F
∴a =
(m1 + m2 )

m1F
∴ Contact force on m1 and m1 a =
(m1 + m2 )
m2F m2F
Contact force on m2= m2a = ( m + m ) ,or F = m2a = ( m + m )
1 2 1 2

5
 b) Three bodies in contact

Force applied on the system = F

Mass of the system = m1 + m2 + m3
Acceleration of the system = a

F
∴ Acceleration of each mass (a) = ( m + m + m )
1 2 3

Contact force between m1 and m2 = F1

Contact force between m2 and m3 = F2\
For first body, F– F1 = m1a
For second body, f1 – F2 = m2a
For third body, F2 = m3a

∴ F1 = F − m1a = F −
m1F
=
(m2 + m3 ) F
(m1 + m2 + m3 ) (m1 + m2 + m3 )
m 3F
∴ F2 = m3 a −
(m1 + m2 + m3 )
C) Motion of bodies connected by strings

Acceleration in system = a

F m 3F
∴a − Tension T1 = m3 a = ( m + m + m )
(m1 + m2 + m3 ) 1 2 3

(m2 + m3 ) F
Tension T2 = ( m2 + m3 ) a = m + m + m
( 1 2 3)
Tension T3 = F

6
Consider a body of mass m2 which rests on a surface which is horizontal. Let a string passing over a
pulley connect m2 with mass m1 as shown in figure.

a) without friction between m2 and horizontal table.

m1g
Acceleration, a = ( m + m )
1 2

m1m2 g
Tension T = ( m + m )
1 2

b) With friction between body m2 and table.

(m2 − µm2 ) g
Acceleration, a =
(m1 + m2 )
m1m2 (1 + µ ) g
Tension, T =
(m1 + m2 )
Two masses are suspended as shown in figure

The block on horizontal table moves towards right with acceleration a.

m1g − T1 = m1a ............ (i )

T2 − m2 g = m2a ............... (ii )

(m1 − m2 ) g
T1–T2 = Ma ......................(iii) we get, acceleration, a = m + m + M
( 1 2 )

7
 Two masses are suspended over a pulley on an inclined plane as shown in the figure. The mass m1
descends with an acceleration a. Mass m2 is on inclined plane.

Without friction
(m1 − m2 sin θ ) g; Tension,T = m1m2 (1 + sin θ ) g
Acceleration, a =
(m1 + m2 ) (m1 + m2 )
Masses m1 and m2 are connected by a string passing over a pulley such that m1 > m2.

 Spring problems
Every spring resists any attempt to change its length. When it is compressed or extended, it exerts a
force at its end. The force exerted by a spring is given by F = – kx, where x is the change in length and
k is the spring constant.

eg:

Find of blocks when string is cut

8
 FBD - before cutting

FBD - after cutting

 Spring balance

It doesn’t measure the weight. It measures the force exerted by the object at the hook (Tension).

9
 Kleighing machine
A weighing machine doesn’t measure the weight but measures the force exerted by object on the
surface . (Upper surface).
 Frame of Reference
It is a platform which is used to observe a body.
 Inertial frame
These are Non accelerating frame.
 Non inertial frame:
These are accelerating frame.
 Noninertial frame:
These are accelerating frames. When we draw the non inertial of a free body diagram of a body, then
an extra force must be included in that diagram and it is known as pseudo force.
→ Direction of pseudo force is opposite the acceleration of the frame.
→ Magnitude of pseudo force is the product of mass of the body and acceleration of the frame.
 Motion of man in a lift - Lift moving up with acc - a

Lift moving downward with an acceleration - a

Note : If the lift is moving with constant velocity then a = 0

10
 Friction
It is an opposing force which always opposses relative motion between two surfaces in contact.
Types of friction
i) static friction
ii) Kinetic friction
Static friction is the frictional force whenever there is no relative motion between the contact surfaces.
Kinetic friction is the frictional force whenever there is relative motion between the contact surfaces.
 Frictional force V/s applied force

f max
kinetic fric
fric
force
static
applied force
fmax - limiting friction.
 Law of static friction
Limiting friction and Normal reaction
f max α N
f max = µs N

µs = 1 coefficient of static friction

Note :
Limiting frictional force independent of the apparentarea of contact.
The limiting frictional force depends on the nature of surfaces in contact.
 Law of kinetic friction
Kinetic friction and Normal reaction
fk & N
fk = µ k N

µ k ⇒ coefficient of kinetic friction .

 Points to remember
check whether body is moving or not.
If net force (other than friction) greater than limiting friction, then the body will move, otherwise body is
at rest.
If the body is at rest, then frictional force is equal to net force.
If the body is in motion, then the friction will be kinetic friction.

1)

11
 find (i) acc
ii) fric force
f max = µs N = 0.5 × 50 = 25N
5 < 25, so body will not move.
So N acc = 0, f = 5

2)

find (i) acc

(ii) fric force

N + 18 = 50
N=2
f max = µsN = 0.5 × 2 = 16N
Net F = mass ×acc f= 16 N
8=5×a
a = 1.6 m/s2

eg: find a

T − µm1g = m1 a ___ (1)

12
 m 2 g − T = m 2 a ____ ( 2 )

m2g − µm1g = ( m 2 + m1 ) a ; ( m2 − µm1 ) g = ( m 2 + m1 ) a

a=
( m 2 − µm1 ) g
( m 2 + m1 )

Eg:

s Sinθ
m 1
g

g c os θ
m1
co s θ
m 1g
T − m1g sin θ − µm1g cos θ = m1a ___ (1)

m 2 g − R = m 2 a ____ ( 2 )
(1) + (2)
m 2 g − m1g sin θ − µm1g cos θ = m1a + m 2 a
 Motion in a rough inclined plane
Suppose a motion up the plane takes under the action of pull F acting parallel to the plane.

- a
acc
N
F

θ
in m θ
m gs os
g c
m
θ
g cos
m

13
 F − µmg cos θ − mg sin θ = ma
If there is no external force, then assume that block sliding down with acc - a, then frictional force
acting in the opposite direction. So we can write.
Net f = mass × acc
mg sin θ − µmg cos θ = ma
a = g sin θ − µg cos θ
If the block is projected up along the plane with home intial velocity, then frictional force will act in the
downward direction.
Net F = mass ×acc
− ( mg sin θ + µmg cos θ ) = ma

a = − ( g sin θ + µg cos θ )

 Angle of repose or angle of sliding ( θ )

The angle of respose is defined as the minimum angle of inclination of a plane with the horizontal such
that a body placed on the plane just begins to slide down.

at angle of repose f will be limiting friction.

∴ mg sin θ = f ; mg sin θ = µmg cos θ ; tan θ = µ
θ = tan −1 µ
f angle of inclined plane > tan −1 µ, then block will slide down, otherwise block will be at rest.
 Block on block problems:

find the minimum value F at which slipping between the block starts.
f max = µs N = 0.5 × 20 = 10N
Max value of force acting on 2kg is 10 Newton. So maximum acc of 2kg is 5m/s 2. Means that
upto 5m/s2 acceleration they move together.

14
 acc = f 7

5= f 7 ; F = 35 N
∴ Upto 35 N they move together..

f1 ⇒ friction between locks

f2 ⇒ friction between lower block and gnd
Find the minimum value of f, so that slipping between the block starts.

f max1 = µs N = 0.2 × 20 = 4N

f max 2 = µs N = 0.1× 60 = 6N

Maximum force obtained for 2 kg is 4 N, so its maximum acceleration is 2m/s2. Which means that
upto 2m/s2 acceleration they move together.

F−6
acc =
6
F−6
2=
6
F = 18 N
Upto 18 N, they move together.

 Angle of friction (α)

The angle of friction is the angle which the resultant of force of the limiting friction and normal reaction
makes with the direction of normal reaction.

15
 Here R is the resultant of N and f max.

f max µN
tan α = ; tan α = ; α = tan −1 µ
N N
 Motion in a vertical circle:
Let us consider the motion of a point mass object tied to the strong of length  and whirled in the
vertical circle, at any time the body is at the angular position 'θ' .

Centripetal force is provided by T − mg cos θ and the tangential force is provided by mg sin θ . So we
can write
mv 2
T − mg cos θ =


mv 2
∴ T= + mg cos θ

T will be maximum, when θ = 0, ie bottom most point.

mv 2bot
Tmax = + mg ( Vbot ⇒ vel at bottom point)

T will be minimum, when θ = 180,ie top most po int

mv 2top
Tmin = − mg(Vtop ⇒ vel at top po int)


16
 v 2bot
m + mg
∴
Tmax
= 
Tmin mv 2top
− mg

mv 2
T= + mg cos θ

2
mVbot
Tbot = + mg cos θ _____ (1)

2
mVtop
Ttop = + mg cos180

2
mVtop
Ttop = − mg

minimum value of tension is zero (ie tension can’t be negative)
mv 2top
0= − mg ; Vtop = g ; Vtop = g

∴ To successfully complete the loop, minimum value of velocity at the topmost point is g
From this we can find minimum value of velocity at the bottom most point.

Vtop 

x
Apply energy = final energy

Vbot
Intial energy = final energy
Intial energy = final energy
Initial K.E + Intial P.E = final K.E + final P.E.
1 1
mv 2bot + 0 = mv 2top + mg ( 2 ) ;
1 1
( ) + mg ( 2 )
2
mv 2bot = m g
2 2 2 2
2
Vbot = g + 4g ; 2
Vbot = 5g

17
 Vbot = 5g
To successfully complete the loop velocity at bottom most point must be greater than or equal to
5g .
Note:

In this case to successfully complete the loop, minimum value of velocity of the topmost point should
be zero.
By applying energy conservation, we can find minimum value of velocity at the bottom most point.
K.Fi + P.Ei = K.E f + P.Ef
1 1 1 1
mv 2bot + 0 = mv 2top + mg ( 2 ) ; mv 2bot = m ( 0 ) + 2mg
2

2 2 2 2

v 2bot = 4g ; v bot = 4g

1) If U > 5g , then the particle will successfully complete the loop.

2) If 0 ≤ U ≤ 2g , then motion of the particle will be oscillatory..

3) If 2g < U ≤ 5g , the motion will be combination of circular motion and projectile motion.

eg:

18
 1 1
K.E i + P.Ei = K.E f + P.E f ; m ( 5g ) + 0 = mv 2 + mg
2 2

5g v2
= + g ; 5g = v 2 + 2g
2 2

v 2 = 3g v = 3g
Net cent force = centripetal force.
mv 2
T=
R
m
T= 3g = 3mg


eg:

K.E i + P.Ei = K.E f + P.E f

1 1
m ( 4g ) + 0 = mv 2 + mg (  = ωs60 )
2 2
1 g v 2 3g v 2
2mg = mv 2 + mg  ; 2g − = ; = ; V = 3g
2 2 2 2 2 2
mv 2
Netcent F = Centripetal for T − mg cos 60 =

m ( 3g )
T − mg = ; T = 3mg +
mg ; T = 7mg
2  2 2
eg: A point mass ‘m’ starts from rest and slides down the surface of a frictionless hemisphere of radius r
as shown in the figure. Find the angle at which mass flies off the hemisphere.

Apply energy conservation K.E A + P.E A = K.E B + P.E B

19
 1 1
0 + mg r = mv 2 + mg r cos θ ; mg r (1 − cos θ ) = mv 2
2 2

2gr (1 − cos θ ) = v 2

mv 2
Centre Net F = Centripetal force mg cos θ − N = but at that point N = 0
r
mv 2
mg cos θ = ; v 2 = gr cos θ
r

cos θ = 2 ;
3 ( 3)
θ = cos −1 2

2gr (1 − cos θ ) = v 2 ; 2gr (1 − cos θ ) = gr cos θ ; 2gr = 3gr cos θ

 Turning of a vehicle on a circular level road.
A car moving on a flat, horizontal road, negotiates a curve as shown in the figure. The force that
enables the car to remain in its circular path is the static friction. The maximum speed Vmax, the car can
have around the curve is the speed at which it is on the verge of skidding outward. At this point
frictional force has maximum value.

mVmax 2 mVmax 2 mVmax 2

∴ µ0 N = ; µ 0 mg = ; µ 0 mg =
r r r

Vmax = µgr
Maximum speed doesn’t depends on the mass of the car.
 Banking of roads (Without friction)
The curved road ways are designed in such a way that a vehicle will not have to rely on friction to round
the curve without sliding.

Here N sin θ will provide necessary centripetal force.

mv 2
N sin θ ≥ ; N cos θ = mg
r
20
 N sin θ mv 2
dividing these equations we get ≥
N cos θ r
mg

v2
tan θ ≥ ;
rg

v 2 ≤ r g tan θ ; v ≤ r g tan θ

Vmax = rg tan θ
This is the maximum speed for safe turning.
 Banking of road with friction

mv 2
µN cos θ + N sin θ ≥ − − (1)
r
N cos θ = mg + µN sin θ
N cos θ − µN sin θ = mg − − ( 2 )

(1) µN cos θ + N sin θ v 2

≥
( 2) N cos θ − µN sin θ rg

µN cos θ N sin θ
+ 2
N cos θ N cos θ ≥ v µ + tan θ v 2 v 2 µ + tan θ  µ + tan θ 
≥ ; ≤ ; V ≤ rg 
2
N cos θ µN sin θ rg ; 
− 1 − µ tan θ rg rg 1 − µ tan θ  1 − µ tan θ 
N cos θ N cos θ

 µ + tan θ  rg ( µ + tan θ )
V ≤ rg   Vmax =
 1 − µ tan θ  (1 − µ tan θ )
 Bending of cyclist on road

21
 N ⇒ Normal reaction
f ⇒ frictional force
R is the resultant of normal reaction and friction.
mv 2
∴ R cos θ = mg ; R sin θ ≥
R
mv 2
R sin θ v2
≥ R ; tan θ ≥ Rg ; V ≤ Rg tan θ
2

R cos θ mg

V ≤ Rg tan θ ; Vmax = Rg tan θ

 LAW OF CONSERVATION OF LINEAR MOMENTUM (LCLM)
In the absence of any external force or when the external forces can be neglected incomparison to the
internal forces, the linear momentum of system of particles remains the same.

 dp
if Fext = 0 , then =0
dt

P = Const

acc to law of conservation of linear momentum

Momentum of the system be f = Momentum of the system of t
m1u1 + m 2 u 2 = m1v1 + m 2 v 2
m1u1 − m1v1 = m 2 v 2 − m 2 u 2
m1 ( u1 − v1 ) = m2 ( v 2 − u 2 )

( u1 − v1 ) = m ( v 2 − u 2 )
m1 ; −m1a1 = m 2 a 2 ; − F1 = F2
∆t ∆t
2

ie; during collision force acting on the 1st body is equal and opposite to the 2nd body.
So Newton’s third law can be proved using law of conservation of linear momentum.
Example
A boy of mass ‘m’ is standing on a platform of mass M kept on the smooth floor. If the boy start moving
on the platform with speed ‘v0’ relative to the platform, with what velocity relative to the floor, does the
platform recoil.

22
 According to LCLM Vel of man w.r.t plat form = v0
Mom be f = Mom of ter v1+ v2 = v0
m×0 + M×0 = mv1 + M(–v2) v1 = v0 – v2
0 = mv1 – M(–v2 )
Mv2 = mv1
Mv2 = m(v0 –v2)
Mv2 = mv0 – mv2
Mv2 + mv2 = mv0
(M + m) v2 = mv0

mvo
V2 =
M+m
Example
A body of mass m is riding on a trolley of mass M which is moving on the smooth floor at speed vo. He
jumps off in opposite direction of trolley with velocity u aelotive to the trolley before the jump. Find the
velocity of trolley after the jump.

Acc to LCLM
Mom be f = Mom after
mv0 + Mv0 = Mv 2 + m ( − v1 )

mv0 + Mv0 = Mv 2 − mv1 − − − (1)

Vel of man relative to trolley be f jump = u
v1 + v0 = u ; v1 = u − v0 − − − ( 2 )

mv0 + mv0 = Mv 2 − m ( u − v0 ) ; mv0 + Mv0 = mv 2 − mu + mvo

Mvo + mu = Mv 2

Mv 0 + mu
V2 =
M
 Recoil velocity of the gun

Acc to LCLM
Mom be f = Mom a ft

23
 M× 0 + m × 0 = mv + M(–V); 0 = mv − MV
mv
V=
M
In the above if bullet is moving with speed V0 relative to the gun, then
Vel of bullet w.r.t gun = V0
v+ V = v0
v = v0 – V
mv = MV
m ( v0 − V ) = Mv ; mv 0 − mV = MV

mvo = MV + mV ; mvo = ( M + m ) V

mv 0
V=
M+m
Note :
If n bullets are fired per second from a gun, then force acting on the gun is given as
F = nmv
Where m ⇒ mass of the bullet
V ⇒ Velocity of the bullet.
 Rocket propulsion
We need to find thrust force acting on the rocket

vel -v vel -(v+dv)

vf vel of fuel with

respect to rocket
m-dm

dm
vf
Acc to LCLM
Mom of system be f = Mom of system of t
mv = ( m − dm )( v + dv ) + dm ( − vf )
mv = mv + mdv – dmv – dmdv - dmvf neglect
0 = mdv – d mv – dmvf
mdv = dm (v+ vf); mdv = dm vr
dv dm dv dm dm
m = Vr ; m = − Vr ; ma = Vr
dt dt dt dt dt

24
 Vel of fuel w.r.t = Vr rocket
Vf + V = Vr
dm
mass decreasing ∴ ⇒ negative
dt
dm dm
∴ Force acting on the rocket Fth = − Vr ; Fth = Vr acting in the upward direction.
dt dt
dm
Vr is also known as Exhaust speed. is rate of fuel consumption
dt
dm
Net forceacting on the rocket Fnet = Vr − mg ( with gravity )
dt
dm
Fnet = Vr ( with gravity )
dt
 acc of the rocket
Fnet
a= (Here ‘m’ is the mass of the rocket at an instant, at which acceleration is calculated)
m
Vr dm Vr dm
a= − g ( with gravity ) ; a = ( without gravity )
m dt m dt
 Velocity of the rocket
assume intially mass of the rocket = m0
velocity of the rocket = V0
at any time mass of the rocket = m
velocity of the rocket = v
dm dv dm
F = −Vr ; m = − Vr
dt dt dt
v m
dm
∫ dv = −Vr ∫
dm
mdv = − Vr dm ; dv = − Vr ; m
m v0 m0

v − v o = −Vr [ log m ]m ; v − vo = −Vr [ log m − log m0 ]

m
o

m mo
v − v o = − Vr log v − v o = − Vr log
m0 ; m

m0
v = v o + Vr log
m
Example
A rocket of initial mass 6000 kg ejects gases at constant rate 20 kg/s with constant relative speed of 8
km/s. What is the acceleration of the rocket after 100 sec.
a) With out gravity b) With gravity
m 0 = 6000kg

25
 dm
= 20kg / s at t = 0 mass = 6000 kg
dt
Vr = 8 km/s = 8000 m/s at t = 100 mass = 6000 – 20 × 100
= 6000 – 2000= 4000
t = 100 sec
a=?
Vr dm 8000
a) Without gravity a = = × 20 = 40m / s 2
m dt 4000
Vr dm
b) With gravity a= − g = 40 − 10 = 30m / s 2
m dt
Example
A rocket is set for vertical set for vertical firing . If the Exhaust speed is 2000 m/s, find the rate of fuel
consumption (i) To just lift the rocket.
(ii) To give to rocket an intial vertical acceleration 30 m/s2
(mass of the rocket 6000 kg)
(i) To just lift the rocket
dm
Upthrust = Weight of the body Vr = mg
dt
dm dm
2000 × = 6000 × 10 ; = 30kg / s
dt dt
(ii) To give an initial acc 30 m/s2 up
Vrel dm 2000 dm
a= − g ; 30 = × − 10
m dt 6000 dt
1 dm dm
40 = × ; = 120kg / s
3 dt dt

26