EXPLAINED WITH
WORKED EXAMPLES
BY
S H E F I U S . Z A K A R I YA H
PREFACE
After a successful dissemination of the previous books1, which are available online, in
your hands is another book for potential scientists and engineers. This current work –
Linear Motion Explained with Worked Examples – offers 100 worked examples. There are
two main parts in this book; one gives a broad explanation of the topic and the other
presents worked examples. The questions used in this work are similar to those in
physics, mathematics and / or engineering textbooks designed for A-level, college and
university students. Advanced learners, particularly those returning to study after a
break from the academic environment, will also find this helpful. Additionally, it could
be used as a reference guide by teachers, tutors, and other teaching staffs during classes
and for assessment (quizzes, home works and examinations).
Finally, many thanks to my colleagues who have offered suggestions and comments,
especially Khadijah Olaniyan (Loughborough University, UK), Shazamin Shahrani
(University of Sussex, UK) and Dr. Abdul Lateef Balogun (Saudi).
Pertinent suggestions, feedback and queries are highly welcome and can be directed to
the author at the address below.
1
These (and future publications) are available at https://independent.academia.edu/ShefiuZakariyah/ or
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shefiu_Zakariyah .
i
Disclaimer
The author has exerted all effort to ensure an accurate presentation of questions and
their associated solutions in this book. The author does not assume and hereby
disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors
or omissions, either accidently or otherwise in the course of preparing this book.
ii
CONTENTS
PREFACE ................................................................................................................................................................. I
DISCLAIMER ........................................................................................................................................................... II
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
Motion of objects – living and non-living matter - is one of the key branches of physics.
It finds applications in numerous fields such as engineering, medicine, geology, and
sport science among others. Whether you drive (or you are driven), walk, jog or fly in
the air, you are exercising some form of motion. When in this state, habitually one is
interested in how much longer, when, and how quickly one can get to his / her
destination. Having answers to these and similar questions would be very useful to
individuals, and this is exactly the discourse of this book.
In this current work, we will be considering motion in one dimension called linear
motion. In other words, attention is only given to vertical, horizontal and any other
forms of straight line motion, such as motion on an inclined surface. Furthermore,
motion will be analysed without making reference to its causes, i.e. forces. This is to say
that this book deals with kinematics; dynamics on the other hand will be dealt with in
the nearest future – keep fingers crossed. One more thing that I should add here is that,
for this topic we will keep our discussion concise and focus more on the examples.
However, further information on the topic can be obtained from the reference list
provided at the end of this book.
Let us take a little time to review the variables or terms commonly used in this topic. By
a variable, we mean ‘what varies’ of course, but more specifically it refers to physical
quantities that we measure. So what are the variables commonly used in this subject?
Here we go:
(a) Distance: is a change in position relative to a reference (or zero) point. It is a scalar2
quantity, measured in metre3 (m) and as such, it can only be positive.
(b) Displacement: is a change in position relative to a reference (or zero) point in a
particular direction. It is a vector4 quantity and also measured in metre (m). Various
letters are used to represent both displacement and distance, but the most
2
It is a physical quantity that has (or is described with) a magnitude only.
3
This is the fundamental SI unit for distance, but other units can also be used or found in use.
4
It is a physical quantity that has (or is described with) both a magnitude and a direction. As a result, it can be
positive or negative in value depending on the chosen direction of reference. A positive sign is generally omitted
but a negative value is indicated unless if this is substituted with a word or term that indicates such.
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commonly used ones are , and . Displacement, being a vector, can be positive or
negative.
(c) Average Speed: is the rate of change of distance. It is a scalar quantity, measured in
metre per second (m/s or ms-1). Since speed is likely to change over the course of
motion, it is often useful to give the average speed, which can be obtained using:
When we refer to the speed at a given point in time, we are talking about what is
‘technically’ called instantaneous speed (or simply speed). This is the speed recorded
by a car’s speedometer. It is mathematically given as
where
, and
(d) Average Velocity: is the rate of change of displacement and is also measured in
metre per second (m/s or ms-1). Unlike speed, it is a vector quantity, which is
expressed as
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or simply
where
,
, and
When the symbols and are used together, refers to the initial velocity and the
final velocity. or can also be used to represent the initial velocity or you may find
other symbols being used. Furthermore, it is possible to find that the symbol is used
for speed, but this is more appropriately ‘reserved’ for distance.
At this point we need to clear a misconception that could occur (and this is indeed
found among students). In data analysis (or statistics) for example, average or mean is
computed by diving the sum of all the values with the number of the items as
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This is not generally the case in linear motion. For instance, if a journey is undertaken at
three different velocities denoted as , , and the average velocity denoted as is
not equal to the sum of the three velocities divided by three. In other words,
The average value in linear motion can only be computed similarly to the average value
in statics if the time spent at each of the velocity is equal. That is to say
(e) Average Acceleration: is the rate of change of velocity and is measured in metre per
second squared (m/s2 or ms-2). It is also a vector quantity and can be evaluated
using
In other words, the velocity can remain constant while a body accelerates (possibly due
to a change in direction). A typical example is a body moving in a circular path at a
constant velocity. Since the direction of the motion keeps changing at every particular
point, the body is said to accelerate although there is no change in the value of the
velocity.
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or simply
where
,
, and
In general, the letter is used for acceleration, however, an object undergoing vertical
motion in the vicinity of the earth experiences a uniform acceleration, irrespective of the
characteristics (shape, mass, or density) of the object. This is termed acceleration due to
gravity (or free-fall acceleration); it is denoted by the letter and has a value of
(correct to two significant) at sea level. This value slightly varies as one moves
from the equator to either the South or North pole and also on the elevation (or altitude)
of the object from the Earth’s surface. This free fall acceleration acts as though it is
pulling a body towards the centre of the Earth.
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When acceleration is negative, it is called deceleration. It is worth noting that when the
velocity decreases it does not necessarily mean the body is decelerating, it rather
implies that acceleration is in an opposite direction from the chosen reference axis.
However, the word retardation can be correctly used to mean that a body slows down
or its speed decreases. To erase any confusion, we can say that
Case 1. If the velocity increases, then the sign of both velocity and acceleration
must be the same (positive or negative).
Case 2. If the velocity decreases, then the sign of velocity and acceleration must be
opposite, i.e. if one is positive the other must be negative.
Note that when an object is thrown vertically upwards, its velocity decreases until it
reaches zero at its maximum height; therefore, and based on what was stated above,
velocity and acceleration must have different signs. Thus velocity is positive and
acceleration (due to gravity) is negative. Similarly, if a particle falls freely, it gains
velocity so both velocity and acceleration must have the same sign, a positive sign.
Time is another important variable that is inevitably used in this topic and it is one of
the fundamental units; as such I believe we do not require a ‘formal’ definition for this
or do we? Table 1 below gives a summary of what has been presented on these six
variables and these will be our ‘tools’ for analysis.
Scalar /
Quantity Unit Calculus5
Vector
5
These are instantaneous values (velocity and acceleration) given as differentials and / or integrals.
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Before we leave this section, it will be useful to mention a term which frequently occurs
in motion or in mechanics as a whole. The term is ‘particle’, and it refers to a point-like
matter which has a relatively negligible size and mass. One final quick note on average
and instantaneous values is that when acceleration or velocity remains constant its
average and instantaneous values are both equal. Hopefully this is clear, or you may
want to reflect on this.
The equations presented so far can be used to analyse simple motion problems.
However, a complex problem particularly when the object is accelerating will require
that an advance equation is used. These equations called equations of motion are
summarised in the table below. Note that these equations are valid when the
acceleration is constant (or can be considered, by approximation, to be constant)
otherwise these equations cannot be used. Furthermore, equation 5 in Table 2 is not
distinctive because it can be derived by combining equations 1 and 2 in the same Table
2 as demonstrated below.
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4 ( ) ( )
( )
This is the reason why some textbooks only list the first four equations. Anyway, note
the following subtle differences between equations 2 and 5 from Table 2:
(i) Equation 2 has an initial velocity while equation 5 has a final velocity.
(ii) Equation 2 has a positive sign between its two terms while equation 5 has a
negative sign in the same place.
Furthermore, if we carefully look at the above table of equations, we will discover that
each equation has four variables. To use an equation, we need to carry out two quick
checks, namely:
Check 1. First and foremost, it must have the variable we are solving for.
Check 2. It must have the other three variables in the chosen equation, either given
in the problem or obtained from another calculation.
Once these are satisfied, we then need to substitute the known variables in order to
solve for the unknown quantity. In a situation where the ‘check 2’ above is not
completely satisfied, perhaps we have two known variables, it is likely that we would
need to combine two equations from Table 2 in order to arrive at an answer.
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On a final note, although it is worthwhile to know how certain equations are derived,
but we will not be showing the ‘how’ for equations of motion. If you are interested in
this kindly do refer to the reference / further reading list or any other source of your
choice.
Graphs are used for various purposes in science and engineering, and for one-
dimensional motion there is no exception. In particular, complex motion problems,
which could prove difficult with the equations of motion, can easily be solved
graphically. For this we will be using a two-axis graph where only two variables are
involved. In each of the graph, time is by default the horizontal axis (or ). Since
we have six physical quantities, it implies that there are five different types of graphs,
namely:
In each case, the first named quantity is plotted on the vertical axis (or ). For
example, in a distance-time graph, distance and time are plotted on the vertical and
horizontal axes respectively. Furthermore, while it is general to consider graphs (i) & (ii)
and (iii) & (iv) as separate, the pairs are however identical. Hence, in practice we have
three different graphs, i.e. (i) distance-time or displacement-time graph, (ii) speed-time
graph or velocity-time graph, and (iii) acceleration-time graph.
For a uniform motion, the paths under the graphs are straight lines (vertical, horizontal
or slanting) but for a non-uniform motion, the graphs can be of any shapes such as
parabola, exponential, etc. Our focus will be on the former (straight line graphs).
Whatever the graphs, two things are usually of interest for analysis. These are the slope
and under the area on the graph. Each of the two (slope and area) will result into (or be
equivalent to) one of the aforementioned six variables (apart from time) depending on
the type of graph as shown in Table 3.
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speed
1 Distance-time ( ) meaningless
velocity
2 Displacement-time ( ) meaningless
acceleration
4 Velocity-time ( ) displacement
AND
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WORKED EXAMPLES
Section 1. Equations of Motion [3] Given , , in a problem, decide which
equation to use to find .
INTRODUCTION
In this first section of the Worked Examples, we Solution
will begin by getting familiar with the equations
of motion. This is achieved by giving certain The equation that connects the four variables and
variables and deciding on which equation is to be which should be used to solve this problem is
used to determine an unknown variable. In
addition, we will put into test our ability to
substitute values into an equation in order to find
unknown variable(s). Do not worry as this will be What Next 1. Substitute the values.
basic; but if you are confident with this already, What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the
feel free to move to any section of your choice.
right hand side.
[1] Given , , in a problem, decide which What Next 3. Write the final answer.
equation to use to find . [4] Given , , in a problem, decide which
equation to use to find .
Solution
The equation that connects the four variables and Solution
which should be used to solve this problem is The equation that connects the four variables and
which should be used to solve this problem is
What Next 1. Substitute the values. ( )
What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the
right hand side. What Next 1. Substitute the values.
What Next 3. Write the final answer. What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the
What Next 1. Substitute the values. which should be used to solve this problem is
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The equation that connects the four variables and What Next 4. Write the final answer.
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Solution
Step 1. Decide on the formula.
We need to use
( )
()
This suggests that the initial and final velocities
Step 2. Solve for .
are equal but opposite, which might imply that
Substituting the given values in equation (i), we
equal distance is covered in two opposing
will have
directions with a net value of zero.
therefore
( )
NOTE
Step 3. Solve for .
One may wonder why the distance, s, is zero
Substituting the given values in equation (ii), we
when the velocity is not. This is possible since we
will have
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INTRODUCTION
By now we should have developed a degree of . /
confidence with the variables used in linear
motion and how to choose a suitable equation for
obtaining the unknown quantity. In this section, it [15] Mu’aadh lives in Jeddah and wants to travel
is time we engage in, at least for now, basic
problems involving speed and distance. Let us get to Makkah to perform a lesser pilgrimage. If
on with this right away. the distance between his residence in Jeddah
[14] A plane flies from London Heathrow Airport and Makkah is and the maximum safe
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Step 3. Trip time from Dubai to London. Therefore, the longest time to stop for rest is
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Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. From (iii),
that is
as before.
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Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. From (ii)
From (ii)
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
From (i)
We are given the following
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( )
( ) Thus,
( )
Also,
Now let
( )
( )
( ) Hence,
( )
( )
( )
Step 2. Calculate the average speed for
within Birmingham and on the
. / . /
motorways.
. /
Thus,
( )
[19] ETS North bound train from Kualar Lumpur
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( )
Step 2. Calculate the average speed.
[20] From Abuja, a motorist travels
southwards heading to Port Harcourt
But the total time . Due to an emergency, he makes a
U- turn and travels northwards at
to a nearby service station.
Determine the difference between the average
speed and the average velocity on this
Thus,
journey assuming he travels on a straight
road.
. /
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( )
Step 3. Calculate the average speed when the
time spent to stop at each station is
increased to 9 .
The actual time spent on the journey, excluding If and are the time spent for the journey
the waiting times at the 10 stations, in the towards the north and south respectively, then
Also,
Also, the time spent at the stations in the current
case is:
( )
. / . /
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NOTE
You see here that we have taken as the
initial velocity and as the final velocity
( )
although the question did not specify. This is
Step 4. Calculate the difference between the
because the word ‘initial’ means the first in the
average speed and the average velocity
series, so is the first velocity in the part
on the trip.
we are considering.
If represents the difference between the average
speed and the average velocity then Furthermore, it should be added that the final
velocity in one part of a journey could represent
( ) the initial velocity in the succeeding part of the
same journey. We will come across this later in
( ) this book.
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Solution
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Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
NOTE
The word ‘rest’ is typically used to mean that the
velocity is zero. As a result, we assign .
This is a general principle and you will find this Step 2. Calculate the average acceleration.
frequently used in linear motion. Average acceleration is
Thus
( )
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[28] In a traffic accident involving a car and a maintaining a constant speed. How far has it
truck, the car's velocity changed from covered during the acceleration period?
to in .
(i) What is the acceleration of the car? Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
(ii) Express the acceleration of the car as
multiple acceleration due to gravity, , to
the nearest whole number.
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. Step 2. Calculate the distance.
( )( )
Solution
Step 3. Calculate the multiples of of the
Step 1. Write out the given values.
driver’s acceleration.
If the multiples of the acceleration is denoted by ⁄
then ⁄
| |
[29] A passenger bus starts from rest at a bus stop Re-arrange the formula to make the subject
on a straight road and moves with a uniform
acceleration of for before
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Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Case 1. Distance for braking from .
Substitute the given values in the above equation
to determine
( )
Case 2. Distance for braking from .
Substitute the values, we will have
Substitute the given values in the above equation
to determine ( )
Step 3. Calculate how much further to travel for acceleration of the car (in ) and the
.
Solution
Find the ratio of the two distances and as
Step 1. Write out the given values.
. /
. /
or
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direction of the ball is completely reversed Step 1. Write out the given values.
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Therefore
Substituting the values, we will have
√
( )( ) Substitute the values, we will have
√
√
NOTE
Step 3. Convert the speed from m/s to km/h.
Alternatively, we can use
with an acceleration of . Find its Step 1. Write out the given values.
Solution
Step 2. Calculate the velocity.
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( )
( )
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Solution
INTRODUCTION
Unlike previous sections, in this section we will be Step 1. Write out the given values.
solving more challenging problems. Are you
ready? Then, let us get started.
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( )( )
( )
( )
( )
This implies that
as before.
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Solution Using
( )
[40] The speed of a particle increases from complete halt after . Determine:
to in . Calculate the rate of change (i) the rate at which it slowed down, and
and the time taken for this increment. (ii) the distance covered during this period.
Solution Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. Step 1. Write out the given values.
Using
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Hence
Substituting the values, we will have
( )( )
as before.
Solution
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Step 1. Sketch the journey.
A B C
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Therefore
Step 3. Calculate the time taken to stop.
Note that for this part of the journey, we have
Therefore,
Substitute the values in above equation to have
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
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NOTE
Alternatively, we can say
Step 5. Calculate how much farther the drunk Step 2. Calculate the time.
( )
( )( )
Either
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Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( )( )
Either
( )( )
or
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and speed-time graphs for the interval is zero can be found at in equation (ii)
. as
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Step 4. Sketch the position-time, velocity-time
and speed-time graphs for .
Step 2. Write down equations for its position
position-time graph
and velocity at time seconds.
30
Its position at time is
25
20
position (m)
15
( )
10
()
5
Its velocity at time is
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
time (s)
( )
( )
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the velocity at .
velocity-time graph
15
Solution
10
Step 1. Write out the given values.
velocity (m/s)
-15 ( ) ( ) ( )
time (s)
speed-time graph
12 ( ) ( ) ( )
10
speed (m/s)
8
At , the position of the particle is
6
4
( ) ( ) ( )
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
At , the position of the particle is
tine (s)
( ) ( ) ( )
[50] A particle moves such that its position
metres at time seconds is given by the
expression .
At , the position of the particle is
(i) Determine the position of the particle
when times , , , , and .
( ) ( ) ( )
(ii) Construct a table showing the position of
the particle at these times.
(iii) Draw a position- time graph. At , the position of the particle is
(iv) State the times when the particle is at the
origin and describe the direction in which ( ) ( ) ( )
it is moving at those times.
(v) Using the graph in (iv) or otherwise, find
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Step 3. Construct a table. Taking the values of and at two points, we can
The table showing the positions of the particle at find the gradient
the interval is shown below. ( )
( ) 0 1 2 3 4 5
( ) 0 -12 -32 -42 -24 40
38.3
Hence, the velocity at is correct to 2
Step 4. Sketch a graph of the position against
significant figures.
time.
30 differentiation as
20
position, x (m)
10
Point 1
( )
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
-10
-20 ( )
-30
-40
-50
time (s)
Point 2 The above is a velocity as a function of time. To
Step 5. State the times when the particle is at the find the velocity at , we simply substitute for
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and
()
( ) ( ) in .
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Faisal
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√ ( )( ) to be on a straight path,
( ) (i) Write down an expression for of the
√ train at time .
(ii) Write down an expression for of the
either
train at time
√
(iii) When and where do the trains meet?
Solution
or
Step 1. Write out the given values.
√
For T1
[53] Between two terminals E1 and D1 for
We have
international and domestic flights
respectively, trains are used to transfer
Since it implies that
passengers. If a train T1 starts from terminal
E1 and accelerates uniformly for
or
until it reaches a maximum speed of .
At the same time, a train T2 starts from D1
and accelerates uniformly for until
it reaches the same maximum speed of
. The two trains then maintain the
For T2
maximum speed of for after
Similarly we will have
leaving their respective terminals. The
distance between the two terminals is
Again, since it implies that
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Airport E1 after is
( )( ) ] , ( )- { ( )
[
, - , -
or
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constant rate of . The positive value indicates that the total change
(iii) Calculate the change in the boat’s speed in speed for each 7 s cycle is increase.
for each cycle. Step 4. Calculate the finishing speed.
(iv) What is John’s speed as he crosses the The speed with which John would finish his race
finishing line, if he starts the race from is given by
rest?
Since he starts from the rest and takes to
Solution complete then
Step 1. Find the change in speed that takes place
in water. But
If the acceleration in the water is then ( )
Thus
( )
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where
Substituting the values, we will have
( ) ( )( ) ( )
( ) ( )
Substitute the values to have
We know that
[56] , and are three Non-Stop stations for a
High Speed train connecting two major cities.
Assuming , and are a on a straight
railway track and station is mid-way
Where is the distance covered during a constant
between stations and . If the speeds with
velocity, which is , i.e. two-third of .
which the train passes and are
Substituting the values, we will have
and respectively, what is the speed
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( )
For journey Substituting the values, we will have
( )
( )
Now equate the right-hand sides of equations (ii) Divide through by 12
and (iii)
()
Step 2. Find another expression involving and
’.
√ ( )
The distance from the junction to the end of the
tunnel can be calculated using
[57] From a speed of at a T-junction, Barrak
accelerates his car along a straight highway
For this case,
road. He observes that he reaches a tunnel
from the junction and that he
crosses the tunnel, which is long, in a
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Vel. / (m/s)
Divide through by 18
( )
B E
Step 3. Find the values of and .
To find , subtract equation (i) from (ii),
C D F
A
20 60 70
From equation (i), time / (sec)
[58] A passenger bus starts from a stop and travels [59] A roller skater, Hawwah, starts off with an
until it reached a maximum velocity. It sloppy surface where she gains speed at a
travels with this maximum velocity for constant rate. If after she is already
a uniform retardation is obtained and then (i) Find an expression of her speed and
come to a halt at the next bus stop after . distance seconds after she started
and use this to calculate the total distance (ii) Given that the length of the slope is ,
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( )
time / (sec) The time taken to reach the bottom of the slope
can be found using equation (iii) as
Step 2. Find an expression for her speed as a
function of time .
Multiply by 4 and re-arrange to have,
The speed after the push is
√ ( )( )
( )
Therefore,
This implies that
()
( )
Therefore, the only valid value is .
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Solution
( )
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Note that the time has been converted from
( )
minutes to seconds.
[61] Yaasir is driving his car behind a coach at a
velocity of while the coach is moving
Vel. / (m/s)
A
C D F maintains until passing the front of the coach.
time / (sec) Calculate the distance the car travels while
Step 2. Calculate the total journey time. accelerating correct to 2 significant figures.
The total journey time, , is given by
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
The slope of AB is equal to the acceleration, i.e.
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F
A
Solution
time /(sec)
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Step 2. Calculate the time spent in
accelerating.
Vel. / (m/s)
The acceleration, , is equal to the slope of the line
CD, thus
Case 2
C D
B Case 1 E
Therefore,
F G H
A
time /(sec)
Step 3. Calculate the distance the car travels
Step 2. Calculate the time taken to react.
while accelerating.
The time, , taken to react is
The distance travels while accelerating, , is equal
to the area of the trapezium ACDF
( )
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before it catches up ?
( )
( )
Solution
Therefore, Step 1. Draw the graph.
Vel. / (m/s)
( )
time / (sec)
The deceleration of the case 2 is equal to the slope Step 2. Calculate the time.
of the line DH. Since the deceleration is the same
Let
in both cases then the slope of the line DH is also
equal to . Therefore,
( )
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( )
( )( )
Therefore, either Simplify the equation and solve for
or ( )( )
Therefore, either
as before.
or
Car A
It is important to note that cannot be
a valid answer since after 5 seconds, car A must
time / (sec) have travelled a distance of 100 m, i.e.
, a distance car B needs, at a minimum, to
travel in order to catch up with car A.
( )
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C
[65] Three junctions , and are on a straight
road. A motorcyclist passes junction with a
speed of from where he accelerates at
a constant rate of until he gets to
B E junction . He therefore pulls up with a
constant retardation of and comes to a
D F G H complete halt at junction . Given that the
A
time / (sec) total distance between junctions and is
Step 2. Calculate the value of . , find:
When the two are abreast, they must have (i) the speed of the motorcycle at junction ,
travelled the same distance. Thus, the area of and
triangle DCF is equal to the area of rectangle
(ii) the distance from junction to junction .
ABEF.
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Solution
( ) ( ) ( )
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Multiply through by 6
Vel. / (m/s)
( ) ( ) ( )
Junction Y
C
Junction X
√
Junction Z
A D E
time /(sec)
The velocity, , is the speed at which the If the distance between junction and is
motorcycle passes junction . denoted by , then is equal to the area of
the trapezium ABCD given by
If the distance covered by the motorcycle from
junction to is denoted by , then is the ( )
sum of the areas of the trapezium ABCD and
triangle CDE. Thus, Using equation (ii),
[ ( )] [ ] ( )( )
() ( )( )
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,( ) -
Vel. / (m/s)
B E
--
NOTE
C D F
A
Alternatively, let the distance covered by the
time / (min)
train be , which is equal to the sum of the
Step 2. Calculate the steady speed. distance covered in the different stages of the
Let the steady speed be , therefore journey. If , and are the distances
covered in stages 1, 2 and 3 respectively, then
or
( )
Therefore,
which implies that
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B E
NOTE
Alternatively, the total distance travelled, , is
equal to the area of the trapezium ABEF.
Therefore,
C D F
A
time / (sec) ( )
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C F
( )
The deceleration, , is the slope of line FG. This is at station . The distance between the two
given as railway stations is and the journey
takes . If the magnitude of the
acceleration is half that of deceleration, by
using graphical method, determine:
()
(i) the acceleration, in metre per second, and
The total distance covered is equal to the area of (ii) the time, in minutes, during which the
ABCFG in the above figure. Let this area be
train travels at its maximum speed.
denoted as and , and to represent the
area under acceleration, constant velocity and
Solution
deceleration respectively. Therefore,
Step 1. Draw the graph.
( )
where
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Vel. / (m/s) ( )
, ( )-
( )
A
time / (sec)
( )
( )
Therefore, time in minutes is
Equating (i) to (ii), we have
( )
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. On getting to one end of the SMART From the graph, the acceleration of the car is equal
(Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel), to the slope of the line BC, thus
where
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
( )
Vel. / (m/s)
( )
C F
But
Stage 2
Therefore,
Stage 1
D E
A
time / (sec)
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
Vel. / (m/s)
different expression for the speed.
Stage 1 : or
C D
At this stage, the speed (v) as a function of time (t)
is
B
. As he comes close to a traffic light at , the The slope of BC is equal to the acceleration of the
car between B and C, therefore
brake is applied and the car gradually comes
to rest in . Draw a velocity-time graph for
the motion, and find:
(i) the speed of the car at But , thus
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
Vel./ (m/s)
where
B
E F
Stage 2
C D G H
A
( ) time / (sec)
where
Hence,
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
[73] A coach driver leaves a garage and accelerates Note: remember to convert the time to seconds by
multiplying by 60.
at a constant rate for . He then
maintains a constant speed of for
before he begins to slow down where
uniformly as he gets close to a set of signals.
After the coach is travelling at
( )
but the signal changes to green on his
approach. He therefore increases speed
uniformly for until reaching a
( )
speed of . A road signal then orders
the coach to stop, which he obeys by slowing
down uniformly for . Using a graph
motion, calculate the distance, kilometres ( ) ( )
( ) ( )
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Vel. / (m/s)
( )
I
Therefore,
B
E
C D G H J
A
time / (min.)
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Section 6. Free fall Motion (Basic) [75] A light weight stone is thrown vertically
upwards from the ground and hits the
INTRODUCTION ground after . Calculate the maximum
So far we have had a look at linear motion in an
horizontal direction; that is to say motion that is height reached by the stone during this
not under the influence of the earth’s gravity. In journey.
this section, we will be spending time to analyse
motion in the vertical direction, which is
Solution
constantly under the effect of acceleration due to
gravity. Unless otherwise is stated in the question, Step 1. Write out the given values.
we will take the value of to be .
Step 1. Write out the given values. from and down to the ground; it thus follows
that the time taken to reach the maximum
height is half of this, i.e. .
(ii) At maximum height the ball comes to rest. In
other words, final velocity for the upward
motion is zero.
Step 2. Calculate the distance. (iii) Height is the same as the distance in the
equation of motion.
We will use these tips frequently in this and
Substituting the values, we will have
subsequent questions.
( )( )
( )
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Solution
[77] A helium-filled balloon is thrown straight
Step 1. Write out the given values.
upwards with an initial velocity of .
Assuming the air resistance is negligible,
calculate the greatest height reached and the
time taken to reach it. Take .
it implies that ,
√
( )
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
( )( )
Step 2. Calculate the time.
At the initial height the ball is at rest. This implies
that the initial velocity is zero.
√ Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
[80] A package is dropped from a helicopter
moving upwards at . If it takes
before the package reaches the ground, how
high above the ground, correct to 2 s. f., was
the package when it was released? Step 2. Calculate the velocity.
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
√
√
[82] An object falls freely from a height through a √
attained by the object, taking . [84] A 500 g parcel is dropped from a height of
, from a plane which is moving upwards
Solution with a velocity of . Determine:
Step 1. Write out the given values. (i) the initial velocity of the parcel,
(ii) the time taken for the parcel to reach the
ground? Disregard air resistance and take
the value of to be .
√
Step 2. Calculate the initial velocity.
[83] A fountain is designed such that water can be Provided the air resistance is negligible, the initial
projected vertically upwards to a height of velocity of the parcel is the same as that of the
. Determine the speed at which the water balloon. In other words,
must be leaving the fountain nozzle, leaving
the answer in surd form. Step 3. Calculate the time.
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. Substituting the values, we will have
( )
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
( )( )
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
Step 2. Calculate the velocity. Step 1. Write out the given values.
Let
( )
√ or
NOTE
Alternatively,
as before.
Solution
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INTRODUCTION
I hope you have had a go with linear motion
under a free fall – great! It is time to delve more
into this type of motion by taking some Step 3. Calculate the upward acceleration of the
challenging questions, right?
rocket during the burn phase.
[89] An amateur rocket is propelled vertically Using
upwards from the ground during which the
rocket engine provides constant upward This implies that ,
acceleration. At the instant the engine power
burns out, the rocket has risen to a height of
and acquired a velocity of . The
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Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
√
( )
NOTE
Alternatively,
( )
as before.
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
( )
( )
This is the point where
This is because the two bodies meets.
At this point, the height
(i) the final velocity is zero at the maximum above the point of
projection for the two
height, , and is equal.
(ii) acceleration due to gravity is negative for an
object moving vertically upwards. Thus Step 2. Provide tips.
Let the bodies be represented by and and
distances travelled by each be denoted with
and respectively as shown above. At the point
and
( ) ( )
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( )
We can use the following equation to find v
( )
proved. √
( ) , ( ) , and ( ) respectively.
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
( )( ) ( )
Therefore, if is the height of the building then
( ) ( ) ( )
Since the distance between the floors is constant,
we can say that
[95] An object is thrown vertically upwards with
( ) ( ) ( ) be ,
We also know that the final velocity of the journey (i) Express the height of the object above
between the 15th and the 14th floor is the same as the ground as a function of time .
initial velocity of the subsequent journey, i.e. from (ii) Use the expression in (i) to find the time
the 14th to the 13th floor. In other words, the object hits the ground and velocity
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√( ) ( )( )
( )
√
either
or
Step 2. Express the height of the object above the Since time cannot be negative, it implies that the
ground as a function of time. time taken to reach the ground is
Let the distance covered after s from the
ladder be . Therefore Step 4. Its velocity on striking the ground.
√
Step 3. Calculate the time the object strikes the
ground.
NOTE
The object hits the ground when the height is
Alternatively, the velocity of the object before it
zero, thus
hits the ground
i.e.
√
as before.
we will have
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Therefore,
[96] Two identical objects are made to collide in
the air such that one object moves vertically
upwards with a velocity of and the
other moves vertically downwards with the
same velocity. How far apart will the objects NOTE
Solution
( ) ( )
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Solution
Object thrown upwards
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( ) ( )( )
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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org
( )
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
√ ( )( )
( )
√
Therefore, either
or
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where , thus
Now let us calculate the distance from B to C
using
where , thus
From this, the height of the table is
as before.
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Solution ( ) ( )
Step 1. Write out the given values. which becomes
Also, let and be the time after the first and equation (ii)
()
The two particles meet when their height above
the ground is equal. If is the height of the first or equation (iii)
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Solution ( )
Step 1. Sketch the graph. ( )
√
Note that when the ball hits the floor, the
displacement is equal to the height above the floor
from which the ball is hit measured from the
floor. In other words,
( )( )
( )
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NOTE
Alternatively, the speed the ball hits the ground
can be obtained using the same equation
as before.
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