Science originates by observing nature and making inferences from them followed by devising
and doing experiments to verify or refute theories. The three laws of motion discovered by
Newton govern the motion of every object in nature all the time but due to the presence of
friction and air resistance, they are a little difficult to see.
This law is a little easier to observe as compared to the first law. You can throw a lighter shot put
farther than a heavier one even if you put all your energy (or force) in both the cases. This
happens because the lighter one gets more acceleration as compared to the heavier one and it is
able to cover more distance before falling down. Though there are a lot of other factors like angle
of throwing, air drag, etc. which govern the distance covered by the shot put before landing but
assuming those factors to be equivalent in both the throws, this should give you some insight that
Newton’s second law holds.
While drawing the free body diagram, you must include all the external forces on an object
including any reactions which are not mentioned in the problem but are to be deduced using
Newton’s third law of motion.
Friction
The force of friction is something you encounter all the time, so it’s the easiest to understand.
The force of friction is very interesting in that its magnitude changes upto a maximum value
depending on the external force applied on the object. Suppose you try to push a heavy box in
order to slide it to another location. You start pushing it with a little force initially and you keep
increasing the force until it starts to slide. Below that value of force, the box remains at rest
whatever be the force applied on it by you. The free body diagram of the box looks like
For the box to remain in equilibrium, the force of friction must always be equal to the force
applied by you. Hence, it concludes that the force of friction (till the box doesn’t move) equals
the applied force until it reaches a maximum after which it remains constant.
Thus, frictional force opposes (impending or actual) relative motion between two surfaces in
contact. Static friction fs o pposes impending relative motion; kinetic friction fk opposes actual
relative motion. They are independent of the area of contact and satisfy the following
approximate laws :
fs ≤ (fs)max = μsR
fk = μkR
μs ( co-efficient of static friction) and μk ( co-efficient of kinetic friction) are constants
characteristic of the pair of surfaces in contact. It is found experimentally that μk i s slightly less
than μs. I t is found experimentally that the force of friction is independent of area of contact
between the bodies as can be seen from the expressions for the force also.
Static Friction
(fs ≤
Static friction is a self-adjusting force up to its limit μsN μs N). You should not put fs= μsN
without being sure that the maximum value of static friction is coming into play.
Kinetic Friction
Frictional force that opposes relative motion between surfaces in contact is called kinetic or
sliding friction.
Important Points:
1) In all the problems on Newton’s Laws of motion, proceed by drawing the free
body diagrams for each object in the system separately and then solving for the
unknown.
2) The physics (and probably the difficult part) in these problems is to recognize
the constraints that bind the different parts of the system like the two objects have
to move with the same acceleration or the object cannot lose contact with the
surface of the incline, so the sum of forces on the object perpendicular to surface
has to be zero. Rest is mathematics and comes easy after practicing a few
problems. Once you master this ability, you can solve any problem on this topic.
3) A string has same tension in it at all points. Each infinitesimal part of the string
has the same tension trying to pull it apart in opposite directions.
Problems:
1) A mass of 5 kg is suspended by a rope of length 2 m from the ceiling. A force of 45 N in the
horizontal direction is applied at the midpoint R of the rope, as shown. What is the angle the rope
makes with the vertical in equilibrium? (Take g = 10 ms-2). Neglect the mass of the rope.
Solution: We begin by drawing the free body diagram of the mass to find T2.
As the mass is in equilibrium, the sum of all the external forces on it should be zero.
Therefore, T2 =
50 N
Solution: Again we begin by drawing a figure containing all the forces acting on the mass.
Now, instead of drawing another free body diagram, we should be able to see it in this figure
itself.
An important thing to keep in mind here is that we have resolved the force of gravity into its
components and we must not consider mg during calculations if we are taking its components
into account.
Now, as θ increases, the self-adjusting frictional force fs increases until at θ = θmax, fs a chieves its
maximum value, (fs)max = μsN .
Therefore, tanθmax = μ s or θ max = t an–1μs
When θ becomes just a little more than θmax, there is a small net force on the block and it begins
to slide.
Hence, for θmax = 2 0°,
μs = t an 20° = 0.36
3) A small block B is placed is placed on another block A of mass 7 kg and length 15 cm.
Initially the block B is near the right end of block A. A constant horizontal force of 10 N is
applied to the block A. All the surfaces are assumed frictionless. Find the time elapsed before the
block B separates from A.
Solution: As there is no friction between A and B, when the block A moves, block B remains
at rest in its position.
Now, acceleration of block A = 10/7 = 1.4 ms-2
As the block starts from rest, initial velocity, u = 0
We know that s = ut + ½ at2
0.15 = 0 + 0.7t2
which gives t = 0.46 s
4) A ball of mass 5 kg and a block of mass 12 kg are attached by a lightweight cord that passes
over a frictionless pulley of negligible mass as shown in the figure. The block lies on a
frictionless incline of angle 30o. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the two objects and the
tension in the cord. Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution:
As the objects are connected by a cord (which we assume does not stretch), their accelerations
have the same magnitude. Let us draw the free body diagrams for the two objects.
Now, we know that the block never loses contact with the
surface of the incline. Hence, in the direction perpendicular to the surface the sum of forces on
the block must be zero.
Therefore, normal force, n = 120Cos30 = 60√3 = 104 N
Also, 120Sin30 – T = ma = 12a
Therefore, a = (60-T)/12
Now, for the ball also, T – 50 = 5a (as both the objects have same acceleration)
Putting the value of a from the above equation, we get
T- 50 = 5(60-T)/12
i.e. 17T = 900
i.e. T = 52.94 N
Substituting the value of T in T – 50 = 5a, we get
a = 0.59 ms-2 ≈ 0.6 ms-2
Note that here we chose the x axis for the incline along the surface of the incline and the y axis
perpendicular to the surface of the incline. Such choices for the axes should be made which make
the problem easier to solve. It would have been a tedious problem if we had stick to the
conventional choice for the axes.
5) Two blocks of masses 5 kg and 7 kg are placed in contact with each other on a frictionless
horizontal surface. A constant horizontal force 20 N is applied to the block of mass 7 kg.
(a) Determine the magnitude of the acceleration of the two-block system.
(b) Determine the magnitude of the contact force between the two blocks.
Solution: We know that the blocks remain in contact from our everyday experience.
Now, given that the force of 20 N is the only force acting on the system in the horizontal
direction and we know that the blocks move together as one, we can assume the system to be a
mass of 12 kg in order to solve part (a).
Therefore, acceleration, a = 20/12 = 1.67 ms-2.
To solve part (b) we draw the free body diagrams of both the blocks.
Solution: We begin by drawing the free body diagram of the block.
(a) Applying Newton’s second law of motion along the surface of the incline, we get
50 sin25 = 5a
Therefore, a = 4.23 ms-2
(b) We know that v2 = u2 + 2as
Since u = 0 (given that the block starts from rest)
Therefore, v2 = 2 X 4.23 X 2
which gives v = 4.1 m/s
7) A 75.0 kg man stands on a platform scale in an elevator. Starting from rest, the elevator
ascends, attaining its maximum speed of 1.20 m/s in 1.00 s. It travels with this constant speed for
the next 10.00 s. The elevator then undergoes a uniform acceleration in the negative y d irection
for 1.70 s and comes to rest. What does the scale register
(a) before the elevator starts to move?
(b) during the first 1.00 s?
(c) while the elevator is traveling at constant speed?
(d) during the time it is slowing down? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: The scale registers the force applied by it on the man i.e. the normal force. We
proceed by drawing the free body diagram for the person.
(a) Before the elevator starts to move, the man is in equilibrium. Hence the sum of all forces on
him must be zero.
Therefore, N = 750 N
Hence, the scale registers 750 N before the elevator starts to move.
(b) The man accelerates with the elevator at the same acceleration.
Applying Newton’s second law in the vertical direction, we get
∑Fy = 750 – N = 75a = 75 X 1.2
which gives N = 660 N
Hence, the spring scale registers 660 N for the first 1 s.
(c) While the elevator is travelling at constant speed, the acceleration of the man is zero.
Therefore, the forces applied on him must add up to zero.
which implies N = 750 N
(b) The acceleration becomes zero when Tcosθ equals frictional force
i.e. Tcosθ = μk X
(25 – Tsinθ)
12cosθ = 0.3 X (25 – 12sinθ)
12cosθ + 3.6sinθ = 7.5
Sinαcosθ + cosαsinθ = 7.5/12.53
Where sinα = 12/12.53 and cosα = 3.6/12.53
So, sin(α + θ) = 0.6
i.e. α + θ = 36.7o
Also, sin(α + θ) = 10x2+102 = 0.6
9) A block is given an initial velocity of 5.00 m/s up a frictionless 20.0° incline. How far up the
incline does the block slide before coming to rest? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution:
Initial velocity of the block, u = 5 m/s
11) In figure blocks A and B have masses 40 kg and 20 kg respectively. (a) Determine the
minimum weight of block C to keep A from sliding if the coefficient of friction, μs between A
and the table is 0.18. Block C is suddenly lifted off A. (b) What is the acceleration of block A if
μk between A and the table is 0.15. Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: (a) Let the minimum weight of block
C to keep A from sliding be m.
If block A doesn’t slide, block B also remains in
equilibrium, as they are connected by a string.
Therefore, tension in the string, T = 200 N
Now, considering the free body diagram of system A
and C
Applying Newton’s second law in x direction, we have
fs = T = μs X N
i.e. 200 = 0.18 X (400 + mg)
m = 71.1 kg
12) Two masses 5 kg and 7 kg situated on a frictionless, horizontal surface are connected by a
light string. A force of 50 N is exerted on one of the masses to the right. Determine the
acceleration of the system and the tension T i n the string.
Solution: The only external force acting on the system is 50 N in the x axis. As the blocks
don’t lose contact with the floor the normal force is balanced by their weight for both the blocks.
We could treat the system as one block of 12 kg as we can see that both the blocks have to have
the same acceleration.
Therefore, 50 = 12a
which gives a = 4.17 ms-2.
To find the tension T in the string, let us draw the free body diagrams for the two blocks
Solution: Let the tensions in the strings of P1 and P2 be T1 and T2 respectively.
For part (a), you need to visualize the problem carefully. Since the pulley P1 and mass m2 = 3 kg
are connected by a string, their accelerations have to be the same as they have to move together.
Now if the pulley goes forward a distance x, the mass m1 has to move forward by 2x in order for
the string to not break, x for both the sides (upper and lower) of the string, which implies that the
mass m1 will have to move with twice the acceleration as that of m2.
Hence, a1 = 2a2.
(b) Drawing the free body diagram of block m2, and applying Newton’s second law, we get
14) A block A of mass 0.5 kg can slide on a frictionless incline of angle 30o and length 0.8 m
kept inside an elevator going up with uniform velocity 2m/s. Find the time taken by the block to
slide down the length of the incline if it is released from the top of the incline. Take g = 10 ms-2.
S
Solution: The driving force on the block which causes it to move down the plane is
F = mgsin30 = 2.5 N
So, acceleration = 2.5/0.5 = 5 ms-2
Initial velocity of block u = 0
s = 0.8 m
Now, we that s = ut + ½ at2
0.8 = 0 + 2.5t2
which gives t = 0.57 s
15) The elevator shown is descending with a constant acceleration of 1.5 ms-2. The mass of the
block A is 1 kg. What force is exerted by block A on block B? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: The acceleration of the two blocks is the same as that of the elevator as they do not
lose contact with the floor of the elevator. The free body diagram of the block A is
Applying Newton’s second law of motion, we have,
10 – N = 1.5
which gives N = 6.67 N
Now, from Newton’s third law of motion, the force exerted by block A on block B = N = 6.67 N
16) A block of mass 5.00 kg is pushed up against a wall by a force P that makes
a 50.0° angle with the horizontal as shown in the figure. The coefficient of static
friction between the block and the wall is 0.30. Determine the possible values for
the magnitude of F that allow the block to remain stationary. Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: We draw the free body diagram of the block. In this problem the direction of friction
can be upwards or downwards depending on the magnitude of F. Lets take friction downwards
case first.
Applying Newton’s second law in x direction, we get
F cos55 = N …(1)
Applying Newton’s second law in y direction, we get
Fsin55 = (μs X N) + mg = (0.3 X N) + 50 …(2)
Now to find the minimum value of F, lets consider the friction upwards case.
18) In the above problem, if the coefficient of static friction between m a nd 2m a nd the inclined
plane is μs , and the system is in equilibrium, find (a) the minimum value of M and (b) the
maximum value of M.
Solution: (a) When the value of M is minimum, the masses have a tendency to slide down the
incline if M were made infinitesimally smaller than its value.
Hence, friction will be upwards at the minimum value of M.
So, For the ball to be in equilibrium,
T2 = Mg …(1)
Similarly, for the mass m to be in equilibrium, we have
T2 + μsmgcosθ= T1 + mgsinθ …(2)
Again, for mass 2m to be in equilibrium, we have
T1 + 2μsmgcosθ = 2mgsinθ …(3)
(b) Again, when the value of M is maximum, the masses have a tendency to slide upwards if M
were made infinitesimally smaller than its value.
Hence, friction will be downwards at the minimum value of M.
Applying Newton’s second law to each mass, we have
T2 = Mg …(4) (for the ball)
T2 = T1 + mgsinθ + μsmgcosθ …(5) (for mass m)
T1 = 2mgsinθ+ 2μsmgcosθ …(6) (for mass 2m)
Putting the expression for T1 from equation (6) in equation (5);
T2 = 3mgsinθ + 3μsmgcosθ
Putting this in equation (1);
Mmax = 3gsinθ + 3μsgcosθ
19) A mass M = 16 kg i s held in place by an applied force F and a pulley system as shown in
figure. The pulleys are massless and frictionless. Find (a) the tension in each section of rope, T1 ,
T2, T3 , T4, and T5 and (b) the magnitude of F. Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: The free body diagram of the mass looks like
For the mass to be in equilibrium, T5 = 160 N
Now, the sum of forces across all pulleys should also be zero for them to be in equilibrium.
Therefore, T2 + T3 = T5 = 160 N …(1)
Again, for the fixed pulley, we have
T1 +
T2 + T3= T4 …(2)
Now, the string being pulled by force F has a tension of F in it everywhere for it to not break,
i.e. T1 = F …(3)
Also from the figure, it can be seen that T1, T2 and T3 are tensions at different parts of
the same string. One part of a string cannot accelerate w.r.t. another part of the same
string because it will break and the system will collapse.
Therefore, T1 = T2 =
T3 ...(4)
From equation (1), we get
T2 = T3 = 80 N
From (4); T1 = 80 N
From (2); T4 = 240 N
Hence, F = 80 N from equation (3).
20) What horizontal force must be applied to the cart shown in figure so that the blocks remain
stationary relative to the cart? Assume all surfaces, wheels, and pulley are frictionless.
olution: Let the system have an acceleration ‘a’ when the masses are in equilibrium w.r.t.
S
the cart.
Hence, we can assume the system be one object of mass M+m1+m2 moving with an acceleration
of ‘a’.
Therefore, F = (M+m1+m2)a …(1)
Now, considering, the free body diagrams of the two blocks,
The only force acting on mass m2 that accelerates it in the x direction is the push from the cart
denoted by P,
Therefore, P = m2a …(2)
Also, the tension in the string, T = m2g …(3)
as the blocks are stationary w.r.t. the cart i.e. they have no acceleration in the vertical direction.
The mass m1 is given its acceleration by the tension in the string;
i.e. T = m1a …(4)
Solving (3) and (4);
a = m2g/m1 …(5)
Now, applying Newton’s second law on the cart, we have
F – P = Ma
Using equations (2) and (5), we get
F = ( M+m2m1 )m2g
21) In figure blocks of mass m1 = 3 kg and m2 = 4 kg are connected by a string of negligible
mass and are initially held in place. The heavier block is on a frictionless surface tilted at 30o.
The coefficient of kinetic friction between block of mass 3 kg and the horizontal surface is 0.3.
The pulley has negligible mass and friction. Once they are released, the blocks move. What then
is the tension in the string? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: Note that since no static friction coefficient is mentioned, we assume fs is not relevant
to this computation i.e. the blocks are already moving with acceleration ‘a’. Let the tension in
the string be T.
Applying Newton's second law to each block's x axis, which for m1 is positive rightward and for
m2 is positive downhill:
T – fk = m1a (for mass 3 kg) …(1)
m2g sinθ – T = m2a ( for mass 4 kg) …(2)
Adding the equations, we obtain the acceleration:
a = m2gsinθ- fkm1+m2
22) A block slides with constant velocity down an inclined plane that has slope angle θ. The
block is then projected up the same plane with an initial speed u. (a) How far up the plane will it
move before coming to rest? (b) After the block comes to rest, will it slide down the plane again?
Solution: The free-body diagram of the block when it is sliding downhill with zero
acceleration looks like
Applying Newton’s second law gives
N = mg cosθ …(1)
fk = mg sinθ = μk X N …(2)
Dividing equation (2) by (1);
μk = tanθ
We can see that the acceleration is downhill, and therefore, the speed
of the block will decrease as it moves up the incline.
(b) We usually expect μk to be less than μs. The “angle of repose” (the minimum angle necessary
for a stationary block to start sliding downhill) is
N = mg cosθrepose …(1)
fs = mg sinθrepose = μs X N …(2)
Dividing equation (2) by (1);
μs = tanθrepose
but in this problem we found that μk = tanθ.
Therefore, θrepose should be greater than θ as μs > μk. Consequently, when the block comes to rest,
the incline is not steep enough to cause it to start slipping down the incline again.
23) A block of mass m1 = 4.0 kg is put on top of a block of mass m2 = 5 .0 kg. To cause the top
block to slip on the bottom one while the bottom one is held fixed, a horizontal force of at least
12 N must be applied to the top block. The assembly of blocks is now placed on a horizontal,
frictionless table. Find the magnitudes of (a) the maximum horizontal force that can be applied to
the lower block so that the blocks will move together and (b) the resulting acceleration of the
blocks. Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: When the force applied is at a maximum, the frictional force between the two blocks
must also be a maximum. Since F = 12 N of force has to be applied to the top block for slipping
to take place, using
F = fs = μs X N = μs X mg = 12, we have
μs = 12/40 = 0.3, the coefficient of static friction between the two blocks.
Now, we’re interested in the maximum force that can be applied on the bottom block such that
the two will move together. If we pull the bottom block too hard, the top block will slip on the
bottom one. The free-body diagrams for the two blocks are:
26) In the given figure, suppose m2 = 2.5 kg and m3 = 3 kg. What should be the mass m1 so that
it remains at rest? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: Let the tensions in the strings be T1 and T2 carrying masses m1 and m2 respectively.
The free body diagrams of the masses are
27) A constant force F = m2g/3 is applied on the mass m1 as shown in figure. The pulley and the
string are light and the surface of the table is smooth. Find the acceleration of m1.
Solution: Let the acceleration of mass m1 be ‘a’. The acceleration of mass m2 is also ‘a’.
Their free body diagrams are
Applying Newton’s second law on both the blocks,
T – m2g/3 = m1a (for mass m1)
m2g – T = m2a (for mass m2)
Solving the two equations, we get
m2g – m2g/3 - m1a = m2a
a(m1 + m2) = 2m2g/3
Therefore, a = 2m2g/3(m1 + m2)
28) Block 1 of mass m1 = 2.0 kg and block 2 of mass m2 = 1.0 kg are connected by a string of
negligible mass. Block 2 is pushed by force of magnitude 25 N and angle θ = 35°.The coefficient
of kinetic friction between each block and the horizontal surface is 0.25. What is the tension in
the string? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: Let the acceleration of the two blocks be ‘a’ and the tension in the string be ‘T’.
Applying Newton’s second law on mass m2, we get
Fcosθ – μk X N – T = m2a x-axis
m2g + Fsinθ = N y-axis
Solving the two equations, we get
m2a = Fcosθ - μk(m2g + Fsinθ) – T
a = 0.82F – 2.5 – 0.14F - T ….(1)
Q:29 The two blocks shown in figure are not attached to each other. The coefficient of static
friction between the blocks is μs = 0.35, but the surface beneath the larger block is frictionless.
What is the minimum magnitude of the horizontal force required to keep the smaller block from
slipping down the larger block? Take g = 10 ms-2.
Solution: Let the contact force between the two blocks be ‘P’. The free body diagrams of the
two blocks are
Let the acceleration of the system be ‘a’ in the +ve x-direction. Applying Newton’s second law
on the two blocks as a system, we have
F = (15 + 85)a
or a = F/100 …(1)
Now, analyzing the blocks individually, for the small block, we have
F – P = 15a …(2)
fs = μs X P = 150 N
which gives P = 428.6 N
Similarly, for the large block,
N + fs = 850
N = 700 N (using fs = 150 N)
P = 85a …(3)
428.6 = 85a
which gives a ≈ 5.04 ms-2.
Putting in (1);
F = 504 N
Q:30 Find the mass of the hanging block in figure which will prevent the smaller block from
slipping over the triangular block. All the surfaces are frictionless and the strings and the pulley
are light.
Solution: Let the acceleration of the triangular block be ‘a’ towards the right. Then block of
mass ‘M’ has acceleration ‘a’ downwards and the mass ‘m’ has acceleration ‘a’ towards the right
as no slipping occurs.
We begin by drawing the free body diagram for each block,