PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

sx

sy

ax

CHAPTER 2:
Kinematics of Linear Motion

vy

vx

ay

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.0 Kinematics of Linear motion

is defined as the studies of motion of an objects without

considering the effects that produce the motion.
There are two types of motion:
Linear or straight line motion (1-D)
with constant (uniform) velocity
with constant (uniform) acceleration, e.g. free fall motion
Projectile motion (2-D)
x-component (horizontal)
y-component (vertical)

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Linear Motion

Distance
Displacement
Speed
Velocity
Instantaneous acceleration
Average acceleration

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.1. Linear motion (1-D)

2.1.1. Distance, d

scalar quantity.
is defined as the length of actual path between two points.
For example :
Q

The length of the path from P to Q is 25 cm.

PHYSICS
2.1.2

CHAPTER 2

Displacement, s

vector quantity.
is defined as the distance between initial point and final
point in a straight line.
The S.I. unit of displacement is metre (m).

Example 2.1 :
An object P moves 30 m to the east after that 15 m to the south
and finally moves 40 m to west. Determine the displacement of P
N
relative to the original position.
Solution :
O

30 m

E
15 m

10 m

30 m
5

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

The magnitude of the displacement is given by

OP = 15 2 + 10 2 = 18 m
and its direction is

1 15

= tan = 56 from west to south

10
2.1.3 Speed, v

is defined as the rate of change of distance.

scalar quantity.
Equation:

change of distance
speed =
time interval

d
v=
t
6

PHYSICS
2.1.4

Velocity, v

CHAPTER 2

is a vector quantity.
The S.I. unit for velocity is m s-1.

Average velocity, vav

is defined as the rate of change of displacement.
Equation:

change of displacement
vav =
time interval

s2 s1
vav =
t 2 t1
s
vav =
t

Its direction is in the same direction of the change in

displacement.

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Instantaneous velocity, v
is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of
displacement.
Equation:

limit s
v=
t 0 t
ds
v=
dt

An object moves in a uniform velocity when

ds
= constant
dt
and the instantaneous velocity equals to the average velocity
at any time.
8

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

s1

The gradient of the tangent to the curve at point Q

= the instantaneous velocity at time, t = t1

t1
Therefore

Gradient of s-t graph = velocity

9

PHYSICS
2.1.5

Acceleration, a

CHAPTER 2

vector quantity.
The S.I. unit for acceleration is m s-2.

Average acceleration, aav

is defined as the rate of change of velocity.
change of velocity
Equation:

aav =

time interval
v2 v1
aav =
t 2 t1
v
aav =
t

Its direction is in the same direction of motion.

The acceleration of an object is uniform when the magnitude of
velocity changes at a constant rate and along fixed direction. 10

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Instantaneous acceleration, a
is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of velocity.
Equation:

limit v
a=
t 0 t
2

dv d s
a=
= 2
dt dt

An object moves in a uniform acceleration when

dv
= constant
dt
and the instantaneous acceleration equals to the average
acceleration at any time.
11

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Deceleration, a
is a negative acceleration.
The object is slowing down meaning the speed of the object
decreases with time.

v1

The gradient of the tangent to the curve at point Q

= the instantaneous acceleration at time, t = t1

t1

Therefore

Gradient of v-t graph = acceleration

12

PHYSICS
2.1.6

CHAPTER 2
Graphical methods

Displacement against time graph (s-t)

Gradient increases
with time

Gradient = constant

s (a) Uniform velocity

(b) The velocity increases with time

(c)
P

Gradient at point R is negative.

Gradient at point Q is zero.

The direction of
velocity is changing.

The velocity is zero.

13

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Velocity versus time graph (v-t)

v
Uniform velocity

Uniform
acceleration

A
0

t1 (a) t2

t1

(b) t2

t1

t2(c)

Area under the v-t graph = displacement

The gradient at point A is positive a > 0(speeding up)

The gradient at point B is zero a= 0
The gradient at point C is negative a < 0(slowing down)
14

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
From the equation of instantaneous velocity,

ds
v=
dt

ds = vdt
Therefore

t2

s = vdt
t1

s = sha ded area under the v t graph

Simulation 2.1

Simulation 2.2

Simulation 2.3
15

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.2 :
A toy train moves slowly along a straight track according to the
displacement, s against time, t graph in Figure 2.1.

s (cm)

10
8
6
4
2
Figure 2.1 0

2 4 6 8 10 12 14
t (s)
a. Explain qualitatively the motion of the toy train.
b. Sketch a velocity (cm s-1) against time (s) graph.
c. Determine the average velocity for the whole journey.
d. Calculate the instantaneous velocity at t = 12 s.
e. Determine the distance travelled by the toy train.

16

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
a. 0 to 6 s

: The train moves at a constant velocity of

6 to 10 s : The train stops.

10 to 14 s : The train moves in the same direction at a
constant velocity of
b.
v (cm s1)
1.50

0.68

10 12 14

t (s)
17

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
vav
c.

d.

s2 s1
=
t 2 t1

v = average velocity from 10 s to 14 s

s2 s1
v=
t 2 t1

e. The distance travelled by the toy train is 10 cm.

18

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.3 :
A velocity-time (v-t) graph in Figure 2.2 shows the motion of a lift.
v (m s 1)
4
2
0
-2

10 15

20 25 30 35 40 45

50

t (s)

-4
Figure 2.2

a. Describe qualitatively the motion of the lift.

b. Sketch a graph of acceleration (m s2) against time (s).
c. Determine the total distance travelled by the lift and its
displacement.
d. Calculate the average acceleration between 20 s to 40 s.
19

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
a. 0 to 5 s

: Lift moves upward from rest with a constant

acceleration of
5 to 15 s : The velocity of the lift increases from 2 m s1 to
4 m s1 but the acceleration decreasing to

15 to 20 s
20 to 25 s
25 to 30 s
30 to 35 s

:
:
:
:

Lift moving with constant velocity of

Lift decelerates at a constant rate of
Lift at rest or stationary.
Lift moves downward with a constant acceleration
of
35 to 40 s : Lift moving downward with constant velocity
of
40 to 50 s : Lift decelerates at a constant rate of
and comes to rest.
20

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
2
b. a (m s )
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
-0.2

10 15

20 25 30 35 40 45

50

t (s)

-0.4
-0.6
-0.8

21

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
c. i. v (m s

1)

4
2
0
-2

A1
5

A2
10 15

A3
20 25 30 A35 40 45
4
A5

50

t (s)

-4

Total distance = area under the graph of v-t

= A1 + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 + A 5

22

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
c. ii. Displacement

= area under the graph of v-t

= A1 + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 + A 5

d.

v2 v1
aav =
t 2 t1

23

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Exercise 2.1 :
1. Figure 2.3 shows a velocity versus time graph for an object
constrained to move along a line. The positive direction is to
the right.

Figure 2.3

a. Describe the motion of the object in 10 s.

b. Sketch a graph of acceleration (m s-2) against time (s) for
the whole journey.
c. Calculate the displacement of the object in 10 s.
24
ANS. : 6 m

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Exercise 2.1 :
2. A train pulls out of a station and accelerates steadily for 20 s
until its velocity reaches 8 m s1. It then travels at a constant
velocity for 100 s, then it decelerates steadily to rest in a further
time of 30 s.
a. Sketch a velocity-time graph for the journey.
b. Calculate the acceleration and the distance travelled in
each part of the journey.
c. Calculate the average velocity for the journey.
Physics For Advanced Level, 4th edition, Jim Breithaupt, Nelson
Thornes, pg.15, no. 1.11
ANS. : 0.4 m s2,0 m s2,-0.267 m s2, 80 m, 800 m, 120 m;
6.67 m s1.

25

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 2
Learning Outcome :
2.2 Uniformly accelerated motion (1 hour)
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Derive and apply equations of motion with uniform

acceleration:

v = u + at
1 2
s = ut + at
2
2
2
v = u + 2as

26

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.2. Uniformly accelerated motion

From the definition of average acceleration, uniform (constant)

acceleration is given by

v u
a=
t

v = u + at
where

v
u
a
t

(1)

: final velocity
: initial velocity
: uniform (constant) acceleration
: time

27

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
From equation (1), the velocity-time graph is shown in Figure
velocity
2.4 :

u
Figure 2.4

time

From the graph,

The displacement after time, s = shaded area under the

graph
= the area of trapezium
Hence,

1
s = (u + v )t
2

(2)
28

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
By substituting eq. (1) into eq. (2) thus

1
s = [u + (u + at )]t
2

1 2
s = ut + at
2

From eq. (1),

From eq. (2),

(v u ) = at
2s
(v + u ) =

(3)

multiply

t
2s
(v + u )(v u ) = (at )
t

v = u + 2as
2

(4)
29

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Notes:
equations (1) (4) can be used if the motion in a straight
line with constant acceleration.

For a body moving at constant velocity, ( a = 0) the

equations (1) and (4) become

v=u

Therefore the equations (2) and (3) can be written as

s = vt

constant velocity

30

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.4 :
A plane on a runway accelerates from rest and must attain takeoff
speed of 148 m s1 before reaching the end of the runway. The
planes acceleration is uniform along the runway and of value
914 cm s2. Calculate
a. the minimum length of the runway required by the plane to
takeoff.
b. the time taken for the plane cover the length in (a).
a = 9.14 m s 2
Solution :

v = 148 m s 1

u=0

a. Use

v = u + 2as
2

s=?
t =?

31

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
b. By using the equation of linear motion,

v = u + at

OR

1 2
s = ut + at
2

32

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.5 :
A bus travelling steadily at 30 m s1 along a straight road passes a
stationary car which, 5 s later, begins to move with a uniform
acceleration of 2 m s2 in the same direction as the bus. Determine
a. the time taken for the car to acquire the same velocity as the
bus,
b. the distance travelled by the car when it is level with the bus.
1
2
Solution : vb = 30 m s = constant ; u c = 0; ac = 2 ms
1

a. Given vc = vb = 30 m s
Use vc = u c + ac t c

33

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

b.

b
c

vb = 30 m s 1

ac = 2 m s 2

uc = 0

tb = 0 s

vb

vb

tb = 5 s

tb = t

s c = sb

From the diagram,

tb = t ; t c = t 5
s c = sb

1
2
uc tc + ac tc = vbtb
2

Therefore

sc = vb t

34

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.6 :
A particle moves along horizontal line according to the equation

s = t 2 + 2t + 3
Where s is displacement in meters and t is time in seconds.
At time, t = 3 s, determine
a. the displacement of the particle,
b. Its velocity, and
c. Its acceleration.
Solution :
a. t =3 s ;

s = t + 2t + 3
2

35

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
b. Instantaneous velocity at t = 3 s,

ds
v=
dt

Use

d 2
v=
t + 2t + 3
dt
Thus

36

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
c. Instantaneous acceleration at t = 3 s,
Use

dv
a=
dt

Hence

37

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Exercise 2.2 :
1. A speedboat moving at 30.0 m s-1 approaches stationary
buoy marker 100 m ahead. The pilot slows the boat with a
constant acceleration of -3.50 m s-2 by reducing the throttle.
a. How long does it take the boat to reach the buoy?
b. What is the velocity of the boat when it reaches the buoy?
No. 23,pg. 51,Physics for scientists and engineers with
modern physics, Serway & Jewett,6th edition.
ANS. : 4.53 s; 14.1 m s1
2. An unmarked police car travelling a constant 95 km h-1 is
passed by a speeder traveling 140 km h-1. Precisely 1.00 s
after the speeder passes, the policemen steps on the
accelerator; if the police cars acceleration is 2.00 m s-2, how
much time passes before the police car overtakes the
speeder (assumed moving at constant speed)?
No. 44, pg. 41,Physics for scientists and engineers with
modern physics, Douglas C. Giancoli,3rd edition.
38
ANS. : 14.4 s

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Exercise 2.2 :
3. A car traveling 90 km h-1 is 100 m behind a truck traveling 75
km h-1. Assuming both vehicles moving at constant velocity,
calculate the time taken for the car to reach the truck.
No. 15, pg. 39,Physics for scientists and engineers with
modern physics, Douglas C. Giancoli,3rd edition.
ANS. : 24 s
4. A car driver, travelling in his car at a constant velocity of
8
m s-1, sees a dog walking across the road 30 m ahead. The
drivers reaction time is 0.2 s, and the brakes are capable of
producing a deceleration of 1.2 m s-2. Calculate the distance
from where the car stops to where the dog is crossing,
assuming the driver reacts and brakes as quickly as
possible.
ANS. : 1.73 m

39

PHYSICS
Learning Outcome :

CHAPTER 2

2.3 Freely falling bodies (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Describe and use equations for freely falling bodies.

For upward and downward motion, use

a = g = 9.81 m s2

40

PHYSICS
2.3

CHAPTER 2

Freely falling bodies

is defined as the vertical motion of a body at constant

acceleration, g under gravitational field without air
resistance.
In the earths gravitational field, the constant acceleration
known as acceleration due to gravity or free-fall
acceleration or gravitational acceleration.
the value is g = 9.81 m s2
the direction is towards the centre of the earth
(downward).
Note:
In solving any problem involves freely falling bodies or free
fall motion, the assumption made is ignore the air
resistance.

41

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
Sign convention:

+
From the sign convention
thus,
+

a = g

Table 2.1 shows the equations of linear motion and freely falling
bodies.
Linear motion

v = u + at
v = u + 2 as
1 2
s = ut + at
2
2

Table 2.1

Freely falling bodies

v = u gt

v 2 = u 2 2 gs
1 2
s = ut gt
2
42

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

An example of freely falling body is the motion of a ball thrown

vertically upwards with initial velocity, u as shown in Figure 2.5.
velocity = 0

v=u

Figure 2.5

u
v

Assuming air resistance is negligible, the acceleration of the ball, a

= g when the ball moves upward and its velocity decreases to
zero when the ball reaches the maximum height, H.
43

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

The graphs in Figure 2.6 show

the motion of the ball moves
up and down.
Derivation of equations
At the maximum height or
displacement, H where t = t1,
its velocity,

v=0
hence

v = u gt

0
v
u

t1

t1

2t1

t1

2t1

2t1

0 = u gt 1

therefore the time taken for the

ball reaches H,

Simulation 2.4

v =0

a
0

u
t1 =
g
Figure 2.6

t
44

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

To calculate the maximum height or displacement, H:

1 2
use either

s = ut1

gt1

Where s

OR

=H

v = u 2 gs
2

0 = u 2 2 gH

maximum height,

u
H=
2g

Another form of freely falling bodies expressions are

v = u gt
v 2 = u 2 2 gs

1 2
s = ut gt
2

v y = u y gt
2
2
v y = u y 2 gs y
1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

45

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.7 :
A ball is thrown from the top of a building is given an initial velocity
of 10.0 m s1 straight upward. The building is 30.0 m high and the
ball just misses the edge of the roof on its way down, as shown in
B
figure 2.7. Calculate
a. the maximum height of the stone from point A.
b. the time taken from point A to C.
u =10.0 m s1
c. the time taken from point A to D.
C
A
d. the velocity of the ball when it reaches point D.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2)

30.0 m

Figure 2.7

46

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
a. At the maximum height, H,

u
C

vy = 0 and u = uy = 10.0 m s1 thus

v 2y = u 2y 2 gs y
2
0 = (10.0 ) 2(9.81)H
H = 5.10 m

b. From point A to C, the vertical displacement, sy= 0 m thus

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

30.0 m

D
47

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
c. From point A to D, the vertical displacement, sy= 30.0 m thus

u
C

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2 1
30.0 = (10.0 )t (9.81)t 2
2
4.91t 2 10.0t 30.0 = 0
a

30.0 m

By using

t = 3.69 s
D

OR

1.66 s

Time dont
have
negative
value.
48

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
d. Time taken from A to D is t = 3.69 s thus

v y = u y gt

u
C

OR
From A to D, sy = 30.0 m

v y = u y 2 gs y
2

30.0 m

Therefore the balls velocity at D is

D
49

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.8 :
A book is dropped 150 m from the ground. Determine
a. the time taken for the book reaches the ground.
b. the velocity of the book when it reaches the ground.
(Given g = 9.81 m s-2)
Solution :

uy = 0 m s1

a. The vertical displacement is

sy = 150 m
Hence

s y = 150 m

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

150 m

50

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Solution :
b. The books velocity is given by

uy = 0

v y = u y gt

OR

s y = 150 m

v y = u y 2 gs y
2

vy = ?
Therefore the books velocity is

51

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Exercise 2.3 :
1. A ball is thrown directly downward, with an initial speed of
8.00 m s1, from a height of 30.0 m. Calculate
a. the time taken for the ball to strike the ground,
b. the balls speed when it reaches the ground.
ANS. : 1.79 s; 25.6 m s1
2. A falling stone takes 0.30 s to travel past a window 2.2 m tall
as shown in Figure 2.8.

2.2 m

to travel this
distance took
0.30 s

Figure 2.8

From what height above the top of the windows did the stone
fall?
52
ANS. : 1.75 m

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Exercise 2.3 :
1. A ball is thrown directly downward, with an initial speed of
8.00 m s1, from a height of 30.0 m. Calculate
a. the time taken for the ball to strike the ground,
b. the balls speed when it reaches the ground.
ANS. : 1.79 s; 25.6 m s1
2. A falling stone takes 0.30 s to travel past a window 2.2 m tall
as shown in Figure 2.8.

2.2 m

to travel this
distance took
0.30 s

Figure 2.8

From what height above the top of the windows did the stone
fall?
53
ANS. : 1.75 m

PHYSICS
Learning Outcomes :

CHAPTER 2

2.4 Projectile motion (2 hours)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Describe and use equations for projectile,

u x = u cos
u y = u sin
ax = 0
ay = g

Calculate: time of flight, maximum height, range and

maximum range, instantaneous position and velocity.

54

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 2
2.4. Projectile motion

A projectile motion consists of two components:

vertical component (y-comp.)
motion under constant acceleration, ay=
horizontal component (x-comp.)

motion with constant velocity thus ax= 0

The path followed by a projectile is called trajectory is shown in
Figure 2.9. y

v1

v1y
P

Simulation 2.5

uy
A

Figure 2.9

1
v1x

sy=H

v2y

ux

v2x

v2
C

t1

sx = R

t2

55

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
From Figure 2.9,
The x-component of velocity along AC (horizontal) at any
point is constant,

u x = u cos

The y-component (vertical) of velocity varies from one

point to another point along AC.
but the y-component of the initial velocity is given by

u y = u sin

56

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
Table 2.2 shows the x and y-components, magnitude and
direction of velocities at points P and Q.

Velocity

Point P

x-comp.

v1 x = u x = u cos

v2 x = u x = u cos

y-comp.

v1 y = u y gt1

v2 y = u y gt 2

magnitude

direction

v1 =

(v1x )

Point Q

( )

+ v1 y

1 = tan
v1 x
v
1 1 y

v2 =

(v2 x )

( )

+ v2 y

v2 y

2 = tan
v2 x
1

Table 2.2

57

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.4.1 Maximum height, H

The ball reaches the highest point at point B at velocity, v

where
x-component of the velocity, v = v = u = u cos
x
x
y-component of the velocity, v y = 0
y-component of the displacement, s y = H

Use

v y2 = u y2 2 gs y

0 = (u sin ) 2 gH
2

u sin
H=
2g
2

58

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.4.2 Time taken to reach maximum height, t

At maximum height, H
Time, t = t and vy= 0

Use

v y = u y gt

0 = (u sin ) gt '

u sin
t ' =
g

2.4.3 Flight time, t (from point A to point C)

t = 2t '
2u sin
t =
g
59

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.4.4 Horizontal range, R and value of R maximum

Since the x-component for velocity along AC is constant hence

From the displacement formula with uniform velocity, thus the

x-component of displacement along AC is

u x = v x = u cos

s x = u x t and s x = R
R = (u cos )(t )
2u sin

R = (u cos )
g
2
u
R = (2 sin cos )
g

60

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
From the trigonometry identity,

sin 2 = 2 sin cos

thus
2

u
sin 2
R=
g

The value of R maximum when =

therefore
2

Rmax

45 and sin 2 = 1

u
=
g

Simulation 2.6
61

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

2.4.5 Horizontal projectile

Figure 2.10 shows a ball bearing rolling off the end of a table
with an initial velocity, u in the horizontal direction.

vx
vy

h
Figure 2.10

Horizontal component along path AB.

velocity, u x = u = v x = constant
displaceme nt, s x = x

Vertical component along path AB.

initial velocity, u y = 0

displaceme nt, s y = h

Simulation 2.7
62

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Time taken for the ball to reach the floor (point B), t
By using the equation of freely falling bodies,

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2
1 2
h = 0 gt
2

2h
t=
g
Horizontal displacement, x
Use condition below :
The time taken for the
ball free fall to point A

Figure 2.11

The time taken for the

ball to reach point B

(Refer to Figure 2.11)

63

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2
Since the x-component of velocity along AB is constant, thus
the horizontal displacement, x

sx = u xt

and

sx = x

2h

x = u
g

Note :
In solving any calculation problem about projectile motion,
the air resistance is negligible.

64

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 2

Example 2.9 :
y

u
Figure 2.12 O

= 60.0

v1y
Figure 2.12 shows a ball thrown by superman
with an initial speed, u = 200 m s-1 and makes an
angle, = 60.0 to the horizontal. Determine
a. the position of the ball, and the magnitude and
direction of its velocity, when t = 2.0 s.

v1x
v1
Q

v2y

x
v2x
v2
65

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CHAPTER 2

b. the time taken for the ball reaches the maximum height, H and
calculate the value of H.
c. the horizontal range, R
d. the magnitude and direction of its velocity when the ball
reaches the ground (point P).
e. the position of the ball, and the magnitude and direction of its
velocity at point Q if the ball was hit from a flat-topped hill with
the time at point Q is 45.0 s.
(Given

g = 9.81 m s-2)

Solution :
The component of Initial velocity :

u x = 200 cos 60.0 = 100 m s 1

u y = 200 sin 60.0 = 173 m s 1
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Solution :
a. i. position of the ball when t = 2.0 s ,
Horizontal component :

sx = u xt

Vertical component :

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

therefore the position of the ball is (200 m, 326 m)

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Solution :
a. ii. magnitude and direction of balls velocity at t = 2.0 s ,
Horizontal component :

v x = u x = 100 m s 1

Vertical component :

v y = u y gt

Magnitude,

Direction,

from positive x-axis anticlockwise

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Solution :
b. i. At the maximum height, H :

vy = 0

Thus the time taken to reach maximum height is given by

v y = u y gt

ii. Apply

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

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Solution :
c. Flight time = 2(the time taken to reach the maximum height)

t = 2(17.6 )
t = 35.2 s

Hence the horizontal range, R is

sx = u xt

d.

When the ball reaches point P thus s y = 0

The velocity of the ball at point P,
1
Horizontal component: v1 x = u x = 100 m s
Vertical component: v1 y = u y gt

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Solution :
Magnitude,

Direction,

therefore the direction of balls velocity is

from positive x-axis anticlockwise
e. The time taken from point O to Q is 45.0 s.
i. position of the ball when t = 45.0 s,
Horizontal component :

sx = u xt

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Solution :
Vertical component :

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

therefore the position of the ball is (4500 m, 2148 m)

e. ii. magnitude and direction of balls velocity at t = 45.0 s ,
Horizontal component :

v2 x = u x = 100 m s

Vertical component :

v2 y = u y gt
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Solution :
Magnitude,v2

= v +v
2
2x

2
2y

v2 y

= tan
v2 x

Direction,

therefore the direction of balls velocity is

from positive x-axis anticlockwise
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Example 2.10 :
A transport plane travelling at a constant velocity of 50 m s1 at an
altitude of 300 m releases a parcel when directly above a point X
on level ground. Calculate
a. the flight time of the parcel,
b. the velocity of impact of the parcel,
c. the distance from X to the point of impact.
(Given g = 9.81 m s-2)
Solution :

u = 50 m s 1

300 m
X

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Solution :
The parcels velocity = planes velocity
thus
a.

u = 50 m s 1
u x = u = 50 m s 1 and u y = 0 m s 1

The vertical displacement is given by

s y = 300 m

Thus the flight time of the parcel is

1 2
s y = u y t gt
2

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Solution :
b. The components of velocity of impact of the parcel :
1
Horizontal component : v x = u x = 50 m s
Vertical component : v y = u y gt

Magnitude,

Direction,

therefore the direction of parcels velocity is

from positive x-axis anticlockwise

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Solution :
c.

Let the distance from X to the point of impact is d.

Thus the distance, d is given by

sx = u xt

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Exercise 2.4 :
Use gravitational acceleration, g = 9.81 m s2
1. A basketball player who is 2.00 m tall is standing on the floor
10.0 m from the basket, as in Figure 2.13. If he shoots the
ball at a 40.0 angle above the horizontal, at what initial
speed must he throw so that it goes through the hoop without
striking the backboard? The basket height is 3.05 m.

Figure 2.13

ANS. : 10.7 m

s1

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Exercise 2.4 :
2. An apple is thrown at an angle of 30 above the horizontal
from the top of a building 20 m high. Its initial speed is
40 m s1. Calculate
a. the time taken for the apple to strikes the ground,
b. the distance from the foot of the building will it strikes
the ground,
c. the maximum height reached by the apple from the
ground.
ANS. : 4.90 s; 170 m; 40.4 m
3. A stone is thrown from the top of one building toward a tall
building 50 m away. The initial velocity of the ball is 20 m s1
at 40 above the horizontal. How far above or below its
original level will the stone strike the opposite wall?
ANS. : 10.3 m below the original level.

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THE END
Next Chapter
CHAPTER 3 :
Momentum and Impulse

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