SOLVED PROBLEMS IN

PHYSICS VOLUME – 1

S.L. SRIVASTAVA
M.Sc., Ph.D.
Prof. Of Physics
D.D.U. Gorakhpur University
Gorakhpur
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 PREFACE
While teaching various courses in physics to the B.Sc. and M.Sc.
students over the last thirty-seven years, it has been my experience that
a large number of students do not have a clear understanding of the
basic concepts of the subject. A slight deviation from what had been
taught to them is generally beyond the grasp of average students. It is
my firm belief that solving numerical problems can go a long way in
aiding comprehension of the underlying basic principles of physics
provided that these are suitably designed and properly arranged. It has
been my endeavour to fulfil these requirements.

In our country, Intermediate Science (+2 level) is the minimum

qualification for appearing in the entrance examinations to different
courses in engineering and medical institutions. The minimum
qualification for those appearing in civil services examination is
graduation and for those appearing in the national eligibility test is a
master degree from a recognised University. Students appearing in these
examinations will find this book particularly useful. It offers more than
two thousand solved problems with complete solutions in a very lucid
style and has been written keeping in mind the special needs of aspiring
students. It is hoped that the book will also be very useful for those
students who seek to make career in the fields of medicine, engineering,
biology and earth science. I will consider my efforts amply rewarded if
the book is able to instil in the students a sense of confidence and
inspiration for these examinations.

S.L. SRIVASTAVA
 CONTENTS

Preface v

Volume 1
1. Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions 1
2. Particle Dynamics 39
3. Circular Motion and Gravitation 104
4. Collision and Rigid Body Rotation 184
5. Fluid Pressure and Buoyancy 313
6. Elasticity 333
7. Simple Harmonic Motion 366
8. Surface Tension and Flow of Liquids 466
9. Sound 525

Volume 2
10. Heat 583
11. Electrostatics 711
12. Simple Circuit and Electrolysis 822
13. Electromagnetism 882
14. Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current 939
15. Optics 1012
16. Atomic Physics 1142
17. Valve and Semiconductor 1267
 1
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS

1.1. A man walks 15 km north and then 14.1 km south-east. What is his
resultant displacement from the origin?
y axis
Solution: Let us represent the
displacement along the x axis and
N
y axis, keeping the x axis to the east
and y axis to the north as shown in
Fig. 1.1. For the first part of the y1
journey the displacement is along W E x axis
the positive side of the y axis and is
given y1 = 15 km.
For the second part of the
journey the displacement 14.1 km S
has two components. Fig. 1.1
The x component of the displacement is
1 14.1
14.1 cos 45 = 14.1 × = = 10 km
2 1.41
The y component of the displacement is
1
– 14.1 sin 45 = – 14.1 × = – 10 km
2
Net displacement along x axis = 10 km
Net displacement along y axis = 15 – 10 = 5 km
Resultant displacement = 100 25 = 5 5 km
1.2. Two objects are approaching a point O as 2 V
shown in Fig. 1.2 with equal velocities V. O
Determine the relative velocity of one with
respect to the other.
V
Solution: In Fig. 1.2 the two velocities are with
1
respect to the earth. If we assume that object
2 is at rest, then the earth moves with a
Fig. 1.2
2 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

velocity V towards object 2. Now the velocity of object 1 with respect to

the earth + velocity of the earth with respect to object 2 will be equal to
the velocity of object 1 with respect to object 2, i.e.
V12 = V – V
Thus the velocity of object 1 with respect to object 2 is equal to
difference in their velocities with respect to the earth. The speed is worked
out as
V12 = V2 V 2 = 2V
1.3. An object covers distance AB in the following manner. Half of the
distance AB, viz. AB/2 = AC, is covered with velocity v0. Of the remaining
half, distance CD is covered with velocity v1 for half of the time and DB
with velocity v2 for the other half of the time. Find the mean velocity of
the object.
Solution: Let the total distance AB shown in Fig. 1.3 be equal to x. AC will
now be equal to x/2.
x
Time taken to cover distance AC = A C D B
2v0
Fig. 1.3
CD
Time taken to cover distance CD =
v1
DB
Time taken to cover the distance DB =
v2
CD DB x
Now in view of the problem, = and CD + DB =
v1 v2 2
Total distance covered = x
x
 Mean velocity =
x CD DB
2v0 v1 v2

x CD DB
= since =
x 2CD v1 v2
2v0 v1

x
=
x xv1 1
2v0 v1 v2 v1

2v0 (v1 v2 )
=
v1 v2 2v0
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 3
1.4. The velocity time graph of a particle is a parabola as shown in the
Fig. 1.4. The maximum value of velocity is equal to V. Calculate the distance
T
covered by the particle in time .
2
Solution: The velocity of the particle is given by the equation.
4V T  v
v = 2 t  t
T 2 
4
dx 16V T
or = ·t t2
dt T2 2
v
16V  T 
T T
S 2 2

0 dx = T 2  2  tdt   t 2 dt 
 o t
 0 0
 T/2

16 V T 3 T 3 Fig. 1.4
S =
T2 16 24
TV
S =
3
1.5. A particle of mass m moves linearly under the action of a time varying
force. The force time diagram is a parabola as shown in the Fig. 1.5. The
maximum value of the force is equal to X. Calculate the displacement of
the particle in time T.
Force

Solution: The force F acting on the

particle is given by
4X
F = 2 t (T – t)
T x
4X
acceleration a = t (T  t )
mT 2 time
2 3
T
4X t t
velocity v = 2
T· Fig. 1.5
mT 2 3

4X T 1 3 
S T T

 
 dx = 3 0
· t 2
dt  t dt 
0
mT 2  2 0 
4X T4 T4
S =
mT 2 6 12
XT 2
S =
3m
1.6. Two bodies P & Q connected through light rigid rod of length L are
placed as shown in the Fig. 1.6. Body P moves toward O with a constant
speed v. Find the velocity of Q.
4 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

Solution: Let the position of P and Q from O be X and Y respectively. Let P

moves through dx then the displacement of Q is obtained by the relation.
L2 – (X – dx)2 = (Y + dy)2 y axis

L – X + 2Xdx = Y + 2Y · dy
2 2 2

or X · dx = Y · dy
X dx dy
or = = v' Q
Y dt dt L
or v' = v cot 30
 = 30°
x axis
= v· 3 O
P
= 1.732 v Fig. 1.6
1.7. A point moves in the xy plane according to the equation x = t and
y = t (1 – t) where  and  are positive constant. Find (i) the equation
of the trajectory (ii) the velocity and acceleration of the particle at an
instant t.
Solution:
 x 
(i) y = x 1  
  

= x – · x2

  2  
=– x   ·x
  

   
2
2 
=–  x    
  2  42 

    
2
  
 y   =–   x   
 4    2  
This is the equation of parabola with concavity downward and
   
vertex at  , 
 2 4 
dx dy
(ii) = vx = , =  – 2 t = vy
dt dt
v 2y =  1  1  2 t 
2
v = v x2

d2x d2 y
2 = ax = 0, = ay = – 2
dt dt 2
a = ax2 a 2y = 2
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 5
1.8. A particle is moving in a plane with velocity given by u = u0i + (a
cos t) j, where i and j are unit vectors along x and y axes respectively. If
particle is at the origin at t = 0. (a) Calculate the trajectory of the particle.
3
(b) Find the distance from the origin at time .
2
Solution:
dx
(a) vx = = u0
dt
 x = u0 dt = u0t
dy
vy = = a cos t
dt
y =  a cos t dt = a sin t
Path of the particle is given by
·x
y = a sin
u0
3
(b) At t =
2
3
x = u0 ·
2
3
y = a sin  · =–a
2
 Distance of the particle from the origin = x2 y2
1
  3 u0   2
2

= a    
2

  2   
1.9. Starting from the point O along the road OA a person is interested to
reach to the point B located in the field at a distance l from A by scooter in
the shortest time. The speed of the scooter in the field reduces  times
that on the road. Calculate the distance of the point C (see Fig. 1.7) from A
at which he will leave the road in order to reach to the point B.
Solution: Let OC = x
x
time t1 for the part OC =
v
v = velocity of the scooter on the road
2 
time t2 for the part CB = OA x l2 ·
v
6 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

O C A
x   · (OA  x)2  l 2
total time t = x
v
l
dt 1    2(OA  x )   1 
Now =0= 1  
dx v  2 (OA  x )2  l 2 
  B
 (OA  x ) Fig. 1.7
or 1=
(OA  x )2  l 2
or AC 2 + l 2 = 2 · AC 2
l
or AC =
 1
2

1.10. A ship goes from A to B at v 1 = 10 km/hr and from B to A at

v2 = 16 km/hr. Find (i) The average velocity of the ship (ii) the velocity of
the river current.
Solution:
(i) Let x be the distance between A and B.
Time for the entire path (up and down journey)
x x 13 18x
t = + =
10 5 16 5 400
18 18
2 x 400
Average velocity = = 3.42 m/sec
13 18x
5 5
(ii) 10 × + u = 16 × –u
18 18
5
2u =
3
5
u = = 0.83 m/sec
6
1.11. A boat moves perpendicular to the bank with velocity of 7.2 km/hr
(2 m/sec). The current carries it 150 m down stream. Find (i) the velocity
of the current (ii) the time required to cross the river. The river is 0.5 km
wide.
u 150
Solution: tan  = =
2 500
u = 0.6 m/sec
500
t = = 250 sec
2
Fig. 1.8
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 7
1.12. A ship is moving towards east with a velocity v0. Wind blows at an
angle  to the east in the south-east direction with a velocity v. Find (i) the
wind velocity relative to the ship (ii) the wind direction in the frame of
reference of the ship. N
Solution: (i) Let v' be the wind velocity
relative to the ship see Fig. 1.9.
v' cos ' = v0 + v cos  W v0
  E
v' sin ' = v sin 

v0  v cos  
2 v
v' =  v 2 sin 2 
v
v sin  S
(ii) tan ' =
v0  v cos  Fig. 1.9

1.13. Two swimmers starting from A wants to reach to the point B by

crossing the river in which the current velocity is v0 by two approaches.
One of them crosses the river along the path AB with a velocity v' relative
to water while the other swims at right angles to the stream with the same
velocity and reaches to the point C (Fig. 1.10b) lying on the other bank. At
what velocity u he should run along CB so that both the swimmers reaches
B simultaneously.
l
v0 u
C B B C
v0

y v  2  v02 v
v


A A
Fig. 1.10a Fig. 1.10b

Solution: In view of Fig. 1.10a one swimmer moves along AC with

velocity v'. Due to the current having velocity v0 it will have a resultant
2
velocity v v02 along AB. Time taken t is given by
y
y y
t= = ; y = width of the river..
v 2 2
v v2
0
v  1  02
v
The other swimmer moves along AB with velocity v' and therefore the
y
time t1 taken for the journey =
v
Due to the current it will reach to point C.
8 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

v0 l
tan  = =
v y
v0 ·y
 l= ; l = BC.
v
Time taken for the path CB with velocity u is given by
l v ·y
t2 = = 0
u v ·u
t = t1 + t2
y y v ·y
or = + 0
v 2
0
v vu
v 1 2
v

1 v0
or = 1+
v 2 u
0
1 2
v

v0
or u = 1
2 2
v 0
1 2
1
v

5
1.14. A boat takes min to cross a 100 m wide river with a speed
4
of V = 4 m/sec relative to the water. Assuming the current speed
u = 2 m/sec find possible up stream or down stream point where the boat
will reach on the opposite shore.
100 4
Solution: V sin  = v = =
5 3
60
4
1
 sin  = Fig. 1.11a
3
8
cos  =
3
For up the stream the required velocity
= V cos  – u (see Fig. 1.11a)
8
–2 =4·
3
= 1.77 m/sec Fig. 1.11b

Distance moved = 1.77 × 75 = 132.8 m

KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 9
For down the stream the required velocity= V cos  + u (see Fig. 1.11b)
8
=4· + 2 = 5.77 m/sec
3
Distance moved = 5.77 × 75 = 432.8 m
1.15. A motor boat moving up streams meets a raft moving down stream.
After travelling for a period of t1 = 30 min the boat reaches a landing place
where it stops for a period of t2 = 1 hr. The boat then travels down stream
and meets the raft in t3 = 45 min. Find the current velocity u by assuming
the speed of the boat relative to the water V = 8 km/hr.
Solution: In view of Fig. 1.12
we have
u (t1 + t2 + t3) + (V – u) t1
= (V + u) t3 ;
u = current velocity.
ut2 = V (t3 – t1)
V t3 t1
u=
t2 Fig. 1.12

8(0.75 0.5)
On putting the values u = = 2 km/hr
1
1.16. The width of a river is 25 m and in it water is flowing with a velocity
of 4 m/min. A boatman is standing on the bank of river. He wants to sail
the boat at a point to the other bank which is directly opposite to him. In
what time will he cross the river if he can sail the boat at 8 m/min relative
to the water.
Solution: The boatman will sail the boat along AC (see Fig. 1.13)
u 4 1
sin  = = =
V 8 2
 = 30º
3 25
cos  = =
2 AC
50
 AC =
3
AC 50 Fig. 1.13
time t = = = 3.6 min.
8 3 8
1.17. Two boats A and B move in perpendicular direction to a buoy
anchored at some point O on a river. They travel with velocity 1.2 v, where
v is the stream velocity, boat A moves along the river, whereas boat B moves
10 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

perpendicular to it. After traversing an equal distance from O the two boats
return. Find the ratio of the time taken by the two boats.
Solution: Boat A travels along OX and boat B moves along OY (Fig.1.14).
Let OX = OY = l. The times of journey of boat A from O to X and from X
l l
to O are and , respectively..
1.2v  v 1.2v v
Total time taken by boat A is given by
y v
l l
tA = +
1.2v  v 1.2v v
o
2 1.2l x
= 2
v 1.2 1 Fig. 1.14

For boat B to move from O to Y its velocity must be at an angle to the

direction of the stream velocity in such a way that the resultant velocity is
directed towards Y. The magnitude of the resultant velocity is given by
1
2 2l
v 1.2 1 2 . The total time taken by boat B is given by tB = 1
.
2 2
v 1.2 1

tA 1.2
 = = 1.81
tB 1.2
2
1

1.18. In Fig. 1.15 what should be the angle  at which a swimmer should
swim to reach to point B, starting from point A. The speed of the swimmer
is v, that of the stream u and the angle  is known.
Solution: A is the point from which the swimmer moves at an angle 
with respect to the width of the river AC. On resolving v along x and y axes
we have v cos  as the speed along the y axis and u + v sin  along the
x axis.
u  v sin 
Now tan  =
v cos 
or v cos  sin  = u cos  + v sin  cos 
or v [sin ( – )] = u cos 
u
or sin ( – ) = cos 
v
u 
or  =  – sin–1  cos  
v  Fig. 1.15
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 11
1.19. A man swimming at rate of 5 km/h wants to cross a 120 m wide
river in a direction perpendicular to the stream. If the stream speed is
4 km/h then find the direction in which the man swims, and the time he
takes to cross the river.
Solution: In Fig. 1.16 OA represents the stream speed of 4 km/h and OB
the swimming speed of 5 km/h. The swimming direction is 90 +  with
respect to the stream.
4
Now sin  =
5
4
cos (90 + ) = – sin  = –
5
Therefore, the direction in which
the man swims is given by
 4
cos–1    .
 5
In triangle BOC, we have OC = 120 m.
3 OC Fig. 1.16
cos BOC = cos  = =
5 OB
5 5
 OB = × OC = × 120 = 200 m
3 3
200
Time taken to cross the river = × 3600 = 144 s
5 1000
1.20. Two particles are projected in the xy plane with equal speeds of
v = 14.1 m/s from the reference point O at angles 1 = 60° and 2 = 30° as
shown in Fig. 1.17. What will be their separation after t = 3 s?
Solution: x component of velocity of the particle projected at angle 1= v
cos 1 (on positive side of x axis) x component of velocity of the particle
projected an angle 2 = v cos 2 (on negative side of x axis)
Relative velocity along y axis
x axis = v (cos 1 + cos 2)
v
y component of velocity of particle
projected at an angle 1= (v sin 1 – gt)
(on positive side of y axis)
y component of velocity of particle 2 1
x axis
projected at an angle 2 = (v sin 2 – gt)
Fig. 1.17
(on positive side of y axis)
Relative velocity along y axis = v (sin 1 – sin 2)
12 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

 cos 1  cos 2    sin 1  sin 2 

2 2
Resultant velocity V = v

= v 2  2cos  1  2 

 1  2 
= 2v cos
2
Separation between the two particles after time
   2 
t = 2v cos  1  t
 2 
On substituting the values of 1; 2; v and t we have,
 30  60 
Separation between the two particles = 2  14.1  cos  3
 2 
= 2 × 14.1 × cos 45 × 3
1 3
= 2 × 14.1 ×
1.41
= 60 m
1.21. A particle initially at rest starts moving from the reference point
x = 0 along the x axis, with a velocity v that varies as v =  x where  is
constant. (a) How do the velocity and acceleration of the particle vary
with time? (b) What is the average velocity of the particle over the first s
metres of its path.
Solution: (a) The velocity of the particle is given by
v= x
On differentiating it with respect to t we have
dv  1 dx  2 dx
= · · = ·v= ; v velocity
dt 2 x dt 2 x 2 dt
2
or dv = dt
2
On integration, we have
2
v= t
2
This is the required equation for velocity.
On differentiating the above expression for velocity with respect to t
dv 2
we have acceleration a = = .
dt 2
The above equation is independent of time and therefore suggests
that the acceleration of the particle remains constant.
(b) Let us start with the equation
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 13
dx 2
v= = t
dt 2
2
or dx = t dt
2
On integration, we have
 2t 2
x=
4
Let t1 be the total time taken by the particle to cover a distance of
s metres. Then
 2t12
s =
4
4s
or t1 =
2
s s · 
Average velocity = = = s
t1 2 s 2
1.22. A particle having an initial velocity v0 moves along a straight line
with deceleration a represented by the equation a =  v , where  is
constant. After what time and after covering what distance will the particle
be brought to rest.
dv
Solution: Acceleration a = =   v (given)
dt
dv dv ds dv ds
Now = · = ·v=– v ; v velocity
dt ds dt ds dt
or v dv = –  ds
Integrating the above equation, we have
0 1 s

v 2 dv =  ds
v0 0

2 3/2 2 3/2
or v0 =  s or s  v0
3 3
dv
Again =– v
dt
or v –1/2dv = –  dt
Integrating the above equation, we have
0 t

v 1/2
dv =    dt
v0 0

2
or v0 = t

14 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

1.23. A small block of mass m slides down an inclined plane forming an

angle  = 30° with the horizontal. The coefficient of friction k between the
block and the plane is no longer constant but varies with x, the distance
travelled by the block on the plane, according to the equation
k = ax, where a is a constant. Find the distance travelled and the maximum
velocity attained by the block before coming to rest.
Solution: The equation of motion of the N KN
block along the plane (see Fig. 1.18) is
given by
dv
mg sin  – k mg cos  = m 
dt sin
mg
mg
dv dx 
or g sin  – kg cos  =
dx dt Fig. 1.18

dv dx
or g sin  – kg cos  = v ; v
dx dt
or (g sin  – g a x cos ) dx = vdv
On integrating the above equation, we have
ax 2 v2
g sin  · x – g cos  =
2 2
This is the equation for the velocity of the block.
On settig v = 0 we have
2 2 1
x= tan  or x = ×
a a 3
dv
For obtaining the maximum value of v, we equate to zero
o
dx
vdv
i.e., g sin  – a g x cos  = =0
dx
tan 
or x =
a
tan 
i.e., at a distance x = the velocity of the block will be maximum.
a
1 2 tan  a · g tan2 
Now v = g sin  · – cos 
2 max a 2 a2
g sin  · tan  g
= – sin  · tan 
a 2a
g
= sin · tan 
2a
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 15

g
 vmax = sin  · tan 
a
On putting  = 30°, we have
1/2
g 1 1 g
vmax = × =
a 2 3 2a 3
1.24. Two particles a and b initially at distances l1 = 4 m and l2 = 3 m
from the point O, begin to move towards O with velocities v1 = 3 m/s and
v2 = 4 m/s along two mutually perpendicular straight path intersecting
at O (see Fig. 1.19). After what time will the distance between the two
particles be minimum ? What will be the value of this minimum distance ?
Solution: After time t the distance between the
particles is given by x2 = (l1 – v1t)2 + (l2 – v2t)2
On differentiating this with respect to t and
setting the differential to zero we have
dx
2x =0
dt
= 2 (l1 – v1t) × – v1 + 2 (l2 – v2t) × – v2
or l1v1 – v12 t = – l2v2 + v22 t Fig. 1.19

l1v1 l2v2
or t =
v12 v22
On substituting the values of l1, l2, v1 and v2, we have
4 3 3 4 24
t = = s
16 9 25
In view of the value of t the starting equation takes the form
2 2
2 l1v1 l2v2 lv l v
2
x = l +l –
2
1
2
2
+ 1 12 2 22
v12 v22 v1 v2
2
lv l v
= l + l – 1 12 2 22
2
1
2
2
v1 v2
2
lv l v
= 1 22 2 21
v1 v2
l1v2 l2v1 16 9 7
or xmin = = = = 1.4 m
v v 2
16 9
2 5
1 2

1.25. The equation of motion of an object moving in the xy plane with

constant acceleration a acting along the negative y axis is governed by
16 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

the relation y = x – x2, where  and  are constants. Find the initial
velocity of the object.
Solution: y = x – x2 (given)
On differentiating this with respect to t, we have
dy dx dx
= – 2x
dt dt dt
A further differentiation with respect to t yields
2
d2 y d2x d2x dx
2 = 2 – 2x 2 – 2
dt dt dt dt
2
d x d2 y
In view of the problem we have = 0 and =–a
dt 2 dt 2
Substituting these values in the above equation, we get
2
dx dx a
– a = – 2 or =
dt dt 2
dx dy
With this value of , at x = 0 becomes
dt dt
dy a
=
dt 2
2 2
dx dy a a
 v02 = + = + 2
dt dt 2 2

1    a2

 v0 =
2
1.26. A stone is thrown horizontally with a velocity of 10 m/sec from a
height of h above the ground. Find the radius of curvature of its trajectory
in 3 sec after the motion begins.
1 2
Solution: x = 10t, y = gt = 4.9t2
2
4.9 x 2
or y =
100
dy 4.9 x d2 y 4.9
= and =
dx 50 dx 2 50

1 d 2 y /dx 2
= 3
 dy
2 2

1 Fig. 1.20
dx
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 17

4.9
1 50
= 3 ; x = 10 × 3 = 30 m
   4.9  3   2
2

1    
  5  
1 4.9
=
 50 9.6436 3.1
 = 305 m
1.27. The equation for the parabola is of the form x2 = 2py where p is +ve
constant. Find the radius of curvature of the parabola at each point.
Solution: x2 = 2py
dy d2 y
p = x and p =1
dx dx 2
1 d 2 y / dx 2 1
= 3 =
  
2 2
3

 dy   x2  2
1
    p 1  2 
  dx    p 
3
 x2  2
or  = p 1  2 
 p 
1.28. A ball is thrown vertically upward from the top of a tower with an
initial velocity u reaches the foot in time t1. When it is thrown vertically
downwards with the same initial velocity from the same point it takes
time t2. Calculate the free fall time.
Solution: Let h be the height of the tower then the equation of motion of
the ball is given by
1
h = – ut1 +g t12
2
1
and h = + ut2 + g t 22
2
1
h (t1 + t2) = g t1 t2 (t1 + t2)
2
1
or h = g t1 t2
2
1
In case of free fall h = gt2
2
On comparing the two we have
t = t1t 2
18 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

1.29. Two particles are projected in the earths gravitational field from a
point with initial velocities v1 and v2 and at angles 1 and 2 with the
horizontal respectively. What will be the path of one particle as seen from
the other.
Solution: The separation betwen the two particles along x axis (taken as
horizontal) is equal to
x = x2 – x1 = (v2 cos 2 – v1 cos 1) t
Similarly the separation between the particles along y axis is equal to
 1   1 
y =  v2 sin 2 t  gt 2  –  v1 sin 1 t  gt 2 
 2   2 
y = (v2 sin 2 – v1 sin 1) t
These separations are in fact the coordinates of a point on one
trajectory relative to the other
y v sin 2  v1 sin 1
= 2 = constt. = m
x v2 cos 2  v1 cos 1
 y = mx
The path will therefore be a straight line.
1.30. A spherical ball is located at a point A (see Fig. 1.21) at a height h
above the earth’s surface. As it starts falling freely another similar ball is
thrown from the earth’s surface from the point O. With what initial velocity
and at what angle should the ball be thrown from O in order to collide
with the first one at B at an altitude h1 = h/2 after covering a horizontal
distance l ?
Solution: Time taken by the first ball for the path AB is the same as that of
the second ball for the horizontal distance l.
h 1 2
Now AB = = gt
2 2 A

h
or t =
g
h
Distance l = v cos  · t; v is the initial velocity
B
h
= v cos 
g v h1
h 1 2
Further = v sin  · t – gt
2 2 
O
h h h l
or = v sin  · –
2 g 2 Fig. 1.21
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 19

h
or h = v sin  ·
g
or v sin  = hg
l2g
v 2 (sin2  + cos2 ) = gh +
h
g 2
or v= l h2
h
gh h
tan  = h =
l g l
1.31. An aeroplane P initially located at O moves along the path OB
inclined at 30° with the horizontal with a constant velocity of 30 m/s. At
the same time a bomber Q moving from left to right with a constant
horizontal velocity of 126 m/s at a certain height above the ground release
a bomb which hits the plane P at B (see Fig. 1.22). Find the height of the
bomber Q assuming it was 500 m behind P when it released the bomb.
Solution: The time of journey for the path
QB is the same as that of path OB, i.e.,
500 x x x
= =
126 30 cos 30 15 3
or 500 × 15 3 + 15 3 x = 126 x
or 500 × 15 3 = (126 – 26) x ; 15 3 = 26
or x = 75 3 Fig. 1.22

Let t be the time taken by the aeroplane in going from O to B. Then we

have
x = 75 3 = 30 cos 30 × t = 15 3 t
t=5s
1 2 1
Height AQ = gt = × 9.8 × 25 = 122.5 m
2 2
1
Height O'B = 30 sin 30 × t = 30 × × 5 = 75 m
2
Height of the bomber above the ground = 197.5 m
1.32. A batsman lifts a ball almost from the ground with an aim of
providing the maximum horizontal range to it. At the same time a fielder
40 m away from the batsman runs at the speed of 10 m/sec along the line
of the hit and catches the ball. Find the velocity of the ball just after it is
struck, g = 10 m/s2.
20 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

Solution: First part : When the fielder is going away from the batsman.
The time taken by the ball to traverse path AD = time taken by the
fielder to move distance BD = t (see Fig. 1.23).
Let u be the velocity of the ball at the hit. Then 40 + 10 t = u cos 45 × t
u
or 40 + 10 t = t.
2
Moreover t will be the time of flight, i.e.,
2 u sin 45 u 2
t= =
g 10
On substituting the value of t in the above equation, we have
u2
40 + u 2 =
10
or u2 – 10 2 · u – 400 = 0
10 2 200 1600
or u =
2
14.14 1800
=
2
14.14 42.43 Fig. 1.23
= = 28.28 m/s
2
Second part : When the fielder is coming close towards the batsman.
Time taken by the ball to traverse path AC = time taken by the fielder
to travel distance BC = t
Let v be the velocity of the ball when hit. Then
v v 2
40 – 10 t = v cos 45 t = t; here t = exactly as above.
e.
2 10
On substituting the value of t we have
v2 + 10 2v – 400 = 0
10 2 200 1600
or v =
2
14.14 42.43
or v = = 14.14 m/s
2
1.33. A ball is thrown from the point O at an angle  to the horizontal with
an initial velocity of v0. Find (i) range (ii) maximum height (iii) time of
dv
flight (iv) equation of trajectory in the coordinates x' and y' (v) and
dt
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 21
d
v at the apex of the trajectory (vi) radius of curvature of the trajectory
y
dt
at point O and O'. y y
Solution: x
v02 sin 2 O
(i) v0
g
v02 sin 2 
(ii)
2g

x
2 v0 sin  O
(iii)
g Fig. 1.24

1 x2
(iv) y = x tan  – g· 2
2 v0 cos2 
v cos  · v0 sin  v02 sin 2 
x= 0 + x' and y = y' +
g 2g
 v02 sin 2    v0 
 y    =  v0 cos  · sin   x   tan 
 2g   g 
2
g  v0 sin  
– v
 0 cos  ·  x  
2 v02 cos2   g 
g
or y' = – x' 2
2 v02 cos2 
dv d
(v) = 0, (v) = 0
dt dt
g x2
(vi) y = x tan  –
2v cos2 
2
0

dy gx
= tan  – 2
dx v0 cos2 
At O, x = 0, y = 0
dy
 = tan 
dx
d2 y g
2 =
dx v0 cos2 
2

g
1 v02 cos2 
= 3
 1  tan2   2
22 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

v02
 at O =
g cos 
dy  gx 
= 2 = 0 at O'
dx v0 cos2 
d2y g
2 =
dx v0 cos2 
2

v02 cos2 
 ' = –
g
1.34. An object is situated on a hill h metres high has an elevation . In
order to hit this object show that the initial velocity of projection should
not be less than gh (1  cosec ) .
Solution: Let O be the point from which
an object is projected with an initial
velocity u in order to hit the object
positioned at A. In view of Fig. 1.25, we
have
OA = h cosec  Fig. 1.25
Now if u is minimum then OA will be the maximum range, i.e.,
u2
h cosec  = OA =
g 1  sin  
or u = gh 1  cosec  
1.35. Two particles A and B starts moving from a high point O at t = 0 in
the opposite direction with horizontal velocities of 3 m/s and 4 m/s
respectively. Due to earth’s gravitational field the two particles experiences
uniform acceleration g = 9.8 m/s2. How far apart are the particles when
their velocity vectors become mutually perpendicular.
Solution: Let us assume that v1 = 3 m/s and v2 = 4 m/s.
In view of the geometry of the
Fig. 1.26 we have the following:

1 + 2 =
2
gt
sin 1 =
2 2
g t v12
gt
sin 2 =
g 2t 2 v22
Fig. 1.26
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 23
v1
cos 1 =
2 2
g t v12
v2
and cos 2 =
g 2t 2 v22
gtv2 gtv1
Now sin (1 + 2) = sin 90 = 1 =
2 2 2
g t v 1 g 2t 2 v22

or g 2t 2 v12 g 2t 2 v22 = g2t2 v12 v22 + 2g2t2v1v2

or g4t4 + g2t2 v12 v22 + v12 v22 = g2t2 v12 v22 + 2g2t2v1v2

or g4t4 – 2g2t2v1v2 + v12 v22 = 0

or (g2t2 – v1v2)2 = 0
or g2t2 = v1v2
v1v2
or t =
g
v1 v2
Separation between the particles = (v1 + v2 ) t = v1v2 at
g
time t
On substituting the values of v1, v2 and g we have
(3 4) 12
Separation between the particles =
9.8
2 3
=
1.4
1.73
= 2.47 m =
0.7
1.36. Two successive shells fired with velocity v = 200 m/s from a point at
angles 1 = 60° and 2 = 30° to the horizontal collide in space. Assuming
the air drag to be negligible. Calculate the lapse of time between the two
firings.
Solution: Let t1 and t2 be the time taken
by the shells fired at angles 1 and  2
respectively. In view of Fig. 1.27, we have
l = v cos 1t1 = v cos 2t2
v
and v h
1 
h = v sin 1t1 – g t12 1 2
2 l
1 2
= v sin 2t2 – g t 2 Fig. 1.27
2
24 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

In the light of the second equation, we have

1
v (sin 1t1 – sin 2t2) = g t12 t 22
2
 l sin 2 ·l  1  l l 
or v sin 1 ·   = g (t1 – t2)   
 v cos 1 v cos 2  2  v cos 1 v cos 2 
sin  1  2  1 t1  t 2  cos 1  cos 2 
or = g
cos 1 ·cos 2 2 v cos 1 · cos 2

2v sin  1  2 
or t = t1 – t2 =
g  cos 1  cos 2 
On substituting the values of the various terms occurring in the above
equation we get t as follows:
2 200 sin (60 30) 200 200
t = = = = 14.9 sec..
9.8 (cos 60 cos 30) 4.9 1 3 4.9 2.73

1.37. A triangular frame OAB with base angles  and  as shown in the
Fig. 1.28 is located in xy plane. At what angle  a projectile be projected
from O so as to graze the vertex A and fall at the base B.
Solution: For the frame we have.
y y
tan  + tan  = + ; R = Range
x R x
y = AC
yR
=
x (R x )
For the projectile we have
gx 2
y = x tan  – ; v = velocity of projection.
2v cos2 
2

 gx 
= x tan  1  2 
 2v cos  · tan  
2

x
= x tan  1
R
R x
y = x tan 
R
yR
tan  = = tan  + tan 
x (R x )
  = tan–1 [tan  + tan ] Fig. 1.28
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 25
1.38. A particle is projected from the top of a tower of height H at an
angle  with the horizontal. It strikes the ground at A lying at a distance D
from the foot of the tower (see Fig. 1.29). Calculate the maximum height
attained by the particle.
v
Solution: Let t be the time of flight.
h
t · v cos  = D; 
v = velocity of projection.
D H
t=
v cos 
A
Further D
1 2 Fig. 1.29
– H = v sin  · t – gt
2
v sin  · D 1 D2
or –H = – g· 2
v cos  2 v cos2 
1 D2
or – H = D tan  – g 2
2 v cos2 
gD2
or = H + D tan 
2v 2 cos2 
Now v2 sin2  = 2gh ; h is the maximum height above the tower
v 2 sin 2  sin 2  g D2
h= = ×
2g 2g 2 ( H  D tan )  cos2 
D 2 tan 2 
=
4( H  D tan )
D 2 tan 2 
 Maximum height = H +
4( H  D tan )
1.39. Two walls AB & CD each of height h are at a distance 2h from each
other (see Fig. 1.30). A particle projected from the point O with a velocity
v = 2  gh just clears the two walls and strike the ground at E. Calculate
the time taken by the projectile in passing between the two walls.
Solution: Let us assume that the projectile attains a height h in time t.
1 2 y axis
h = 2  gh · sin  · t – gt
2
v A C
This is a quadratic
equation in t, therefore it h
will have two roots t1 and 
t2. Now x axis
O B D E
4  gh 2h
t1 + t2 = sin  Fig. 1.30
g
26 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

h
and t1t2 = 2
g
Now (t2 – t1)2 = (t1 + t2)2 – 4 t1 t2
16h 8h
(t2 – t1)2 = sin2  –
g g
1
 8h 2
(t2 – t1) =  (2 sin 2   1)
g 
Further 2  gh · cos  × (t2 – t1) = 2h

h 1
or t2 – t1 = ·
g cos 
1
h 1  8h 2
 ·
g cos 
=   2 sin 2   1 
 g 
h 8h
= (2 sin2  – 1)
g cos2  g
1 = 16 sin2  cos2  – 8 cos2 
1 = 16 (1 – cos2 ) cos2  – 8 cos2 
1 = 16 cos2  – 16 cos4  – 8 cos2 
16 cos4  – 8 cos2  + 1 = 0
or (4 cos2  – 1)2 = 0
1
or cos2  =
4
3
sin2  =
4
With these values
1
 8h  2  3  2 4h h
t2 – t1 =    1  = = 2
 g 4  g g
1.40. A ball is projected in xy plane with a velocity v0 and at an angle 
with the horizontal. During motion it experiences an air resistance equal
to + v where  is a positive constant and v is the instantaneous velocity.
Find (i) the time taken to attain the highest point (ii) the maximum height
attained by the ball.
Solution:
(i) The equation of motion of the ball along y axis is given by
mdv
= – (mg + v)
dt
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 27
0 t
mdv
or – 
v0 sin  mg  v
= dt
0

m  v0 sin  
log 1   =t
  mg 
mdv
(ii) = – (mg + v)
dt
dv dh
or m· · = – (mg + v)
dh dt
0 h
m ·vdv
or – 
v0 sin  (mg   v )
= dh
0

mv0 sin  m g
2
  v0 sin  
or h= – 2 log 1  
   mg 
1.41. A particle of mass m is projected vertically upward with a velocity v0
in a medium whose resistance is kv2. Determine the time at which the
particle will come to rest.
Solution: The equation of motion of the particle is given by
mdv
= – (mg + kv2)
dt
0 t
mdv
or – = dt
v0 mg kv 2 0
v0 t
m dv
= = dt
k mg
0 v2 0
k

m k k
t = · tan–1 vo
k mg mg
m k
= · tan–1 vo
kg mg
1.42. At what initial speed and at what angle with the horizontal a particle
be projected in order to attain a maximum height H and horizontal
range R?
Solution: Let the particle be projected at an angle  with the horizontal
with an initial speed v.
v 2 sin 2  2v 2 sin  cos 
H = and R =
2g g
28 SOLVED PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

4v 4
R2 =  sin 2  1  sin 2   
g2  
4v 4
=  sin 2   sin 4  
g2 
4v 4  2Hg 4H 2 g 2  8Hv 2
= 2  2  4  = – 16H2
g  v v  g

g R2 16 H 2
 v =
8H
2
2gH 2gH · 8H 16H
sin2  = = = 2
g  R  16 H   16 H 2
2
v 2 2 R
4H
sin  =
2
R 16 H 2

4H
or  = sin–1 2
R 16 H 2

1.43. A particle is projected up an incline plane of inclination 

(see Fig. 1.31). At what elevation  to the horizontal the particle will strike
the plane at right angles.
Solution: Time of flight for path OA is given by
2v sin     
t=
g cos 
Initial velocity of the particle = v cos ( – )
Final velocity at A = 0 = v cos ( – ) – g sin  · t.
The particle is striking the plane at A at 90°.
v cos     
t=
g sin 
2v sin      v cos      v
 = 90°
g cos  g sin  A
or 2 tan ( – ) = cot 
 
 tan   tan  
2   = cot  O
 1  tan  · tan  
Fig. 1.31

or 2 tan  – 2 tan  = cot  + tan 

tan  = cot  + 2 tan 
or  = tan–1 (cot  + 2 tan ]
KINEMATICS IN ONE AND TWO DIMENSIONS 29
1.44. A projectile is fired from point O with initial velocity v and angle of
elevation  along an incline plane of inclination . For what value of  the
range on the incline plane is maximum.
Solution: In Fig. 1.32 the coordinates of point A is given by
x = v cos  · t = r cos 
1 2
y = v sin  · t – gt = r sin ; r = range OA
A
2
r cos  1 r 2 cos2 
r sin  = v sin  · – g· 2
v cos  2 v cos2 
gr cos 
tan  = tan  –
2v 2 cos2 
2v 2 cos2 
 r = (tan  – tan ) ·
g cos 
2
dr 2v
Now = [sec2  · cos2  + tan  × – 2 cos  sin 
d g cos 
– tan  × – 2 cos  · sin ] = 0
or 1 – 2 sin  cos  (tan  – tan ) = 0
1
or tan  – tan  =
2 sin  cos 
1
or tan  – = tan 
2 sin  cos 
or – cot 2  = tan 
 
or  = + Fig. 1.32
4 2
1.45. A bullet of mass M is fired with a velocity of 50 m/sec. at an angle 
with the horizontal. At the highest point of its trajectory it collides head
on with a bob of mass 3M suspended by a massless string of length
10/3 metres and gets embedded in the bob. After the collision the string
moves through an angle of 120°. Find (i) the angle  (ii) the vertical and
horizontal co-ordinates of the initial position of the bob with respect to
the point of firing the bullet (take g = 10 m/sec2). (I.I.T. 1988)
Solution: At the point P (see Fig. 1.33), ux = x component of velocity
= u cos  and uy = 0.
According to conservation of momentum we have
M · ux = Mu cos  = (M + 3M) v;
v = final velocity acquired by the bob + bullet