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Chapter 3

Kinematics
3.1 Introduction
(Definitions of Motion, Rectilinear Motion and Kinematics)

3.2 Position, Path length and Displacement


(Frame of Reference, Uniform Motion)

3.3 Average velocity and Average Speed


3.4 Instantaneous Velocity and Speed
3.5 Acceleration
3.6 Kinematic Equations for Uniformly Accelerated Motion
(Free-fall : Discuss the motion of an object under free fall. Neglect air resistance)
 Galileo’s Law of odd numbers
 Stopping distance of vehicles
 Reaction time

3.7 Relative Velocity

INTRODUCTION :

Mechanics, one of the oldest physical sciences is fundamentally the study of the state of rest as well as the
state of motion of material objects.
An object is said to be at rest if it does not change its position with respect to surroundings in the course
of time.
An object is said to be in motion if its position changes with respect to the surroundings in the course of
time.
The study of mechanics can be broadly classified into two categories, statics and dynamics.
Statics is the study of object at rest. In the study of statics, we deal with ‘forces in equilibrium’. On the
other hand, the study of dynamics involves time. Galileo has contributed a lot to dynamics.

KINEMATICS :

It is that branch of Mechanics which deals with the study of motion without taking into account the
cause of the motion.
 The term ‘Kinematics’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Kinema’ meaning motion.
 We do not attach any significance to the particle that is moving.
 Rest, motion, speed, velocity, acceleration and time are some of the important concepts required
for analysis of motion.
 Galileo has contributed a lot to the concept of velocity and acceleration.
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DYNAMICS :

It is that branch of Mechanics in which we study not only the motion of the particle but also the cause of
motion.
 The word ‘Dynamics’ comes from the Greek word ‘Dyamis’ meaning power.
 Since force is the cause of motion, therefore the study of dynamics is more or less, a study of
force.
 Newton has contributed a lot to this concept by pronouncing this three famous laws of motion.
Notes :
1. Rest and Motion are relative terms. For an example, a person sitting in a moving train is at rest
with respect to fellow passengers but is in motion with respect to objects outside the train.
2. Absolute rest is complete absence of motion.
3. Absolute rest is beyond out imagination become all heavenly bodies are moving with respect to
one another.
4. Absolute motion is practically not possible because we do not have any reference point which is
absolutely fixed in space. For an example, even Earth can not be regarded as a ‘fixed reference’
because it revolves around Sun. Even Sun cannot be regarded as ‘fixed’ because it is in circular
motion around the galactic centre.

DISTANCE :
(1)
Distance is the actual length of the path. It is the characteristic property of any
path i.e. path is always associated when we consider distance between two B
positions. Distance between A and B while moving through path (1) may or may A
not be equal to the distance between A and B while moving through path (2). (2)
(i) It is a scalar quantity
(ii) Dimensions : [M0L1T0]
(iii) Units : In C.G.S. centimeter (cm), In M.K.S. (m)

DISPLACEMENT :

Displacement of a particle is a position vector of its final position w.r.t. initial position.
Displacement of particle is the change in the position of the particle in a particular direction.

Characteristics of displacement :
(1) The displacement in any interval of time may be zero, positive or negative.
(2) The displacement of particle in a given interval of time is independent of the choice of origin.
(3) The actual distance travelled by a particle is either equal to or greater than the magnitude of
displacement.
(4) The knowledge of displacement x (in magnitude) of a particle in a given time interval t gives
no indication about the actual motion of the particle i.e., whether the motion is uniform,
accelerated or circular etc. It also gives no information about the actual path of the particle.
(5) Just as position co-ordinate is measured in units of length, the displacement is also measured in
units of length.
(6) The displacement of a particle between two points has a unique value.
(7) The magnitude of the displacement of a particle between two points gives the shortest distance
between these points.
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 3

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DISTANCE & DISPLACEMENT :

(a) Distance is scalar, while displacement is vector both having same dimensions [L] and same SI
unit metre.
(b) The magnitude of displacement is equal to minimum possible distance so,
Distance  | Displacement |
(c) For motion between two points displacement is single valued, while distance depends on actual
path and so can have many values.
(d) For a moving particle distance can never decrease with time while displacement can. Decrease
in displacement means body is moving towards the initial position.
(e) For a moving particle distance can never be negative or zero, while displacement can be. (Zero
displacement means that body has come back to initial position)
Distance > 0 but Displacement > = or < 0
(f) In general magnitude of displacement is not equal to distance. However it can be so if the
motion is along a straight line without change in direction.

Distance covered and displacement in a few typical cases :

A
h

A r B A B B
Distance = r, Distance = 2h, Distance = s,
| Displacement | = 2r Displacement = 0 | Displacement | = s

Note : If a body covers a full circle of radius R, then distance traveled is 2R and Displacement
is zero

ILLUSTRATION 1

Which of the following graph(s) is / are not possible ?


Displacement

Displacement
Distance

Distance

(A) (B) (C) (D)


0 Time 0 Time 0 t1 Time 0 Time

SOLUTION :
The (A) graph shows that with increase in time distance first increases and then decreases. However, distance can never
decrease with time so this graph is not physically possible. The graph (C) shows that at certain instant of time (t1) body
is present at two positions. Also it shows that time first increases then decreases. These conditions are not possible
physically.
Hence correct answer is (A) and (C).
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ILLUSTRATION 2

A body covered a distance of L m along a curved path of a quarter circle. The ratio of distance to
displacement is
(A) /2 2 (B) 2 2 / (C) / 2 (D) 2 /
SOLUTION : B
Length of quarter circle path = L = 2r/4
Thus, the distance covered by the body = 2r/4 r
From OAB, magnitude of displacement = AB = r 2  r 2  2 r. A
O r
Distance 2r / 4
 = = /2 2
Displacement 2 r
Hence correct answer is (A).

ILLUSTRATION 3

An old man goes for morning walk on a semicircular track of radius 40 m; if he starts from one end
of the track and reaches to other end, the distance covered by the man and his displacement will
respectively be :
(A) 126 m, 80 m (B) 80 m, 126 m (C) 80 m, 252 m (C) 252 m, 80 m
SOLUTION :
Distance covered by man = Length of the path = R =  × 40 = 126 m
Displacement of the man = The least distance between initial and final points
= Diameter of semicircular path = 2R = 2 × 40 = 80 m
The direction of displacement will be from initial point to final point. Hence correct answer is (A).

SPEED :

It is the distance covered by the particle in one second.


(i) It is a scalar quantity
(ii) Unit : In M.K.S.- Meter/Second (m/s)
In C.G.S.- cm/sec
(iii) Dimensions : [M0L1T–1]
Types of speed :
(a) Instantaneous speed
(b) Average speed
(c) Uniform speed
(d) Non-uniform speed
(a) Instantaneous Speed :
It is the speed of a particle at particular instant.
S dS
Instantaneous speed = lim  
 t 0 t dt
Total distance
(b) Average speed =
Total time
(c) Uniform speed :
If during the entire motion speed of the body remains same, the body is said to have
uniform speed.
(d) Non-uniform speed :
If speed changes, the body is said to have non-uniform speed.
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 5

VELOCITY :

It is defined as rate of change of displacement.


(i) It is a vector quantity
(ii) Its direction is same as that of displacement
(iii) Unit and dimension : Same as that of speed
Types of Velocity :
(a) Instantaneous velocity
(b) Average velocity
(c) Uniform velocity
(d) Non-uniform velocity

(a) Instantaneous velocity :


It is defined as the velocity at some particular instant.
 
r d r
Instantaneous velocity  lim 
 t  0 t dt
(b) Average velocity :
Total displacement
Average velocity =
Total time
(c) Uniform velocity :
A particle is said to have uniform velocity, if magnitudes as well as direction of its
velocity remains same and this is possible only when the particles moves in same straight
line reversing its direction.
(d) Non-uniform velocity :
A particle is said to have non-uniform velocity, if either magnitude or direction of
velocity changes (or both changes).

Note :
Facts about UNIFORM VELOCITY
 It is on a straight line path and always in the same direction.
 The magnitude of velocity is equal to speed.
 The average velocity is equal to instantaneous velocity.
 Acceleration is zero.
 Net force is zero.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INSTANTANEOUS SPEED AND INSTANTANEOUS VELOCITY :

Instantaneous velocity or simply velocity is defined as rate of change of particle's position with time
 
 r dr  
v  lim  where the position r of a particle at any instant changes by  r in a small time t.
 t 0 t dt

The magnitude of velocity is called speed i.e. speed = | velocity| i.e. v = | v |

Note : In straight line motion there is no change in direction so v and v both have same meaning
6 Kalrashukla Classes

ILLUSTRATION 1

The displacement of a particle moving in one-dimensional direction under a force at time t is given
by t = x + 3, where x is in m and t in sec. The displacement of the particle, when its velocity is
zero, will be :
(A) 0 (B) 3m (C) –3m (D) 2m
SOLUTION :
Given t = x + 3
 x = t2 – 6t + 9
dx
 = 2t– 6
dt
dx
 Instantaneous velocity v   2t  6
dt
When v = 0, 2t – 6 = 0  t = 3 sec.
Thus, at t = 3 sec, x = (t2 – 6t + 9) = 0.
Hence correct answer is (A).

Notes :
(1) Velocity is a vector while speed is a scalar having same units (m/s) and dimension [LT–1]
(2) If during motion velocity remains constant throughout a given interval of time, the motion is
 
said to be uniform and for uniform motion, v = constant = vav
 
However converse may or may not be true i.e. If v = vav , the motion may or may not be uniform.
(3) If velocity is constant, speed (= | velocity |) will also be constant. However converse may or may
not be true i.e. if speed = constant, velocity may or may not be constant as velocity has a direction
in addition to magnitude which may or may not change. For as example in case of uniform
 
rectilinear motion.| v | = constant and so speed i.e. | v | = constant while in case of uniform
 
circular motion, | v | = constant but v  a constant due to change in direction.
(4) Velocity can be positive or negative, as it is a vector but speed can never be negative as it is the

magnitude of velocity. i.e. v = | v |
(5) If displacement is given as a function of time, the time derivative of displacement will give
velocity and modulus of velocity gives speed.

2  dx
e.g. s = A0 – A1t + A2t , | v |  = – A1 + 2A2t.
dt
So, initially (t = 0), velocity = – A1 , while speed = |–A1| = A1
ds s s A
It is common misconception, that = , Here = 0 – A1 + A2t
dt t t t
ds
Which is totally different from the above value of .
dt
ds
(6) As by definition, v = , the slope of displacement versus time graph
dt
Displacement

gives velocity.


 ds
i.e. |v|  = tan  = slope of s-t curve 
dt O t Time
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 7


 ds  
(7) As, | v |   | ds |  | v | dt

Velocity
dt
 
From figure | v |  t  dA |v |

 s =  dA =  | v | dt

O t time

Area under velocity versus time graph with proper algebraic |v |

sign gives displacement while without sign gives distance.


For an example in the adjoining v-t graph,
The distance travelled by body in time t3 = Area I + Area II + II t2 t3
0 t
Area III and t1
I
The displacement of body = Area II – Area III – Area I III

ILLUSTRATION 2

Can a body have uniform velocity but non-uniform speed ?


(A) Yes (B) No
(C) Depend on magnitude (D) Unpredictable
SOLUTION :
No
Speed is the magnitude of velocity. When a body has uniform velocity, its magnitude i.e. speed is going to the constant.
Hence correct answer is (B).

ILLUSTRATION 3

Can a body have uniform speed but non-uniform velocity ?


(A) Yes (B) No
(C) Depend on direction (D) Unpredictable
SOLUTION :
Yes, so the correct answer is (A).
e.g. Speed of a particle in circular path is constant but due to change in direction its velocity changes.

ILLUSTRATION 4

State whether the following graph can be seen in nature or not.


Explain.
Speed

(A) Yes
(B) No
t2 0 t3 Time
(C) Sometime
(D) At a particular instant
SOLUTION :
This graph shows that speed is negative for some interval of time (t2 to t3). Since speed can never be negative, so this
graph is physically not possible.
Hence correct answer is (B).
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ILLUSTRATION 5

Out of the following graph(s), which is / are not possible?

Velocity

Velocity
Velocity
(A) (B) (C) (D)
Time

0 t4 t 5
Time
0 Position 0 Time 0 Time

SOLUTION :
The graph (A) shows that, at a given instant of time, the particle has two different positions which is not possible
alternatively, the graph (A) shows that on increasing position (x), time first increases, then decreases, which is
impossible. The graph (C) shows that at a given instant of time (t4) particle has two velocities. Also it shows that at time

(t5) the acceleration is infinite (= slope of v /t curve). Since both these conditions cannot be achieved in practice, hence
then these graphs are not possible.
Hence correct answer is (A) and (C).

ILLUSTRATION 6

From the adjoining displacement-time graph for two particles A and B the ratio of velocities vA : vB will
be: Y
B
(A) 1 : 2

Displacement
A
(B) 1 : 3
60º
(C) 3 :1
(D) 1 : 3 30º
X
time

SOLUTION :
The line having greater slope has greater velocity, hence the line making an angle 60º with time axis has greater
velocity.
v tan 30º 1/ 3 1
Now, A   
vB tan 60º 3 3
Hence correct answer is (D).

ILLUSTRATION 7

From the adjoining graph, the distance traversed by particle in 4 sec, is : v(m/s)
(A) 60 m 20
(B) 25 m
10
(C) 55 m
(D) 30 m 0 1 2 3 4
Time (sec)

SOLUTION :
The given graph can be drawn as shown in figure.
Distance travelled = Area under v-t graph
= Area I + Area II + Area III + Area IV + Area V
1 1
=   (OH × AH) + HG × AH + (G'C × BG') + (GF × GG') + (EF × CF)
2 2
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 9

1 1
=   (1 × 20) + (1 × 20) + (1 × 10) + (1 × 10) + (1 × 10)
2 2
= 10 + 20 + 5 + 10 + 10 = 55 m

v(m/s)

A B
20

III
II
10 C D
G
I
IV V

H G F E
0 1 2 3 4 Time (sec)

Hence correct answer is (C).

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AVERAGE SPEED & AVERAGE VELOCITY :

The average speed of a particle for a given interval of time is defined as the ratio of distance travelled to
the time taken, while average velocity is defined as the ratio of displacement to time taken.
Distance traveled s
Average speed = i.e. vav =
Time taken t

Displacement  r
Average velocity = i.e vav 
Time taken t

Notes :
(1) Average speed is a scalar, while average velocity is a vector both having same unit (m/s)
(2) Both have dimensions [M0LT–1].
(3) For a given time interval average velocity is single valued, while average speed can have many
values depending on path followed.
 
(4) If after motion body comes back to its initial position vav = 0 [as  r = 0], but vav > 0 and finite
(as s > 0)
(5) For a moving body average speed can never be negative or zero (unless t ), while average

velocity can be i.e. vav > 0 while vav > = or < 0

(6) In general average speed is not equal to magnitude of average velocity (as s  | r |). However

it can be so if the motion is along a straight line without change in direction (as s = | r |).
(7) If a graph is plotted between distance (or displacement) and time, the
slope of chord during a given time interval gives average speed (or B
Displacement

s2
velocity) s
A 
s s1
vav = = tan  = slope of chord t
t
t1 t2
(8) If a particle travels distances L1, L2, L3 etc at speeds v1, v2, v3 etc. Time
respectively, then
s L  L2  .........  Ln Li
vav = = 1 
t L1 L L L
 2  ...........  n  i
v1 v2 vn vi
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If L1 = L2 ……. = Ln = L
1 1 1 1  1 1
then =    ...... = 
vav n  v1 v2  n vi
If a particle moves a distance at speed v1 and comes back with speed v2, then
2v v 
vav = 1 2 while vav = 0 [as displacement = 0]
v1  v2
(9) If a particle travels at speeds v1, v2, ……. etc. for intervals t1, t2, ……etc. respectively, then
s v t  v t  ............ viti
vav = = 11 2 2 
t t1  t2  ............. ti
If t1 = t2 = ............. = tn = t
v1  v2  ......... 1
then vav =   vi
n n
i.e. average speed is arithmetic mean of individual speeds.

If a particle moves for two equal time-intervals


v1  v2
vav =
2

ILLUSTRATION 1

A car travels first half distance between two places with a speed of 40 km/h and the rest half
distance with a speed of 60 km/h. The average speed of the car will be :
(A) 100 km/hr (B) 50 km/hr (C) 48 km/hr (D) 200 km/hr
SOLUTION :
Let the total distance travelled be x.
Time taken to travel first half distance
x/2 x
t1 = = hr
40 80
Time taken to travel the rest half distance
x/2 x
t2 = = hr
60 120
Total distance x
 Average speed = = = 48 km/hr
Total time ( x / 80)  ( x / 120)
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 2

A clock has its minute hand 4.0 cm long. The average velocity of the tip of the minute hand
between 6.00 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. and 6.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. will respectively be : (in cm/s)
(A) 4.4 × 10–3, 1.8 × 10–4 (B) 1.8 × 10–4, 4.4 × 10–3
(C) 8 × 10–3, 4.4 × 10 –3 (D) 4.4 × 10–3, 8 × 10 –4
SOLUTION :
At 6.00 a.m. the tip of the minute hand is at 12 mark and at 6.30 a.m. or 6.30 p.m. it is 180º away. Thus the straight line
distance between the initial and final positions of the tip is equal to the diameter of the clock.
Displacement = 2 R = 2 × 4 cm = 8 cm
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 11

Time taken from 6 a. m. to 6.30 a.m. is 30 minutes = 1800 s. The average velocity is
Displacement 8.0 cm
vav =  = 4.4 × 10–3 cm/s
time 1800 s
Again time taken from 6 am to 6.30 p.m. = 12 hrs + 30 minutes = 45000 s
Displacement 8
 vav =  = 1.8 × 10–4 cm/s
time 45000
Hence correct answer is (A).

ILLUSTRATION 3

The average speed and average velocity during one complete cycle of radius R will respectively be :
(T is the time to take one complete revolution)
R 2R R 2R 2 R
(A) ,0 (B) , (C) ,0 (D) 0,
T T T T T
SOLUTION :
2R 
Average speed vav = and Average velocity vav = 0/T = 0
T
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 4

A boy covers a distance AB of 2 km with speed of 2.5 km/h, while going from A to B and comes
back from B to A with speed 0.5 km/hr, his average speed will be :
(A) 1.5 km/hr (B) 0.83 km/hr (C) 1.2 km/hr (D) 3 km/hr
SOLUTION :
Boy goes from A to B and then comes back from B to A. Hence his average speed
2v1v2 2  2.5  0.5
vav = 
v1  v2 2.5  0.5
2.5
= = 0.8 km/hr
3
Hence correct answer is (B).

ILLUSTRATION 5

Usually "average speed" means the ratio of total distance covered to the time elapsed. However
some time the phrase "average speed" can mean the magnitude of the average velocity. Are the two
same ?
SOLUTION :
distance
No, usually they have different meanings, as according to first-definition, vav = , while according to second-
time
| displacement | 
definition vav = . Now as distance  | displacement |, so vav  | vav |
time
i.e. usually average speed is greater than the magnitude of average velocity
e.g. If a body returns to its starting point after some motion, then as distance travelled is finite while displacement is

zero so vav > 0 but | vav | = 0. However in case of motion along a straight-line without change in direction, as
|displacement| = distance, the two definition will mean same.
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ACCELERATION :

It is defined as the rate of change of velocity.


(i) It is a vector quantity.
(ii) Its direction is same as that of change in velocity and not of the velocity (That is why
acceleration in circular motion is towards the centre).
(iii) There are three ways possible in which change in velocity may occur :
When only direction When only magnitude When both the direction
changes changes changes and magnitude change
In this case, net In this case, net force or net In this case, net force or net
acceleration or net force acceleration should be acceleration has two components.
should be perpendicular parallel or anti-parallel to the One component is parallel or anti-
to the direction of direction of velocity. parallel to velocity and another
velocity (straight line motion) one is perpendicular to velocity
Example: Example: Example:
Uniform circular motion When ball is thrown up Projectile motion
under gravity

Types of Acceleration :
(a) Instantaneous acceleration :
It is defined as the acceleration of a body at some particular instant.
 
 v d v
Instantaneous acceleration = a  lim 
 t 0 t dt

(b) Average acceleration :


  
 v v2  v1
aav  
t t2  t1
(c) Uniform acceleration :
A body is said to have uniform acceleration if magnitude and direction of the
acceleration remains constant during particle motion.
Note : If a particle is moving with uniform acceleration, this does not necessarily imply
that particle is moving in straight line.
Example : Parabolic motion
(d) Non-uniform acceleration :
A body is said to have non-uniform acceleration, if magnitude or direction or both
change during motion.

Notes :
(1) Acceleration is a vector with dimensions [LT–2] and SI units (m/s2).
(2) If acceleration is zero, velocity will be constant and motion will be uniform.
(3) However if acceleration is constant then acceleration is uniform but motion is non-uniform and
if acceleration
 is not constant then both motion and acceleration are non-uniform.


(4) If a force F acts on a particle of mass m then by Newton's II law a = F /m.
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 13

(5) As by definition

 ds
v
dt
  
 dv d  ds  d 2 s
so, a   
dt dt  dt  dt 2

i.e. If s is given as a function of time, second time derivative of displacement gives acceleration.
(6) If velocity is given as function of position then by chain rule.
dv dv dx dv dx
a  .   av [as  v]
dt dx dt dx dt

 dv
(7) As acceleration a  , the slope of velocity-time graph gives acceleration i.e.
dt

 dv
a = tan 
dt

 da
(8) The slope of a -t curve, i.e. is a measure of rate of non-uniformity of acceleration. However
dt
we do not define this physical quantity as it is not involved in basic laws or equation of motion.
(9) Acceleration can be positive or negative. Positive acceleration means velocity is increasing with
time while negative acceleration called retardation means velocity is decreasing with time.

ILLUSTRATION 1

The displacement x of a particle along a straight line at time t is given by x = a0 – a1t + a2t2.
The acceleration of the particle is :
(A) a0 (B) a1 (C) 2a2 (D) a2
SOLUTION :
x = a0 – a1t + a2t2
dx d2x
 = – a1 + 2a2t  = 2a2
dt dt 2
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 2

If the displacement of a particle is proportional to the square of time, then :


(A) velocity is inversely proportional to t (B) velocity is proportional to t
(C) velocity is proportional to t (D) acceleration is constant
SOLUTION :
Given that s  t2  s = kt2, where k is constant
ds
 velocity v = = 2kt,  vt
dt
dv
Now, acceleration a = = 2k = constant.
dt
Hence acceleration of particle is constant.
Hence correct answer, are (B) and (D).
14 Kalrashukla Classes

ILLUSTRATION 3

The displacement is given by x = 2t2 + t + 5, the acceleration at t = 5 sec will be :


(A) 8 m/s2 (B) 12 m/s2 (C) 15 m/s2 (D) 4 m/s2
SOLUTION :
dx
Given, x = 2t2 + t +5  =4t +1
dt
d2x  d2x 
 =4   2  = 4 m/s2
dt 2  dt t  5sec
Hence correct answer is (D).

ILLUSTRATION 4

A particle moves along the x-axis in such a way that its x-co-ordinate varies with time as
x = 2 – 5t + 6t2. The initial velocity and acceleration of particle will respectively be :
(A) –5 m/s, 12 m/s (B) 5 m/s, –12 m/s (C) –5 m/s, –12 m/s (D) 5 m/s, 12 m/s
SOLUTION :
x = 2 – 5t + 6t2
dx
 v= = – 5 + 12t,
dt
Putting t = 0, in this relation we get :
v = –5 m/s,
dv d
Now, a =  (5  12t ) = 12 m/s2
d t dt
Hence correct answer is (A).

ILLUSTRATION 5

The position x of a particle varies with time (t) as x = at2 – bt3. The acceleration of the particle will
be equal to zero at time
2a a a
(A) (B) (C) (D) 0
3b b 3b
SOLUTION :
Given that x = at2 – bt3
dx dv
 Velocity v= = 2at – 3bt2 and Acceleration a =  2a  6bt
dt dt
 0 = 2a – 6bt
2a a
 t= 
6b 3b
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 6

In the above example, the average acceleration of the particle in the interval t = 1 to t = 3 sec will be
(A) 12a – 2b (B) 2b – 12a (C) 2a – 12b (D) 12b – 2a
SOLUTION :
In the light of above example,
we have v = 2at – 3bt2
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 15

Now velocity at t = 1 sec, 2a – 3b


And velocity t = 3 sec, v2 =
that at t = 3 sec, v2 = 6a – 27b
Thus average acceleration
v v 6a  27b  2a  3b 4a  24b
aav = 2 1 =  = 2a – 12b
t 2  t1 3 1 2
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 7

The velocity v of a moving particle varies with displacement as x = v  1 , the acceleration of the
particle at x = 5 unit will be :
(A) 6 unit (B) 24 unit (C) 240 unit (D) 25 unit
SOLUTION :
x= v 1
 x2 = v + 1  v = x2 –1
dv
 = 2x.
dx
Now acceleration
dv
a=v = (x2 – 1)  2x
dx
This is the acceleration at position x. Now at x = 5 unit, a = (52 –1) (2 × 5) = 240 unit
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 8

A car accelerates from rest at a constant rate  for sometime after


which it decelerates at constant rate  to come to rest. If the total vmax A
time elapsed is t sec. The maximum velocity of car will be :
   v
(A) (B) t
t (  )  tan–1  tan–1  B
0 t2
  t1
(C) t (D) t
  (   )
SOLUTION :
If the car accelerates for time t1 and decelerates for time t2, then according to given problems
t = t1 + t 2 …. (1)
If vmax is the maximum velocity of the car, then from v/t curve, we have
v v
 = max ,  = max
t1 t2
[as slope of v/t curve gives acceleration.]
 1 1  t1  t2
so    =
  vmax

 vmax = t [t = t1 + t2]
(  )
Hence correct answer is (C).
16 Kalrashukla Classes

Special Note :
1
In the above example, the total distance travelled by car, s = (area OAB)
2
1  1  
s =   (vmax) t =   t
2  2  
[as area of v/t graph gives total distance covered]

ILLUSTRATION 9

If displacements of a particle varies with time t as s = 1/t2, then


(A) The particle is moving with constant velocity
(B) The particle is moving with variable acceleration of decreasing order
(C) The particle is moving with constant retardation
(D) The particle has constant speed but variable velocity
SOLUTION :
s = t–2,
ds d 2s
Velocity v = = – 2/t3, Acceleration a = = 6/t4
dt dt 2
Hence correct answer is (B).

ILLUSTRATION 10

The retardation of a moving particle, if the relation between time and position is t = Ax2 + Bx
(where A and B are constant) will be :
(A) 2A (Ax + B)–3 (B) 2A (2Ax + B)–3 (C) A/2 (Ax + B)–3 (D) A/2 [2Ax + B]–3
SOLUTION :
As t = Ax2 + Bx
 dt/dx = 2Ax + B
 v = (2Ax + B)–1 … (1)
Now by chain rule
dv dv dx dv
a  . v
dt dx dt dx
d
 a = (2Ax + B)–1 (2Ax + B)–1
dx
= – 2 A (2Ax + B)–3
So retardation = – a = 2A(2Ax + B)–3
Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 11

It is possible to be accelerating if you are travelling at constant speed ? Is it possible to round a


curve, with zero acceleration ? With constant acceleration ? With variable acceleration ?
(A) No, yes, no, no (B) Yes, no, yes, yes (C) Yes, no, no, no (D) No, no, yes, yes
SOLUTION :
If speed is constant, velocity may change due to change in direction and as acceleration is rate of change of velocity so
acceleration may not be zero when speed is constant. Actually in uniform circular motion, speed = constant but
acceleration  0.
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 17

For motion on a curve we at least have to change the direction of motion, so we will require a force and hence,
acceleration i.e. it is not possible to round a curve with zero acceleration. However,  in rounding a curve acceleration
may be constant or variable. In case of projectile motion acceleration is constant (= g ) while in case of circular motion
acceleration  constant, either due to change in direction or both change in direction and magnitude.
Hence correct answer is (B).

ILLUSTRATION 12
 
d |v| dv
What do and represent ?
dt dt
SOLUTION :

d |v| 
represents time rate of change of speed as | v | v,
dt

dv
While represents magnitude of acceleration.
dt

MOTION WITH UNIFORM ACCELERATION :



Let u = Initial velocity (at t = 0),

v = Velocity of the particle after time t

a = Acceleration (uniform),

s = Displacement of the particle during time 't'
 
 v u
(a) Acceleration, a 
t
[Because of uniform acceleration, this acceleration is instantaneous as well average acceleration].
From above equation
  
v  u  at ...(i)

(b) Displacement s = Average velocity × time,
 
 u v
s  t ...(ii)
2
[This is very useful equation, when acceleration is not given]

  1 
(c) From (i) and (ii) s  u t +   a t2 ...(iii)
2
Again from (i) and (iii)
  1
s  vt    at 2
2
[Here negative sign does not indicate that retardation is occurring]
     
(d) From (i) and (ii) v  v = u  u + 2 a  s ...(iv)

sn = displacement of particle in n th second
 
= sn – sn 1
 1   1 
= { u (n) +   a n2} – { u (n – 1) +   a (n – 1)2}
2 2
  1 
sn = u + a (2n – 1)
2
18 Kalrashukla Classes

[This equation is dimensionally unbalanced because we have substituted value of t = 1s and


second is neglected that's why it seems to be unbalanced]
Equations (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) one called 'equations of motion' and are very useful in solving
the problems of motion along a straight line with constant acceleration.

Notes :
(1) These equations can be applied only and only when acceleration is constant. In case of circular
motion or simple harmonic motion as acceleration is not constant (due to change in direction or
magnitude) so these equation can not be applied.
     1 
(2) v = u + at and s = u t +   a t2 are vector equation, while
2
       
v  v  u  u  2a  s  v 2  u 2  2 a  s is a scalar equation
(3) If the velocity and acceleration are collinear, we conventionally take the direction of motion to
be positive, so equation of motions becomes
1
v = u + at; s = ut +   at2; v2 = u2 + 2as
2
If the velocity and acceleration are anti-parallel then,
1
v = u – at; s = ut –   at2; v2 = u2 – 2as
2

ILLUSTRATION 1

A particle starts with an initial velocity 2.5 m/s along the positive x-direction and it accelerates
uniformly at the rate 0.50 m/s2. Time taken to reach the velocity 7.5 m/s will be :
(A) 5 s (B) 2 s (C) 10 s (D) 15 s
SOLUTION :
We have
v = u + at or 7.5 = 2.5 + 0.50 t
 t = 10 s
Hence correct answer is (C)

ILLUSTRATION 2

A particle starts with an initial velocity 2.5 m/s along the positive x-direction and it accelerates
uniformly at the rate 0.50 m/s2. The distance travelled by the particle in first two seconds will be :
(A) 4 m (B) 5m (C) 1m (D) 6 m
SOLUTION :
1 1
We have, s = ut +   at2 = (2.5) (2) +   (0.50) (2)2 = 6m
2 2
Since the particle does not return back, it is also the distance travelled.
Hence correct answer is (D).
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 19

ILLUSTRATION 3

A car accelerates from rest at a constant rate  for sometime after which it decelerates at constant
rate  to come to rest. If the total time elapsed is t sec. What will be the total distance traveled ?
t 2  2  1   2 t 2 2
(A) (B) t (C)   t (D) 2t
   2  (  ) 

SOLUTION :
1
From s = ut +   at2, we have
2
1 1
s1     t12 and s2  vt2     t22
2  2
 1  t 2
Total distance = s1 + s2 =  
 2  
 t
[Putting value of s1 and s2 and v = ] (Refer solution of illustration 8 on page No. 15)

Hence correct answer is (C).

ILLUSTRATION 4

A passenger is standing 'd' m away from a bus. The bus begins to move with constant acceleration
a. To catch the bus, the passenger runs at a constant speed v towards the bus. The minimum speed
of the passenger so that he may catch the bus will be :
(A) 2ad (B) ad (C) 2ad (D) ad
SOLUTION :
Let the passenger catch the bus after time t.

1
From S = ut +   at2, the distance travelled by the bus
2

1
S1 = 0 +   at2 … (1)
2
and the distance travelled by the passenger
S2 = ut + 0 … (2)
[Note : acceleration of passenger = 0]
Now the passenger will catch the bus if,
d + S1 = S2 … (3)
Combining (1), (2) and (3) we get :

1 2 u  u 2  2ad
  at – ut + d = 0  t =
2 a

So the passenger will catch the bus if t is real i.e. u2  2ad  u  2ad

So, the minimum speed of passenger for catching the bus is 2ad
Hence correct answer is (C).
20 Kalrashukla Classes

ILLUSTRATION 5

A body moving with uniform acceleration describes 4 m in 3 rd second and 12 m in the 5 th second.
The distance described in next three second is :
(A) 100 m (B) 80 m (C) 60 m (D) 20 m
SOLUTION :
Let u is the initial velocity and a is the acceleration then
1
Sn = u +   a(2n – 1)
2
1
 S3 = u +   a(3 × 2 – 1)
2
5
 4=u+ a …(i)
2
Similarly for 5th second
1
S5 = u +   a (2 × 5 – 1)
2
9
 12 = u +   a …(ii)
2
From (i) and (ii)
u = – 6 m/s and a = 4 m/s2,
To find the, distance travelled in 5 sec,
1
From S = ut + at2,
2
1
S = – 6 × 5 +   × 4 × 52 = 20 m
2
Similarly distance travelled in 8 sec
1
= –6 × 8 +   4 × 82 = 80 m
2
So distance travelled in next 3 sec
= 80 – 20 = 60 m
Hence correct answer is (C)

ILLUSTRATION 6

A particle starts with an initial velocity 2.5 m/s along the positive x-direction and it accelerates
uniformly at the rate 0.50 m/s2. The distance covered in reaching the velocity 7.5 m/s will be :
(A) 25 m (B) 50 m (C) 75 m (D) 100 m
SOLUTION :
We have, v2 = u2 + 2ax
or (7.5)2 = (2.5)2 + 2(0.50)x  x = 50 m
Hence correct answer is (B)

ILLUSTRATION 7

A particle starts moving from position of rest under a constant acceleration. If it travels a distance x
in t sec. The distance it will travel in next t sec will be :
(A) 2x (B) 3x (C) 4x (D) 5x
SOLUTION :
The velocity of particle after time t will be
v = u + at = 0 + at = at
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 21

Now for next t sec, it will be the initial velocity,


1
From S = u't +   at2 we have
2
1
x' = (at)t +   at2 [Here u' = at]
2
3 2
 x' = at …(1)
2
This is the distance travelled in next t sec
1
Also given that particle travels distance x distance in t. So again using s = ut +   at2, we get
2
1 2
x = at …(2)
2
From (1) and (2) , we get, x' = 3x
Hence correct answer is (B)

VARIOUS GRAPHS RELATED TO MOTION :

A. Displacement-Time Graph :

(a) For a stationary body (b) For a body moving with constant velocity
y y
Displacement

Displacement

x x
0 Time 0 Time

(c) For a body moving with non- (d) For a body with accelerated motion
uniform velocity
y y
Displacement
Displacement

x x
0 Time 0 Time
(e) For a body with decelerated motion (f) For a body which returns towards the point
of reference
y y
Displacement

Displacement

 > 90º
0 x
x Time
0 Time
22 Kalrashukla Classes

(g) For a body whose velocity (h) For a body whose velocity changes after
constantly changes certain interval of time
y y

Displacement
Displacement Q

P R

x x
0 0 S
Time Time

B. Velocity-Time Graph :

(a) For the body having constant (b) When the body is moving with constant
velocity or zero acceleration retardation and its initial velocity is not zero
y y
Velocity

Velocity
x x
0 Time 0 Time

(c) When body moves with non- (d) When the body is accelerated and its initial
uniform acceleration and its initial velocity is zero
velocity is zero.
y y
Velocity
Velocity

x x
0 Time 0 Time

(e) When the body is decelerated


y
Velocity

x
0 Time

C. Acceleration-Time Graph :
(a) When acceleration is constant (b) When acceleration is increasing and is positive
y y
Acceleration
Acceleration

x x
0 Time 0 Time
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 23

(c) When acceleration is decreasing (d) When initial acceleration is zero and rate of
and is negative change of acceleration is non-uniform
y y

Acceleration
Acceleration

x x
0 Time 0 Time

Some important points about graphs :

1. The straight line inclined to time axis in x-t graph represents constant velocity.
2. In x-t graph the straight line inclined to time axis at an angle greater than 90º shows negative
velocity.
3. No line in x-t graph can be perpendicular to time axis because it will represent infinite velocity.
4. If the x-t graph is a curve whose slope decreases continuously with time, then the velocity of the
body goes on decreasing continuously and the motion of the body is retarded.
5. If the v-t graph is a straight line parallel to time axis, then the acceleration of the body is zero.
6. If the graph is a straight line inclined to time axis with positive slope, then that body is moving
with constant acceleration.
7. If v-t graph is a straight line inclined to time axis with negative slope, then the body is retarded.
8. If the v-t graph is a curve whose slope decreases with time then the acceleration goes on
decreasing.
9. If the v-t graph is a curve whose slope increases with time then the acceleration of the body goes
on increasing.
10. The v-t graph normal to time axis is not a practical possibility because it means that the
acceleration of the body is infinite.
11. The area under velocity-time graph gives displacement.
The area under speed-time graph gives distance.

MOTION UNDER GRAVITY :


Ideal Motion :

The most important example of motion in a straight line with constant acceleration is motion under
gravity. In case of motion under gravity unless stated it is taken for granted that.
(i) The acceleration is constant, i.e.
a = g = 9.8 m/s2 and directed vertically downwards.

(ii) The motion is in vacuum i.e. viscous force or thrust of the medium has no effect on the motion.
Now in the light of above assumptions, there are two possibilities.
24 Kalrashukla Classes

Body Falling Freely Under Gravity :

Taking initial position as origin and direction of motion (i.e. downward direction) as positive, here we
have u = 0 (as body starts from rest)
a = + g (as acceleration is in the direction of motion)
So, if the body acquires velocity v after falling a distance h in time t, then

(i) v = u + at reduces to
v = 0 + gt  v = gt ….(1)
     
(ii) s = ut +  1  at2 reduces to h = 0 +  1  gt2  h =  1  gt2 ….(2)
2 2 2
2
(iii) v2 = u 2 + 2as reduces to v = 0 + 2gh  v  2 gh ….(3)
These equations can be used to solve most of the problems of freely falling as

t is given h is given v is given


From eq. (1) & (2) From eq. (2) & (3) From eq. (3) & (1)
v = gt v
2h t=
t=
g g

1 2 v= 2gh v2
and h = gt h=
2
2g
s v a

tan  = g g

t t t
(A) (B) (C)

Notes :
(1) If the body is dropped from a height H, as in time t, it has fallen a distance h from its initial
1
position, the height of the body from the ground will be h' = H – h, with h = gt2.
2
1
(2) As h =   gt2 i.e. h  t2, distance fallen in time t, 2t, 3t etc. will be in the ratio of
2
12 : 22 : 3 2 : ………. i.e. square of integers.
(3) The distance fallen in n th sec.,
1 1
hn – hn –1 =   g(n)2 –   g(n –1)2
2 2
1
=   g(2n –1)
2
st nd rd
So distance fallen in 1 , 2 , 3 sec will be in the ratio 1 : 3 : 5 i.e. odd integers only.

Body is projected vertically up :

Taking initial position as origin and direction of motion (i.e. vertically up) as positive, here we have v = 0
[as at the highest point, velocity = 0], a = –g [as acceleration is downwards while motion upwards].
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 25

So, if the body is projected with velocity u and reaches the highest point at a distance h above the
ground in time t, the equations of motion viz

(i) v = u + at reduces to 0 = u – gt  u = gt ….(1)


     
(ii) s = ut +  1  at2 reduces to h = ut –  1  gt2  h =  1  gt2 ….(2)
2 2 2
2 2
(iii) v2 = u 2 + 2as reduces to 0 = u – 2gh  u = 2gh ….(3)

These equations can be used to solve most of the problems of bodies projected vertically up as, if
If t is given If h is given is u given
From eq. (1) & (2) From eq. (2) & (3) From eq. (3) & (1)
u = gt t= 2h / g t = u/g

1 2 h = u2/2g
h= gt u= 2hg
2
s u a
2
+ +
u 2u O f
2g g g
O u t – t
u g
g t

(A) (B) (C)

DISCUSSION :

(a) In case of motion under gravity for a given body, mass, acceleration and mechanical energy
remains constant while speed, velocity, momentum, kinetic energy and potential energy changes.
(b) The motion is independent of the mass of the body as in any equation of motion mass is not
involved. This is why a heavy and light body when released from same height reaches the
ground simultaneously in time t = 2h / g and with same velocity v = 2gh

However, momentum, kinetic energy or potential energy depends on the mass of the body
(all  mass).

(c) When a body is thrown vertically upwards, the time taken to reach a height h is :
tU = 2h / g
And the time taken to fall down through a distance h is :
tD = 2h / g
So, tU = tD = 2h / g
Thus, in the case of motion under gravity time taken to go up is equal to the time taken to fall
down through the same distance.
(d) If a body projected vertically up reaches a height h then u = 2gh and if a body falls freely through
a height h, then v = 2gh .
Thus, in the case of motion under gravity the speed with which a body is projected up is equal to
the speed with which it comes back to the point of projection.
26 Kalrashukla Classes

(e) Galileo’s law of odd numbers : “The distances traversed, during equal intervals of time, by a
body falling from rest, stand to one another in the same ratio as the odd numbers beginning with
unity [namely, 1 : 3 : 5 : 7………].”
 
(f) As h =  1  gt2, i.e., h  t2, distance covered in time t, 2t, 3t, etc., will be in the ratio of
2
2h v
12 : 22 : 3 2, i.e. square of integers. Again t  
g g
(g) A particle is dropped vertically from rest from a height. The time taken by it to fall through
successive distance of 1m each will then be in the ratio of the difference in the square roots of
the integers i.e.
1,  2  1  ,  3  2  ...........  4  3  ,...........
Again v2 = 2gh  v 2 gh

ILLUSTRATION 1

A body is released from a height and falls freely towards the earth. Exactly 1 sec later another body
is released. What is the distance between the two bodies 2 sec after the release of the second body ?
If g = 9.8 m/s2.
(A) 2.45 m (B) 24.5 m (C) 4.9 m (D) 9.8 m
SOLUTION :
1
According to given problem 2nd body falls for 2 s so that h2 =   g (2)2 … (1)
2
While 1st body has fallen for 2 + 1 = 3 s,
1
so h1 =   (3)2 g … (2)
2
 Separation between two bodies 2 s after the release of 2nd body
1
d = h1 – h2 =   g(32 – 22) = 4.9 × 5 = 24.5 m.
2
Hence correct answer is (B)

ILLUSTRATION 2

If a body travels half its total path in the last second of its fall from rest. The time and height of its
fall, will respectively be : (g = 9.8 m/s2)
(A) 0.59 s, 57 m (B) 3.41 s, 57 m (C) 5.9 s, 5.7 m (D) 5.9 s, 34.1 m
SOLUTION :
If the body falls a height h in time t, from 2nd equation of motion we have
1 2
h= gt ...(1)
2
[u = 0 as body starts from rest]
Now the distance fallen in (t – 1) s will be
1
h= g(t – 1)2 …(2)
2
So from eq. (1) & (2) distance fallen in the last second
1 1
h – h' =   gt2 –   g (t – 1)2,
2 2
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 27

1
h – h' =   g (2t – 1)
2
But according to given problem as
(h – h') = h/2
1 1
i.e.  h =   g (2t –1)
2 2
1 2
or   gt = g(2t – 1)
2
1
[as from eq. (1) h =   gt2]
2
or 2
t – 4t + 2 = 0
or t = [4 ± (4 2  4  2) ] / 2

or t=2± 2 or t = 0.59 or 3.41 s


0.59 s is physically unacceptable as it gives the total time t taken by the body to reach ground is lesser than one sec while
according to the given problem time of motion must be greater than 1 s.
1
So t = 3.41 s and h =   × (9.8) × (3.41)2 = 57 m
2
Hence correct answer is (B).

ILLUSTRATION 3

Statement given below is true or false ? Give reason in brief. "Two balls of different masses are
thrown vertically upwards with the same speed. They reach through the point of projection in their
downward motion with the same speed".
(A) True (B) False
(C) Depend upon conditions (D) None of these
SOLUTION :
The statement is true as motion under gravity is independent of mass of the body and as body comes back to the point
of projection with same speed, so
v1 = u1 and v2 = u2,
Here u1 = u2 = u (given)
so, v1 = v2 = u
Hence correct answer is (A)

ILLUSTRATION 4

A man standing on the edge of a cliff throws a stone straight up with initial speed u and then throws
another stone straight down with the same initial speed and from the same position. Find the ratio of
the speed the stones would have attained when they hit the ground at the base of the cliff.
(A) 2 :1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 1:1 (D) 1 : 2
SOLUTION :
As the stone thrown vertically up will come back to the point of projection with same speed, both the stones will move
downward with same initial velocity, so both will hit the ground with velocity
v2 = u2 + 2gh
i.e., v = (u 2  2 gh)
So, the ratio of speeds attained when they hit the ground is 1 : 1
Hence correct answer is (C)
Note: However the stone projected up will take (2u/g) time more to reach the ground than the stone projected
downwards.
28 Kalrashukla Classes

ILLUSTRATION 5

A juggler throws balls into air. He throws one, whenever the previous one is at its highest point. How
high do the balls rise if he throws n balls such each sec, accelerating due to gravity is :
(A) g/n2 (B) g/2n2 (C) 2n/g (D) 2n 2/g
SOLUTION :
A juggler is throwing n balls each second and 2nd when the first is at its highest point, so time taken by one ball to reach
the highest point t = (1/n) sec and as at highest point v = 0,
From 1st equation of motion
0 = u – (g) (1/n)
i.e. u = (g/n) .....(1)
Now from 3rd equation of motion
i.e. v2 = u2 + 2
as, 0 = u2 – 2gh
i.e. h = (u2 /2g)
g  g
h= 2 
From Eq.(1)u   .
2n  n
Hence correct answer is (B)

ILLUSTRATION 6

A pebble is thrown vertically upwards from bridge with an initial velocity of 4.9 m/s. It strikes the
water after 2s. If acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2. The height of the bridge and velocity with
which the pebble strike the water will respectively be :
(A) 4.9 m, 1.47 m/s (B) 9.8 m, 14.7 m/s (C) 49 m, 1.47 m/s (D) 1.47 m, 4.9 m/s
SOLUTION :
Taking the point of projection as origin and downward direction as positive, by 2nd equation of motion,
1
i.e. s = ut +   at2,
2
We have,
1
h = – 4.9 × 2 +   9.8 × 22 = 9.8
2
(u is taken to be negative as it is upwards)
From 1st equation of motion
i.e. v = u + at, v = – 4.9 + 9.8 × 2 = 14.7 m/s
Hence correct answer is (B)

ILLUSTRATION 7

A rocket is fired vertically up from the ground with a resultant vertical acceleration of 10 m/s2. The
fuel is finished in 1 minute and it continues to move up. (a) the maximum height reached. (b) After
how much time from then will the maximum height be reached (Take g = 10 m/s2)
(A) 36 km, 1 min (B) 6 km, 1 min (C) 36 km, 1 sec (D) 36 km, 1 sec
SOLUTION :
(a) The distance travelled by the rocket during burning interval (1 minute = 60 s) in which resultant acceleration is
vertically upwards is 10 m/s2 will be
1
h1 = 0 × 60 +   × 10 × 602
2
= 18000 m ...(1)
And velocity acquired by it will be
v = 0 + 10 × 60 = 600 m/s ...(2)
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 29

Now after 1 minute the rocket moves vertically up with initial velocity of 600 m/s and acceleration due to gravity
oppose its motion. So, it will go to a height h2 till its velocity becomes zero that
0 = (600)2 – 2gh2
 h2 = 18000 m
[as g = 10 m/s2] ...(3)
So from eq. (1) and (3) the maximum height reached by the rocket from the ground.
H = h1 + h2 = 18 + 18 = 36 km
(b) As after burning of fuel the initial velocity from Eq. (2) is 600 m/s and gravity opposes the motion of rocket, so
from 1st equation of motion time taken by it to reach the maximum height (for which v = 0)
0 = 600 – gt,
i.e. t = 60 s
after finishing of fuel, the rocket goes up for 60 sec i.e., 1 minute more.
Hence correct answer is (A)

ILLUSTRATION 8

A ball is projected vertically up with an initial speed of 20 m/s on a planet where acceleration due
to gravity is 10 m/s2.
(a) How long does it take to reach its highest point ?
(b) How high does it rise above the point of projection ?
(c) How long will it take for the ball to reach a point 10 m above the point of projection ?
(A) 2 s, 20 m, 3.41 s (B) 5 s, 20 m, 3.41 s (C) 2 s, 10 m, 0.59 s (D) 2 s, 5 m, 0.59 s
SOLUTION :
As here motion is vertically upwards a = –g and v = 0
(a) From 1st equation of motion
i.e., v = u + at
 0 = 20 – 10t, i.e., t = 2s

(b) From 3rd equation of motion


i.e., v2 = u2 + 2as
 0 = (20)2 – 2 × 10 × h,
i.e., h = 20 m

(c) From 2nd equation of motion,


1
i.e., s = ut +   at2
2
1
 10 = 20t –   × 10 × t2
2
t2 – 4t + 2 = 0,
i.e. t=2± 2
i.e. t = 0.59 s or 3.41 s
i.e. there are two such times, as the ball passes twice through h = 10 m once when going up and once when coming
down.
Hence correct answer is (A)

MOTION WITH VARIABLE ACCELERATION :

There are only two equations in this type of motion:


dx dv d 2 x
(a) v= (b) a= = 2
dt dt dt
30 Kalrashukla Classes

ILLUSTRATION 1

The displacement of particle is zero at t = 0 and at t = t it is x. It starts moving in the x direction with
velocity, which varies as v = k x , where k is constant. The velocity :
(A) varies with time (B) independent to time
(C) inversely proportional to time (D) nothing can be said
SOLUTION :
v=k x
dx
 =k x
dt
dx
  =  kdt
x
x 1/ 2
 = kt + c
1/ 2
Given that, at t = 0, x = 0 c=0
1/2 1
Now, 2x = kt  x =   kt,
2
2
1  k t
Now, v = k  kt  =
2  2
Thus velocity varies with time. Hence correct answer is (A)

ILLUSTRATION 2

The acceleration of a particle is given as a = 3x2. At t = 0, v = 0, x = 0. The velocity at t = 2 sec will be


(A) 0.05 m/s (B) 0.5 m/s (C) 5 m/s (D) 50 m/s
SOLUTION :
a = 3x2
dv
 v = 3x2
dx
 vdv = 3x2 dx
v2 x2
 =3 +c
2 3
at t = 0, v = 0, x = 0
 c=0
v2
Now, = x3
2
v2 = 2x3  v = 2 x3/2 … (1)
dx
 = 2 x3/2
dt

Remember, when a is function of x.


vdv
use a =
dx
when a is function of t,
dv dx
a = dx = 2 x3/2 dt  3/ 2 = 2 t + c',
dt x
at t = 0, x = 0, v = 0
 c' = 0
2
Now = 2 t  4 = 2xt2
x
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 31

2
 x= …(2)
t2
From (1) and (2)
3/ 2
2
v= 2 2  ,
t 
1
at T = 2 sec we get v = m/sec
2
Hence correct answer is (B)

ILLUSTRATION 3

The acceleration of a particle is given by a = 3t and at t = 0, v = 0, x = 0. The velocity and


displacement at t = 2 sec will be :
(A) 6 m/s, 4 m (B) 4 m/s, 6 m (C) 3 m/s, 2 m (D) 2 m/s, 3 m
SOLUTION :
dv
a = 3t  = 3t   dv =  3tdt
dt
3t 2
 v= +c
2
Substituting the initial conditions,
At t = 0, v = 0 and x = 0
 c=0
3t 2
Hence, v = ,
2
3  22
Velocity at t = 2 sec is = 6 m/s
2
dx 3t 2 3 2
Also,    dx   t dt
dt 3 2
3 t3
 x= + c'
23
at t = 0, x = 0
 c' = 0, 
t3
 x= ,
2
23
Now displacement at t = 2 sec is =4m
2
Hence correct answer is (A)
Note : Prohibit the use of definite integral to avoid blunders as constant may change from the given initial conditions.

POINTS TO REMEMBER :

1. When a moving particle returns to its initial point :


(i) Displacement is zero.
(ii) Average velocity is zero.
(iii) Distance is NOT zero.
(iv) Average speed is NOT zero.
2. Unless otherwise specified, the motion of the body is understood to be taking place in vacuum.
32 Kalrashukla Classes

3. For uniform motion along a straight line in a given direction, the magnitude of displacement is
equal to the actual distance travelled by the body.
4. In uniformly accelerated motion, average velocity over any interval of time is not equal to the
instantaneous velocity. Speed may increase or decrease with time.
5. Decreasing speed is NOT negative speed.
6. Decreasing acceleration is NOT called retardation.
7. At any given time, the direction of motion is given by velocity and not by acceleration. As an
example, when a ball is thrown vertically up, its velocity is directed upwards at any given time
but acceleration is directed downwards.
8. If body starts from rest or falls freely or is dropped then, u = 0.
9. If the body is thrown upwards then it will rise until its vertical velocity becomes zero. Maximum
height attained is h = u 2/2g.
10. If air resistance is negligible then the time of the rise is equal to time of fall and each is equal to
t = u/g.
11. The body returns to the starting point with the same speed with which it was thrown.
12. The straight line inclined to time axis in x-t graph represents constant velocity.
13. In x-t graph the straight line inclined to time axis at an angle greater than 90º shows negative
velocity.
14. Velocity and acceleration of a body need not be zero simultaneously.
15. A body in equilibrium has zero acceleration only. All other quantities need not be zero.
16. If a body travels with a uniform acceleration a 1 for a time interval t1 and with uniform
at a t
acceleration a2 for a time interval t2, then the average acceleration a = 1 1 2 2
t1  t2
17. For a body moving with uniform acceleration, the average velocity (u + v)/2, where u is the
initial velocity and v is the final velocity.
18. When a body is dropped freely from the top of the tower and another body is projected
horizontally from the same point, both will reach the ground at the same time.

STOPPING DISTANCE OF VEHICLES :


When brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the distance it travels before stopping is called stopping
distance. It is an important factor for road safety and depends on the initial velocity (v0) and the braking
capacity, or deceleration, –a that is caused by the braking.
Let the distance travelled by the vehicle before it stops be d s. Then, using equation of motion
v 2  u 2  2 aS , and noting that v = 0, we have the stopping distance

u 2
ds 
2a
Thus, the stopping distance is proportional to the square of the initial velocity. Doubling the initial
velocity increases the stopping distance by a factor of 4 (for the same deceleration).
Stopping distance is an important factor considered in setting speed limits, for example, in school zones.
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 33

Note : Stopping time


v = u – at
 0 = u – at
u
 t
a
t  u [since a is constant]
So we can say that if u becomes n times then t becomes n times that of previous value.

Reaction Time
When a situation demands our immediate action, it takes some time before we really respond.
Reaction time is the time a person takes to observe, think and act. For example, if a person is
driving and suddenly a boy appears on the road, then the time elapsed before he slams the
brakes of the car is the reaction time. Reaction time depends on complexity of the situation and
on an individual.

RELATIVE VELOCITY :

Most of the objects in this world are continuously in relative motion.


Examples : (i) Traffic moves in different directions.
(ii) Pedestrians move relative to buildings.
(iii) The Sun moves over the sky.

The term ‘velocity’ is not an absolute term. It is relative in nature.

The relative velocity of body A with respect to another body B, when both are in motion, is the
rate at which the body A changes its position with respect to body B.

Consider two objects A and B moving uniformly with average velocities vA and vB in one dimension,
along x-axis. The velocity of object B relative to object A is vBA = vB – vA

Similarly, the velocity of object A relative to object B is : vAB = vA – vB

Physical Significance of Relative Velocity :

Let two vehicles move unidirectionally. Two persons A and B are VA VB


sitting in the vehicles as shown in figure. Assume, vA = 10 m/s and
vB = 4 m/s. The person A notices person B to be moving towards
him with a speed of (10  4) m/s = 6 m/sec. That is the velocity of

B with respect to (or relative to) A. That means vBA is directed
from B to A.
Similarly A seems to move towards B with a speed 6 m/sec. That means the velocity of A relative to B

 v AB  has the magnitude 6 m/sec and directed from A to B as shown in the figure.
  
 Therefore v AB =  vBA . vBA
  
In general, vBA = vB  vA 
v AB
 
 vBA = v AB
34 Kalrashukla Classes

Let us consider following cases :


1. Consider two trains A and B are moving along parallel tracks with the same velocity in the same
direction. Let the velocity of each train be 60 km h–1 due east.
60 km h–1
A
65 km h–1
B

Relative velocity of B w.r.t A, vBA  actual velocity of B(vB ) + reversed velocity of A(vA )
= 60 km h–1 + (–60) km h–1
= 0 km h–1
Similarly, relative velocity of A w.r.t B i.e., v AB is also zero.
So, the relative velocity of either train with respect to the other train is zero.

2. Suppose two trains A and B are moving with uniform velocities along parallel tracks and in the
same direction. Let the velocities of A and B be 60 km h–1 due east and 65 km h–1 due east
respectively.

A 60 km h–1

B 65 km h–1

Relative velocity of B w.r.t A, vBA = actual velocity of B (vB ) + reversed velocity of A(  vA )


= 5 km h–1 due east
Similarly, the relative velocity of A w.r.t B i.e., v AB = 5 km h–1 due west
To a passenger in train A, the train B will appear to be moving east with a velocity of 5 km h–1.
To a passenger in train B, the train A will appear to move westwards with a velocity of 5 km h–1.

3. Suppose two trains A and B are moving with uniform velocities along parallel tracks but in
opposite directions. Let the velocity of train A be 60 km h–1 due east and that of train B be
60 km h–1 due west.

A 60 km h–1

60 km h–1 B

Relative velocity of A w.r.t. B, v AB = 120 km h–1 due east


To a passenger in train B, the train A will appear to move eastwards with a velocity of
120 km h–1.
Relative velocity of B with respect to A, vBA = 120 km h–1 due west
To a passenger in train A, the train B will appear to move westwards with a velocity of
120 km h–1.

Note : When two bodies move in opposite directions, the magnitude of relative velocity of one
with respect to the order is equal to the sum of the magnitudes of two velocities.
NEET – Physics (Kinematics) 35

Study of Relative Velocity in terms of position-time graphs :

(a) (b)
140 A
120
x (m) B
B x (m)
100
40
A
80
60
20
40
20
–2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 t (s) 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 t (s)
Position-time graphs of two objects Position-time graphs of two objects with unequal
with equal velocities. velocities, showing the time of meeting.

(c)
A
120
x (m)
100
80
60
40
20
0 5
1 2 3 4 6 t (s)
–20 B
–40

Position-time graphs of two objects


with velocities in opposite directions,
showing the time of meeting.

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