CHAPTER 4

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Q4.1 (a) ma = R + mg (b) ma = T − mg (c) ma = f − R

Q4.2 When the bus starts moving, the mass of Claudette is accelerated by the force of the back of the seat on
her body. Clark is standing, however, and the only force on him is the friction between his shoes and
the floor of the bus. Thus, when the bus starts moving, his feet start accelerating forward, but the rest
of his body experiences almost no accelerating force (only that due to his being attached to his
accelerating feet!). As a consequence, his body tends to stay almost at rest, according to Newton's first
law, relative to the ground. Relative to Claudette, however, he is moving toward her and falls into her
lap. (Both performers won Academy Awards.)

Q4.3 First ask, “Was the bus moving forward or backing up?” If it was moving forward, the passenger is
lying. A fast stop would make the suitcase fly toward the front relative to the bus, not toward the rear.
Fine him for malicious litigiousness.

Q4.4 No. The reaction to your weight is an upward force you exert on the Earth.

Q4.5 Push gently. It is easier on your toe, on the specimen, and on the back wall of the storage compartment.

Q4.6 Because “gravity” is changed inside the elevator. " g" = g ± a

Q4.7 As a man takes a step, the action is the force his foot exerts on the Earth; the reaction is the force of the
Earth on his foot. In the second case, the action is the force exerted on the girl's back by the snowball;
the reaction is the force exerted on the snowball by the girl's back. The third action is the force of the
glove on the ball; the reaction is the force of the ball on the glove. The fourth action is the force exerted
on the window by the air molecules; the reaction is the force on the air molecules exerted by the
window.

Q4.8 Air friction and gravity. Foot kicking ball and ball pushing back on foot. Ball accelerates from kick
because nothing is holding it in place. During flight, the Earth pulls down on the ball and the ball
pulls up on the Earth. Air pushes back on the ball and the ball pushes forward on the air.

Q4.9 The molecules of the floor resist the ball on impact and push the ball back, upward. The actual force
acting is due to the forces between molecules that allow the floor to keep its integrity and to prevent
the ball from passing through. Notice that for a ball passing through a window, the molecular forces
weren’t strong enough.

Q4.10 Mistake one: The car might be momentarily at rest, in the process of reversing forward into backward
motion. In this case, the forces on it add to a large backward resultant.
Mistake two: There are no cars in interstellar space. If the car is remaining at rest, there are some large
forces on it, including its weight and some force or forces of support.
Mistake three: The statement reverses cause and effect, like a politician who thinks that his getting
elected was the reason for people to vote for him.

74
 Chapter 4

Q4.11 A particular nugget weighs less in Denver, at greater distance from the center of the earth, so you will
pay less for it there, if it is sold by weight. If it is sold by mass, you can buy gold in either place equally
well.

Q4.12 As the barbell goes through the bottom of a cycle, the lifter exerts an upward force on it, and the scale
reads the larger upward force that the floor exerts on them together. Around the top of the weight’s
motion, the scale reads less than average. If the iron is moving upward, the lifter can declare that she
has thrown it, just by letting go of it for a moment. Thus this case is included in our previous answer.

Q4.13 Some physics teachers do this by asking a beefy student to pull on the ends of a cord supporting a can
of soup at its center. Some get two burly young men pulling on opposite ends of a strong rope, while
the smallest person in class gleefully mashes the center of the rope down to the table. Point out the
beauty of sagging suspension-bridge cables. With a laser and optical lever, demonstrate that the
mayor makes the table sag when he sits on it, and the judge bends the bench. Give them “I make the
floor sag” buttons. Estimate the cost of an infinitely strong cable, and the truth will always win.

Q4.14 Suppose the rope is horizontal and has negligible weight. Its tension is 200 N. Along with a vertical
force equal to his weight, each person must exert a 200 N horizontal force on the ground.

Q4.15 The acceleration increases, slowly at first, and then more rapidly, according to
a = (0.5 m/s 2 ) M0 /( M0 − Rt) where M0 is the original mass and R is the rate of mass loss.

Q4.16 An object cannot exert a net force on itself. One force is always exerted by one object on a second
object. A stretched string in a harp pulls down on the frame, but up on the soundboard, while the
frame and the soundboard pull up and down on the string. The tuned harp exerts zero total force on
itself.

75
 Chapter 4

PROBLEM SOLUTIONS

4.1 For the same force F, acting on different masses

F = m1a1

and F = m2 a2

m1 a2 1
(a) = = 3
m2 a1

(b) (
F = (m1 + m2 )a = 4 m1a = m1 3.00 m/s 2 )
a = 0.750 m/s 2

4.2 Since the car is moving with constant speed and in a straight line, the resultant force on it must be
zero regardless of whether it is moving toward the right or the left.

4.3 m = 3.00 kg

a = (2.00i + 5.00j) m/s 2

ΣF = ma = (6.00i + 15.0j) N

ΣF = (6.00)2 + (15.0)2 N = 16.2 N

4.4 v f = 880 m/s , m = 25.8 kg , x f = 6 m .

 F
v 2f = 2 ax f = 2 x f
 m

mv 2f
F= = 1.66 × 106 N forward
2x f

76
 Chapter 4

4.5 (a) ΣF = F1 + F2 = ( −9.00i + 3.00j) N

ΣF ( −9.00i + 3.00j) N
Acceleration a = ax i + ay j = = = ( −4.50i + 1.50j) m/s 2
m 2.00 kg

Velocity v f = v x i + v y j = v i + at = at

( )
v f = ( −4.50i + 1.50j)m/s 2 (10 s) = (−45.0i + 15.0j) m/s
(b) The direction of motion makes angle θ with the x-direction.

 vy   15.0 m/s 
θ = tan −1   = tan −1  − 
 vx   45.0 m/s 

θ = −18.4° + 180° = 162° from + x-axis

Displacement: x-displacement = x f − xi = vxi t + 21 ax t 2 = 1

2 (−4.50 m/s )(10.0 s)
2 2
= −225 m

1
y-displacement = y f − yi = vyi t + ay t 2 =
2
1
2 (+1.50 m/s )(10.0 s)
2 2
= +75.0 m

∆r = (−225i + 75.0j) m
(d) Position: rf = ri + ∆r

rf = ( −2.00i + 4.00j) + ( −225i + 75.0j) = (−227i + 79.0j) m

4.6 Let us call the forces exerted by each person F1 and F2 . Thus, for pulling in the same direction,

Newton’s second law becomes (

F1 + F2 = 200 kg 1.52 m/s 2 )
or F1 + F2 = 304 N (1)

When pulling in opposite directions, F1 − F2 = 200 kg −0.518 m/s 2 ( )

or F1 − F2 = −104 N (2)

Solving simultaneously, we find F1 = 100 N , and F2 = 204 N

77
 Chapter 4

4.7 (a) ΣF = F1 + F2 = (20.0i + 15.0j) N

ΣF = ma : 20.0i + 15.0j = 5.00a

a = ( 4.00i + 3.00j) m/s 2

or a = 5.00 m/s 2 at θ = 36.9°

(b) F2 x = 15.0 cos 60.0° = 7.50 N

F2 y = 15.0 sin 60.0° = 13.0 N

F2 = (7.50i + 13.0j) N

ΣF = F1 + F2 = (27.5i + 13.0j) N = ma = 5.00a

a= (5.50i + 2.60j) m/s2 = 6.08 m/s2 at 25.3°

4.8 ΣF = ma reads (−2.00i + 2.00j + 5.00i − 3.00j − 45.0i) N = m(3.75 m/s2 )

where represents the direction of a (−42.0i − 1.00j) N = m(3.75 m/s2 )

 1.00 
ΣF = ( 42.0)2 + (1.00)2 N at tan -1
 42.0 
below the –x-axis

(
ΣF = 42.0 N at 181° = m 3.75 m/s 2 )
For the vectors to be equal, their magnitudes and their directions must be equal.

(a) ∴ counterclockwise from the x-axis

42.0 N
(b) m= = 11.2 kg
3.75 m/s 2

(d) ( )
v f = v i + at = 0 + 3.75 m/s 2 at 181° 10.0 s so v f = 37.5 m/s at 181°

v f = 37.5 m/s cos181°i + 37.5 m/s sin181°j so vf = (−37.5i − 0.893j) m/s

(c) v f = 37.5 2 + 0.893 2 m/s = 37.5 m/s

78
 Chapter 4

dx dy
4.9 vx = = 10t , vy = = 9t 2
dt dt

dvx dvy
ax = = 10 , ay = = 18t
dt dt

At t = 2.00 s, ax = 10.0 m/s 2 , ay = 36.0 m/s 2

ΣFx = max : ( )
3.00 kg 10.0 m/s 2 = 30.0 N

ΣFy = may : ( )
3.00 kg 36.0 m/s 2 = 108 N

ΣF = Fx 2 − Fy 2 = 112 N

4.10 (a) Fg = mg = 120 lb = ( 4.448 N/lb)(120 lb) = 534 N

Fg 534 N
(b) m= = = 54.5 kg
g 9.80 m/s 2

900 N
4.11 Fg = mg = 900 N m= = 91.8 kg
9.80 m/s 2

( )
( Fg )on Jupiter = 91.8 kg 25.9 m/s 2 = 2.38 kN

4.12 Fg = weight of ball = mg

∆v v v
vrelease = v and time to accelerate = t: a= = = i
∆t t t

 v vt
(a) Distance x = v t : x= t=
 2 2

Fg v Fg v
(b) Fp − Fg j = i Fp = i + Fg j
gt gt

79
 Chapter 4

v f 2 − vi 2
4.13 (a) ΣF = ma and v f 2 = vi 2 + 2 ax f or a=
2x f

Therefore, ΣF = m
(v f 2 − vi 2 )
2x f

[(7.00 × 10 5 m/s 2 )2 − ( 3.00 × 10 5 m/s 2 )2 ]

ΣF = 9.11 × 10 −31 kg = 3.64 × 10 −18 N
2(0.0500 m )

(b) The weight of the electron is

Fg = mg = (9.11 × 10 −31 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 ) = 8.93 × 10 −30 N

The accelerating force is 4.08 × 1011 times the weight of the electron.

*4.14 Fg = mg

(
1 pound = (0.453 592 37 kg ) 32.174 0 ft/s 2 ) 121 ftin.  0.025 4 m
1 in. 
= 4.448 21 N

*4.15 Imagine a quick trip by jet, on which you do not visit the rest room and your perspiration is just
canceled out by a glass of tomato juice. By subtraction, ( Fg )p = mg p and ( Fg )C = mgC give
∆Fg = m( g p − gC ) . For a person whose mass is 88.7 kg, the change in weight is

∆Fg = 88.7 kg(9.8095 − 9.7808) = 2.55 N

A precise balance scale, as in a doctor’s office, reads the same in different locations because it
compares you with the standard masses on its beams. A typical bathroom scale is not precise
enough to reveal this difference.

1
4.16 We find acceleration: rf − ri = v i t + at 2
2

4.20 m i − 3.30 m j = 0 + 21 a(1.20 s) = 0.720 s 2 a

2

a = ( 5.83i − 4.58j) m/s 2

Now ΣF = ma becomes Fg + F2 = ma

F2 = 2.80 kg( 5.83i − 4.58j) m/s 2 + (2.80 kg )9.80 m/s 2 j

F2 = (16.3i + 14.6j) N

80
 Chapter 4

4.17 (a) You and the earth exert equal forces on each other: my g = Me ae

If your mass is 70.0 kg, ae =

(
70.0 kg 9.80 m/s 2 )= ~ 10 −22 m/s 2
24
5.98 × 10 kg

1
(b) You and the planet move for equal times intervals according to x = at 2
2

2xy 2 xe
If the seat is 50.0 cm high, =
ay ae

ae my 70.0 kg(0.500 m )
xe = xy = xy = ~ 10 −23 m
ay me 5.98 × 10 24 kg

4.18 (a) Let the x-axis be in the original direction of the molecule’s motion.

v f = vi + at : (
−670 m/s = 670 m/s + a 3.00 × 10 −13 s )
a = −4.47 × 1015 m/s 2

(b) For the molecule, ΣF = ma . Its weight is negligible.

( )
Fwall on molecule = 4.68 × 10 −26 kg −4.47 × 1015 m/s 2 = −2.09 × 10 −10 N

F molecule on wall = +2.09 × 10 −10 N

4.19 (a) 15.0 lb up

(b) 5.00 lb up

(c) 0

81
 Chapter 4

4.20 T3 = Fg (1)

T1 sin θ1 + T2 sin θ 2 = Fg (2)

T1 cos θ1 = T2 cos θ 2 (3)

Eliminate T2 and solve for T1,

Fg cos θ 2 Fg cos θ 2
T1 = =
(sin θ1 cosθ 2 + cosθ1 sin θ 2 ) sin(θ1 + θ 2 )

T3 = Fg = 325 N

 cos 25.0° 
T1 = Fg   = 296 N
 sin 85.0° 

 cos θ1   cos 60.0° 

T2 = T1   = 296 N  = 163 N
 cos θ 2   cos 25.0° 

4.21 See the solution for T1 in Problem 4.20.

*4.22 (a) An explanation proceeding from fundamental physical principles

will be best for the parents and for you. Consider forces on the bit of
string touching the weight hanger as shown in the free-body
diagram:

Horizontal Forces: ΣFx = max −Tx + T cos θ = 0

Vertical Forces: ΣFy = may : − Fg + T sin θ = 0

You need only the equation for the vertical forces to find that the tension in the string is given by
T = Fg /sin θ . The force the child feels gets smaller, changing from T to T cos θ , while the
counterweight hangs on the string. On the other hand, the kite does not notice what you are doing
and the tension in the main part of the string stays constant. You do not need a level, since you
learned in physics lab to sight to a horizontal line in a building. Share with the parents your
estimate of the experimental uncertainty, which you make by thinking critically about the
measurement, by repeating trials, practicing in advance and looking for variations and
improvements in technique, including using other observers. You will then be glad to have the
parents themselves repeat your measurements.

(b) T=
Fg
=
(
0.132 kg 9.80 m/s 2 )= 1.79 N
sin θ sin 46.3°

82
 Chapter 4

4.23 Choose a coordinate system with i East and j North.

( )
ΣF = ma = 1.00 kg 10.0 m/s 2 at 30.0°

(5.00 N)j + F1 = 10.0 N∠30.0° = (5.00 N)j + (8.66 N)i

∴ F1 = 8.66 N (East)

4.24 (a) Assume the car and mass accelerate horizontally. We consider
the forces on the suspended object.

ΣFy = may : +T cos θ − mg = 0

ΣFx = max : +T sin θ = ma

mg mg sin θ
Substitute T = : = mg tan θ = ma
cos θ cos θ

a = g tan θ

(b) ( )
a = 9.80 m/s 2 tan 23.0° a = 4.16 m/s 2

4.25 (a) Isolate either mass T + mg = ma = 0

T = mg

The scale reads the tension T,

so ( )
T = mg = 5.00 kg 9.80 m/s 2 = 49.0 N

(b) Isolate the pulley T2 + 2T1 = 0

T2 = 2 T1 = 2mg = 98.0 N

(c) ΣF = n + T + mg = 0

Take the component along the incline

n x + Tx + mg x = 0

or 0 + T − mg sin 30.0° = 0

mg 5.00(9.80)
T = mg sin 30.0° = = = 24.5 N
2 2

83
 Chapter 4

4.26 First, consider the block moving along the horizontal.

The only force in the direction of movement is T. Thus,

ΣFx = ma

T = ( 5 kg )a (1)

Next consider the block that moves vertically. The forces on it are the tension T and its
weight, 98 N.

We have ΣFy = ma

98 N − T = (10 kg ) a (2)

Note that both blocks must have the same magnitude of acceleration. Equations (1) and (2) can be
solved simultaneously to give

a = 6.53 m/s 2 and T = 32.7 N

4.27 Applying Newton's second law to each block (motion

along the x-axis).

For m2 : ΣFx = F − T = m2 a

For m1 : ΣFx = T = m1a

Solving these equations for a and T, we find

F Fm1
a= and T=
m1 + m2 m1 + m2

4.28 The two forces acting on the block are the normal force, n, and the
weight, mg. If the block is considered to be a point mass and the x-axis
is chosen to be parallel to the plane, then the free body diagram will
be as shown in the figure to the right. The angle θ is the angle of
inclination of the plane. Applying Newton’s second law for the
accelerating system (and taking the direction up the plane as the
positive x direction) we have

ΣFy = n − mg cos θ = 0 : n = mg cos θ

ΣFx = − mg sin θ = ma : a = − g sin θ

(a) When θ = 15.0° a = −2.54 m/s 2

(b) Starting from rest v f 2 = vi 2 + 2 a( x f − xi ) = 2 ax f

( )
v f = 2 ax f = 2 −2.54 m/s 2 ( −2.00 m ) = 3.18 m/s

84
 Chapter 4

4.29 After it leaves your hand, the block’s speed changes

only because of one component of its weight:

ΣFx = max − mg sin 20.0° = ma

v f 2 = vi 2 + 2 a( x f − x1 )

Taking v f = 0, vi = 5.00 m/s, and a = − g sin(20.0°)

gives (
0 = ( 5.00) − 2(9.80) sin(20.0°) x f − 0
2
)
25.0
or xf = = 3.73 m
2(9.80) sin(20.0°)

4.30 Take the x-axis down the slope: ΣFx = max : mg sin 30° = max

( )
ax = 9.80 m/s 2 sin 30° = 4.90 m/s 2

1
The snow will reach you after the time t. Using kinematics, we find time using x f − xi = vi t + at 2 :
2

400 m = 0 +
1
2 (4.90 m/s )t 2 2
t = 12.8 s

4.31 First, consider the 3.00 kg rising mass. The forces on it are
the tension, T, and its weight, 29.4 N. With the upward
direction as positive, the second law becomes

ΣFy = may : T − 29.4 N = ( 3.00 kg )a (1)

The forces on the falling 5.00 kg mass are its weight and T,
and its acceleration is the same as that of the rising mass.
Calling the positive direction down for this mass, we have

ΣFy = may : 49 N − T = ( 5.00 kg )a (2)

Equations (1) and (2) can be solved simultaneously by adding them:

T − 29.4 N + 49.0 N − T = ( 3.00 kg )a + ( 5.00 kg )a

19.6 N
(b) This gives the acceleration as a= = 2.45 m/s 2
8.00 kg

(a) Then ( )
T − 29.4 N = ( 3.00 kg ) 2.45 m/s 2 = 7.35 N

The tension is T = 36.8 N

(c) Consider either mass. We have

1
y = vi t + at 2 = 0 +
2
1
2 (2.45 m/s )(1.00 s)
2 2
= 1.23 m

85
 Chapter 4

 m − m1   7 kg − 2 kg 
*4.32 Both blocks move with acceleration a =  2 g: a=  9.8 m/s 2 = 5.44 m/s 2
 m2 + m1   7 kg + 2 kg 

(a) Take the upward direction as positive for m1 .

( )
vxf 2 = vxi 2 + 2 ax x f − xi : (
0 = ( −2.4 m/s) + 2 5.44 m/s 2 x f − 0
2
)( )
5.76 m 2/ s 2
xf = − = −0.529 m
(
2 5.44 m/s 2 )
x f = 0.529 m below its initial level

(b) vxf = vxi + ax t : ( )

vxf = −2.40 m/s + 5.44 m/s 2 (1.80 s)

vxf = 7.40 m/s upward

*4.33 Forces acting on 2.00 kg block: T − m1g = m1a (1)

Forces acting on 8.00 kg block: Fx − T = m2 a (2)

Fx − m1g
(a) Eliminate T and solve for a: a=
m1 + m2

a > 0 for Fx > m1g = 19.6 N

(b) Eliminate a and solve for T:

m1
T=
m1 + m2
( Fx + m2 g)

T = 0 for Fx ≤ − m2 g = −78.4 N

(c) Fx , N –100 –78.4 –50.0 0 50.0 100

ax , m/s 2 –12.5 –9.80 –6.96 –1.96 3.04 8.04

86
 Chapter 4

4.34 m1 = 2.00 kg, m2 = 6.00 kg, θ = 55.0°,

(a) ΣFx = m2 g sin θ − T = m2 a

and T − m1g = m1a

m2 g sin θ − m1g
a= = 3.57 m/s 2
m1 + m2

(b) T = m1( a + g ) = 26.7 N

(c) Since
( )
vi = 0, v f = at = 3.57 m/s 2 (2.00 s) = 7.14 m/s

4.35 First, we will compute the needed accelerations:

(1) Before it starts to move: ay = 0

vyf − vyi 1.20 m/s − 0

(2) During the first 0.800 s: ay = = = 1.50 m/s 2
t 0.800 s

(3) While moving at constant velocity: ay = 0

vyf − vyi 0 − 1.20 m/s

(4) During the last 1.50 s: ay = = = −0.800 m/s 2
t 1.50 s

Newton’s second law is: ΣFy = may

( )
+S − (72.0 kg ) 9.80 m/s 2 = (72.0 kg )ay

S = 706 N + (72.0 kg )ay

(a) When ay = 0 , S = 706 N

(b) When ay = 1.50 m/s 2 , S = 814 N

(c) When ay = 0 S = 706 N

(d) When ay = −0.800 m/s 2 , S = 648 N

87
 Chapter 4

*4.36 (a) For force components along the incline, with the upward direction taken as positive,

ΣFx = max : − mg sin θ = max

( )
ax = − g sin θ = − 9.8 m/s 2 sin 35° = −5.62 m/s 2

For the upward motion, (

vxf 2 = vxi 2 + 2 ax x f − xi )
(
0 = ( 5 m/s) + 2 −5.62 m/s 2 x f − 0
2
)( )
25 m 2 / s 2
xf = = 2.22 m
(
2 5.62 m/s 2 )
1
(b) The time to slide down is given by x f = xi + vxi t + ax t 2
2

0 = 2.22 m + 0 +
1
2 (−5.62 m/s )t 2 2

2(2.22 m )
t= = 0.890 s
5.62 m/s 2

1
For the second particle, x f = xi + vxi t + ax t 2
2

(
0 = 10 m + vxi (0.890 s) + −5.62 m/s 2 (0.890 s) ) 2

−10 m + 2.22 m
vxi = = −8.74 m/s
0.890 s

speed = 8.74 m/s

4.37 m = 4.00 kg, v i = 3.00i m/s, v 8 = (8.00i + 10.0j) m/s, t = 8.00 s

∆v 5.00i + 10.0j
a= = m/s 2
t 8.00

F = ma = (2.50i + 5.00j) N

F= (2.50)2 + (5.00)2 = 5.59 N

88
 Chapter 4

4.38 (a) Pulley P1 has acceleration a2 .

Since m1 moves twice the distance P1 moves in the same

time, m1 has twice the acceleration of P1 , i.e., a1 = 2 a2

(b) From the figure, and using

Σ F = ma : m2 g − T2 = m2 a2 (1)

T1 = m1a1 = 2m1a2 (2)

T2 − 2T1 = 0 (3)

Equation (1) becomes m2 g − 2T1 = m2 a2

T1  m 
This equation combined with Equation (2) yields 2m1 + 2 = m2 g
m1  2 

m1m2 m1m2
T1 = 1
g and T2 = 1
g
2m1 + m m1 + m2
2 2 4

(c) From the values of T1 and T2 we find that

T1 m2 g 1 m2 g
a1 = = 1 and a2 = a1 =
m1 2m1 + m2 2 4 m1 + m2
2

4.39 (a) see Figure to the right

(b) First consider Pat and the chair as the

system. Note that two ropes support the
system, and T = 250 N in each rope.
Applying ΣF = ma

480
2T − 480 = ma , where m = = 49.0 kg
9.80

500 − 480
Solving for a gives a= = 0.408 m/s 2
49.0

(c) ΣF = ma on Pat: ΣF = n + T − 320 = m a

320
where m = = 32.7 kg n = ma + 320 − T = 32.7(0.408) + 320 − 250 = 83.3 N
9.80

89
 Chapter 4

*4.40 (a) 18 N − P = (2 kg ) a

P − Q = (3 kg ) a

Q = ( 4 kg ) a

Adding gives 18 N = (9 kg ) a so a = 2.00 m/s 2

(b) ( )
Q = 4 kg 2 m/s 2 = 8.00 N net force on the 4 kg

( )
P − 8 N = 3 kg 2 m/s 2 = 6.00 N net force on the 3 kg and P = 14 N

( )
18 N − 14 N = 2 kg 2 m/s 2 = 4.00 N net force on the 2 kg

(c) From above, Q = 8.00 N and P = 14.0 N .

(d) The 3-kg block models the heavy block of wood. The contact force on your back is represented by
Q, which is much less than the force F. The difference between F and Q is the net force causing
acceleration of the 5-kg pair of objects. The acceleration is real and nonzero, but lasts for so short
a time that it never is associated with a large velocity. The frame of the building and your legs
exert forces, small relative to the hammer blow, to bring the partition, block, and you to rest again
over a time large relative to the hammer blow. This problem lends itself to interesting lecture
demonstrations. One person can hold a lead brick in one hand while another hits the brick with a
hammer.

4.41 We find the diver's impact speed by analyzing his free-fall motion:

( )
v f 2 = vi 2 + 2 ax = 0 + 2 −9.80 m/s 2 ( −10.0 m ) so v f = −14.0 m/s

Now for the 2.00 s of stopping, we have v f = vi + at : 0 = −14.0 m/s + a(2.00 s) ,

a = +7.00 m/s 2
Call the force exerted by the water on the diver R. Using ΣFy = ma ,

( )
+ R − 70.0 kg 9.80 m/s 2 = 70.0 kg 7.00 m/s 2 ( ) R = 1.18 kN

*4.42 (a) Consider forces on the midpoint of the rope. It is nearly in

equilibrium just before the car begins to move. Take the y-axis in the
direction of the force you exert:

f
ΣFy = may : −T sin θ + f − T sin θ = 0 T=
2 sin θ

100 N
(b) T= = 410 N
2 sin 7°

90
 Chapter 4
*4.43 Since it has a larger mass, we expect the 8.00-kg block to
move down the plane. The acceleration for both blocks
should have the same magnitude since they are joined
together by a non-stretching string. Define up the left hand
plane as positive for the 3.50-kg object and down the right
hand plane as positive for the 8.00-kg object.

ΣF1 = m1a1 : − m1g sin 35.0° + T = m1a

ΣF2 = m2 a2 : m2 g sin 35.0° − T = m2 a

and −( 3.50)(9.80) sin 35.0° + T = 3.50 a

(8.00)(9.80) sin 35.0° − T = 8.00 a

Adding, we obtain +45.0 N − 19.7 N = (11.5 kg )a

(b) Thus the acceleration is a = 2.20 m/s 2

By substitution, ( )
−19.7 N + T = ( 3.50 kg ) 2.20 m/s 2 = 7.70 N

(a) The tension is T = 27.4 N

*4.44 Take the x-axis vertically upward. Your impact speed is given by

( ) ( )
vxf 2 = vxi 2 + 2 ax x f − xi = 0 + 2 −9.8 m/s 2 ( −1.00 m )

vxf = − 19.6 m 2/s 2 = −4.43 m/s

In stopping, ΣFx = max : ( )

+5.12 × 10 4 N − 60 kg 9.8 m/s 2 = (60 kg )ax

5.06 × 10 4 N
ax = = 844 m/s 2
60 kg

(
vxf 2 = vxi 2 + 2 ax x f − xi ) (
0 = ( −4.43 m/s) + 2 844 m/s 2 ( − d)
2
)
19.6 m 2/s 2
d= = 0.0116 m
(
2 844 m/s 2 )

*4.45 The scale reads the normal force exerted by the student on the
seat and by the seat on the student. Take the student as object
and the y-direction perpendicular to the track:

ΣFy = may : + n − Fg cos θ = 0

n = (200 lb) cos 30° = 173 lb

91
 Chapter 4

4.46 ΣFy = may : n − mg cos θ = 0

or n = 8.40(9.80) cos θ

n = (82.3 N) cos θ

ΣFx = max : mg sin θ = ma

or a = g sin θ

( )
a = 9.80 m/s 2 sin θ

θ , deg n, N a, m/s 2
0.00 82.3 0.00
5.00 82.0 0.854
10.0 81.1 1.70
15.0 79.5 2.54
20.0 77.4 3.35
25.0 74.6 4.14
30.0 71.3 4.90
35.0 67.4 5.62
40.0 63.1 6.30
45.0 58.2 6.93
50.0 52.9 7.51
55.0 47.2 8.03
60.0 41.2 8.49
65.0 34.8 8.88
70.0 28.2 9.21
75.0 21.3 9.47
80.0 14.3 9.65 At 0°, the normal force is the full weight and the acceleration is
85.0 7.17 9.76 zero. At 90°, the mass is in free fall next to the vertical incline.
90.0 0.00 9.80

4.47 (a) First, we note that F = T1. Next, we focus on the mass M
and write T5 = Mg . Next, we focus on the bottom pulley
and write T5 = T2 + T3 . Finally, we focus on the top pulley
and write T4 = T1 + T2 + T3 .

Since the pulleys are not starting to rotate and are

frictionless, T1 = T3 , and T2 = T3 . From this information, we
Mg
have T5 = 2T2 , so T2 = .
2

Mg 3 Mg
Then T1 = T2 = T3 = , and T4 = , and T5 = Mg
2 2

Mg
(b) Since F = T1, we have F =
2

92
 Chapter 4

*4.48 (a) Apply Newton’s second law to two points

where butterflies are attached on either half of
mobile (other half the same, by symmetry)

(1) T2 cos θ 2 − T1 cos θ1 = 0

(2) T1 sin θ1 − T2 sin θ 2 − mg = 0

(3) T2 cos θ 2 − T3 = 0

(4) T2 sin θ 2 − mg = 0

Substituting (4) into (2) for T2 sin θ 2 , T1 sin θ1 − mg − mg = 0

2mg
Then T1 =
sin θ1

Substitute (3) into (1) for T2 cos θ 2 : T3 − T1 cos θ1 = 0 , T3 = T1 cos θ1

cos θ1 2mg
Substitute value of T1: T3 = 2mg = = T3
sin θ1 tan θ1

mg
From Equation (4), T2 =
sin θ 2

T2 sin θ 2 mg
(b) Divide (4) by (3): =
T2 cos θ 2 T3

mg tan θ1  tan θ1 
Substitute value of T3 : tan θ 2 = θ 2 = tan −1
2mg  2 

mg
T2 =
[ ( )]
Then we can finish answering part (a):
tan −1 tan θ1
1
sin
2

(c) D is the horizontal distance between the points at which the two ends of the string are attached to
the ceiling.

D = 2lcos θ1 + 2lcos θ 2 + l and L = 5l

D=
L
5{ [ ( tanθ )] + 1}
2 cos θ1 + 2 cos tan −1
1
2 1

93
 Chapter 4

*4.49 (a) Following Example 4.3 (

a = g sin θ = 9.80 m/s 2 sin 30.0° ) a = 4.90 m/s 2

(b) The block slides distance x on the incline, with sin 30.0° = (0.500 m)/x

x = 1.00 m : ( ) (
v f 2 = vi 2 + 2 a x f − xi = 0 + 2 4.90 m/s 2 (1.00 m ))
2x f 2(1.00 m )
v f = 3.13 m/s after time ts = = = 0.639 s
vf 3.13 m/s

(c)
1
Now in free fall y f − yi = vyi t + ay t 2 :
2
−2.00 = ( −3.13 m/s) sin 30.0°t −
1
2 (9.80 m/s2 )t2
(4.90 m/s2 )t2 + (1.56 m/s)t − 2.00 m = 0
−1.56 m/s ± (1.56 m/s)2 − 4( 4.90 m/s2 )(−2.00 m)
t=
9.80 m/s 2

Only one root is physical t = 0.499 s

x f = vx t = [(3.13 m/s) cos 30.0°](0.499 s) = 1.35 m

(d) total time = ts + t = 0.639 s + 0.499 s = 1.14 s

(e) The mass of the block makes no difference.

4.50 t(s) t 2 (s 2 ) x(m)

0 0 0
1.02 1.040 0.100
1.53 2.341 0.200
2.01 4.040 0.350
2.64 6.970 0.500
3.30 10.89 0.750
3.75 14.06 1.00

1 1
From x = at 2 the slope of a graph of x versus t 2 is a,
2 2

and ( )
a = 2 × slope = 2 0.0714 m/s 2 = 0.143 m/s 2

 1.774 
From a′ = g sin θ , a′ = 9.80 m/s 2 = 0.137 m/s 2 , different by 4%
 127.1 

The difference is accounted for by the uncertainty in the data, which we may estimate from the
third point as

0.350 − (0.0714)( 4.04)

= 18%
0.350

94
 Chapter 4

4.51 ΣF = ma

For m1 : T = m1a

For m2 : T − m2 g = 0

m2 g
Eliminating T, a=
m1

 m2 g 
For all 3 blocks: F = ( M + m1 + m2 )a = ( M + m1 + m2 ) 
 m1 

T
*4.52 (1) m1( a − A) = T ⇒ a= +A
m1

T
(2) MA = Rx = T ⇒ A=
M

(3) m2 a = m2 g − T ⇒ T = m2 ( g − a)

(a) Substitute the value for a from (1) into (3) and solve for T:

  T 
T = m2  g −  + A 
  m1 

  T T   m1M 
Substitute for A from (2): T = m2  g −  +  = m2 g 
  m1 M   m
 1 M + m2( 1
m + M ) 

m2 g(m1 + M )
(b) Solve (3) for a and substitute value of T: a=
m1M + m2 ( M + m1 )

m1m2 g
(c) From (2), A = T / M , Substitute the value of T: A=
m1M + m2 (m1 + M )

Mm2 g
(d) a−A=
m1M + m2 (m1 + M )

95
 Chapter 4

4.53 Choose the x-axis pointing down the slope.

v f = vi + at : 30.0 m/s = 0 + a(6.00 s)

a = 5.00 m/s 2

Consider forces on the toy.

ΣFx = max : (
mg sin θ = m 5.00 m/s 2 ) θ = 30.7°

ΣFy = may : − mg cos θ + T = 0

T = mg cos θ = (0.100)(9.80) cos 30.7° T = 0.843 N

*4.54 The upward acceleration of the rod is described

by

1
y f = yi + vyi t + ay t 2
2

( )
2
1 × 10 −3 m = 0 + 0 + ay 8 × 10 −3 s
1
2

ay = 31.2 m/s 2

The distance y moved by the rod and the

distance x moved by the wedge in the same time
are related by tan 15° = y / x ⇒ x = y /tan 15° .
Then their speeds and accelerations are related
by

dx 1 dy d2x 1 d2 y  1  2 2
= and 2
= 2
=  31.2 m/s = 117 m/s
dt tan 15° dt dt tan 15° dt  tan 15° 

The free body diagram for the rod is shown. Here H and H’ are forces exerted by the guide.

ΣFy = may : n cos15° − mg = may

( ) (
ncos 15° − 0.250 kg 9.8 m/s 2 = 0.250 kg 31.2 m/s 2 )
10.3 N
n= = 10.6 N
cos15°

For the wedge,

ΣFx = Max : (
− n sin 15° + F = 0.5 kg 117 m/s 2 )
F = (10.6 N) sin 15° + 58.3 N = 61.1 N

96
 Chapter 4

*4.55 (a)
1
y f = yi + vyi t + ay t 2 :
2
0 = 1.30 m + 0 +
1
2 (−9.8 m/s )t
2 2

2( −1.30 m )
t= = 0.515 s
−9.8 m/s 2

( ) ( )
vyf 2 = vyi 2 + 2 ay y f − yi = 0 + 2 −9.8 m/s 2 (0 − 1.30 m ) = 25.5 m/s 2

vyf = −5.05 m/s vyf = 5.05 m/s

(b) Similarly, 0 = 1.30 m +

1
2 (8 × 10 )(−9.8 m/s )t
−6 2 2

t = 182 s

( )( )
vyf = 2 8 × 10 −6 −9.8 m/s 2 ( −1.30 m ) = 14.3 mm/s

*4.56 Throughout its up and down motion after

release the block has

ΣFy = may : + n − mg cos θ = 0

n = mg cos θ

Let R = Rx i + Ry j represent the force of table on

incline. We have

ΣFx = max : + Rx − n sin θ = 0

Rx = mg cos θ sin θ

ΣFy = may : − Mg − n cos θ + Ry = 0

Ry = Mg + mg cos 2 θ

R = mg cos θ sin θ to the right +  M + m cos 2 θ  g upward

 

97
 Chapter 4

ANSWERS TO EVEN NUMBERED PROBLEMS

2. (a) zero (b) zero

4. 1.66 MN forward

6. 100 N and 204 N

8. (a) 181° counterclockwise from x-axis (b) 11.2 kg

(c) 37.5 m/s (d) ( −37.5i − 0.893j) m/s

10. (a) 534 N (b) 54.5 kg

12. (a) x = vt/2 (b) (Fg v / gt) i + Fg j

14. 4.448 21 N

16. (16.3i + 14.6j) N

18. (a) −4.47 × 1015 m/s 2 (b) +2.09 × 10 −10 N

20. T1 = 296 N, T2 = 163 N, T3 = 325 N

22. (a) See the solution. T = Fg /sin θ (b) 1.79 N

24. (a) a = g tan θ (b) 4.16 m/s 2

26. See the solution. a = 6.53 m/s 2 , T = 32.7 N

28. See the solution. (a) 2.54 m/s 2 down the incline (b) 3.18 m/s

30. 12.8 s

32. (a) 0.529 m (b) 7.40 m/s upward

34. (a) 3.57 m/s 2 (b) 26.7 N

(c) 7.14 m/s (See the solution.)

98
 Chapter 4

36. (a) 2.22 m (b) 8.74 m/s

m1m2 m1m2
38. (a) a1 = 2 a2 (b) T1 = 1
g , T2 = 1
g
2m1 + m m1 + m2
2 2 4
m2 g m2 g
(c) a1 = 1
, a2 =
2m1 + m 4 m1 + m2
2 2

40. See the solution. (a) 2.00 m/s 2

(b) 4.00 N on m1 , 6.00 N on m2 , 8.00 N on m3
(c) 14.0 N between m1 and m2 , 8.00 N between m2 and m3
(d) See the solution.

42. (a) T = f/(2 sinθ) (b) 410 N

44. 1.16 cm

46. ( )
n = (82.3 N) cos θ, a = 9.80 m/s 2 sin θ . See the solution. Yes.

2mg mg mg 2mg tan θ1

48. (a) T1 = , T2 = = , T3 = (b) θ2 = tan–1  2 
sin θ1
[ (
sin θ 2 sin tan −1 1 tan θ
2 1 )]
tan θ1

50. See the solution. a = 0.143 m/s 2 , approximately 4% high

 m1M  m2 g( M + m1 )
52. (a) m2 g   (b)
 m1M + m2 (m1 + M )  m1M + m2 (m1 + M )
m1m2 g Mm2 g
(c) (d)
m1M + m2 (m1 + M ) m1M + m2 (m1 + M )

54. 61.1 N

56. (
mg sin θ cos θ i + M + m cos 2 θ g j )

99