PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

  
sx sy g
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physics


ax
CHAPTER 2:
Kinematics of linear motion

(5 hours) 
 vx ay
vy
1
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.0 Kinematics of Linear motion
 is defined as the studies of motion of an objects without
considering the effects that produce the motion.
 There are two types of motion:
 Linear or straight line motion (1-D)

 with constant (uniform) velocity

 with constant (uniform) acceleration, e.g. free fall motion

 Projectile motion (2-D)

 x-component (horizontal)

 y-component (vertical)

2
 PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Learning Outcome:
2.1 Linear Motion (1 hour)
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physics

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

 Define distance, displacement, speed, velocity,
acceleration and related parameters: uniform velocity,
average velocity, instantaneous velocity, uniform
acceleration, average acceleration and instantaneous
acceleration.
 Sketch graphs of displacement-time, velocity-time and
acceleration-time.

3
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.1. Linear motion (1-D)
2.1.1. Distance, d
 scalar quantity.
 is defined as the length of actual path between two points.
points
 For example :
Q

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

4
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

2.1.2 Displacement, s
 vector quantity
 is defined as the distance between initial point and final
point in a straight line.
line
 The S.I. unit of displacement is metre (m).
Example 1:
An object P moves 20 m to the east after that 10 m to the south
and finally moves 30 m to west. Determine the displacement of P
N
relative to the original position.
Solution :

W O 20 m
E
θ
10 m
θ
P 10 m 20 m

5
S
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
The magnitude of the displacement is given by

OP = 10 2 + 10 2 = 14.1 m
and its direction is
−1  10 
θ = tan   = 45 or to the south - west
 10 
2.1.3 Speed, v
 is defined the rate of change of distance.
distance
 scalar quantity.
 Equation:
change of distance
speed =
time interval
Δd
v=
Δt
6
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

2.1.4 Velocity, v
 is a vector quantity.
 The S.I. unit for velocity is m s-1.
Average velocity, vav
 is defined as the rate of change of displacement.
displacement
 Equation:
change of displacement
vav =
time interval
s2 − s1
vav =
t 2 − t1
Δs
vav =
Δt
 Its direction is in the same direction of the change in
displacement.
displacement
7
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Instantaneous velocity, v
 is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of
displacement.
displacement
 Equation:
limit ∆s
v=
∆t → 0 ∆t
ds
v=
dt
 An object is moving in uniform velocity if
ds
= constant
dt

8
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

The gradient of the tangent to the curve at point Q

s1 Q
= the instantaneous velocity at time, t = t1

0 t1 t

 Therefore

Gradient of s-t graph = velocity

9
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

2.1.5 Acceleration, a
 vector quantity
 The S.I. unit for acceleration is m s-2.
Average acceleration, aav
 is defined as the rate of change of velocity.
velocity
 Equation: change of velocity
aav =
time interval
v2 − v1
aav =
t 2 − t1
Δv
aav =
Δt
Its direction is in the same direction of motion.
 same direction of motion
 The acceleration of an object is uniform when the magnitude
of velocity changes at a constant rate and along fixed
direction. 10
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Instantaneous acceleration, a
 is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of velocity.
velocity
 Equation:
limit∆v
a=
∆t → 0 ∆t
2
dv d s
a= = 2
dt dt
 An object is moving in uniform acceleration if

dv
= constant
dt

11
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Deceleration, a
 is a negative acceleration.
acceleration
 The object is slowing down meaning the speed of the object
decreases with time.
time
v

Q
v1

The gradient of the tangent to the curve at point Q

= the instantaneous acceleration at time, t = t1
0 t1 t
 Therefore

Gradient of v-t graph = acceleration

12
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.1.6 Graphical methods
Displacement against time graph (s-t)
s s

Gradient increases
with time
Gradient = constant
0 t 0 t
s (a) Uniform velocity (b) The velocity increases with time
(c) Q
Gradient at point R is negative.
R
P
The direction of
Gradient at point Q is zero.
velocity is changing.

The velocity is zero. 13

0 t
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Velocity versus time graph (v-t)
v v v B
Uniform
C
Uniform velocity acceleration

0 t1 (a) t2 t 0 t1 t 0 t1 t
(b) t2 t2 (c)

Area under the v-t graph = displacement

 The gradient at point A is positive – a > 0(speeding up)
 The gradient at point B is zero – a= 0
 The gradient at point C is negative – a < 0(slowing down)

14
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 From the equation of instantaneous velocity,
ds
v=
dt
∫ ds = ∫ vdt
Therefore
t2
s = ∫ vdt
t1

s = shaded area under the v − t graph

Simulation 2.1 Simulation 2.2 Simulation 2.3

15
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 2 :
A toy train moves slowly along a straight track according to the
displacement, s against time, t graph in figure 2.1.
s (cm)
10
8
6
4
2
Figure 2.1 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 t (s)
a. Explain qualitatively the motion of the toy train.
b. Sketch a velocity (cm s-1) against time (s) graph.
c. Determine the average velocity for the whole journey.
d. Calculate the instantaneous velocity at t = 12 s.
16
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
a. 0 to 6 s : The train moves at a constant velocity of
0.68 cm s−1.
6 to 10 s : The train stops.
10 to 14 s : The train moves in the same direction at a
constant velocity of 1.50 cm s−1.
b. v (cm s−1)

1.50

0.68

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 t (s)
17
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
s2 − s1
c. v av =
t 2 − t1
10 − 0
vav =
14 − 0
vav = 0.714 cm s −1
d. v = average velocity from 10 s to 14 s
s2 − s1
v=
t 2 − t1
10 − 4
v=
14 − 10
v = 1.50 cm s −1
18
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 3 :
A velocity-time (v-t) graph in figure 2.2 shows the motion of a lift.
v (m s −1)

4
2
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 t (s)
-2
-4
Figure 2.2
a. Describe qualitatively the motion of the lift.
b. Sketch a graph of acceleration (m s-1) against time (s).
c. Determine the total distance travelled by the lift and its
displacement.
d. Calculate the average acceleration between 20 s to 40 s.

19
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
a. 0 to 5 s : Lift moves upward from rest with a constant
acceleration of 0.4 m s−2.
5 to 15 s : The velocity of the lift increases from 2 m s−1 to
4 m s−1 but the acceleration decreasing to
0.2 m s−2.
15 to 20 s : Lift moving with constant velocity of 4 m s−1.
20 to 25 s : Lift decelerates at a constant rate of 0.8 m s−2.
25 to 30 s : Lift at rest or stationary.
30 to 35 s : Lift moves downward with a constant acceleration
of 0.8 m s−2.
35 to 40 s : Lift moving downward with constant velocity
of 4 m s−1.
40 to 50 s : Lift decelerates at a constant rate of 0.4 m s−2
and comes to rest.
20
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
b. a (m s )
−2

0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 t (s)
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6
-0.8

21
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
c. i. v (m s −1
)

4
2
A2 A3
A1
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 A35 40 45 50 t (s)
-2 4
A5
-4

Total distance = area under the graph of v-t

= A1 + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 + A 5
1 1 1 1 1
Total distance = ( 2 )( 5) + ( 2 + 4 )(10 ) + ( 5 + 10 )( 4 ) + ( 5)( 4 ) + (15 + 5)( 4 )
2 2 2 2 2

Total distance = 115 m

22
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
c. ii. Displacement = area under the graph of v-t
= A1 + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 + A 5
1 1 1 1 1
Displacement = ( 2)( 5) + ( 2 + 4)(10 ) + ( 5 + 10 )( 4) + ( 5)( − 4 ) + (15 + 5)( − 4)
2 2 2 2 2
Displacement = 15 m
v2 − v1
d. aav =
t 2 − t1
−4−4
aav =
40 − 20
aav = −0.4 m s −2
23
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.1 :
1. Figure 2.3 shows a velocity versus time graph for an object
constrained to move along a line. The positive direction is to
the right.

Figure 2.3
a. Describe the motion of the object in 10 s.
b. Sketch a graph of acceleration (m s-2) against time (s) for
the whole journey.
c. Calculate the displacement of the object in 10 s.
24
ANS. : 6 m
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.1 :
 A train pulls out of a station and accelerates steadily for 20 s
until its velocity reaches 8 m s−1. It then travels at a constant
velocity for 100 s, then it decelerates steadily to rest in a further
time of 30 s.
a. Sketch a velocity-time graph for the journey.
b. Calculate the acceleration and the distance travelled in
each part of the journey.
c. Calculate the average velocity for the journey.
Physics For Advanced Level, 4th edition, Jim Breithaupt, Nelson
Thornes, pg.15, no. 1.11
ANS. : 0.4 m s− 2,0 m s− 2,-0.267 m s− 2, 80 m, 800 m, 120 m;
6.67 m s− 1.

25
 PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Learning Outcome:
2.2 Uniformly accelerated motion (1 hour)
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physics

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

 Derive and apply equations of motion with uniform
acceleration:

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

26
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.2. Uniformly accelerated motion
 From the definition of average acceleration, uniform (constant)
constant
acceleration is given by

v −u
a=
t
v = u + at (1)

where v : final velocity

u : initial velocity
a : uniform (constant) acceleration
t : time

27
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 From equation (1), the velocity-time graph is shown in figure
2.4: velocity

u
Figure 2.4
t time
 From the 0graph,
The displacement after time, s = shaded area under the
graph
= the area of trapezium
 Hence,

1
s = ( u + v)t (2)
2 28
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 By substituting eq. (1) into eq. (2) thus
1
s = [ u + ( u + at ) ]t
2
1 2
s = ut + at (3)
2
 From eq. (1), ( v − u ) = at
2s multiply
 From eq. (2), (v + u) =
t
 2s 
( v + u )( v − u ) =  ( at )
 t 
v 2 = u 2 + 2as (4)

29
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

 Notes:
 equations (1) – (4) can be used if the motion in a straight
line with constant acceleration.
 For a body moving at constant velocity, ( a = 0) the
equations (1) and (4) become
v=u
Therefore the equations (2) and (3) can be written as

s = vt constant velocity

30
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 4 :
A plane on a runway takes 16.2 s over a distance of 1200 m to
take off from rest. Assuming constant acceleration during take off,
calculate
a. the speed on leaving the ground,
b. the acceleration during take off.

Solution : a =?
u=0 v=?

s = 1200 m
t = 16.2 s
1
a. Use s = ( u + v ) t
2
1
1200 = ( 0 + v )(16.2) v = 148 m s −1
2
31
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
b. By using the equation of linear motion,

v 2 = u 2 + 2as
(148) 2 = 0 + 2a(1200)
a = 9.13 m s −2
OR
1 2
s = ut + at
2
1
1200 = 0 + a(16.2 )
2

2
−2
a = 9.14 m s

32
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 5 :
A bus travelling steadily at 30 m s−1 along a straight road passes a
stationary car which, 5 s later, begins to move with a uniform
acceleration of 2 m s−2 in the same direction as the bus. Determine
a. the time taken for the car to acquire the same velocity as the
bus,
b. the distance travelled by the car when it is level with the bus.
−1 −2
Solution : vb = 30 m s = constant ; u c = 0; ac = 2 ms

−1
a. Given vc = vb = 30 m s
Use vc = u c + ac t c
30 = 0 + ( 2 ) tc
t c = 15 s

33
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
b.

vb = 30 m s −1 vb vb
b b b
ac = 2 m s −2
c uc = 0 c
t = 0s t = 5s t =t
s c = sb
From the diagram,
t c = tb = t Therefore
s c = sb sc = vb t
1 2
uc t + ac t = vbt sc = ( 30)( 30)
2
1 sc = 900 m
0 + ( 2) t 2 = ( 30) t
2
t = 30 s
34
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 6 :
A particle moves along horizontal line according to the equation
s = 3t 3 − 4t 2 + 2t
Where s is displacement in meters and t is time in seconds.
At time, t =2.00 s, determine
a. the displacement of the particle,
b. Its velocity, and
c. Its acceleration.
Solution :
3 2
a. t =2.00 s ; s = 3t − 4t + 2t
s = 3( 2.00) − 4( 2.00) + 2( 2.00)
3 2

s = 12.0 m

35
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
b. Instantaneous velocity at t = 2.00 s,
ds
Use v=
dt
v=
d 3
dt
(3t − 4t 2 + 2t )
v = 9t 2 − 8t + 2
Thus
v = 9( 2.00 ) − 8( 2.00) + 2
2

v = 22.0 m s −1

36
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
c. Instantaneous acceleration at t = 2.00 s,
dv
Use a=
dt
a=
d
dt
(
9t 2 − 8t + 2 )
a = 18t − 8
Hence
a = 18( 2.00 ) − 8
a = 28.0 m s −2

37
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.2 :
 A speedboat moving at 30.0 m s-1 approaches stationary
buoy marker 100 m ahead. The pilot slows the boat with a
constant acceleration of -3.50 m s-2 by reducing the throttle.
a. How long does it take the boat to reach the buoy?
b. What is the velocity of the boat when it reaches the buoy?
No. 23,pg. 51,Physics for scientists and engineers with modern
physics, Serway & Jewett,6th edition.
ANS. : 4.53 s; 14.1 m s− 1
 An unmarked police car travelling a constant 95 km h-1 is
passed by a speeder traveling 140 km h-1. Precisely 1.00 s
after the speeder passes, the policemen steps on the
accelerator; if the police car’s acceleration is 2.00 m s-2, how
much time passes before the police car overtakes the
speeder (assumed moving at constant speed)?
No. 44, pg. 41,Physics for scientists and engineers with modern
physics, Douglas C. Giancoli,3rd edition.
ANS. : 14.4 s
38
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.2 :
 A car traveling 90 km h-1 is 100 m behind a truck traveling
75 km h-1. Assuming both vehicles moving at constant
velocity, calculate the time taken for the car to reach the
truck.
No. 15, pg. 39,Physics for scientists and engineers with modern
physics, Douglas C. Giancoli,3rd edition.
ANS. : 24 s
 A car driver, travelling in his car at a constant velocity of
8 m s-1, sees a dog walking across the road 30 m ahead. The
driver’s reaction time is 0.2 s, and the brakes are capable of
producing a deceleration of 1.2 m s-2. Calculate the distance
from where the car stops to where the dog is crossing,
assuming the driver reacts and brakes as quickly as
possible.
ANS. : 1.73 m

39
 PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Learning Outcome:
2.3 Freely falling bodies (1 hour)
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physics

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

 Describe and use equations for freely falling bodies.
 For upward and downward motion, use
a = − g = − 9.81 m s− 2

40
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.3. Freely falling bodies
 is defined as the vertical motion of a body at constant
acceleration, g under gravitational field without air
resistance.
 In the earth’s gravitational field, the constant acceleration
 known as acceleration due to gravity or free-fall
acceleration or gravitational acceleration.
acceleration
 the value is g = 9.81 m s− 2
 the direction is towards the centre of the earth
(downward).
 Note:
 In solving any problem involves freely falling bodies or free
fall motion, the assumption made is ignore the air
resistance.
resistance

41
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 Sign convention: +
From the sign convention
thus,
- +
a = −g

-
 Table 2.1 shows the equations of linear motion and freely
falling bodies.
Linear motion Freely falling bodies
v = u + at v = u − gt
2 2
v = u + 2 as v 2 = u 2 − 2 gs
1 2 1 2
s = ut + at s = ut − gt
Table 2.1 2 2
42
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 An example of freely falling body is the motion of a ball thrown
vertically upwards with initial velocity, u as shown in figure 2.5.

velocity = 0

v=u
H

Figure 2.5
u
v
 Assuming air resistance is negligible, the acceleration of the
ball, a = −g when the ball moves upward and its velocity
decreases to zero when the ball reaches the maximum
height, H.

43
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
s
 The graphs in figure 2.6 show
the motion of the ball moves H v =0
up and down.
Derivation of equations
 At the maximum height or

displacement, H where t = t1, 0 t

its velocity, v t1 2t1
u
v=0
hence 0 t1 t
2t1
v = u − gt
0 = u − gt1 −u
therefore the time taken for
the ball reaches H,
a

0 t
u t1 2t1
t1 =
Simulation 2.4 g 44
Figure 2.6 −g
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 To calculate the maximum height or displacement, H:
use either 1 2
s = ut1 − gt1
2
OR Where s =H
2 2
v = u − 2 gs
0 = u 2 − 2 gH
maximum height, 2
u
H=
2g
 Another form of freely falling bodies expressions are
v = u − gt v y = u y − gt
v 2 = u 2 − 2 gs v y = u y − 2 gs y
2 2

1 2 1 2
s = ut − gt s y = u y t − gt
2 2 45
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 7 :
A ball is thrown from the top of a building is given an initial velocity
of 10.0 m s−1 straight upward. The building is 30.0 m high and the
ball just misses the edge of the roof on its way down, as shown in
figure 2.7. Calculate B
a. the maximum height of the stone from point A.
b. the time taken from point A to C.
c. the time taken from point A to D. u =10.0 m s−1
A C
d. the velocity of the stone when it reaches point D.
(Given g = 9.81 m s−2)

30.0 m

Figure 2.7
46
D
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
a. At the maximum height, H, vy = 0 and u = uy = 10.0 m s−1 thus
B
v 2y = u 2y − 2 gs y
0 = 10.0 − 2( 9.81) H
( ) 2
u
A
H = 5.10 m
C b. From point A to C, the vertical displacement, s = 0 m thus
y

1 2
s y = u y t − gt
2
1
30.0 m 0 = (10.0 ) t − ( 9.81) t 2
2
t = 2.03 s

47
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
c. From point A to D, the vertical displacement, sy= −30.0 m thus
B
1 2
s y = u y t − gt
2 1
u − 30.0 = (10.0) t − ( 9.81) t 2
A C 2
4.91t 2 − 10.0t − 30.0 = 0
a b c
2
− b ± b − 4ac
30.0 m By using t=
2a Time don’t
t = 3.69 s OR − 1.66 s have
negative
D value.

48
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
d. Time taken from A to D is t = 3.69 s thus
B
v y = u y − gt
v y = (10.0 ) − ( 9.81)( 3.69 )
u
−1
A C v y = −26.2 m s
OR m
From A to D, sy = −30.0
2 2
v y = u y − 2 gs y
v y = (10.0 ) − 2( 9.81)( − 30.0 )
30.0 m 2 2

−1
v y = velocity
Therefore the ball’s
26.2 matsD is
v y = −26.2 m s −1
D

49
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 8 :
A book is dropped 150 m from the ground. Determine
a. the time taken for the book reaches the ground.
b. the velocity of the book when it reaches the ground.
(given g = 9.81 m s-2)
Solution :
a. The vertical displacement is
uy = 0 m s−1 sy = −150 m
Hence
1 2
s y = u y t − gt
2
s y = −150 m 1
− 150 = 0 − ( 9.81) t 2
150 m
2
t = 5.53 s
50
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
b. The book’s velocity is given by
v y = u y − gt
uy = 0
v y = 0 − ( 9.81)( 5.53)
v y = −54.2 m s −1
OR
s y = −150 m 2 2
v y = u y − 2 gs y

vy = ? v y
2
= 0 − 2 ( 9.81)( − 150 )
v y = 54.2 m s −1
−1
v
Therefore the book’s velocity is y = − 54.2 m s

51
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.3 :
 A ball is thrown directly downward, with an initial speed of
8.00 m s−1, from a height of 30.0 m. Calculate
a. the time taken for the ball to strike the ground,
b. the ball’s speed when it reaches the ground.
ANS. : 1.79 s; 25.6 m s− 1
5. A falling stone takes 0.30 s to travel past a window 2.2 m tall
as shown in figure 2.8.

to travel this
2.2 m
distance took
0.30 s

Figure 2.8
From what height above the top of the windows did the stone
fall?
ANS. : 1.75 m 52
 PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Learning Outcome:
2.4 Projectile motion (2 hours)
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physics

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

 Describe and use equations for projectile,
u x = u cos θ
u y = u sin θ
ax = 0
ay = −g
 Calculate: time of flight, maximum height, range and
maximum range, instantaneous position and velocity.

53
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.4. Projectile motion
 A projectile motion consists of two components:
 vertical component (y-comp.)

 motion under constant acceleration, ay= −g

 horizontal component (x-comp.)
 motion with constant velocity thus ax= 0
 The path followed
y by a projectile is called trajectory is shown in
figure 2.9.
B
v1y v1 v
P θ1
Q v2x
v1x
sy=H v2y θ2
u v2
uy
Simulation 2.5
A θ C
x
Figure 2.9 ux t1 sx= R t2 54
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 From figure 2.9,
 The x-component of velocity along AC (horizontal) at any
point is constant,

u x = u cos θ
 The y-component (vertical) of velocity varies from one
point to another point along AC.
but the y-component of the initial velocity is given by

u y = u sin θ

55
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 Table 2.2 shows the x and y-components, magnitude and
direction of velocities at points P and Q.

Velocity Point P Point Q

x-comp. v1 x = u x = u cos θ v2 x = u x = u cos θ

y-comp. v1 y = u y − gt1 v2 y = u y − gt 2
magnitude v1 = ( v1x ) 2
( )
+ v1 y
2
v2 = ( v2 x ) 2
( )
+ v2 y
2

−1  1 y −1 
v v2 y 
direction θ1 = tan   θ 2 = tan  
 v1 x   v2 x 
Table 2.2

56
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.4.1 Maximum height, H
 The ball reaches the highest point at point B at velocity, v
where
 x-component of the velocity, v = v = u = u cos θ
x x
 y-component of the velocity, v = 0
y
 y-component of the displacement, s = H
y

 Use v y2 = u y2 − 2 gs y
0 = ( u sin θ ) − 2 gH
2

u sin θ2 2
H=
2g

57
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.4.2 Time taken to reach maximum height, ∆t’
 At maximum height, H

 Time, t = ∆t’ and vy= 0

Use v y = u y − gt
u sin θ


0 = ( u sin θ ) − g∆t ' ∆t ' =

g
2.4.3 Flight time, ∆t (from point A to point C)
∆t = 2∆t '
2u sin θ
∆t =
g

58
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.4.4 Horizontal range, R and value of R maximum
 Since the x-component for velocity along AC is constant hence
u x = v x = u cos θ
 From the displacement formula with uniform velocity, thus the
x-component of displacement along AC is
s x = u x t and s x = R
R = ( u cos θ )( ∆t )
 2u sin θ 
R = ( u cos θ )  
2  g 
u
R = ( 2 sin θ cos θ )
g

59
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 From the trigonometry identity,
sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
thus
2
u
R = sin 2θ
g
 The value of R maximum when θ = 45° and sin 2θ =1
therefore

u2
Rmax =
g

Simulation 2.6

60
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
2.4.5 Horizontal projectile
 Figure 2.10 shows a ball bearing rolling off the end of a table
with an initial velocity, u in the horizontal direction.
u u

vx
vy v
h

Figure 2.10 A B
x
 Horizontal component along path AB.
velocity, u x = u = v x = constant
displacement, s x = x
 Vertical component along path AB.
initial velocity, u y = 0 Simulation 2.7
displacement, s y = −h 61
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Time taken for the ball to reach the floor (point B), t
 By using the equation of freely falling bodies,
1 2
s y = u y t − gt
2
1 2
− h = 0 − gt
2
2h
t=
g

Horizontal displacement, x
 Use condition below : Figure 2.11
The time taken for the The time taken for the
ball free fall to point A
= ball to reach point B
(Refer to figure 2.11)
62
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
 Since the x-component of velocity along AB is constant, thus
the horizontal displacement, x

sx = u xt and sx = x

 2h 
x = u  
g 
 

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

63
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 9 :
y

H
u

θ = 60.0° P v1x
Figure 2.12 O x
R
Figure 2.12 shows a ball thrown by superman v1y v1 v2x
with an initial speed, u = 200 m s-1 and makes an Q
angle, θ = 60.0° to the horizontal. Determine
a. the position of the ball, and the magnitude and
v2y v2

direction of its velocity, when t = 2.0 s. 64

PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
b. the time taken for the ball reaches the maximum height, H and
calculate the value of H.
c. the horizontal range, R
d. the magnitude and direction of its velocity when the ball
reaches the ground (point P).
e. the position of the ball, and the magnitude and direction of its
velocity at point Q if the ball was hit from a flat-topped hill with
the time at point Q is 45.0 s.
(given g = 9.81 m s-2)
Solution :
The component of Initial velocity :

u x = 200 cos 60.0 = 100 m s −1

u y = 200 sin 60.0 = 173 m s −1

65
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
a. i. position of the ball when t = 2.0 s ,
Horizontal component :
sx = u xt
s x = (100 )( 2.00)
s x = 200 m from point O
Vertical component :
1 2
s y = u y t − gt
2
1
s y = (173)( 2.00 ) − ( 9.81)( 2.00)
2

2
s y = 326 m above the ground
therefore the position of the ball is (200 m, 326 m)

66
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
a. ii. magnitude and direction of ball’s velocity at t = 2.0 s ,
Horizontal component :
v x = u x = 100 m s −1
Vertical component :
v y = u y − gt
v y = (173) − ( 9.81)( 2.00)
v y = 153 m s −1
Magnitude,
v = v x2 + v 2y = (100 ) + (153)
2 2

−1
Direction,
v = 183 m s
−1  y 
v −1  153 
θ = tan   = tan  
 vx   100 
θ = 56.8 from positive x-axis anticlockwise

67
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
b. i. At the maximum height, H :
vy = 0
Thus the time taken to reach maximum height is given by
v y = u y − gt
0 = (173) − ( 9.81) t
t = 17.6 s
1
ii. Apply s y = u y t − gt
2
1
H = (173)(17.6 ) − ( 9.81)(17.6)
2

2
H = 1525 m
68
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
c. Flight time = 2×(the time taken to reach the maximum height)
t = 2(17.6)
t = 35.2 s
Hence the horizontal range, R is
sx = u xt
R = (100)( 35.2)
d.
R = 3520 m
When the ball reaches point P thus
The velocity of the ball at point P,
sy = 0
Horizontal component: −1
Vertical component: v1x = u x = 100 m s
v1 y = u y − gt
v1 y = (173) − ( 9.81)( 35.2 )
−1
v1 y = −172 m s 69
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
= v + v = (100 ) + ( − 172 )
2 2 2 2
Magnitude, v
1 1x 1y
−1
v1 = 200 m s
−1  1 y 
Direction, v −1  − 172 
θ = tan   = tan  
 v1x   100 
θ = −60.0
therefore the direction of ball’s velocity is

e.
θ = 300 from positive x-axis anticlockwise

The time taken from point O to Q is 45.0 s.
i. position of the ball when t = 45.0 s,
Horizontal component :

sx = u xt
s x = (100)( 45.0)
s x = 4500 m from point O 70
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
Vertical component :
1 2
s y = u y t − gt
2
1
s y = (173)( 45.0) − ( 9.81)( 45.0)
2

2
s y = −268 m below the ground
therefore the position of the ball is (4500 m, − 268 m)
e. ii. magnitude and direction of ball’s velocity at t = 45.0 s ,
Horizontal component :
−1
v2 x = u x = 100 m s
Vertical component :

v2 y = u y − gt
v2 y = (173) − ( 9.81)( 45.0 )
v2 y = −269 m s −1 71
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
Magnitude, v2 = v +v 2
2x
2
2y

v2 = (100 ) + ( − 269 )
2 2

v2 = 287 m s −1
−1  2 y 
Direction,
v
θ = tan  
 v2 x 
− 269 
−1 
θ = tan  
 100 
θ = −69.6
therefore the direction of ball’s velocity is
θ = 290 
from positive x-axis anticlockwise

72
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Example 10 :
A transport plane travelling at a constant velocity of 50 m s−1 at an
altitude of 300 m releases a parcel when directly above a point X
on level ground. Calculate
a. the flight time of the parcel,
b. the velocity of impact of the parcel,
c. the distance from X to the point of impact.
(given g = 9.81 m s-2)
Solution :
u = 50 m s −1

300 m

X 73
d
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
The parcel’s velocity = plane’s velocity
u = 50 m s −1
thus
u x = u = 50 m s −1 and u y = 0 m s −1
a. The vertical displacement is given by
s y = −300 m
Thus the flight time of the parcel is
1 2
s y = u y t − gt
12
− 300 = 0 − ( 9.81) t 2
2
t = 7.82 s

74
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
b. The components of velocity of impact of the parcel:
Horizontal component: v = u = 50 m s −1
x x
Vertical component: v = u − gt
y y
v y = 0 − ( 9.81)( 7.82 )
−1
v y = −76.7 m s
Magnitude,
v = v + v = ( 50 ) + ( − 76.7 )
2 2 2 2
x y
−1
Direction,
v = 9 1 .6 m s
−1  y 
v −1  − 76.7 
θ = tan   = tan  
v x   50 
θ =the
therefore −56.9
direction of parcel’s velocity is

θ = 303 from positive x-axis anticlockwise

 75
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Solution :
c. Let the distance from X to the point of impact is d.
Thus the distance, d is given by

sx = u xt
d = ( 50 )( 7.82 )
d = 391 m

76
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.4 :
Use gravitational acceleration, g = 9.81 m s−2
• A basketball player who is 2.00 m tall is standing on the floor
10.0 m from the basket, as in figure 2.13. If he shoots the
ball at a 40.0° angle above the horizontal, at what initial
speed must he throw so that it goes through the hoop without
striking the backboard? The basket height is 3.05 m.

Figure 2.13
ANS. : 10.7 m s− 1 77
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2
Exercise 2.4 :
• An apple is thrown at an angle of 30° above the horizontal
from the top of a building 20 m high. Its initial speed is
40 m s−1. Calculate
a. the time taken for the apple to strikes the ground,
b. the distance from the foot of the building will it strikes
the ground,
c. the maximum height reached by the apple from the
ground.
ANS. : 4.90 s; 170 m; 40.4 m

• A stone is thrown from the top of one building toward a tall

building 50 m away. The initial velocity of the ball is 20 m s−1
at 40° above the horizontal. How far above or below its
original level will the stone strike the opposite wall?
ANS. : 10.3 m below the original level.

78
PHYSICS CHAPTER 2

THE END…
Next Chapter…
CHAPTER 3 :
Force, Momentum and Impulse

79