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NCERT · Class 11 · Physics

Chapter 4: Laws of Motion

Practice each question, then open the answer or worked solution.

Textbook exercises

23 questions
Q11Written answer

A truck starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at $2.0m{{s}^{-2}}$. At $t=10s$, a stone is dropped by a person standing on the top of the truck ($6m$ high from the ground). Neglect air resistance. What are the

  1. velocity, and 

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Worked solution

Ans: It is given that,

Initial velocity of the truck, $u=0$ (Initially at rest)

Acceleration, $a=2m{{s}^{-2}}$ 

Time, $t=10s$ 

From first equation of motion: $v=u+at$ 

$\Rightarrow v=0+2\times 10=20{m}/{s}\;$ 

Therefore, the final velocity of the truck and the stone is$20{m}/{s}\;$.

At $t=11s$:

The horizontal component $({{v}_{x}})$  of velocity, in the absence of air resistance, remains unchanged, i.e. \[{{v}_{x}}=20m/s\].

The vertical component of velocity $({{v}_{y}})$ of the stone is given by the first equation of motion as: 

${{v}_{y}}=u+{{a}_{y}}\delta t$ 

Where, 

$\delta t=11-10=1s$ 

$a=g=10m/{{s}^{2}}$ 

$\Rightarrow {{v}_{y}}=0+10\times 1=10{m}/{{{s}^{2}}}\;$ 

The resultant velocity $(v)$  of the stone is:


Two Velocities of Different Magnitude


$\Rightarrow v=\sqrt{v_{x}^{2}+v_{y}^{2}}$ 

$\Rightarrow v=\sqrt{{{20}^{2}}+{{10}^{2}}}=\sqrt{400+100}$

$\Rightarrow v=\sqrt{500}=22.36m/s$

Consider $\theta $  as the angle made by the resultant velocity with the horizontal component of velocity, ${{v}_{x}}$.

$\Rightarrow \tan \theta =\left( \frac{{{v}_{y}}}{{{v}_{x}}} \right)$ 

$\Rightarrow \theta ={{\tan }^{-1}}\left( \frac{{{v}_{y}}}{{{v}_{x}}} \right)$ 

$\Rightarrow \theta ={{\tan }^{-1}}\left( \frac{10}{20} \right)$

$\Rightarrow \theta ={{\tan }^{-1}}\left( 0.5 \right)$

$\Rightarrow \theta ={{26.57}^{\circ }}$

Therefore, the magnitude of resultant velocity is $22.36{m}/{s}\;$ making an angle of ${{26.57}^{\circ }}$ with the horizontal component of velocity.

  1. acceleration of the stone at $t=11s$?

Ans: When the stone is dropped from the truck, the horizontal force acting on it becomes zero. However, the stone continues to move under the influence of gravity. 

Therefore, the acceleration of the stone is $10m{{s}^{-2}}$  and it acts vertically downward. 


Q12Written answer

A bob of mass \[\mathbf{0}.\mathbf{1kg}\] hung from the ceiling of a room by a string $2m$ long is set into oscillation. The speed of the bob at its mean position is $1m{{s}^{-2}}$. What is the trajectory of the bob if the string is cut when the bob is

  1. at one of its extreme positions, 

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Worked solution

Ans: If the string is cut when the bob is at one of its extremes then the bob will fall vertically on the ground.

Therefore, at the extreme position, the velocity of the bob becomes zero.

  1. at its mean position. 

Ans: If the string is cut when the bob is at its mean position then the bob will trace a projectile path having the horizontal components of velocity only.

The direction of this velocity is tangential to the arc formed by the oscillating bob. At the mean position, the velocity of the bob is $1m/s$. 

Therefore, it will follow a parabolic path. 


Q13Written answer

What would be the readings on the scale of a man of mass \[\mathbf{70kg}\] stands on a weighing scale in a lift which is moving

  1. upwards with a uniform speed of $10m{{s}^{-1}}$,

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Ans: It is given that,

Mass of the man, $m=70kg$ 

Acceleration, $a=0$(uniform speed)

From Newton’s second law: $R-mg=ma$ 

Where,

$ma$ is the net force acting on the man.

$\Rightarrow R-70\times 10=0$ 

$\Rightarrow R=700N$ 

Reading on the weighing scale$=\frac{700}{g}=\frac{700}{10}=70kg$ 

Therefore, the mass of the man, $m=70kg$ 

  1. downwards with a uniform acceleration of $5m{{s}^{-2}}$,

Ans: Acceleration,$a=5{m}/{{{s}^{2}}}\;$ downward

From Newton’s second law: $R=m(g-a)$

$\Rightarrow R=70\left( 10-5 \right)=70\times 5$ 

$\Rightarrow R=350N$ 

Reading on the weighing scale$=\frac{350}{g}=\frac{350}{10}=35kg$ 

Therefore, the mass of the man, $m=35kg$ 

  1. upwards with a uniform acceleration of $5m{{s}^{-2}}$.

Ans: Acceleration,$a=5{m}/{{{s}^{2}}}\;$ upward

From Newton’s second law: $R=m(g+a)$

$\Rightarrow R=70\left( 10+5 \right)=70\times 15$ 

$\Rightarrow R=1050N$ 

Reading on the weighing scale$=\frac{1050}{g}=\frac{1050}{10}=105kg$ 

Therefore, the mass of the man, $m=105kg$ 

  1. What would be the reading if the lift mechanism failed and it hurtled down freely under gravity? 

Ans: When the lift moves freely under gravity,

Acceleration, $a=g=10m{{s}^{-2}}$ 

From Newton’s second law: $R=m(g-a)$

$\Rightarrow R=70\left( 10-10 \right)=0$ 

Reading on the weighing scale$=\frac{0}{g}=\frac{0}{10}=0kg$ 

Therefore, the man will be in a state of weightlessness.


Q14Written answer

Figure shows the position-time graph of a particle of mass $4kg$ . Consider one-dimensional motion only and find the 


Position- Time Graph for a Particle


  1. force on the particle for $t<0,t>4s$,$0<t<4s$ ?

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Worked solution

Ans:  For $t<0$ :

From the given graph, it is observed that the position of the particle is coincident with the time axis. It indicates that the displacement of the particle in this time interval is zero. 

Therefore, the force acting on the particle is zero. 

For $t>4s$ :

From the given graph, it is observed that the position of the particle is parallel to the time axis. It indicates that the particle is at rest at a distance of $3m$ from the origin.

Therefore, no force acts on the particle. 

For $0<t<4$ :

From the given position-time graph, it is observed that it has a constant slope. Thus, the acceleration produced in the particle is zero. 

Therefore, the force acting on the particle is zero. 

  1. impulse at $t=0$ and $t=4s$ ? 

Ans: At $t=0$:

\[Impulse=Change\text{ }in\text{ }momentum=mv-mu\] 

Mass of the particle, $m=4kg$

Initial velocity of the particle, $u=0$ 


Final velocity of the particle, $v=\frac{3}{4}m/s$ 

Impulse $=4\left( \frac{3}{4}-0 \right)=3kgm{{s}^{-1}}$ 

At $t=4s$:

Initial velocity of the particle, $u=\frac{3}{4}m/s$ 

Final velocity of the particle, $v=0$ 

Impulse\[=4\left( 0-\frac{3}{4} \right)=-3kgm{{s}^{-1}}\]

Therefore, the impulse at $t=0$ is $3kgm{{s}^{-1}}$ and at $t=4s$is $-3kgm{{s}^{-1}}$.


Q15Written answer

Two bodies of masses $10kg$  and $20kg$ respectively kept on a smooth, horizontal surface are tied to the ends of a light string. What is the tension in the string if a horizontal force $F=600N$ is applied along the direction of string to a) A, b) B along the direction of the string. What is the tension in the string in each case?

  1. A, 

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Worked solution

Ans: It is given that,

Horizontal force, $F=600N$ 

Mass of body A, ${{m}_{1}}=10kg$ 

Mass of body B, ${{m}_{2}}=20kg$

Total mass of the system, $m={{m}_{1}}+{{m}_{2}}=30kg$

From Newton’s second law of motion, 

The acceleration $(a)$ produced in the system is: $F=ma$ 

$\Rightarrow a=\frac{F}{m}=\frac{600}{30}=20m{{s}^{-2}}$

When force $F$ is applied on body A: 


Two Bodies of Masses 


The equation of motion can be written as: $F-T=ma$

$\Rightarrow T=F-{{m}_{1}}a$ 

\[\Rightarrow T=600-10\times 20=400N\]

Therefore, the tension in the string is $400N$.

  1. B along the direction of the string

Ans: When force $F$  is applied on body B: 


Two Bodies of Masses 

The equation of motion can be written as:  $F-T={{m}_{2}}a$ 

$\Rightarrow T=F-{{m}_{2}}a$ 

\[\Rightarrow T=600-20\times 20=200N\]

Therefore, the tension in the string is $200N$.


Q16Written answer

Two masses $8kg$ and $12kg$ are connected at the two ends of a light inextensible string that goes over a frictionless pulley. Find the acceleration of the masses, and the tension in the string when the masses are released.

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Ans: The given system of two masses and a pulley are represented in the following figure: 


Two Bodies of Masses 


Smaller mass, ${{m}_{1}}=8kg$ 

Larger mass, ${{m}_{2}}=12kg$

Tension in the string $=T$ 

Mass \[{{m}_{2}}\], owing to its weight, moves downward with acceleration $a$, and mass moves ${{m}_{1}}$upward.

Applying Newton’s second law of motion to the system of each mass: 

For mass ${{m}_{1}}$: 

The equation of motion can be written as: \[T-{{m}_{1}}g=ma\]    .......$(1)$ 

For mass ${{m}_{2}}$:

The equation of motion can be written as: \[{{m}_{2}}g-T={{m}_{2}}a\]   ........$(2)$ 

Adding equations $(1)$ and $(2)$, we get:

$({{m}_{2}}-{{m}_{1}})g=({{m}_{1}}+{{m}_{2}})a$ 

$\Rightarrow a=\left( \frac{{{m}_{2}}-{{m}_{1}}}{{{m}_{2}}+{{m}_{1}}} \right)g$        ........$(3)$ 

$\Rightarrow a=\left( \frac{12-8}{12+8} \right)\times 10=\frac{4}{20}\times 10$

$\Rightarrow a=2m{{s}^{-2}}$ 

Thus, the acceleration of the masses is $2m{{s}^{-2}}$ . Substituting the value of  $a$ in equation $(2)$:

\[\Rightarrow {{m}_{2}}g-T={{m}_{2}}\left( \frac{{{m}_{2}}-{{m}_{1}}}{{{m}_{2}}+{{m}_{1}}} \right)g\]

\[\Rightarrow T=\left( {{m}_{2}}-\frac{m_{2}^{2}-{{m}_{1}}{{m}_{2}}}{{{m}_{2}}+{{m}_{1}}} \right)g\]

\[\Rightarrow T=\left( \frac{2{{m}_{1}}{{m}_{2}}}{{{m}_{1}}+{{m}_{2}}} \right)g\]

\[\Rightarrow T=\left( \frac{2\times 12\times 8}{12+8} \right)\times 10\]

\[\Rightarrow T=96N\]

Thus, the tension in the string is $96N$.


Q17Written answer

A nucleus is at rest in the laboratory frame of reference. Show that if it disintegrates into two smaller nuclei the products must move in opposite directions. 

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Ans: Consider $m$, ${{m}_{1}}$ and ${{m}_{2}}$ as the respective masses of the parent nucleus and the two daughter nuclei. The parent nucleus is at rest. 

Initial momentum of the system (parent nucleus) $=0$ 

Let ${{v}_{1}}$ and ${{v}_{2}}$  be the respective velocities of the daughter nuclei having masses ${{m}_{1}}$ and ${{m}_{2}}$.

Total linear momentum of the system after disintegration$={{m}_{1}}{{v}_{1}}+{{m}_{2}}{{v}_{2}}$ 

From the law of conservation of momentum: 

\[\mathbf{Total}\text{ }\mathbf{initial}\text{ }\mathbf{momentum}=\mathbf{Total}\text{ }\mathbf{final}\text{ }\mathbf{momentum}\] 

 $\Rightarrow 0={{m}_{1}}{{v}_{1}}+{{m}_{2}}{{v}_{2}}$ 

$\Rightarrow {{m}_{1}}{{v}_{1}}=-{{m}_{2}}{{v}_{2}}$

$\Rightarrow {{v}_{1}}=\frac{-{{m}_{2}}{{v}_{2}}}{{{m}_{1}}}$

The negative sign indicates that the fragments of the parent nucleus move in directions opposite to each other.


Q18Written answer

Two billiard balls each of mass $0.05kg$ moving in opposite directions with speed $6m{{s}^{-1}}$ collide and rebound with the same speed. What is the impulse imparted to each ball due to the other?

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Ans: It is given that,

Mass of each ball$=0.05kg$ 

Initial velocity of each ball$=6m/s$ 

Magnitude of the initial momentum of each ball, ${{p}_{i}}=0.3kgm{{s}^{-1}}$ 

After collision, the balls change their directions of motion without changing the 

magnitudes of their velocity. 

Final momentum of each ball, ${{p}_{f}}=-0.3kgm{{s}^{-1}}$

Impulse imparted to each ball$=$ Change in the momentum of the system 

$\Rightarrow \operatorname{Im}pulse={{p}_{f}}-{{p}_{i}}$ 

$\Rightarrow \operatorname{Im}pulse=-0.3-0.3=-0.6kgm{{s}^{-1}}$

The negative sign indicates that the impulses imparted to the balls are opposite in direction. 


Q19Written answer

A shell of mass \[\mathbf{0}.\mathbf{020kg}\] is fired by a gun of mass \[\mathbf{100kg}\]. If the muzzle speed of the shell is $80m{{s}^{-1}}$ what is the recoil speed of the gun?

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Ans: It is given that,

Mass of the gun, $M=100kg$ 

Mass of the shell, $m=0.020kg$ 

Muzzle speed of the shell, $v=80m/s$ 

Recoil speed of the gun  $=V$.

Both the gun and the shell are at rest initially. 

Initial momentum of the system$=0$

Final momentum of the system$=mv-MV$ 

Here, the negative sign appears because the directions of the shell and the gun are opposite to each other. 

From the law of conservation of momentum:

\[Final\text{ }momentum=Initial\text{ }momentum\] 

$mv-MV=0$

$\Rightarrow V=\frac{mv}{M}$ 

$\Rightarrow V=\frac{0.020\times 80}{100\times 1000}=0.016m/s$ 

Therefore, the recoil speed of the gun is $0.016m/s$.


Q20Written answer

A batsman deflects a ball by an angle of ${{45}^{\circ }}$ without changing its initial speed which is equal to $54{km}/{h}\;$ . What is the impulse imparted to the ball? (Mass of the ball is $0.15kg$) 

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Ans: The given situation can be represented as:


Deflection of a Ball Hit by a Batsman


Where, 

$AO=$ Incident path of the ball 

$OB=$ Path followed by the ball after a deflection 

$\angle AOB=$ Angle between the incident and deflected paths of the ball$={{45}^{\circ }}$ 

$\angle AOB=\angle BOP={{22.5}^{\circ }}=\theta $

Initial and final velocities of the ball$=v$ 

The horizontal component of the initial velocity$=v\cos \theta $ along $RO$ 

Vertical component of the initial velocity$=v\sin \theta $ along $PO$ 

The horizontal component of the final velocity$=v\cos \theta $ along $OS$ 

The vertical component of the final velocity $=v\sin \theta $ along $OP$ 

The horizontal components of velocities suffer no change. The vertical components of velocities are in opposite directions. 

It is known that Impulse imparted to the ball$=$ Change in the linear momentum of the ball.

$\operatorname{Im}pulse=mv\cos \theta -(-mv\cos \theta )=2mv\cos \theta $ 

It is given that,

Mass of the ball, $m=0.15kg$ 

Velocity of the ball, $v=54km/h=54\times \frac{5}{18}=15m/s$ 

Impulse$=2\times 0.15\times 15\cos {{22.5}^{\circ }}=4.16kgm{{s}^{-1}}$ 

Therefore, impulse imparted to the ball is $4.16kgm{{s}^{-1}}$.