Physics SP015 Topic 2

TOPIC 2:
KINEMATICS OF
LINEAR MOTION

Edited by SALI AZUIN BINTI ZULKEFLI

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Overview:

Motion

Linear Motion Uniformly Projectile

(1-dimensional) Accelerated Motion
Motion (2-dimensional)

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Learning Outcome:
2.1 Linear Motion
At the end of this topic, students should be able to:
a) Define
i. instantaneous velocity, average velocity and uniform
velocity
ii. instantaneous acceleration, average acceleration and
uniform acceleration
b) Interpret the physical meaning of displacement-time, velocity-
time and acceleration-time graphs.
c) Determine the distance travelled, displacement, velocity and
acceleration from appropriate graphs.

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Physics SP015 Topic 2

2.1 Linear motion (1-D)

Distance, d
• scalar quantity.
• is defined as the length of actual path between two points.
• The S.I. unit of distance is metre (m).
• For example :
Q

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

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Physics SP015 Topic 2

Displacement, s
• vector quantity
• is defined as the distance between initial point and final point in
a straight line.
• The S.I. unit of displacement is metre (m).
• For example :

• the distance between P and Q in a straight line is 10 cm.

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Speed, v
• is defined as the rate of total distance travelled.
• scalar quantity.
• Equation:
total distance travelled
speed 
time interval

v
 d
Δt

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Physics SP015 Topic 2

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.

 Equation:
change of displacement
vav 
time interval
s2  s1 Δs
vav  vav 
t2  t1 Δt
 Its direction is in the same direction of the change in
displacement.
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Instantaneous velocity, v
 is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of displacement.

 Equation:
limit s
v
t  0 t
𝑑𝑠
𝑣= 𝑑𝑡
 An object moves in a uniform velocity when
𝑑𝑠
= 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑑𝑡
and the instantaneous velocity equals to the average velocity
at any time.

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Physics SP015 Topic 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

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Physics SP015 Topic 2

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.

 Equation:
change of velocity v2  v1 Δv
aav  aav  aav 
time interval t2  t1 Δt
 Its direction is in the same direction of change in velocity.
 The acceleration of an object is uniform when the magnitude of
velocity changes at a constant rate and along fixed direction.

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Instantaneous acceleration, a
 is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of velocity.

 Equation: limit v
a
t  0 t
2
dv d s
a  2
dt dt
 An object moves in a uniform acceleration when
dv
 constant
dt
and the instantaneous acceleration equals to the average
acceleration at any time.
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Deceleration, a
 is a negative acceleration.

 The object is slowing down meaning the speed of the object

decreases with 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
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Graphical methods
Displacement against time graph (s-t)

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Velocity against time graph (v-t)

 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 SP015 Topic 2
 From ds
v
dt
ds  vdt
 ds   v dt
Therefore t2
s   vdt
t1

s  sha d ed area und er the v  t grap h

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Acceleration against time graph (a-t)

Horizontal motion (velocity constant)

When t = 0, s = 0, u = 0,
object moves to the right of starting point.

s v a
Gradient is constant and positive
Gradient is zero
+v

t t t
0 0 0
Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is zero
- constant and positive velocity
- the motion is to the right

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity constant)
When t = 0, s = 0, u = 0,
object moves to the left of starting point.

s v a
Gradient is constant and negative
t 0 t
0
-v
Gradient is zero t
0
Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is zero
- constant and negative velocity
- the motion is to the left

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity increases)
When t = 0, s = 0, u = 0

s v a
Gradient is positive Gradient is constant and positive

+a

t t t
0 0 0

Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is constant
- positive velocity and positive
- the object moves to the right - the object accelerates
with increasing velocity uniformly

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity increases)
When t = 0, s = 0, u = 0
s
v a
Gradient is negative Gradient is constant and negative
t
0
0 t 0 t

-a

Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is constant
- negative velocity and negative
- object moves to the left - object accelerates
with increasing velocity uniformly

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity decreases)
When t = 0, s = 0, u ≠ 0
s
v a
Gradient is constant and negative
0 t

Gradient is positive
-a
0 t t
0

Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is constant
- positive velocity and negative
- object moves to the right - object decelerates
with decreasing velocity uniformly

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity decreases)
When t = 0, s ≠ 0, u ≠ 0
v
s a
so t
0
Gradient is negative
+a
t
-u Gradient is constant and positive
0 t
0

Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is constant
- negative velocity and positive
- object moves to the left - object decelerates
with decreasing velocity uniformly

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity decreases)
When t = 0, s = 0, u ≠ 0
s v
a
0 t
0 t

Gradient is negative +a
-u
Gradient is constant and positive t
0

Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is constant
- negative velocity and positive
- object moves to the left - object decelerates
with decreasing velocity uniformly

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal motion (velocity decreases)
When t = 0, s ≠ 0, u ≠ 0
s
v a

0 t
u Gradient is constant and negative
0 t
Gradient is positive
-so -a
t
0
Gradient of graph s-t = velocity Gradient of graph v-t = acceleration - So, acceleration is constant
- positive velocity and negative
- object moves to the right - object decelerates
with decreasing velocity uniformly

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 1 :
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 = 11 s.
e. Determine the distance travelled by the toy train. 24
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
a. 0 to 10 s : The train at rest.
10 to 14 s : The train moves in positive 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)
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
s2  s1
c. vav 
t 2  t1
10  4

14  0
v a v  0 . 429 cm s  1

d. v  average velocity from 10 s to 14 s

s2  s1
v
t 2  t1
10  4
v
14  10
1
v  1 . 5 0 cm s 26
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
e. The distance travelled by the train, d is given by
d  area under the graph v-t
 1.5014 10
d  6 . 0 cm

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 2 :
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2) 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. 28
Physics SP015 Topic 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
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and comes to rest.
Physics SP015 Topic 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

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
c. i. v (m s 1)

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

Total distance  area under the graph of v-t

 A1  A 2  A3  A 4  A5
Total distance  25  2  410  5  104  54  15  54
1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2

To tal d istance  1 1 5 m
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
c. ii. Displacement  area under the graph of v - t
 A1  A 2  A3  A 4  A5
Displaceme nt 
1
25  1 2  410  1 5  104  1 5 4  1 15  5 4
2 2 2 2 2
Displacement  15 m
v2  v1
d. aav 
t 2  t1
44
aav 
40  20
2
a a v   0 .4 m s

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Exercise 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.
ANS. : 6 m
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Physics SP015 Topic 2

2. 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.

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Learning Outcome:
2.2 Uniformly accelerated motion
At the end of this topic, students should be able to:
a) Derive and apply equations of motion with
uniform acceleration:

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

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
2.2 Uniformly accelerated motion
𝑣−𝑢
• From 𝑎= 𝑡
𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡 (1)

where v : final velocity

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

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
 From equation (1),
velocity

u
Figure 2.4
t time
0
 From the graph,
The displacement after time, s = shaded area under the
graph
= the area of trapezium
1
 Hence, 𝑠 = 𝑢+𝑣 𝑡 (2)
2
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Physics SP015 Topic 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),
 From eq. (2),
𝑣 − 𝑢 = 𝑎𝑡
2𝑠 multiply
𝑣+𝑢 =𝑡

2𝑠
𝑣+𝑢 𝑣−𝑢 = 𝑎𝑡
𝑡
𝑣 2 = 𝑢2 + 2𝑎𝑠 (4)

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Physics SP015 Topic 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

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 3 :
A plane lands on a runway at velocity 50 m s1 and decelerates at
constant rate. The plane travels 1.0 km before stops. Calculate
a. the deceleration of the plane.
b. the time taken for the plane to stop.
1
a?
Solution : u  50 m s v0

s  1000 m
2 2
t?
a. Use 𝑣 = 𝑢 + 2𝑎𝑠
0 = 502 + 2𝑎 1000
𝑎 = −1.25 𝑚𝑠 −1

Hence the deceleration of the plane is 1.25 m s2. 40

Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
b. By using the equation of linear motion,

𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡
0 = 50 + −1.25 𝑡
𝑡 = 40 𝑠
OR
1 2
𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡
2
1
1000 = 50𝑡 + −1.25 𝑡 2
2
0.625𝑡 2 − 50𝑡 + 1000 = 0
𝑡 = 40 𝑠

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 4 :
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.
Solution :
𝑣𝑏 = 30 𝑚𝑠 −1 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡, 𝑢𝑐 = 0, 𝑎𝑐 = 2 𝑚𝑠 −2
a. Given 𝑣𝑐 = 𝑣𝑏 = 30 𝑚𝑠 −1
Use 𝑣𝑐 = 𝑢𝑐 + 𝑎𝑐 𝑡𝑐
30 = 0 + (2)𝑡𝑐
𝑡𝑐 = 15 𝑠 42
Physics SP015 Topic 2
b.

vb  30 m s 1 vb vb
b b b
ac  2 m s 2
c uc  0 c
tb  0 s tb  5 s tb  t s c  sb
s c  sb
From the diagram,
𝑡𝑏 = 𝑡 𝑡𝑐 = 𝑡 − 5 Therefore
1 𝑠𝑐 = 𝑣𝑏 𝑡
𝑢𝑐 𝑡𝑐 + 𝑎𝑐 𝑡𝑐 2 = 𝑣𝑏 𝑡𝑏 𝑠𝑐 = (30)(39.4)
2
1 𝑠 = 1183 𝑚
0 + 2 (𝑡 − 5)2 = 30 𝑡
0  2t  5  30t
2
1 2

𝑡 = 39.4 𝑠 2
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 5 :
A particle moves along horizontal line according to the equation
𝑠 = 𝑡 3 + 2𝑡
Where s is displacement in meters and t is time in seconds.
At time, t =2 s, determine
a. the displacement of the particle,
b. Its velocity, and
c. Its acceleration.
Solution :
a. 𝑡 =2𝑠 ;
𝑠 = 𝑡 3 + 2𝑡
= 23 + 2(2)
𝑠 = 12 𝑚
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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
b. Instantaneous velocity at t = 2 s,
Use
𝑑𝑠
𝑣 = 𝑑𝑡
𝑑
= 𝑡 3 + 2𝑡
𝑑𝑡
𝑣 = 3𝑡 2 + 2
Thus
𝑣 = 3 22 + 2
𝑣 = 14 𝑚𝑠 −1

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
c. Instantaneous acceleration at t = 2 s,
Use
𝑑𝑣
𝑎=
𝑑𝑡
𝑑
= 3𝑡 2 + 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑎 = 6𝑡
Hence
𝑎=6 2
𝑎 = 12 𝑚𝑠 −2

46
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Exercise 2 :
1. 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
2. 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 47
Physics SP015 Topic 2

3. 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
4. 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

48
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Learning Outcome:
2.3 Projectile motion
At the end of this topic, students should be able
to:
a) Describe projectile motion launched at an angle,
 as well as special cases when  =0.
b) Solve problems related to projectile motion.

49
Physics SP015 Topic 2

2.3 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 Figure 2.5

50
Physics SP015 Topic 2

 The x-component of velocity along AC (horizontal) at any point

is constant,
𝑢𝑥 = 𝑢 cos 𝜃
 The y-component (vertical) of velocity varies from one point to
another point along AC.
. 𝑢𝑦 = 𝑢 sin 𝜃

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
 Velocities at points P and Q.

Velocity Point P Point Q

x-comp. v1x  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   v1 y 
2 2
v2  v2 x   v2 y 
2 2

 v1 y   v2 y 
direction θ1  tan  
1
θ2  tan 
1

 v1x   v2 x 
Table 2.1

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Physics SP015 Topic 2
Maximum height, H
 The ball reaches the highest point at point B at velocity, v
where
 x-component of the velocity, 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑣 = 𝑢𝑥 = 𝑢 cos 𝜃

 y-component of the velocity,𝑣𝑦 = 0

 y-component of the displacement, 𝑠𝑦 = 𝐻

 Use
𝑣𝑦.2 = 𝑢𝑦2 − 2𝑔𝑠𝑦
2
0 = 𝑢 sin 𝜃 − 2gH
𝑢2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
𝐻=
2𝑔

53
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Time taken to reach maximum height, t’
 At maximum height, H
 Time, t = t’ and vy= 0

 Use 𝑣𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 − 𝑔𝑡
0 = 𝑢 sin 𝜃 − 𝑔∆𝑡 ,
,
𝑢 sin 𝜃
∆𝑡 =
𝑔

Flight time, t (from point A to point C)

∆𝑡 = 2∆𝑡 ,
2 𝑢 sin 𝜃
∆𝑡 =
𝑔

54
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal range, R and value of R maximum
 Since the x-component for velocity along AC is constant hence
𝑢𝑥 = 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑢 cos 𝜃
 From:
𝑠𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡 and 𝑠𝑥 = 𝑅
𝑅 = (𝑢 cos 𝜃)(∆𝑡)
2 𝑢 sin 𝜃
𝑅 = (𝑢 cos 𝜃)
𝑔
𝑢2
𝑅= 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
𝑔

55
Physics SP015 Topic 2
 From : sin 2𝜃 = 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
𝑢2
𝑅= sin 2𝜃
𝑔

 The R is maximum when  = 45 and sin 2 = 1

𝑢2
𝑅𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑔

56
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 6 :
A tennis ball is thrown upward from the top of a building with
velocity 15 m s-1 at an angle 30 to the horizontal. The height of
the building is 40 m. Calculate
a. the maximum height of the ball from the ground.
b. the magnitude of the velocity of the ball just before it strikes the
ground. (given g = 9.81 m s-2)
u x  u cos 30
Solution : u = 15 m s1  15 cos 30
 1 3 .0 m s  1
30

ax  0 u y  u sin 30
ay  g H  ?  1 5 sin 3 0
h  40 m  7 .5 0 m s  1

v? 57
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
v vx  v
a.
sy
u vy  0
30
s
sx
H ?
h  40 m

𝑣𝑦 2 = 𝑢𝑦 2 + 2𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑦
0 = 7.502 + 2 −9.81 𝑠𝑦
𝑠𝑦 = 2.87 𝑚
𝐻 = 𝑠𝑦 + ℎ
= 2.87 + 40
𝐻 = 42.9 𝑚
58
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
u
b. sx
30

s y   40 m
h  40 m s
𝑣 = 31.8 𝑚𝑠 −1

vx
𝑣𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 = 13.0 𝑚𝑠 −1 vy
v?
𝑣𝑦2 = 𝑢𝑦2 + 2𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑦
= 7.502 + 2(−9.81)(−40)
𝑣𝑦 = 29.0 𝑚𝑠 −1
𝑣= 𝑣𝑥2 + 𝑣𝑦2

= 13.02 + (−29.0)2 59
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal projectile
 A ball bearing rolling off the end of a table with an initial
velocity, u in the horizontal direction.
u u sx
vx

h  vy v
sy s
Figure 2.6 A B
x
 Horizontal component : 𝑢𝑥 = 𝑢 = 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
displacement, sx  x
 Vertical component : initial velocity, u y  0
displacement, s y  h
60
Physics SP015 Topic 2

Time taken for the ball to reach the floor (point B), t

1 2
𝑠𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡
2
1 2
−ℎ = 0 − 𝑔𝑡
2
2ℎ
𝑡=
𝑔

61
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Horizontal displacement, Sx
 Use condition: The time taken for the The time taken for the
ball free fall to point A
= ball to reach point B

𝑠𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡 and 𝑠𝑥 = 𝑥
2ℎ
𝑥=𝑢
𝑔

Note : Figure 2.7

 In solving any calculation problem about projectile motion,
the air resistance is negligible. 62
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 7 :
y

H
u

 = 60.0 P v1x
Figure 2.8 O x
R
Figure 2.8 shows a ball thrown by superman with v1y v1 v2x
Q
an initial speed, u = 200 m s-1 and makes an angle,
 = 60.0 to the horizontal. Determine
v2y v2
a. the position of the ball, and the magnitude and
direction of its velocity, when t = 2.0 s.
63
Physics SP015 Topic 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 :
Component of Initial velocity :
u x  200 cos 60.0  100 m s 1
u y  200 sin 60.0  173 m s 1
64
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
a. i. position of the ball when t = 2.0 s ,
Horizontal component :
𝑠𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡
𝑠𝑥 = (100)(2.00)
𝑠𝑥 = 200 𝑚 from point O

Vertical component :
1 2
𝑠𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡
2
1
𝑠𝑦 = 173 2.00 − (9.81) 2.00 2
2
𝑠𝑦 = 326 𝑚 above the ground

therefore the position of the ball is (200 m, 326 m) 65

Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
a. ii. magnitude and direction of ball’s velocity at t = 2.0 s ,
Horizontal component : 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 = 100 𝑚𝑠 −1
Vertical component : 𝑣𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 − 𝑔𝑡
= 173 − 9.81 2.00
𝑣𝑦 = 153 𝑚𝑠 −1

𝑣= 𝑣𝑥2 + 𝑣𝑦2 = 100 2 + 153 2

𝑣 = 183 𝑚𝑠 −1 y
Magnitude, 
𝑣𝑦 153 v
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1
= 𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1
56.8 
𝑣𝑥 100 x
Direction, 𝜃 = 56.80
66
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
b. i. At the maximum height, H : 𝑣𝑦 = 0
𝑣𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 − 𝑔𝑡
0 = 173 − 9.81 𝑡
𝑡 = 17.6 𝑠

1 2
ii. 𝑠𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡
2
1
𝐻 = 173 17.6 − (9.81)(17.6)2
2
𝐻 = 1525 𝑚

67
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
c. Flight time = 2(the time taken to reach the maximum height)
𝑡 = 2 17.6
𝑡 = 35.2 𝑠
Horizontal range, R is
𝑠𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡
𝑅 = 100 35.2
𝑅 = 3520 𝑚

d. When the ball reaches point P thus 𝑠𝑦 = 0

The velocity of the ball at point P,
Horizontal component: 𝑣1𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 = 100𝑚𝑠 −1
Vertical component: 𝑣1𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 − 𝑔𝑡
= 173 − 9.81 35.2
𝑣1𝑦 = −172 𝑚𝑠 −1 68
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
Magnitude, 𝑣1 = 𝑣1𝑥2 + 𝑣1𝑦2 = 1002 + (−1722 )

𝑣1 = 200 𝑚𝑠 −1
y
−1 𝑣1𝑦 −1 −172
Direction, 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 x
𝑣1𝑥 100
𝜃 = −60.0 0  6 0 .0 
v1
e. 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 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡
𝑠𝑥 = 100 45.0
𝑠𝑥 = 4500 𝑚 from point O
69
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution : 1 2
Vertical component : 𝑠𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 − 𝑔𝑡
2
1
𝑠𝑦 = 173 45.0 − (9.81) 45.02
2
𝑠𝑦 = −2148 𝑚 below the ground
therefore the position of the ball is (4500 m, 2148 m)

e. ii. magnitude and direction of ball’s velocity at t = 45.0 s ,

Horizontal component : v2 x  u x  100 m s  1

Vertical componentv:2 y  u y  gt
 173   9.81  45.0 
1
v2 y  269 m s
70
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :

Magnitude, 𝑣2 = 𝑣2𝑥2 + 𝑣2𝑦2

𝑣2 = 1002 + −2692
𝑣2 = 287 𝑚𝑠 −1

−1 𝑣2𝑦
Direction, 𝜃= 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑣2𝑥
−1 −269
𝜃= 𝑡𝑎𝑛 100 y
0
𝜃 = −69.6 x
 6 9 .6 
v2

71
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Example 8 :
A transport plane travelling horizontally 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 72
d
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
The parcel’s velocity = plane’s velocity
𝑢 = 50 𝑚𝑠 −1
thus 𝑢𝑥 = 𝑢 = 50 𝑚𝑠 −1 and 𝑢𝑦 = 0 𝑚𝑠 −1

a. The vertical displacement is given by

𝑠𝑦 = −300 𝑚
Thus the flight time of the parcel is
1 2
𝑠𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡
2
1
−300 = 0 − 2 9.81 𝑡 2
𝑡 = 7.82 𝑠

73
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
b. The components of velocity of impact of the parcel:
Horizontal component: 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 = 50𝑚𝑠 −1
Vertical component: 𝑣𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 − 𝑔𝑡
= 0 − (9.81)(7.82)
𝑣𝑦 = −76.7 𝑚𝑠 −1

Magnitude, 𝑣 = 𝑣𝑥.2 + 𝑣𝑦2 = 502 + −76.72

𝑣 = 91.6 𝑚𝑠 −1
−1 𝑣𝑦 −76.7 y
Direction, 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑣𝑥
= 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 50
0
x
𝜃 = −56.9
 56 . 9 
v2
74
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Solution :
c. Let the distance from X to the point of impact is d.
Thus the distance, d is given by

𝑠𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡

𝑑 = 391 𝑚

𝑑 = (50)(7.82)

75
Physics SP015 Topic 2
Exercise 3 :
Use gravitational acceleration, g = 9.81 m s2
1. A basketball player who is 2.00 m tall is standing on the floor 10.0 m
from the basket, as in Figure 2.9. 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.

ANS. : 10.7 m s1 Figure 2.9 76

Physics SP015 Topic 2

2. 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

3. 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.

77
Physics SP015 Topic 2

THE END.
Next Topic…
TOPIC 3 :
Dynamics of Linear Motion

78