PEARSON EDEXCEL INTERNATIONAL

A LEVEL
MECHANICS 1

CHAPTER - 4
DYNAMICS OF A PARTICLE
MOVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE

PREPARED BY
VISHNU SANKAR VENUKUMAR
MATHEMATICS TEACHER
KEYODHOO SCHOOL
Exercise 4A
1 R is the normal reaction of the table on the box.
W is the weight of the box.

2 T is the tension in each of the ropes.

W is the weight of the bar.

3 W is the weight of the apple.

4 R is the normal reaction of the road on the car.

W is the weight of the car.
F is the sum of the frictional forces on the car.
P is the forward force produced by the car’s engine.

5 W is the weight of the rescuer.

T is the tension in the rope.

6 Although its speed is constant, the satellite is continuously changing direction. This means the
velocity changes. Therefore, there must be a resultant force acting on the satellite.

7 5N

8 Since each particle is stationary, the overall force in each case is zero.

a Considering vertical forces:

P – 10 = 0
P = 10 N

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8 b Considering horizontal forces only:
P – 30 = 0
P = 30 N

c Considering horizontal forces only:

P + 1.5 P – 50 = 0
2.5 P = 50
P = 20 N

9 a Since the platform is moving at constant velocity, the total vertical force is zero.
T + T = 400
T = 200
The tension in each rope is 200 N.

b If the tension in each rope is reduced by 50 N, there is a resultant downward force on the platform.
It will therefore accelerate downward.

10 Since the particle is at rest, both horizontal and vertical forces must be balanced.
Considering horizontal forces only:
p – 50 = 0
p = 50
Considering vertical forces only:
5q – (q + 10) – 3p = 0
4q – 10 – (3 × 50) = 0
4q = 160
q = 40
The values of p and q are 50 and 40 respectively.

11 Since the particle is moving with constant velocity, both horizontal and vertical forces must be
balanced.
Considering horizontal forces only:
2P + Q = 25
Q = 25 – 2P
Considering vertical forces only:
3P – 2Q = 20
Substituting for Q:
3P – 2 × (25 – 2P) = 20
3P – 50 + 4P = 20
7P = 20 + 50 = 70
P = 10 N
Using this value of P in the horizontal equation:
(2 × 10) + Q = 25
Q = 25 – 20 = 5
Q=5N
P is 10 N and Q is 5 N.

12 a i Overall horizontal force = 100 – 100 = 0

Overall vertical force = 40 – 20 = 20
The resultant force is 20 N upward.

ii The particle accelerates vertically upward.

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12 b i Overall horizontal force = 25 – 5 = 20
Overall vertical force = 10 – 10 = 0
The resultant force is 20 N to the right.

ii The particle accelerates to the right.

13 a R is the normal reaction of the road on the car.

W is the weight of the car.
The forward thrust of the car’s engine acts to the right in the
diagram.
The car is travelling to the right (positive direction).
The frictional forces on the car are acting to the left.

b Considering horizontal forces only:

Resultant force = 10 000 – 1600
There is no overall vertical force: R and W must be balanced, otherwise the car would lift off the
road or sink into it.
The resultant force is 8400 N in the direction of travel.

14 a R is the normal reaction of the road on the car.

W is the weight of the car.
P is the driving force produced by the car’s engine.
F is the resistance to the car's motion.

b The magnitude of the driving force is eight times the

magnitude of the resistance force, so

P = 8F

The resultant force is the difference between the forward

force P and the resistance force F, so

8F − F = 7F = 4200

4200
F= = 600
7

The magnitude of the resistance force is 600 N.

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Exercise 4B
1 a (−i + 3j) + (4i – j) = (3i + 2j)
The resultant force is (3i + 2j) N.

 5   −3   2 
b  +  =  
 3   −6   −3 
2
The resultant force is   N.
 −3 

c (i + j) + (5i − 3j) + (−2i – j) = (4i − 3j)

The resultant force is (4i − 3j) N.

 −1  6   −2   3 
d  + +  =  
 4   0   −7   −3 
3
The resultant force is   N.
 −3 

2 a F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
⇒ (2i + 7 j) + (−3i + j) + F3 =0
⇒ F3 =−(2i + 7 j) − (−3i + j)
=−2i − 7 j + 3i − j
= i − 8j

b F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
⇒ (3i − 4 j) + (2i + 3 j) + F3 =
0
⇒ F3 =
−(3i − 4 j) − (2i + 3 j)
=−3i + 4 j − 2i − 3 j
=−5i + j

3 Since object is in equilibrium:

 a   −2a   3   0 
 + +  =  
 2b   −b   −4   0 
 a   −2a   −3 
 + = 
 2b   −b   4 
 −a   −3 
 = 
 b  4
a = 3 and b = 4

4 a (3i + 4j)

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4 a i 32 + 42 =25
The resultant force is 5 N.

4
ii tan θ =
3
The force makes an angle of 53.1° with i.

b (5i – j)

i 52 + 12 =26
The resultant force is 26 N.

1
ii tan θ =
5
The force makes an angle of 11.3° with i.

c (−2i + 3j)

i 22 + 32 = 13
The resultant force is 13 N.

3
ii tan θ =
2
θ = 56.3° This is the angle made with the negative i vector
Angle made with the positive i vector = 180 − θ
The force makes an angle of 123.7° with i.

i 12 + 12 =2
The resultant force is 2 N.

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 1
4 d ii tan θ =
1
θ = 45°. This is the angle made with the negative i vector.
The obtuse angle made with the positive i vector = 180 − θ
The force makes an angle of 135° with i.

5 a i (−2i + j) + (5i + 2j) + (−i − 4j) = (2i − j)

The resultant vector is (2i − j) N.

ii 22 + 12 =5
The magnitude of the resultant vector is 5 N.

1
iii tan θ =
2
θ = –26.6° This is the angle made from east, with anticlockwise defined as positive.
The bearing is the angle made from north, with clockwise defined as positive = 90 − θ
The force acts at a bearing of 116.6°.

b i (−2i + j) + (2i − 3j) + (3i + 6j) = (3i + 4j)

The resultant vector is (3i + 4j) N

ii 32 + 42 =25
The resultant force is 5 N.

4
iii tan θ =
3
θ = 53.1° This is the angle made from east, with anticlockwise defined as positive.
The bearing is the angle made from north, with clockwise defined as positive = 90 − θ
The force acts at a bearing of 36.9°.

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6 Since the object is in equilibrium:
(ai − bj) + (bi + aj) + (−4i – 2j) = 0
Considering i components:
a+b–4=0
so b = 4 – a (1)
Considering j components:
−b + a – 2 = 0
Substituting b = 4 − a from (1):
−(4 – a) + a – 2 = 0
2a = 2 + 4 = 6
a=3 (2)

Substituting (2) into (1):

b=4–3=1
The values of a and b are 3 and 1, respectively.

7 Since the object is in equilibrium:

(2ai + 2bj) + (−5bi + 3aj) + (−11i − 7j) = 0

Considering i components:
2a − 5b − 11 = 0 (1)

Considering j components:
2b + 3a − 7 = 0 (2)

equation (1) × 3 → 6a − 15b − 33 = 0 (3)

equation (2) × 2 → 6a + 4b − 14 = 0 (4)

Subtracting (4) from (3):

−15b − 33 − 4b − (−14) = 0
−19b = 33 −14
b = −1
Substituting this value into equation (1):
2a – 5(−1) − 11 = 0
2a = 11− 5 = 6
The values of a and b are 3 and −1, respectively.

8 a F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
⇒ (−3i + 7 j) + (i − j) + ( pi + qj) = 0
(−3 + 1 + p )i + (7 − 1 + q ) j =0
p = 2, q = −6

b R= F1 + F2
=(−3i + 7 j) + (i − j)
=−2i + 6 j
R = (−2) 2 + 62
= 4 + 36
= 40
= 6.32 N

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8 c

tan θ = 2
6
θ = 18º

9 a F2 = (ai + 2aj)

2a
θ
tan= = 2
a
F2 makes an angle of 63.4° with i.

b R = F1 + F2 = (3i − 2j) + (ai + 2aj)

i vector = 3 + a j vector = −2 + 2a

In the vector (13i + 10j):

i vector = 13 j vector = 10

Let θ1 = the angle of vector R and θ2 = the angle of vector (13i + 10j)

Since the vectors are parallel, θ1 = θ2 so tan θ1 = tan θ2:

j vector −2 + 2a j vector 10
tan θ1 = = tan θ2 = =
i vector 3+ a i vector 13
−2 + 2a 10
⇒ =
3+ a 13
(−2 + 2a) × 13 = (3 + a) × 10
16a = 56
a = 3.5

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10 a Since the particle P is in equilibrium:

F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
 −7   4   a   0 
 + +  =  
 −4   2   b   0 
 a   7   −4 
=   + 
 b   4   −2 
 a   3
 = 
 b   2
The values are a = 3, b = 2

b R = F2 + F3
 4 3  7
R = +  = 
 2  2  4

i R= 7 2 + 42 = 65
The magnitude of R is 65 N.

4
ii tan θ =
7
θ = 29.7…°
R acts at 30° above the horizontal (to 2 s.f.)

Challenge

Redrawing the diagram as a closed triangle:

a
tan 60 =
10
a= 10 tan 60= 10 × 3

10   10 
R =
=   
 a  10 3 

( )
2
R = 102 + 10 3 = 100 + 300 = 400
The value of a is 17.3 (to 3 s.f.), and the magnitude of the resultant force is 20 N.

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Exercise 4C
1 F = ma
120 = 400a
a = 0.3

The acceleration is 0.3m s −2

2 W = mg
= 4 × 9.8
= 39.2

The weight of the particle is 39.2 N

3 F = ma
30 = 1.2m
m = 25

The mass of the object is 25 kg .

4 On Earth: W = 735 N, g = 9.8 m s−2, m = ?

W = mg
735 = m × 9.8
m = 735 ÷ 9.8 = 75 kg

On the moon: W = 120 N, g = ?, m = 75

W = mg
120 = 75 × g
g = 120 ÷ 75 = 1.6

On the Moon, the acceleration due to gravity is 1.6 m s−2.

5 Always resolve in the direction of acceleration.

a R ( ↑ ) , P − 2 g =2 × 3
P = 25.6

The magnitude of P is 25.6 N

b R ( ↓ ) , 4 g + 10 − P =4 × 2
49.2 − P =8
P = 41.2

The magnitude of P is 41.2 N

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6 a R (↓), mg − 10 =m × 5
9.8m − 10 =5m
m = 2.1 (2s.f .)

The mass of the body is 2.1kg

b R (↑) , 20 − m g =m× 2
20 − 9.8m = 2m
m = 1.7 (2s.f.)

The mass of the body is 1.7 kg

7 a R (↓) , 2g − 8 =2a
5.8 = a

The acceleration of the body is 5.8 m s −2

b R ( ↑ ) , 100 − 8 g =
8a
2.7 = a
The acceleration of the body is 2.7 m s −2

8 W and T can be ignored, as they act at right angles to the motion.

Resultant force = ma
m = 3 kg, a = 2 ms−2
R (→), 10 – F = 3 × 2 = 6
F = 10 – 6
The force due to friction is 4 N.

9 a=
u 0,=v 3,=s 5,=a ?
2
v= u 2 + 2as
32 = 02 + 2a × 5
9 = 10a
a = 0.9

The acceleration of the lift is 0.9 m s −2

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9 b

R (↓) , 800 g − T = 800 × 0.9

7840 − T = 720
T = 7120

The tension in the cable is 7120 N.

R (↑) , T − 800 g =800 × 0.9

T − 7840 = 720
T = 8560

The tension in the cable is 8560 N.

10 a =
u 0,= v 1,=t 2,=
a ?
v= u + at
1= 0+ a×2
a = 0.5

The acceleration of the trolley is 0.5 m s −2

R (→), T − 20 = 50 × 0.5
T = 45

The tension in the rope is 45 N.

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11 a

R (→), − 200 = 400a

a = −0.5

16, v ==
u= 0, a −0.5, t =
?
v= u + at (→)
0 16 − 0.5t
=
0.5t = 16
t = 32

It takes 32s for the van to stop.

b u=
16, v ==
0, a −0.5, s =
?
v2 =
u 2 + 2as (→)
02 = 162 + 2(−0.5) s
=0 256 − s
s = 256

The van travels 256 m before it stops.

c Air resistance is unlikely to be of constant magnitude. (It is usually a function of speed.)

Challenge

R (↑) , − 3 − 0.4 g =0.4a

a = −17.3

10, v =
u= 0, a =
−17.3, s =
?
v2 =
u2 + 2 a s (↑)
0 = 102 + 2(−17.3) s
0 100 − 34.6 s
=
=s 2.89=
… 2.9 (2 s.f.)

The stone rises to a height of 2.9 m above the bottom of the pond.

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Challenge

R(↓), 0.4 g − 3 =0.4a

0.92 = 0.4a
a = 2.3

=u 0,=s 100
34.6 , a 2.3,=
= v ?
2 2
u + 2as
v = (↓)
2 2
v = 0 + 2 × 2.3 × 34.6
100

=v 3.646..
= 3.6 (2 s.f.)

The stone hits the bottom of the pond with speed 3.6 m s −1

c u=10, v = 0, a =
−17.3, t =
?
v=u + at (↑)
0 10 − 17.3t ,
=
t1
= = 0.57803…
10
17.3

=u 0,=a 2.3,=s 100

, t ?
=
34.6

ut + 12 at 2
s= (↓)
100
34.6 = 0 + 12 × 2.3t22
2 ×100
=t22 = 2.51319
2.3 × 34.6
t2 = 1.585

+ t2 0.57803 + 1.585
t1= = 2.16

The total time is 2.16s (3 s.f.)

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 Exercise 4D
1 a F = (i + 4j), m = 2, a = ?
F = ma
(i + 4j) = 2a
(i + 4 j)
a=
2
The acceleration of the particle is (0.5i + 2j) m s−2.

a= 0.52 + 2=
2
4.25

The magnitude of the acceleration is 2.06 m s−2.

Using Z angles (see diagram), bearing = θ
0.5
tan θ =
2
θ = 14°
The bearing of the acceleration is 014°.

2 F = (4i + 3j), a = (20i + 15j), m = ?

F = ma
(4i + 3j) = m × (20i + 15j)
(4i + 3 j) 1
= m =
(20i + 15 j) 5
The mass of the particle is 0.2 kg.

3 a a = (7i − 3j), m = 3, F = ?
F = ma
= 3 × (7i − 3j)
= (21i − 9j)

b
F= 212 + 92= 522
The force has a magnitude of 22.8 N (3 s.f.)
9
tan θ =
21
θ = 23.19…°
But bearing = 90° + θ (see diagram)
The force acts at a bearing of 113° (to the nearest degree).

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4 a F1 = (2i + 7j), F2 = (−3i + j), m = 0.25
F = F1 + F2 = ma
(2i + 7j) + (−3i + j) = 0.25a
(−i + 8j) = 0.25a
(−i + 8 j)
a=
0.25
The acceleration is (−4i + 32j) m s−2.

b F1 = (3i − 4j), F2 = (2i + 3j), m = 6

F = F1 + F2 = ma
(3i − 4j) + (2i + 3j) = 6a
(5i − j) = 6a
(5i − j)
a=
6
5 1 
The acceleration is  i − j  m s−2.
6 6 

c F1 = (−40i − 20j), F2 = (25i + 10j), m = 15

F = F1 + F2 = ma
(−40i − 20j) + (25i + 10j) = 15a
(−15i − 10j) = 15a
(−15i − 10 j)
a=
15
 2 
The acceleration is  −i − j  m s−2.
 3 

d F1 = 4j, F2 = (−2i + 5j), m = 1.5

F = F1 + F2 = ma
4j + (−2i + 5j) = 1.5a
(−2i + 9j) = 1.5a
(−2i + 9 j)
a=
1.5
 4 
The acceleration is  − i + 6 j  m s−2.
 3 

5 a Resultant force, F = F1 + F2 + F3
 3   2   −1  4 
F = + +  = 
 −1  −5   0   −6 

F = ma
 4
8a =  
 −6 
 0.5 
a= 
 −0.75 

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5 a a = 0.52 + 0.752 = 0.8125
0.75
tan θ =
0.5
θ = 56°
But bearing = 90° + θ (see diagram)
The acceleration has a magnitude of 0.901 m s−2 and acts at a bearing of 146°.

b s = 20, u = 0, a = 0.901
s ut + 12 at 2
=
20 = (0 × t ) + ( 1
2 × 0.901× t 2 )
20 × 2
t2 = = 44.39
0.901
The particle takes 6.66 s to travel 20 m.

6 R = (2i + 3j) + (pi + qj)

Since R is parallel to (−i + 4j),
R = (−ki + 4kj) where k is a constant
(2i + 3j) + (pi + qj) = (−ki + 4kj)

Collecting i terms: 2 + p = −k
so k = −2 – p

Collecting j terms: 3 + q = 4k
Substituting for k: 3 + q = 4(−2 − p)
so 3 + q = −8 − 4p
4p + q +11 = 0

7 a θ = 90° − 45° (see diagram)

b
tan 45° =
6
b = 6 × tan 45° = 6 × 1
The value of b is 6.

b R= 62 + 62 = 72
The magnitude of R is 6 2 N (8.49 N to 3.s.f)

c F = 6 2 , m = 4, a = ?
F = ma
6 2 = 4a
3 2
The magnitude of the acceleration of the particle is m s−2 (2.12 m s−2 to 3 s.f.)
2

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 3 2
7 d t = 5, u = 0, a = ,s=?
2
1
s ut +
= at 2
2
1 3 2 2
s = (0 × 5) +  ×
2 × 5 
 2 
75 2
s=
4
75 2
In the first 5 s the particle travels m (26.5 m to 3 s.f.).
4

8 a Since particle is in equilibrium, F1 + F2 + F3 = 0

(−3i +7j) + (i − j) + (pi + qj) = 0

Collecting i terms: −3 + 1 + p = 0
Collecting j terms: 7 −1 + q = 0

The value of p is 2, and the value of q is −6.

b When F2 is removed, resultant force, F = F1 + F3

F = (−3i +7j) + (2i − 6j) = (−i + j)
The magnitude of this force is 12 + 12 =2

s = 12, t = 10, u = 0, a = ?
1
s ut +
= at 2
2
1 
12 =(0 × 20) +  × a × 102 
2 
12 = 50a
12 6
a =
=
50 25
6
=F 2, a
=
25
F = ma
6
2= m ×
25
25 2
The mass of the particle is kg.
6

9 Resultant force, F = F1 + F2 + F3

F = (5i +6j) + (2i − 2j) + (−i −4j) = 6i

Since this has only a single component, the magnitude of the force is 6 N.
a=7
F = ma
6=m×7
m=6÷7
The mass of the particle is 0.86 kg.

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  2  p 
10 a =
R  + 
5  q 
1
Since R is parallel to  
 −2 
 k 
R =  where k is a constant
 −2k 
 2  p   k 
 +  =  
 5   q   −2k 
Collecting i terms: 2 + p = k
Collecting j terms: 5 + q = −2k
Substituting for k: 5 + q = −2 (2 + p)
so 5 + q = −4 − 2p
2p + q + 9 = 0

b p=1
From a above, k = 2 + p
so k = 2 + 1 = 3
so R =
=   
 k   3
 −2k   −6 
   
R= 32 + (−6)=
2
45
a = 15 5 , F = 45
F = ma
45= m ×15 5
45 9×5 3 5 1
=m = = = = 0.2
15 5 15 5 15 5 5
The mass of the particle is 0.2 kg.

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 Challenge

Resultant force, R = F1 + F2
R = −4i + (ki +2kj)

F = ma
m = 0.5, a = 8 17
So magnitude of the resultant force =0.5 × 8 17 =4 17
2
R =(k − 4) 2 + (2k ) 2

( 4 17 )
2
= 16 ×17 = k 2 − 8k + 16 + 4k 2
272 = 5k 2 − 8k + 16
5k 2 − 8k − 256 = 0
−b ± b 2 − 4ac
k=
2a
8 ± 82 − 4 × 5 × (−256) 8 ± 5184 8 ± 72
=k = =
2×5 10 10
k = −6.4 or 8
Since k is given as a positive constant, the value of k is 8.

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Exercise 4E
1

a R(→), F = (2 + 8) × 0.4
=4

Hence F is 4 N.

b For Q:

R (→), T= 2 × 0.4
= 0.8
The tension in the string is 0.8 N.

c Treating the string as inextensible (i.e. it does not stretch) allows us to assume that the acceleration
of both masses is the same. Treating the string as light (i.e. having no/negligible mass) allows us to
assume that the tension is the same throughout the length of the string and that its mass does not
need to be considered when treating the system as a whole.

F = ma

a For the whole system: F = 60, m = 20 + m = 10, a = 2

60 = (20 + m) × 2
20 + m = 60 ÷ 2
m = 30 − 20
The mass of Q is 10 kg.

b For P: F = T, m = 20, a = 2
T = 20 × 2
The tension in the string is 40 N.

3 F = ma

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3 a For the whole system: F = 30, m = 8 + 7 = 15, a = ?
30 = 15a
The acceleration of the system is 2 m s−2.

b For P: F = T, m = 7, a = 2
T=7×2
The tension in the string is 14 N.

a Considering the system as a whole: total mass, m = 1700 + 110 + 190 = 2000 kg
Taking down as positive:
F = ma = mg − T
2000 × 1.8 = (2000 × 9.8) – T
T = 19600 – 3600
The tension in the cable is 16 000 N.

b i Force exerted on box A by box B is a normal reaction force, R1 which acts upwards.
For box A, taking down as positive:
110 × 1.8 = 110g − R1
R1 = 110(g −1.8)
R1 = 110 × 8
Box B exerts an upwards force of 880 N on box A.

ii Let downward force exerted on lift by box B be S.

For lift alone, taking down as positive:
1700 × 1.8 = 1700g + S – T
S = T + 1700(1.8 − g)
S = 16 000 − 13600 = 2400

Alternatively (or as check), use Newton’s third law of motion:

|Force exerted box B by box A| = |Force exerted on box A by box B| = 880 N
|Force exerted on lift by box B| = |Force exerted on box B by lift| = |R2|
For box B, taking down as positive:
190 × 1.8 = 880 + 190g – R2
R2 = 880 + 190(g −1.8)
R2 = 880 + 1520 = 2400

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 5 F = ma

a For the whole system:

F = 50 000 – 10 000 − 4000 = 36 000
a=5
total mass = 3m + m = 4m
36 000 = a × total mass = 4m × 5 = 20m
m = 1800
so 3m = 5400
The mass of the lorry is 1800 kg, and that of the trailer is 5400 kg.

b For the trailer:

F = T – 10 000, m = 5400, a = 5
T – 10 000 = 5400 × 5 = 27 000
T = 37 000
The tension in the tow-bar is 37 000 N.

c Treating the tow-bar as inextensible (i.e. it does not stretch) allows us to assume that
the acceleration of the truck and the trailer are the same. Treating the tow-bar as
light (i.e. having no/negligible mass) allows us to assume that the tension is the
same throughout its length and that its mass does not need to be considered when
treating the system as a whole.

6 F = ma, W = mg
Taking upwards as positive

a For the whole system:

180 – 15g = 15a
15a = 180 – (15 × 9.8)
180 − 147
= a = 2.2
15
The acceleration is 2.2 m s−2.

b For B:
ma = T – W
5 × 2.2 = T – (5 × 9.8)
11 = T – 49
The tension in the string is 60 N.

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7 F = ma, W = mg
Taking up as positive

a For the whole system:

118 – (6 + m)g = (6 + m) × 2
118 = (6 + m)(2 + g) = (6 + m)(2 + 9.8)
118
= 6+m
11.8
10 = 6 + m
The mass of B is 4 kg.

b For B:
ma = T – W
4 × 2 = T – (4 × 9.8)
8 = T – 39.2
The tension in the string is 47.2 N.

8 F = ma

a For the whole system:

F = 12 000 – 2000 − R
m = 1600 + 6400 = 8000
a = 0.5
10 000 − R = 8000 × 0.5 = 4000
The resistance to the motion of the engine is 6000 N.

b For the carriage:

F = T – 2000, m = 1600, a = 0.5
T – 2000 = 1600 × 0.5 = 800
The tension in the shunt is 2800 N.

9 F = ma

a For the whole system:

F = 1200 – 1000 − 200 = 900
m = 900 + 300 = 1200
900 = 1200a
a = 900 ÷ 1200 = 0.75
The acceleration is 0.75 m s−2, as required.

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9 b For the trailer:
F = T – 100, m = 300, a = 0.75
T – 100 = 300 × 0.75 = 225
The tension in the towbar is 325 N.

Taking ← as positive
Deceleration = α
Force on trailer = resistance to motion + thrust from tow-bar
Using F = ma
100 + 100 = 300 α
200 2
α =
=
300 3
For car:
F + 200 −100 = 900α
 2
F =  900 ×  − 100= 500
 3
The force the brakes produce on the car is 500 N.

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Exercise 4F
1 a

For A : R(↓), 4g − T =
4a (1)
For B : R(↑), T − 3 g = 3a (2)
(1) + (2) : 4 g − 3 g = 7a
g
⇒a=
7
Substituting into equation (2):
3g 24 g
T = 3a + 3 g = + 3g =
7 7
= 33.6 N (3 s.f.)

g
b u = 0, a = , s = 2, m, v = ?
7
v2 = u2 + 2as
g 4g
v 2 = 02 + 2 × × 2 = = 5.6
7 7
=v 5.6 2.366...
=

When A hits the ground it is travelling at 2.37 m s−1 (3 s.f.).

c For A: (↓)
4g
From part b, v 2 =
7
This represents the initial velocity of B when A hits the ground.

For B : (↑)
4g
u 2 =, v = 0, a =
−g, s =
?
7
2
v= u 2 + 2as
4g
0= − 2 gs ⇒ s= 2
7 7
The height above the initial position is 2 72 m.

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2

1
a For Q, R(↓): 3mg − T = 3m × g = mg
3
2mg = T

The tension in the string is 2mg N.

1
b For P, R(↑): T − kmg =km × g
3
3T − 3kmg = kmg
3T = 4kmg
Substituting for T: 6mg = 4kmg
6mg
k=
4mg
The value of k is 1.5.

c Because the pulley is smooth, there is no friction, so the magnitude of acceleration of P = the
magnitude of acceleration of Q.

d Up is positive.
While Q is descending, the distance travelled by P = s1
1
u = 0, a = g , t = 1.8, s = s1
3
1
s ut +
= at 2
2
1 g 2 3.24 g
s1 =(0 × 1.8) +  × × 1.8= = 0.54 g
2 3  6 (1)
Speed of P at this time = v1
Using v2 = u2 + 2as

After Q hits the ground, P travels freely under gravity and rises by a further distance s2
v = 0, u = v1, a = −g, s = s2
v2 = u2 + 2as
=02 0.36 g 2 − 2 gs2

0.36 g 2
=s2 = 0.18 g (2)
2g

(1) + (2): Total distance travelled by P from its initial position = s1 + s2

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2 d P and Q are at the same height initially, so P starts at height s1 above the plane.
Its final position = initial position + total distance travelled
= s1 + (s1 + s2) = 2s1 + s2 = 2 × 0.54g + 0.18g = 1.26g

P reaches a maximum height of 1.26g m above the plane, as required.

a Since the pulley is smooth, |acceleration of A| = |acceleration of B|

For A: s = 2.5, u = 0, t = 1.25, a = ? (down is positive)
s ut + 12 at 2
=
2.5 =(0 × 1.25) + 12 a × 1.252
2.5 × 2
a= = 3.2
1.252
The initial acceleration of B is 3.2 m s−2 as required.

b For B, R(↑): T – 3g = 3a
T = 3(a + g) = 3(3.2 + 9.8) = 39
The tension in the string is 39 N.

c For A, R(↓): mg – T = ma
T = m(g – a) = m(9.8 – 3.2) = 6.6m
Substituting for T:
39 = 6.6m
39 390 65
m = =
= as required
6.6 66 11

d Because the string is inextensible, the tension on both sides of the pulley is the same.

e The string will become taut again when B has risen to its maximum height and then descended to
the point where A is just beginning to rise again.
If B reaches the maximum height t seconds after A hits the ground, it will also take t seconds to
return to the same position as it is moving under gravity alone throughout this period. The total
time of travel will be 2t.
For B, taking up as positive, while the string is taut:
u = 0, a = 1.4, s = 2.5, m, v = v1
v2 = u2 + 2as
v12 = 02 + 2 × 3.2 × 2.5 = 16
Once the string is slack: u = v1 = 4, v = 0, a = −9.8, t =?
v = u + at
0 = 4 − 9.8t

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 4 40 20
3 e=
t = =
9.8 98 49
At this point B descends under gravity. After a further t seconds the string once again becomes
taut.
40
The string becomes taut again 2t = s after A hits the ground.
49

a For A: R(→), T − 24.5 =

5a (1)

For B : R(↓), 3 g − T =
3a
29.4 − T =
3a (2)

(1) + (2) : 29.4 − 24.5 = 8a

4.9 = 8a
0.6125 = a

The acceleration of the system is 0.613 m s −2 (3 s.f.)

b T − 24.5 =5 × 0.6125
T = 27.5625

The tension in the string is 27.6 N (3 s.f.)

By Pythagoras,
F 2 = T 2 + T 2 = 2T 2
= F T 2 =27.5625 × 2
= 38.979 …

The magnitude of the force exerted on the pulley is 39 N (2 s.f.)

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5

a i For Q: s = 0.8, u = 0, t = 0.75, a = ? (down is positive)

s ut + 12 at 2
=
0.8 =(0 × 0.75) + 12 a × 0.752
0.8 × 2
a= = 2.844...
0.752
The acceleration of Q is 2.84 m s−2 (3 s.f.)

ii For Q, R(↓): 1.5g – T = 1.5a

T = 1.5(g − a) = 1.5(9.8 – 2.84) = 10.44
The tension in the string is 10.4 N (to 3 s.f.), as required.

iii For P, R (→): T – k = 2.5a

Substituting:
10.4 – k = 2.5 × 2.84
k = 10.4 – 7.1
The value of k is 3.3 N

b Because the string is inextensible, the tension in all parts of it is the same.

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Chapter review 4
1 a

b Vertical forces can be ignored as they are in equilibrium and at right angles to the direction of
interest.
F = ma
m = 200, Resultant force, F = 1000 – 200 – 400 = 400
400 = 200a
The acceleration of the motorcycle is 2 m s−2.

For the man

R (↑) , R − 86 g =86 × 2
R = 86 × 9.8 + 86 × 2
= 1014.8 ≈ 1000

The reaction on the man on the floor is of equal magnitude to the action of the floor on the man and
in the opposite direction.

The force that the man exerts on the floor of the lift is of magnitude 1000 N (2 s.f.) and acts vertically
downwards.

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3 a=u 18, = v 12,= t 2.4,
= a ?
v= u + at
12= 18 + 2.4a
12 − 18
a= = −2.5
2.4

F = ma
− F = 800 × −2.5 = −2000
F = 2000 N

b=u 18,
= v 12,=t 2.4,
= s ?
u+v
s= t
 2 
 18 + 12 
=   × 2.4
 2 
=15 × 2.4 =36

The distance moved by the car is 36 m

a=u 2,=v 4,=s 4.8,=a ?

2
v= u 2 + 2as
2
4= 22 + 9.6a
16 − 4
=a = 1.25
9.6

The magnitude of the acceleration of the block is 1.25 m s −2

b R ( ↑ ) , F =ma =0.8 ×1.25 =1

R (→), 7 − F = 6
The magnitude of the frictional force between the block and the floor is 6 N.

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5 Let R = the resistive force
Let F1 = the driving force
Let F2 = the resultant force

F 2= ma= 1200 × 2= 2400

F 1 = 3R ⇒ R = 1
3 F1
The driving force is the resultant force plus the resistive force:
F 1 =R + F 2 =13 F 1 + 2400
2
3 F 1 = 2400
F 1 = 3600
The magnitude of the driving force is 3600 N, as required.

6 F1 = (3i + 2j), F2 = (4i − j), m = 0.25

F = F1 + F2 = ma
(3i + 2j) + (4i − j) = 0.25a
(7i + j) = 0.25a
(7i + j)
a=
0.25
The acceleration is (28i + 4j) m s−2.

2 3  a   3
7 F1 =   F2 =   F3 =   m = 2, a =  
 −1  −1  −2b   2
F = F1 + F2 + F3= ma
2 3  a   3 6
 + +  = 2  =  
 −1  −1  −2b   2  4
Considering i components: 2 + 3 + a = 6
a=6−5
Considering j components: −1 −1 − 2b = 4
− 2b = 4 + 2
The values of a and b are 1 and −3, respectively.

a R = 22 + 42 = 20 = 2 5
Using F = ma
2 5 = 2a
The acceleration of the sled is 5 m s−2.

b u = 0, t = 3, a = 5,s=?
1 2
s ut + at
= 2

9 5
s = (0 × 3) + ( 1
2 × 5 × 32 =
2
)

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 9 5
8 b The sled travels a distance of m.
2

9 a Since object is in equilibrium, F1 + F2 + F3 = 0

(3ai +4bj) + (5bi + 2aj) + (−15i − 18j) = 0

Collecting i terms: 3a + 5b = 15 (1)
Collecting j terms: 2a + 4b = 18 (2)
Subtracting (2) from (1) gives a + b = −3
Therefore b = −3 – a

Substituting this into (1):

3a + 5(−3 – a) = 15
3a – 15 – 5a = 15
−2a = 30
a = −15
Substituting this into (1):
3(−15) + 5b = 15
5b = 15 + 45 = 60
b = 12

The values of a and b are −15 and 12, respectively.

b i F1 + F2 + F3 = 0, so when F3 is removed, the resultant force F = − F3

i.e. F = (15i + 18j)

m=2
F = ma
(15i + 18j) = 2a
a = (7.5i + 9j)

a= 7.52 + 9=2
137.25
Using Z angles (see diagram), bearing = θ
7.5
tan θ =
9
The magnitude of the acceleration is 11.7 m s−2 and it has a bearing of 039.8° (both to 3 s.f.).

ii u = 0, t = 3, a = 11.7, s = ?
1
s ut +
= at 2
2
105.3
s = (0 × 3) + (
×11.7 × 32 ) =
1
2
2
The object travels a distance of 52.7 m (to 3 s.f.).

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10

a F = ma
For the whole system:
F = 2380 – 630 − 280 = 1470
m = 1400 + 700 = 2100
1470 = 2100a
Since the tow-rope is inextensible, the acceleration of each part of the system is identical.
The acceleration of the car is 0.7 m s−2.

b For the trailer:

F = T – 280, m = 700, a = 0.7
T – 280 = 700 × 0.7 = 490
The tension in the tow-rope is 770 N.

c For the car, after the rope breaks:

resultant force = 2380 – 630 = 1750
m = 1400
therefore a = 1750 ÷ 1400 = 1.25
u = 12
s ut + 12 at 2
=

d s = (12 × 4) + ( 1
2 ×1.25 × 42 ) =48 + 10
In the first 4 s after the tow-rope breaks, the car travels 58 m.

Since the tow-rope is inextensible, the tension is constant throughout the length, and the
acceleration of each part of the system is identical.

11

a F = ma
For the whole system:
F = 8000 – 500 − R = 7500 − R
m = 2500 + 1100 = 3600
a = 1.75
7500 – R = 3600 × 1.75 = 6300
R = 7500 – 6300
The resistance to the motion of the train is 1200 N, as required.

b Considering the carriage only:

C – 500 = 1100 × 1.75 = 1925
The compression force in the shunt is 2425 N.

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11 c

Taking ← as positive
Deceleration = α
Force on carriage = resistance to motion + thrust in shunt
Using F = ma
500 + C = 1100α
500 + C
α=
1100
For engine:
2000 + 1200 − C = 2500α
Substituting for α:
 500 + C 
3200 − C= 2500 ×  
 1100 
1100 (3200= − C ) 2500 ( 500 + C )
35200 − 11C= 12500 + 25C
35200 − 12500 =11C + 25C
22700
C=
36

The thrust in the shunt is 630 N (2 s.f.).

12 a

For P : R(↓), 2mg − T =

2ma
For Q : R(↑), T − mg =ma
Add, mg = 3ma
a = 13 g m s −1

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12 b For P :
2
v= u 2 + 2as
v 2 = 0 + 2 × 13 g × 2
4g
v=
3
= 3.6 m s −1 (2s.f.)

c For Q:
R (↑), − mg =
ma
a = −g
2
u 2 + 2as
v = (↑) ,
4g
0
= − 2 gs
3
s = 23 m

∴ Height above the ground =

2 23 m

d i In an extensible string ⇒ acceleration of both masses is equal.

ii Smooth pulley ⇒ same tension in string either side of the pulley.

13 a

For the 3 kg mass

R (↓) , F=
ma
3 g − T =3 × 73 g
T = 3 g − 97 g = 127 g

The tension in the string is 12

7 gN

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13 b For the m kg mass
R (↑) , F =
ma
T − mg =m × 73 g

Using the answer to a

7 g − mg = 7 mg
12 3

12
7 = 10
7 m ⇒ m= 1.2

14

a For B:
= u 0,=s 0.4,
= t 0.5,=a ?
s ut + 12 at 2
=
0.4 =0 + 12 a × 0.52 =18 a
8 0.4 =
a =× 3.2

The acceleration of B is 3.2 m s −2

b For B:
force = ma
0.8 g − T = 0.8 × 3.2

T = 0.8 × 9.8 − 0.8 × 3.2

= 5.28

The tension in the string is 5.28 N (2 s.f.). (As the numerical value g = 9.8 has been used, you
should correct your answer to 2 significant figures.)

c F = 3.7 (2 s.f.)

d The information that the string is inextensible has been used in part c when the acceleration of A
has been taken to be equal to the acceleration of B.

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15

a i For P, R(↓): 0.5g – T = 0.5a (1)

ii For Q, R(↑): T − 0.4g = 0.4a (2)

b (1) × 4: 2g − 4T = 2a
(2) × 5: 5T− 2g = 2a
Equating these:
2g − 4T = 5T− 2g
9T = 4g
The tension in the string is 4
9 g N (4.35 N).

c Using equation (1):

2 g − 9 g = 2a
1 4 1

g−9g=
8
a
The acceleration is 19 g m s−2 (1.09 m s−2 (3 s.f.)).

d When the string breaks, Q has moved up a distance s1 and reached a speed v1
Now Q moves under gravity (after the string breaks) initially upwards.
To reach the floor it has to travel a distance s = 2 + s1

While the string is intact, up positive:

g
u = 0, t = 0.2, a = , s1 = ?
9
1
s1 = ut + at 2
2
1 g 
= (0 × 0.2) +  × × 0.22 
2 9 
g
=
450

v1= u + at
g
=0 + × 0.2
9
g
=
45

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 g
15 d So, when the string breaks, Q is 2 + above the ground, a moving upwards with a speed of
450
g
.
45
After string breaks, Q moves under gravity. So taking down as positive, for the motion after the
string breaks, we have

g g
u = v1 = − , a = g, s = 2 + ,t=?
45 450
s = ut + 12 at 2
g g 1
2+ =− t + gt 2
450 45 2
(900 + g ) g 1
=− t + gt 2
450 45 2
1 2 g (900 + g )
0= gt − t −
2 45 450

Let g = 9.8 ⇒ 4.9t 2 − 0.2178 t − 2.02178 =

0
−b ± b 2 − 4ac
t=
2a
−0.2178 ± (−0.2178) 2 − (4 × 4.9 × −2.02178)
t=
2 × 4.9
−0.218 ± 39.674
=
9.8
= 0.66 s or − 0.621 s

Only the positive root is relevant: t = 0.66 (2 s.f.)

Q hits the floor 0.66 s after the string breaks.

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Challenge

Total force on first boat: R1 = (−7i + 2j) + 3i = −4i + 2j

Total force on second boat: R2 = (ki + j) + 3i = (k + 3)i + j
Since mass is a vector quantity, the acceleration of each boat will be parallel to the resultant force acting
on it, so the relationship between the components of the accelerations is as shown in the diagram below.

2 1
From R1: tan θ= =
4 2
k +3
From R2: tan θ= = k +3
1
1
Equating these: = k +3
2
2k + 6 = 1
2k = −5

The value of k is −2.5.

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