PHYSICS

FIITJEE CLASS-VII

➢ Rest and motion

➢ Scalars and vectors
➢ Speed and velocity
➢ Acceleration & Retardation
➢ Equations of Motion
➢ Graphical representation of motion
➢ Acceleration due to gravity
➢ Motion under gravity

If the position of a body is changing with respect to surroundings, then the body is said to be in
motion. If the position of a body is not changing with respect to surroundings, then the body is said
to be at rest. Motion and rest are relative terms. This statement can be understood with the help of the
following example.
Consider a person A sitting in a moving train. With respect to the ceiling and walls of the
compartment, the position of the person A is not changing. That’s why the person, ‘A’ is at rest with
respect to the train. But the position of the person ‘A’ is changing with respect to another person ‘B’
standing on the platform. That’s why, the person A is in motion with respect to the person ‘B’.
Motion and rest are relative terms. They are not absolute terms.
Different types of motion:
Human beings, animals, worms, insects etc. move from one place to another. But train, cycle fan,
hands of clock, swing, bell etc. also move in different manner.
1. Translatory Motion 2. Rotatory Motion 3. Circular Motion 4. Oscillatory Motion
5. Vibratory Motion. 6. Periodic Motion 7. Random Motion.

Translatory Motion:
If every point on the moving object moves through same distance while describing a rectilinear
motion, then such motion is called rectilinear translatory motion.
If every point on the moving object moves through the same distance, while describing, curvilinear
motion, then such a motion is called a curvilinear translatory motion.

Rectilinear motion Curvilinear motion

If an object moves from one position to other position, such that every particle on the object moves
through the same distance, the motion of object is called translatory motion.

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Rotatory Motion:
If the motion of points or parts of an object is along a circular path instead
of a straight line, the motion of the body is called Rotatory motion.
Movements of merry go round, wings of fan and hands of clock, motion of
a spinning top all belong to this kind of motion. All points of that object
will be in motion in circular path.

Circular Motion: Certain objects move in a circle and are said to be in circular motion.

Oscillatory Motion:
Oscillatory motion was first observed by scientist Galileo. He observed a
hanging lamp in the church. It was moving to and fro from one fixed point
and it is repeated for some time. Based on this, he made the pendulum clock.

Observe the motion of pendulum of a clock

If you observe these motions, object moves from one

place to another on either sides of a fixed point. The to
and fro motion of an object about a fixed point is called
oscillatory motion.

Vibratory Motion:
Musical instruments like Sitar, Guitar and Veena have strings in them. If strings are made to vibrate
they produce musical sounds.

From a fixed point or a central point a particle moves to and fro in a straight line then the motion is
called vibratory motion.

Veena Guitar
When insects like honey bees fly, buzzing sound is produced due to vibrations caused by moving
wings.

Periodic Motion: A repetitive motion which repeats after regular interval of time is called periodic
motion.
The swinging pendulum of a wall stock performs periodic motion.

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Repetitive Motion: A motion that repeats itself after certain interval of time, such that time interval
may or may not be same is called repetitive motion.

The wheels of a car perform repetitive motion.

Random Motion:
Irregular Motion of bodies changing the nature of motion frequently is called Random Motion.
Eg: (1) Motion of Football player on the ground.
(2) Motion of house flies.

Multiple Motion: sometimes bodies posses two or more motions at the same time. Such a motion is
called multiple motion.

The earth going round the sun has a motion of rotation as well as revolution.

Kinematics:
The study of the motion of the objects without taking into account the cause of their motion is called
kinematics.

Rest and motion:

Rest and motion are relative terms.
An object is said to be in motion, if it changes its position with respect to its surroundings with the
passage of time.
On the other hand, if an object does not change its position with respect to its surroundings with the
passage of time, it is said to be at rest.
For example, a robber enters a train moving at great
speed with respect to the ground, takes out his pistol
and says “Don’t move, stand still”. The passengers will
stand still, are at rest with respect to the robber and are
moving with respect to rail track.

The various aspects of motion of an object can be understood in terms of a few physical quantities
such as displacement, velocity acceleration and time. Galileo was the first to discover that the motion
of an object can be described in terms of two fundamental physical quantities namely length and time
and two derived physical quantities namely velocity and acceleration.

Scalars and vectors:

Any quantity that is measurable is called a physical quantity. These can be divided into two classes,
namely
(1) Scalar quantities.
(2) Vector quantities.

Scalar quantities:
A scalar can be completely described by a number representing its magnitude. Suppose some one
asks your age. Then you may say 13 years and the answer is complete. Similarly if some asks how
long it takes to come to come to your school from home. Then you say approximately 30 minutes and
the answer is complete. Direction is not required to describe the time i.e., these physical quantities
possess only magnitude (value) but no direction.
Any physical quantity which has only magnitude but no direction is called a scalar quantity or simply
a scalar.

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Example:
Mass, length, distance covered, time, density, work, specific heat, temperature, electric charge etc.

Vector quantities:
In addition to magnitude, vectors have direction also. Suppose someone ask you “Where is charminar
located”? If you say it is 5 km away from here, but with this information the person cannot reach the
same. Along with this, if you tell the direction suppose East wards, then this information is complete
and sufficient.

During the time of cyclones you may hear the Radio or T.V. announcements like the wind blows with
a speed of 80 km / hour forwards east direction and cyclone moves towards south – east direction.
Thus, certain physical quantities like displacement, velocity, force require both magnitude and
direction for their complete description.

A physical quantity which has both magnitude and direction to describe completely is called a vector
quantity or simply a vector.

Example:
Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum etc.

Scalar quantities Vector quantities

1. They are expressed in magnitude only. 1. They are expressed in magnitude as well as
direction.
2. They can be added by simple arithmetic 2. They cannot be added by simple arithmetic
means. means.
3. They can not be easily plotted on graph 3. They can be easily plotted on a graph
paper. paper.
4. Distance, sped, time etc… 4. Displacement, velocity etc..

Distance: C School
The length of the path travelled by a body is called as distance
covered by the body.
500m
Example:
A B
Let us assume that a boy starts from his home to a school. He
goes in the path as shown in diagram. Home
200m
If a question was asked that what is the distance travelled by the boy? It is 700m. Thus we have to
first find the path in which the boy travelled and calculate its length. Then it gives the distance
travelled by the boy.
In general, we observe many vehicles around us are in motion.

Take for example if the car travels from a point ‘P’ to a point Q
‘Q’ via the path shown in the figure. P

So calculate the length of the path, it gives the distance travelled by the car.

From the above we can observe that there is no need of specifying any direction while calculating
the distance.

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Note
1. Distance is a scalar quantity.
2. Distance can never be negative.
3. When a body is continuously in motion, distance always increases with time.
4. Distance covered is measured in centimeter (cm) in C.G.S system and in meter (m) in M.K.S
system.

Catapult : Find the distance traversed by the tip of the minutes hand of length 7 cm in
15 minutes.
1
As the tip of the minutes hand moves in the circular path it makes th of the
4
circle in 15 minutes.
2 r r
 Distance covered = =
4 2
22 7
=  = 11 cm
7 2

Displacement: 
It is the shortest distance between initial and final  = 25 km
positions of an object.

 = 18 km
Example P Q
P and Q are two places situated in a city and there 
are three paths connecting between them.  = 21 km

Now assume that a person is present at location ‘P’. If a question was asked to him where is the place
‘Q’ located? He says quickly the answer is 18 km. This is because; it is the shortest distance between
the places. But while specifying this he has to mention the direction in which it is located too. This
quantity of shortest distance between any two places is called displacement.

Note: Displacement is a vector quantity

Distance Displacement
It is defined as the actual path traversed by a It is the shortest distance between two points
body between which the body moves.
It is a scalar quantity It is a vector quantity
It can never be negative or zero It can be negative, zero or positive
Distance can be equal to or greater than Displacement can be equal to or less than distance.
displacement. (numerical value) (numerical value)
Distance traveled is not a unique path between
Displacement is a unique path between two points.
two points.
The distance between two points gives full
Displacement between two points does not give full
information of the type of path followed by
information of the type of path followed by the body.
the body.
Distance never decreases with time. For a Displacement can decrease with time. For a moving
moving body it is never zero body it can be zero
Catapult: Suppose a man travels 5 km due north and 12 Km
then 12 km due east. Find his displacement. Q R
5 Km
Now here the starting point is ‘P’ and ending
point is ‘R’. The shortest distance between them 13 Km
P
is ‘PR’.

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Pythagoras Theorem
PQ2 + QR2 = PR2
52 + 122 = PR2
 PR2 = 169  P = 13km North – East.

Note: (1) The actual distance travelled by an object in a given time interval can be equal to or greater
than the magnitude of displacement. It can never be less than the magnitude of
displacement
(2) The displacement of an object in a given time interval can be positive, zero or negative.

Speed:
We generally observe so many vehicles moving on roads. Some vehicles move faster and some
others slower. If the vehicles are moving in same direction we can identify a little bit easily which
are moving fast or slow.

But if they are moving in opposite (or) different direction, then how to identify which is moving
faster? There comes a quantity called speed.

For example, Rahul and Shubham are participating in a race. We observed the following facts.
(a) Rahul ran 200 m in 10s
(b) Shubham ran 300 m in 20s

We want to know who is fast among them? Then,

200
Distance travelled by Rahul in 1s is given by = 20m/s
10s
300m
Distance travelled by Shubham in 1s is given by = 15m/s
20s
Now if we compare above Rahul is moving 20m in one second and shubham is moving 15m in the
same time. Thus we can say that Rahul is moving with more speed compared to Shubham.
Thus speed is calculated by taking into consideration distance moved by an object in unit time.
From the above, we can determine the formula for speed as follows.

distance travelled by body

Speed =
time taken

Here speed conveys us only how much fast a body is moving and no need of specifying a direction.

Speedometer and odometer:

A speedometer is a gauge that measures and
displays the instantaneous speed of a land
vehicle.

An odometer or odograph is an instrument that

indicates distance traveled by a vehicle, such as Odometer
Speedo meter
a bicycle or automobile.

Note:

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1. Speed is a scalar quantity.

2. Speed of an object is always positive.
3. C.G.S unit of speed is cm/s and its M.K.S unit is m/s. Both distance covered and speed are
scalar quantities as they do not posses any direction.

Uniform Speed or Uniform Motion:

A body is said to be having uniform speed if it covers equal distances in equal intervals of time,
however short the time intervals may be.

Consider a car is moving along a road with a speed of 30 m/s i.e. in every second of time interval it
is covering a distance of 30 m. Suppose if we measure how much distance the car covers by taking
randomly a time interval of 0.5s during its journey it is observed to be 15m. If we calculate for a time
interval of 0.1s, it moves over 3m. Like this for any short interval of time if we measure it’s speed it
always comes out to be 30m/s, then only we can say that it is maintaining uniform speed.

Non Uniform Speed or Non uniform Motion:

If a body covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time, it is said to be in non-uniform motion.
For Example:
In the case of the butterfly, the change in its position is not constant while it is flying form one
flower to another in the garden

Note:
1. When a body is having uniform speed, it need not be moving in a straight line.
2. When an object has uniform speed and repeats its motion at regular intervals along the same
path then it is called as periodic motion.

Average speed: Suppose a particle moves through a distance “d” in a time interval to, the average
speed is defined as the total distance covered per unit time.

Total dis tance

 Average speed =
total time
Instantaneous Speed: The speed of a particle at a particular instant of time (not during a finite
time interval) is called instantaneous speed.

Catapult: Convert 72kmph into ms–1.

1km
72 kmph = 72 
1hour
1000m
= 72 
60  60s
= 20ms−1

Catapult: A body covered a distance of 108km in 2hours. Calculate the average

speed of the body (in ms–1)
Distance travelled = 108 km
= 108  1000m
Time taken = 2 hour
= 2  60s  60s

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Totaldistance covered
Average speed =
Total time taken
108  1000m
=
2  60  60s
= 15 ms–1

Velocity:
If it is given that a cyclist is moving at 10km/h. we can understand how fast he is moving. But we
cannot say the exact position of the cyclist at any instant of time. For this, we must specify his speed
as well as his direction of motion i.e., his velocity.

Velocity of a body is defined as the rate of change of its displacement i.e., the distance travelled by
it in unit time in a particular direction.
Displacement s ()
( )
Velocity  =
Time taken ( t )
As displacement has both magnitude and direction, velocity also has both magnitude and direction
and hence it is also a vector quantity.

Unit of velocity in C.G.S system is cm/s and in M.K.S system is m/s.

In our day to day life speed or velocity is expressed in km/h or kmph

5
1 km/hr = 1000 m/ 3600s = m/s.
18
Note: Velocity of an object may be positive, zero or negative.

Uniform Velocity:
A body is said to be moving with uniform velocity if it covers equal displacements in equal intervals
of time, however small these intervals may be. Consider a body moving in a straight line path as in
figure below.
10cm 10cm 10cm 10cm
A B C D E
1 sec 1 sec 1 sec 1 sec

The body travels 10 cm in each second so that AB = BC = CD =DE =10 cm. So, its displacement is
1
same for each second. Suppose it travels 1 cm on each second, the body is said to be moving with
10
uniform velocity as it is making equal displacements in equal intervals of time however small these
intervals may be.

Note:
1. If a body is having uniform velocity, then it has to be moving in a straight line.
2. The velocity of a body can be changed by either changing its magnitude or by changing its
direction or both.

Non uniform velocity:

A body is said to be moving with non uniform velocity if it covers unequal displacements in equal
intervals of time, however small these intervals may be.

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Catapult : On a circular ring road of radius B

14 km, a man starts from the point A, goes round and
reaches B. Find the displacement made by him.
90o
OA = OB = 14 km. A
 AB = OA 2 + OB2 O

= 142 + 142 = 14 2
 Displacement made by the man is
AB = 14 2 km along AB.

Catapult : A body travels from A to B at 40 ms – 1 and from B to A at 60 ms – 1. Calculate

average speed and average velocity.
Let t1 and t2 be time (in second) taken by the body to go from A to B and then from
B to A respectively. Then,
AB BA  1 1
t1 + t2 = + = AB  + 
40 60  40 60 
AB
= s
24
The total distance covered =AB + BA =2AB
Total distance covered 2AB 2AB
 Average speed = = = = 48ms−1
Total time taken. t 1 + t 2 AB / 24

Since the body reaches the starting position, the net displacement is zero.
displacement
 Average velocity =
time.
0
= = 0m / s
AB / 24

Acceleration and Retardation:

When a train starts from a station along a straight track, it picks up its velocity gradually. The velocity
is zero when it just starts. After few seconds, velocity becomes very high. Then the train is said to be
accelerating. When the train approaches a station, its velocity is very high at that instant and when it
has to stop, its velocity gradually decreases and becomes zero. Thus the train is said to move with
deceleration or retardation.

Suppose a stone is released from a certain height, initially its velocity is zero and as time passes its
velocity increases gradually i.e., the stone is accelerating downwards.

If we project a stone upwards with some velocity, its velocity decreases gradually and finally becomes
zero i.e., the stone is decelerating upwards.

The rate of change of velocity is known as acceleration.

change in velocity
Acceleration =
time taken
acceleration is measured in m/s2 (SI), cm/s2 (CGS)
Acceleration can be either positive (or) negative.

If a body is moving in a straight path with constant speed then its direction and magnitude of velocity
is constant.

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 Velocity is constant hence acceleration is zero.

If a body is moving in a straight path with varying speed then its direction is constant.
Magnitude of velocity changes  Velocity changes and hence acceleration is non-zero.
If a body is moving in a curved path with constant speed then the magnitude of the velocity is
constant.
Direction of velocity changes  Velocity changes and hence acceleration is non-zero.
If a body is moving in a curved path with varying speed then its direction and magnitude of velocity
changes
 Velocity changes hence acceleration is non-zero.

Deceleration or Retardation:
If the velocity of a body is decreasing with time then the body is said to be moving with negative
acceleration. The negative acceleration is also called deceleration or retardation.
Catapult : A train starting with a velocity of 36 kmph picks up a velocity of 108kmph in
half a minute. Find the acceleration of the train.
Solution: Initial velocity (u) = 36 kmph
5
= 36 
18 = 10 m/s
Final velocity (v) = 108 kmph
5
= 108  = 30 m/s
18
Time (t) = 30 s

 −u
 Acceleration (a) =
t
30 − 10 20
= = = 2/3 m/s 2
30 30

Catapult : A car is running at a velocity of 36km/hour. Seeing a child on the road, the
driver applies the brakes so as to come to rest in 10s. Find the retardation of
the car.
Solution: Initial velocity (u) = 36km/h
5
= 36  =10m/s
18
Final velocity (v) = 0
Time = 10s
 − u 0 − 10
Acceleration = = = - 1 m/s2
t 10
 Deceleration of the car = 1m/s2

Uniform Acceleration
If a body covers equal change in velocities in equal time intervals then body is moving with uniform
acceleration or constant acceleration.

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Consider the motion of object along straight line with constant acceleration.
Then,
Change in velocity
Acceleration =
Time taken
v
a= = constant
t
Non-Uniform Acceleration:
If a body covers equal change in velocities in unequal time intervals then body is said to be moving
with non-uniform acceleration.

A body said to have a non – uniform acceleration if the velocity changes by unequal amounts in equal
intervals of time. Let the velocity of a body changes from u to v in t second.
Change in Velocity = v –u
Time taken = t
v −u
Acceleration (a) =
t
C.G.S. unit of acceleration is cm/s 2
S.I. unit of acceleration is m/s 2

 Graphical Representation of Motion:

Displacement – Time graphs:

These graphs are very useful in studying the linear motion of the body. If the displacement of the
y − axis
body is plotted on the y – axis and the time taken on x – axis, the slope of the graph (i.e. )
x − axis
displacement
is equal to gives the velocity of the body.
time taken
Various types of displacement – time graphs are given below:

(a) For a stationary body i.e., the body which is not changing
its position with time the displacement time graph is
parallel to time axis

(b) When a body is moving with uniform velocity i.e.,

the body is covering equal displacements in equal
intervals of time in a specified direction , the
displacement –time graph is a straight line such
that it starts from origin and moves away from
time and displacement axis
The slope this graph gives uniform velocity.
x
Thus velocity of body =
t

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Note: The graph can never be parallel to the displacement axes. As body can not change its position
in zero time.
Catapult : From the displacement time graph shown
alongside calculate:
(a) Velocity between 0 – 4s
(b) Velocity between 4s – 6s
(c) Velocity between 6s – 9s
(d) Average velocity between (i) 0 – 4s (ii) 0
– 6s (iii) 0 – 9s
8m
(a) Velocity between 0 – 4s = =
4s
2ms-1

(b) Velocity between 4s – 6s = 0

(since displacement is zero during 4th second to 6th second)
6m
(c) Velocity between 6s – 9 s = = 2 ms-1
3s
8m
(d) (i) Average velocity between 0 – 4s = = 2ms–1
4s
8m
(ii) Average velocity 0 – 6s = = 1.33 m/s
6s
14m
(iii) Average velocity between 0 – 9s = = 1.55 ms–1
9s
Catapult : From displacement – time graph shown
alongside calculate:
(a) Velocity between 0 – 2s
(b) Velocity between 8s – 12s
(c) Average velocity between
5s – 12s
10 − 25
(a) Velocity between 0 – 2s =
23
15
=– = – 7.5 m/s
2
25 − 20 5
(b) Velocity between 8s – 12s = = = 1.25 ms–1
4 4
 25 − 10  –1
(c) Average Velocity between 5s – 12s =  ms
 7 
 
15
=   ms–1
 7 

Velocity – Time graph:

In these graphs the velocity is plotted on y–axis and the time on x–axis, velocity  time = acceleration,
the slope of these graphs gives acceleration.
As, displacement = velocity x time, the area under velocity – time graph gives displacement of body.

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(a) For a body moving with a uniform velocity the

velocity – time graph is a line parallel to time axis.
As the slope of graph is zero, the
acceleration of body is zero.

The distance covered by in specified direction is given by the area under velocity – time graph
for example, the displacement made by the body regarding the graph above is given by the
area of rectangle PQRS.
 The displacement of the body = PS x SR
= 20ms –1 x 4s
= 80m.

(b) For a body moving with uniform acceleration, the velocity

velocity (m/s)
10
– time graph is a straight line inclined to the time – axis.
8
When the body has a positive constant acceleration, the
6
graph slopes upward (positive slope). In case the body has
4
negative constant acceleration, the velocity – time graph
will slope downward (Negative slope). 2

2 4 6 8 10 12 time (s)

Catapult : A cyclist is cycling at a uniform rate of 8 ms -1 for 8 seconds. He then stops

paddling and the cycle comes to rest in next ten seconds with uniform retardation.
(a) Draw a velocity – time graph
(b) Calculate the average retardation for the last ten seconds
(c) Distance covered with uniform velocity.

(a)

(b) Retardation = slope of the graph line BC

BD 8ms−1 -2
= = = 0.8 ms
DC 10s
(c) Distance covered with uniform velocity
= Area of rectangle = A E x D B.
= 8 ms –1 x 8s = 64m

Catapult : A train starting from rest picks up a speed of 20 ms –1 in 200s. It continues to

move at the same rate for next 500s, and is then brought to rest in another
100s.(a) Plot a speed – time graph.
(b) From graph calculate: (i) uniform rate of acceleration
(ii) Uniform rate of retardation.

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(a) Diagram.

velocity (m/s)
B C
20

15
10
5
E F D
A 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
time (s)
(b) (i) uniform acceleration = slope of graph line AB
BE 20
= = = 0.1ms–2
AE 200
(ii) Uniform retardation = slope of graph line CD
CF 20
= = = 0.2 ms–2
FD 100

The motion of a body can be represented by a graph. As a converse, from graph one can analyse the
motion of a body. For the table, given below if we plot the graph taking velocity on Y-axis (in m/s)
and time on X- axis (in seconds).
Time in sec. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Velocity in m/s. 2 4 6 8 10 10 10 8 6 4 2

From graph, initial velocity u = 2 m/s,

10
Body is uniformly accelerating between –
t = 0 to t = 4seconds. 8
Body has uniform velocity between
t = 4 to t = 6 seconds 6

Body has deceleration between 4

t = 6 to t = 10 seconds.
2
A

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Catapult : The velocity – time graph of three bodies A, 20

B & C moving along a straight line is shown 18
in the figure. Which has the highest v (m/s)
16
A
acceleration in the interval of t = 2s to t = 4 14

s. 12

For body A: 10
8 B
Initial velocity (u) = 10 m/s
6
Final velocity (v) = 20 m/s
4
Time taken (t) =2s C
2

0 t(sec)
1 2 3 4 5
 − u 20 − 10 10
Acceleration (a) = = = = 5m/s2
t 2 2
t = 2s
v −u 8 − 4
 a= = = 2m / s2
t 2
For body C: u = 2m / s

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v = 4 m/s
t = 2s
v −u 4 − 2
a= = = 1m / s2
t 2
 In the time interval t = 2 s to t = 4 s, the body A has the highest
acceleration.
Note. The area under acceleration time graph gives change in velocity

 Motion in a straight line

Equations of Motion of a body moving with uniform acceleration:

1st Equation:
To find the velocity of a body moving with a uniform acceleration, after any given interval of time
We use the following symbols:
Initial velocity u” m/s
Time “t” s
Final velocity “v” m/s
Uniform acceleration “a” m/s2
And distance travelled “S” m

Now consider a body (particle) moving with uniform acceleration a, starting with a velocity of u in a
straight line.

The initial velocity is u

The velocity at the end of one second is u + a
The velocity at the end of two seconds is u +2 a
The velocity at the end of three seconds is u + 3a
The velocity at the end of ‘ t ‘ seconds is u + ta
 The final velocity v = u + at

v = u + at ………….(1)

Catapult: A car starts from rest and moves with uniform acceleration of 0.5 m/s 2 for 2
minutes. Find the velocity acquired by the car.
Solution: u = 0, a = 0.5 m/s2, t = 2 minutes = 2  60 = 120s
v = u + at
= 0 + 0.5 120
= 60 m/s

Catapult: A bus starts moving from rest and moves with uniform acceleration. Its
velocity after 20 sec is observed to be 90 km/hr. Calculate the magnitude of
the acceleration.
Solution: u = 0,
v = 90 km/hr = 90  5/18 = 25 m/s.
v = u + at
25 = 0 + a  20
a = 25/20 = 1.25 m/s2.

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Catapult: The velocity of a body is 90 km/hr at a particular instant. After how much
time will its velocity be equal to 144 km/hr if it has a uniform acceleration of
3 m/s2.
Solution: u = 90 km/hr = 25 m/s.
v = 144 km/hr = 40 m/s.
v = u + at.
40 = 25 + 3  t.
40 − 25 15
t= = =5 s.
3 3
Catapult: A bus driver observes a obstacle at a distance and presses the brakes if the
bus was initially moving along a straight line with a velocity of 72 km/hr how
much time will it take for the bus to stop if the retardation due to the brakes
is 5 m/s2.
Solution: u = 72 km/hr = 20 m/s.
v = 0, a = -5 m/s2.
v = u + at
0 = 20 - 5  t
t = 20/5 = 4s.

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Catapult: The driver of a car moving at a certain speed presses the brake. After 10
seconds of pressing the brake it is observed that the speed of the body is 90
km/hr and after 20 seconds of pressing the brake it is observed that the speed
of the body is 36 km/hr. Calculate the speed of the car (in km/hr) when the
brakes were pressed. Also calculate the retardation due to the brakes.
Method I:
For first 10s.
v = 90 km/hr = 25 m/s, t = 10s.
25 = u + 10a ………..(1)
After 20 seconds. v = 36 km/hr = 10 m/s, t = 20 s.
10 = u + 20a ………….(2).
25 = u + 10a
10 = u + 20a
15 = -10a
therefore a = -1.5 m/s2.
25 = u + 10a
25 = u + 10 (-1.5)
u = 25 – 10(-1.5) = 40 m/s.
u = 40 18/5 = 144 km / hr.
Method II:
For the period from 10s to 20s
u = 90 km/hr = 25 m/s, v = 36 km/hr = 10 m/s, t = 10s.
v = u + at
10 = 25 + a  10
10a = -15
a = -1.5 m/s2.
For first 10seconds:
v = u + at.
25 = u – 1.5 x 10
u = 25 + 15
u = 40 m/s
u = 40  18/5 = 144 km/hr.
Note: Acceleration comes with negative sign. This means that the body is undergoing retardation.
One can clearly see that the speed decreases from 90 km/hr to 36 km/hr which implies
retardation.

2nd Equation:
Consider a body moving with uniform acceleration in a straight line.
Let the initial velocity be u m/s
Final velocity be v m/s
Acceleration be a m/s2
Time be t seconds
And the distance travelled be S m
For uniformly accelerated motion, the displacement is average velocity x time, where the average
velocity Vaverage is the mean of the initial velocity and final velocity,
u+v
Vaverage = (Only for uniformly accelerated motion)
2
The distance travelled S in time t is given by
S = Vaverage  time
u+v
S= ×t
2

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We know from the first equation that v = u + at

Substituting u + at for v
 u + u + at 
we get S= t
 2 
 2u + at 
S= t
 2 
2ut at 2
S= +
2 2
1
S = ut + at 2
2
1
S = ut + at 2 ...................(II)
2
Catapult: A body is moving with a speed of 5 m/s. It has got a uniform acceleration of
2m/s2 because of which its speed goes on increasing. Find the distance covered
by the body in 10s.
1
S = ut + at 2
2
1
Solution: = 5 ×10 + × 2 × (10)2
2
= 50 + 100 = 150m.

Catapult: A body starts accelerating at the rate of 0.4 m/s2. It maintains this acceleration
for 5 seconds and then moves at attained speed for the next five seconds.
Calculate the total distance covered by the body during this time interval.
1
Solution: S = ut + at 2
2
1
= 0 x t + x 0.4 x 52
2
= 5 m.
velocity acquired by body:
u = 0,t = 5s,a = 0.4m / s2.
v = u + at
= 0 + 0.4×5
= 2m / s
Distance = 2 ×5 = 10m
Total distance = 5 + 10
= 15 m.
Catapult: The velocity of a bus is 5 m/s at a particular instant. After ten seconds the
velocity of the bus is 10 m/s, Calculate the distance covered by the bus in 10s.
Solution: u = 5 m/s, v = 10 m/s, t = 10s.
v = u + at.
10 = 5 + 10a

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a = 0.5 m/s2.
S = 5  10 + 1/20.5100
= 50 + 25 = 75m.

Catapult: A car starting from rest accelerates uniformly for 5s at the rate of 5 m/s2 and
then moves at uniform velocity for another 5 seconds. It applies brakes and
then retards uniformly and comes to rest in 2s.Find the total distance covered
by the car.
Solution: u = 0, t = 5s, a = 5 m/s2
v = u + at
= 0 + 5 x 5 = 25 m/s.
1
S1 = ut + at 2
2
1
=0xt+ x 5 x 52 = 62.5 m
2
S2 = 25 x 5 = 125 m
u = 25 m/s, v = 0, t = 2s
v = u + at
0 = 25 + 2a
a = –12.5 m/s2
1
S2 = ut + at2
2
1
= 25 x 2 + (–12.5) x 4
2
= 50 – 25 = 25 m.
Total distance travelled = 62.5 + 125 + 25 = 212.5 m.

3rd Equation:
This is usually used to find the acceleration, displacement or velocity when time
‘t ‘ is not given.
(Relation between u, v, a and S)
We know that v = u + at and
Wehave
v − u = at ........ (1) and
u+v
....... ( 2 )
2s s
u+v = (Asaverage velocity = = )
t t 2
Multiplying (1) and ( 2 ) we have

( v − u)  ( v + u) = (at ) 
2s
 v 2 − u2 = 2as
t
Thus velocity ‘v’, acquired by a body in travelling a distance, ‘S’, can be found out from this equation.

Catapult: The velocity of a car when it is at point A at a certain instant is 5 m/s. After
some time when it is at point B, which is at a distance of 50 m from A, its

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velocity is observed to be 15 m/s. If the car is moving in a straight line,

calculate the rate at which it is accelerating.
Solution: u = 5 m/s, v = 15 m/s, s = 50 m.
v2 = u2 + 2as
(15)2 = (5)2 + 2 x a x 50
152 - 52 225 - 25
a= = = 2m/s2.
100 100
Catapult: A car starts accelerating from rest at the rate of 5 m/s 2. It undergoes this
acceleration till it has travelled a distance of 20 m. After this it retards at the
rate of 10 m/s2 till it comes to rest. Calculate the total distance covered by the
car.
Solution: u = 0, a = 5 m/s2, s = 20 m.
v2 = u2 + 2as.
= (0)2 + 2 x 5 x 20.
2
v = 500
2
v = 0,u = 500,a = -10m/s (retardation)
2 2
v = u + 2as
0 = 500 - 2×10 ×S
500
S= = 25m.
20
Total distance covered = 20 + 25 = 45 m.

Catapult: The driver presses the brakes of a car which was moving with a uniform speed
of 25 m/s. As a result the vehicle slows down and finally stops. If the brakes
can retard the vehicle at the rate of 5 m/s 2, then calculate the distance it will
travel before coming to rest.
2
Solution : u = 25m/s, v = 0,a = -5m/s .
2 2
v = u + 2aS

(0) = ( 25 ) + 2 ( -5 ) S 
2 2
625 = 10S  S = 62.5m.

Catapult: The driver of a car watches a barrier at a distance

of 150 m in front of him. As a reaction, he presses
the brakes. If his reaction time is 2.5s and he was
moving with a uniform speed of 25 m/s before the
application of brakes, then, find out if the driver 150 m
hits the barrier or not. The retardation of the
brakes is uniform and equal to 5 m/s2
Solution: Distance travelled during reaction time 2.5 x 25 = 62.5 m
u = 25 m/s, v = 0, a = -5 m/s2
v2 = u2 + 2as
0 = 625 – 2 x 5 x S
S = 62.5 m.
Total distance = 62.5 + 62.5 = 125 m.
Hence, he will not hit the barrier.

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Corollary to 2nd equation:

Distance travelled by a body in nth second of its motion.
Distance travelled in nth second is given by
Equation (1) – (2)
Distance travelled in ‘n’ seconds is given by
1 2
Sn = un + an ........ (1)
2
Distance travelled in (n – 1) seconds is given by
1
Sn−1 = u ( n − 1) + a ( n − 1) ....... ( 2 )
2

2
Distance travelled in nth second
 1   1 2
Snth = Sn − Sn−1 = un + an2  − u (n − 1) + a (n − 1) 
 2   2 
 1 1 
Snth = un + an2 − u(n − 1) − a(n2 + 1 − 2n)
 2 2 
 1 1 a 
Snth = un + an2 − un + u − an2 − + an 
 2 2 2 
a  1 a
Snth = u − + an  Snth = u + a  n −  or Snth = u + (2n − 1)
2  2 2

Catapult: A body starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at the rate of 6 m/s 2.
Calculate the distance covered by it in the 4th second of its motion.
Ans. u = 0, a = 6 m/s2, n = 4s
a
S4th = u + (2n – 1)
2
6
= 0 + x (2 x 4 – 1) = 3 x 7 = 21 m
2
(or)
1
S = un + an2
4 2
1
= ×6×16 = 48m
2
1 1
S = un + an2 = (0  3) +  6  3 2 = 27m
3 2 2
S = S - S = 48 - 27 = 21m.
4th 4 3
Hence the equations of motion for a body moving with uniform acceleration are given by
1 a
(1) V = U + at (2) S = Ut + at 2 (3) V 2 − U 2 = 2aS (4) Snth = U + (2n − 1)
2 2

Acceleration due to gravity:

The acceleration produced in the motion of a body under the effect of gravity is called acceleration
due to gravity. It is denoted by ‘g’.

The earth attracts every other body lying near or on its surface towards its centre. The force of
attraction exerted by the earth on a body is called gravitational pull (or) gravity

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Near the surface of the earth, the value of g is 9.8 ms–2, 980 cms–2 (or) 32 ft/s2.

Note: At a given place, the value of ‘g’ is constant for all bodies. In the absence of air resistance all
bodies irrespective of their sizes, masses fall with the same acceleration (in vacuum). The value of
‘g’ changes from place to place.

Equation of motion under gravity:

(a) Equations of motion in the case of freely falling body:

Consider a body is situated at a height of ‘H’ above the u=0

ground and it is at rest. When the body is released it falls
freely under gravity. Its velocity goes on increases till it a = +g
reaches the ground. H
As the body falls from rest its initial velocity is u = 0.
v

The time taken for the body to reach ground = t

Distance travelled by body in reaching ground = H
Velocity of the body while reaching the ground = V
Here a is replaced by +g.

From first equation of From second equation From third equation From fourth equation
motion of motion of motion of motion
V = U + at S = ut + ½ at2 V2 – U2 = 2as Snth = U + a(n – ½)
V = 0 + gt H = (0 x t) + ½ gt2 V2 – 02 = 2gH Hnth = 0 + g(n – ½)
V = gt H = ½ gt2 and V2 = 2gH Hnth = g(n – ½)
2H V = 2gH or
t= g
g Hnth = (2n − 1)
2
(b) Equations of motion in the case of vertically thrown upward body:
v=0
Consider a body is thrown vertically upward from the
surface of earth with an initial velocity u. As the gravity is a = -g
acting down its velocity goes on decreasing and becomes H
zero at a height H momentarily and return back to earth.
u

Initial velocity = u.
Height reached by the body before its velocity becomes zero = H.
Time taken to reach the maximum height = t.
Here a is replaced by –g.

From first equation of From second equation From third equation of From fourth equation
motion of motion motion of motion
V = u + at 1 V2 – U2 = 2as a
S = Ut + gt 2 Snth = U + (2n-1)
0 = U – gt 2 02 – U2 = 2(-g)H 2
gt = U 1 U2 = 2gH g
U H = Ut − gt 2 U = 2gH and Hnth = U – (2n-1)
t= 2 2
g U2
before reaching H=
2g
maximum height the
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velocity of body after

time t
v = U - gt

Time of Ascent:
The time taken by vertically thrown upward body to reach maximum height is called time of ascent.
u
Time of ascent ta =
g
Time of ascent is directly proportional to the initial velocity of projection at a given place.

Time of Descent:
The time taken by freely falling body from certain height to reach the ground is called time of
descent.
2H
Time of descent td =
g
u2
But H=
2g
 u2 
2  2
2H  2g  u2 u u
Therefore td = = = 2
=   = = td
g g g g g

i.e., time of ascent is equal to time of descent.

Time of Flight:
The total time taken by a vertically thrown up body to reach the ground is called time of flight.
Time of flight = time of ascent + time of descent

T = ta + td
u u 2u 2u
T= + = T=
g g g g

Maximum height:
In the case of body projected vertically upwards, the velocity of the body gradually decreases and
finally becomes zero. The height of the point from the ground at which the velocity of the body
becomes zero is called “maximum height”.

Let a body be projected vertically upwards with an initial velocity ‘u’. Since, it is moving upwards,
its acceleration (a)=–g. At maximum height (Hmax), v=0.
We have v2 – u2 = 2as
 (O)2 – u2 = 2 (-g) H
 + u2 = + 2gH
u2
Hmax =
2g
The above equation gives the maximum height reached by the body.

Note:
1. From the above equation, it is clear that the maximum height attained by a body is directly
proportional to square of the initial velocity (u) i.e., H m  u2 ( g is a constant).

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2. In case of vertically thrown upward body, velocities at equal highest are equal in magnitude
but directionally opposite.

Velocity on reaching the ground :

When a body dropped from a height ‘H’, its initial velocity (u) is zero let the final velocity on reaching
the ground be V. Acceleration due to gravity is positive.
We have 2 − u2 = 2as
 2 − 02 = 2gH
  = 2gH ………….(1)
Note: If a body is projected vertically upwards with an initial velocity ‘u’ the maximum height
u2
attained by it is given by H =
2g
u2 = 2gH
 u = 2gH ………… (2)
From equations (1) and (2), v = u = 2gH
From this we can understand that the initial velocity of the body ‘u’ with which it projected is equal
to the final velocity of the body with which it returns to the point of projection.

Vertical projection from a tower:

Consider a body is projected vertically upwards from the top of a tower of height ‘h’ with a velocity
‘u’ and after ‘t’ seconds it reaches the ground
( x is the height reached from the top of the tower)
Total distance travelled = x + h + x = (h + 2x)
Net displacement = x – (h + x) = –h
Using the equation of motion
1 2 x
S = ut + at
2
1 2
–h = ut – gt
2
Height of the tower h
1 2
h = –ut + gt
2

If an object is dropped from a balloon rising up with a velocity ‘u’ at a height ‘h

Equation of motion relative to balloon is
1
h = –ut + gt 2
2

Catapult: A ball is thrown vertically upwards from the top of a tower with a velocity 10
m s–1. The ball reaches the ground with the velocity 30 ms –1. What is the height
of the tower? (Take g = 10 m s–2)
Solution: According to the sign convention taking the vectors in the upward direction as
positive initial velocity, u = + 10 m s–1
final velocity v = –30 m s–1,
displacement, s = –h, where h is the height of the tower and
acceleration, a = –10 m s–2
Using v2 – u2 = 2as, we get
(–30)2 – (10)2 = 2 (–10) (–h)

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( −30)
2
− 102 900 −100
h= = = 40m
2  10 20
 h = 40 m

Graphical Representation of One Dimensional Motion:

(i) Uniform motion

v s

t t
(ii) Uniformly accelerated motion
V
s s
u0 u=0
v

t t t
(iii) Uniformly retarded motion
V
s

t t
(iv) Uniformly retarded and then accelerated motion
u
s

t t

Important points regarding graph:

Let a graph is drawn between x and y along x and y axis

1. A linear equation between x and y represents a straight line between x and y

Example: v = u + at
2. If a  y ( or ) y = kx, represent a straight line passing through origin.
1
3. x represent a graph of rectangular hyperbola.
y

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4. A quadratic equation represents a parabola.

graphs that are not possible:

1. Slopes of v-t, s-t graph can never be infinite at any point.
2. At one time two values of velocity (or) displacement are not possible

3. If a body is released from certain height and which undergoes inelastic collision with the floor,
velocity time graph will be as shown.

4. If a body is released from certain height and which undergoes elastic collision with the floor,
velocity time graph will be as shown.

5. If the body starts from rest moves with uniform acceleration for some time and then moves
with uniform retardation until it stops.

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6. If the body starts from rest moves with uniform acceleration for some time, moves with
constant velocity for some time and then moves with uniform retardation until it stops.

7. A body moved with uniform velocity for some time and then with uniform retardation until
stops.

8. If the body starts from rest move with uniform acceleration for some time and move with
constant velocity for some time and moves with uniform retardation until it stops
s

t1 t2 t3
t

While dealing problem with graphs following point should be kept in mind.

9. Area under the v – t graph gives the displacement of particle.

10. slope of v – t graph at any point gives the instantaneous acceleration of the particle at that
point.

11. Slope of s – t graph at any point gives the instantaneous velocity of the particle at that
point.

12. The area of a - t graph represents the change in velocity.

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