Introduction to Motion in a Plane

The physical quantities like work, ​temperature​ and ​distance​ can be

represented in day to day life wholly by their magnitude alone.
However, the relation of these physical quantities can be explained by
the laws of arithmetic. In order to represent physical quantities like
acceleration, displacement, and force, the direction is equally essential
along with the magnitude. Let us now study Plane Motion.

Introduction to Plane Motion

Velocity refers to a physical vector quantity which is described by

both magnitude and direction. The magnitude or scalar absolute value
of velocity is referred to as ​speed​. As stated by the Pythagorean
Theorem, the magnitude of the velocity vector is given by –

| v | = v = √ ( v​x​ ²+ v​y​ ² )

Acceleration is defined by the rate of change of ​velocity​ of an object

with respect to time. Numerically or in terms of components, it can be
presented as –
a​x​ =

dt

v​x

a​y ​=

dt

v​y

Motion in a Plane

Motion in a plane is also referred to as a motion in two dimensions.

For example, circular motion, projectile motion, etc. For the analysis
of such type of motion, the reference point will be made of an origin
and the two coordinate axes X and Y.

Motion in a plane refers to the point where we consider motion in two

dimensions as only two dimensions makes a plane. Here, considering
the above, we take two axes into consideration – generally X-axis or Y
– axes. In an attempt to derive the equation of the motion in a plane,
we must know about motion in one ​direction​.

Equations of Plane Motion

The equations of motion in a straight line are:

v = u+at

s = ut+1/2 at²

v​2​ = u² + 2as

Where,

● v = final velocity of the particle

● u = initial velocity of the particle
● s = displacement of the particle
● a = acceleration of the particle
● t = the time interval in which the particle is in consideration
In a plane, we have to apply the same equations separately in both the
directions: Y axis and Y-axis. This would give us the equations for
motion in a plane.

v​y ​ = u​y ​+ a​y​t

s​y​ = u​y ​t +1/2 a​y​ t²

v²​y ​ = u²y+2a​y ​s

Where,

● v​y​ = final velocity of the particle in the y-direction

● u​y​ = initial velocity of the particle in the y-direction
● s​y​ = displacement of the particle in the y-direction
● a​y​ = acceleration of the particle in the y-direction

Similarly, for the X-axis :

v​x​ = u​x ​+ a​x ​t

s​x​= u​x​ t+1/2 a​x​t²

 v²x​ = u²​x​+2 a​x​s

Where,

● v​x ​= final velocity of the particle in the x-direction

● u​x​ = initial velocity of the particle in the x-direction
● s​x​= displacement of the particle in the x-direction
● a​x ​= acceleration of the particle in x-direction

Projectile Motion: Plane Motion

One of the most common examples of motion in a plane is Projectile

motion. In a projectile motion, the only acceleration acting is in the
vertical direction which is acceleration due to gravity (g). Therefore,
equations of motion can be applied separately in the X-axis and Y-axis
 to find the unknown parameters.

The above diagram represents the motion of an object under the

influence of gravity. It is an example of projectile motion (an special
case of motion in a plane).

Examples of Two-Dimensional Plane Motion

● Throwing a ball or a cannonball
● The motion of a billiard ball on the billiard table.
● A motion of a shell fired from a gun.
● A motion of a boat in a river.
● The motion of the earth around the sun.
Solved Examples for You

Question 1. The state with reasons, whether the following algebraic

operations with scalar and vector physical quantities are meaningful:

a. adding any two scalars,

b. adding a scalar to a vector of the same ​dimensions​,
c. multiplying any vector by any scalar,
d. multiplying any two scalars,
e. adding any two vectors,
f. adding a component of a vector to the same vector.

Solution.

a. Meaningful; The addition of two scalar quantities is meaningful

only if they both represent the same physical quantity.
b. Not Meaningful; The ​addition of a vector​ quantity with a scalar
quantity is not meaningful.
c. Meaningful; A scalar can be multiplied with a vector. For
example, force is multiplied with time to give impulse.
d. It’s meaningful; A ​scalar​, irrespective of the physical quantity
it represents, can be multiplied by another scalar having the
same or different dimensions.
 e. Meaningful; The addition of two vector quantities is
meaningful only if they both represent the same physical
quantity.
f. Meaningful; A component of a vector can be added to the same
vector as they both have the same dimensions.

Question 2: Read each statement below carefully and state with

reasons, if it is true or false:

(a) The magnitude of a vector is always a scalar,

(b) each component of a vector is always a scalar,

Solution :

(a) True. The magnitude of a vector is a number. Hence, it is a scalar.

(b) False. Each component of a vector is also a ​vector​.

Scalars and Vectors

In today’s world, various mathematical quantities depict the motion of

objects into two categories. The quantity is as either a vector or a
scalar quantity which distinguishes from one another by their
difference and distinct definitions. Let’s study more about the scalars
and vectors below.

Scalars and Vector Quantities

● Scalar Quantities: The physical quantities which are specified

with the magnitude or size alone are ​scalar quantities​. For
example, length, speed, work, mass, density, etc.
● Vector Quantities: Vector quantities refer to the physical
quantities characterized by the presence of both magnitude as
well as direction. For example, ​displacement​, ​force​, ​torque​,
momentum​, ​acceleration​, ​velocity​, etc.

Comparison between Scalars and Vectors

 Criteria Scalar Vector

A scalar is a quantity with A vector is a quantity with the

Definition
magnitude only. magnitude as well as direction.

Direction No direction Yes there is the direction

A number (Magnitude) and a A number (magnitude), direction and a

Specified by
Unit unit.

Represente Quantity symbol in bold or an arrow

Quantity symbol
d by sign above

Example Mass and ​Temperature Velocity and Acceleration

Characteristics of Vectors

The characteristics of vectors are as followed –

● They possess both magnitudes as well as direction.

● They do not obey the ordinary laws of Algebra.
 ● These change if either the magnitude or direction change or
both change.

Browse more Topics under Motion In A Plane

● Introduction to Motion in a Plane
● Resolution of Vectors and Vector Addition
● Addition and Subtraction of Vectors – Graphical Method
● Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions
● Uniform Circular Motion
● Projectile Motion

Unit Vector

A unit vector is that vector which is a vector of unit magnitude and

points in a particular direction. The unit vector in the direction of

is

A
 ^

and is defined by –

|A|

The unit vectors along the x, y and z-axis is

^
, and

respectively.

Equal Vectors

Vectors A and B are equal if | A | = | B | as well as their directions, are

same.

Zero Vectors
Zero vector is a vector with zero magnitudes and an arbitrary direction
is a zero vector. It can be represented by O and is a Null Vector.

Negative of a Vector

The vector whose magnitude is same as that of a (vector) but the

direction is opposite to that of a ( vector ) is referred to as the negative
of a ( vector ) and is written as – a ( vector ).

Parallel Vectors

A and B are said to be parallel vectors if they have the same direction,
or may or may not have equal magnitude ( A || B ). If the directions
are opposite, then A ( vector ) is anti-parallel to B ( vector ).

Coplanar Vectors
If the vectors lie in the same plane or they are parallel to the same
plane, the vectors are said to be coplanar. If not, the vectors are said to
be non – planar vectors.

Displacement Vectors

The displacement vector refers to that vector which gives the position
of a point with reference to a point other than the origin of the
coordinate system.

Solved Question for You

Question 1: State for each of the following physical quantities, if it is a

scalar or a vector.

Volume, Mass, Speed, Velocity, Displacement, Acceleration, Density,

Number of Moles, Angular Frequency, Angular Velocity,
Displacement

Solution.

● A scalar is the one that is specified by its magnitude. It does not

have any direction associated with it. Some of the scalar
 physical quantities are – Volume, Speed, Mass, Density,
Number of Moles and Angular Frequency.
● Whereas a Vector quantity is the one which is specified by its
magnitude as well as its direction that is associated with it.
Some of the vector quantity are velocity, acceleration,
displacement and angular velocity.

Therefore,

● Scalar: Volume, Mass, Speed, Velocity, Density, Number of

Moles, Angular Frequency
● Vector: Acceleration, Velocity, Displacement, Angular
Velocity.

Question 2: Pick out the two scalar quantities in the list.

Force, Work, Angular Momentum, Current, Linear Momentum,

Electric field, Average Velocity, Relative Velocity, Magnetic Moment
 Solution. The scalar quantities from the mentioned are Work and
Current.

● Work done is the dot product of force and displacement. Since

the dot product of two quantities is always a scalar, therefore,
work is a scalar physical quantity.
● Current refers to the one in which the direction is not taken into
consideration and is described only by its magnitude.
Henceforth, it is a scalar quantity.

Resolution of Vectors and Vector

Addition

In contrast to the concept of addition, the concept of resolution of

vectors could be well understood. For say, in the process of addition,
let’s consider

and
 b

are directly added to get

. Now, let

be broken down to obtain

and

⃗
back. This is referred to as the process of resolution. Let us study the
chapter resolution of vectors and vector addition in detail.

Resolution of Vectors

A vector can be resolved into many different vectors, for resolution of

vectors. For Example: Let us consider two numbers, say, 4 and 6,
which is further added to obtain 10. Further, now 10 is broken or
resolved. However, the number 10 can also be resolved into many
other numbers like –​10 = 5 + 5;​ ​10 = 3 + 7 etc.

In a similar way, a ​vector​ can essentially be further broken or resolved

to obtain multiple vectors of different magnitudes and directions. In
Physics​, vectors would be mainly resolved only along the coordinate
axes, ​X, Y, and Z​.

Browse more Topics under Motion In A Plane

● Introduction to Motion in a Plane
● Scalars and Vectors
● Addition and Subtraction of Vectors – Graphical Method
● Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions
● Uniform Circular Motion
 ● Projectile Motion

Resolving Vectors along X and Y Axis

To resolve a vector on an X-Y plane, first, draw the vector. Then,

label and create the constructions on the figure as mentioned below :

The complete figure seems to be like a ​parallelogram​, further applying

the Parallelogram law of vector addition. Herein, the two vectors

⃗
 x

and

appears to be added by the parallelogram law of vector addition to

obtain

. Therefore, with this, we can say that

and

a
⃗

are the resolved output of

as

has been again broken back to its components. Here,

● a
● ⃗
● x
● is the x-component; and
● a
● ⃗
● y
● is the y-component of
● a
● ⃗
 ● .

In order to find the magnitudes of each component, in △OBC:

cos θ = ​OBOC

Therefore, OB = OC cos θ

Hence, |

|​=|

| c​ os θ [ Magnitude of x – component ]
 sin θ = BCOC

So, BC = OC sin θ;

Also, BC = OD ( Opposite sides of Rectangle );

Therefore, |

| =|

| sin θ [ Magnitude of y – component ]

Note

The General Rule of Thumb states that the subtended angle will
always touch one of the components. Further, the component which
the given ​angle​ touches or the given angle is subtended with will be
the ​cos​ component of the given vector. Whereas the other will
automatically be the ​sin​ component.

Unit Vectors along Co-ordinate Axes

For the co-ordinate axes, there are special ​unit​ vectors designated by
convention î, ĵ, and k̂, which respectively represents X, Y, and Z​ axes.
By the property of unit vectors, |î| = |ĵ| = |k̂| = 1

Writing Vectors in Component Form: Using Coordinate Axes Unit

Vectors

A vector can be expressed as a product of its magnitude and direction.

Therefore,

● a
● ⃗
● x
● =|
● a
● ⃗
● | cos θ î. The magnitude of
● a
● ⃗
● x
● , which is |
● a
● ⃗
● x
● |, is multiplied to the direction in which
● a
● ⃗
● x
● lies, which is the direction of x-axis, represented by the unit
vector î.
● a
● ⃗
● y
● =|
● a
● ⃗
● | sin θ ĵ. The magnitude of
● a
● ⃗
● y
● , which is |
 ● a
● ⃗
● y
● |, is multiplied to the direction in which|
● a
● ⃗
● y
● | lies, which is the direction of y-axis, represented by the unit
vector ĵ.
● Now we know that
● a
● ⃗
● =
● a
● ⃗
● x
● +
● a
● ⃗
● y
● .

Therefore,

a
⃗

= (|

| cos θ ) î + (|

| sin θ ) ĵ.

Addition of Vectors​ and Subtraction of Vectors in Component Form

(Expressed as Unit Vectors)

Consider the following figure:

 Expressing

in component form,

● a
● ⃗
● =
● a
● ⃗
● x
● +
● a
● ⃗
● y
 ● ;
● a
● ⃗
● =|
● a
● ⃗
● x
● |î+|
● a
● ⃗
● y
● | ĵ;
● a
● ⃗
● = (|
● a
● ⃗
● | cos θ ) î + (|
● a
● ⃗
● | sin θ ) ĵ

Expressing

b
⃗

in component form,

● b
● ⃗
● =
● b
● ⃗
● x
● +
● b
● ⃗
● y
● ;
● b
● ⃗
● =|
● b
● ⃗
● x
● |î+|
● b
● ⃗
● y
● | ĵ;
● b
● ⃗
 ● = (|
● b
● ⃗
● | cos α ) î + (|
● b
● ⃗
● | sin α ) ĵ

Operation, (\vec{S}\) =

● S
● ⃗
● =
● a
● ⃗
 ● +
● b
● ⃗
● = (|a​x|​ î + |ay​| ĵ) + (|bx​| î + |by​| ĵ);
● This implies,
● S
● ⃗
● = (|a​x​| + |b​x​|) î + (|ay​| + |b​y|​ ) ĵ;
● Hence,
● S
● ⃗
● = (|a| cos θ + |b| cos α) î + (|a| sin θ + |b| sin α) ĵ [Final Sum]

Operation,

⃗
 –

● S
● ⃗
● =
● a
● ⃗
● –
● b
● ⃗
● = (|a​x|​ î – |ay​| ĵ) + (|bx​| î – |by​| ĵ);
● This implies,
● S
● ⃗
● = (|a​x​| – |b​x|​ ) î + (|ay​| – |b​y|​ ) ĵ;
● Hence,
● S
● ⃗
 ● = (|a| cos θ – |b| cos α) î + (|a| sin θ – |b| sin α) ĵ [Final
Difference]

Solved Examples for You

Example: A laser beam is aimed 15.95° above the horizontal at a

mirror 11,648 m away. It glances off the ​mirror​ and continues for an
additional 8570. m at 11.44° above the horizon until it hits its target.
What is the resultant displacement of the beam to the target?

Solution: Let us break up the vector into their components –

x1​ ​ = r1​ ​ cos θ​1

(11,648
x1​ ​ =
m)cos(15.95°)

x1​ ​ = 11,200 m
y1​ ​ = r1​ ​ sin θ​1

(11,648
y1​ ​ =
m)sin(15.95°)

y1​ ​ = 3,200 m

x2​ ​ = r2​ ​ cos θ​2

(8,570
x2​ ​ =
m)cos(11.44°)

x2​ ​ = 8,400 m
 y2​ ​ = r2​ ​ sin θ​2

y2​ ​ = (8,570 m)sin(11.44°)

y2​ ​ = 1,700 m

Add vectors in the same ​direction​ with “ordinary” addition. –

x 11,200 m + 8,400
= m

x
19,600 m
=

y
3,200 m + 1,700 m
=
 y
4,900 m
=

Add vectors at right angles with a combination of pythagorean

theorem for magnitude…

r​ = √(​x​2​ + ​y​2​)

√[(19,600 m)​2​ + (4,900

r​ =
m)​2​]

r​ = 20,200 m

and tangent for direction.

y 4,900 m

tan θ
=
=
19,600
x
m

θ= 14.04°
Addition and Subtraction of Vectors

In Physics, vector quantities are quantities that have a magnitude and

direction. It is important to understand how operations like addition
and subtraction are carried out on vectors. In this chapter, we will
learn about these quantities and their addition and subtraction
operations. Let us begin with the addition of vectors.

Scalar and Vector Quantities

● Scalar Quantities: The physical quantities which are specified

with the magnitude or size alone are referred to as Scalar
Quantities. It is one – dimensional measurement of quantity
like mass or temperature. A physical quantity which has ​force
but no direction. For example, length, speed, work, mass,
density, etc.
● Vector Quantities: Vector Quantities refers to those physical
quantities which are characterized by the presence of both
magnitudes as well as direction. It is indeed a quantity that
requires both of magnitude and direction in order to identify the
 right quantity. For example, ​displacement​, force, torque,
momentum, ​acceleration​, ​velocity​, etc.

Browse more Topics under Motion In A Plane

● Introduction to Motion in a Plane
● Scalars and Vectors
● Resolution of Vectors and Vector Addition
● Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions
● Uniform Circular Motion
● Projectile Motion

Characteristics of Vectors

The characteristics of ​vectors​ are as follows

● They possess both magnitudes as well as direction.

● They do not obey the ordinary laws of Algebra.
● These change if either the magnitude or direction change or
both change.
 ● Vectors are significantly represented by the bold-faced letters
or letter which have an arrow over them.

Types of Vectors
Unit Vector

A unit vector is that vector which is a vector of unit magnitude and

points in a particular direction. It is specifically used for the ​direction
only. The unit vector is represented by putting a cap (^) over the
specified quantity. The unit vector in the direction of

is denoted by

and is defined by,

|A|
 A

The unit vectors along the x, y and z-axis can be denoted as

, and

^
respectively.

Equal Vectors

Vectors A and B are said to be equal if |A| = |B| as well as their

directions, are same.

Zero Vectors

Zero vector is a vector with zero magnitudes and an arbitrary direction

is called a zero vector. It can be represented by O and is also known as
Null Vector.

Negative of a Vector

The vector whose magnitude is same as that of a (vector) but the

direction is opposite to that of a (vector) is referred to as the negative
of a (vector) and is written as – a (vector).

Addition of Vectors

As per the geometrical method for the addition of vectors, two vectors
a and b. By drawing them to a common scale and placing them
according to head to tail, it may be added geometrically. The vector
that gets connected to the tail of the first to the head of the second is
the sum of vector c. The vector addition obeys the law of associativity
and is commutative.

Analytical Method i.e. Parallelogram Law for Addition of Vectors

If the two vector a and b are given such that the angle between them is
θ, in that case, the magnitude of the resultant vector c of the addition
of vectors is stated by –

c = √ (a​2​ + b​2​ + 2abcos θ)

And its direction is given by an angle Φ with vector a,

Tan Φ = b sin θ / (a + b cos θ)

Subtraction of Vectors
In order to subtract vector b from a, the direction must be reverse of
vector b to get vector (-b). Then it must be added : (-b) to a.

Vectors Addition Vectors Subtraction of Vectors

R=A+B R=A–B

R = R​x​ î + R​y​ ĵ R = R​x​ î – R​y​ ĵ

A = A​x​ î +A​y​ ĵ

where where
and

R​x​ = A​x​ + B​x R​x​ = A​x​ – B​x

B = B​x​ î
+B​y​ ĵ
and and

R​y​ = A​y​ + B​y R​y​ = A​y​ – B​y

 R=A+B R=A–B

R = R​x​î + Ryĵ + Rzk̂ R = Rxî + R​y​ ĵ + R​z ​k̂

where where

A = A​x​ î +A​y​ ĵ+A​z

k̂

R​x​ = A​x​ + B​x R​x​ = A​x​ – B​x

and

and and
B = B​x​ î
+B​y​ ĵ+B​z
k̂ R​y​ = A​y​ + B​y R​y​ = A​y​ – B​y

and and

R​z​ = A​z​ – B​z R​z​ = A​z​ – B​z

Solution Examples for You

Question: Read each statement below carefully and state, with reasons
and examples, if it is true or false :

A ​scalar quantity​ is one that –

1. is conserved in a process
2. can never take negative values
3. has the same value for observers with different orientations of
axes
4. must be dimensionless
5. does not vary from one point to another in space

Solution:

1. False: Despite being a scalar quantity, ​energy​ is not conserved

in inelastic collisions.
2. False: Despite being a scalar quantity, the temperature can take
negative values.
3. True: The value of a scalar does not vary for observers with
different orientations of axes.
4. False: Total path length is a ​scalar​ quantity. Yet it has the
dimension of length.
 5. False: A scalar quantity like that of a gravitational potential can
vary from one point to another in space.

Question: If a = 2i + j and b = 4i + 7j

1. Find the components of vector c = a + b

2. Find the magnitude of c and its angle with x – axis.

Solution:

1. c = a + b = (2i + j) + (4i + 7j) ⇒ C = (2 + 4) i + (1 + 7) j ⇒

Thus, cx = 6 and cy = 8
2. c = √ cx2 + cy2 = √ (6)2 + (8)2 = 100 ⇒ tan θ = cy/cx = 8/6 =
4/3 ⇒ θ = tan -1 (4/3) = 53 degree

Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions

The concept of relative motion velocity in a plane is quite similar to

the whole concept of relative velocity in a straight line. Considering
various occasions, we take in more than one object move in a frame
which is non-stationary in respect to another viewer.

What is Relative Motion Velocity?

The relative motion velocity refers to an object which is relative to
some other object that might be stationary, moving with the same
velocity, or moving slowly, moving with higher velocity or moving in
the opposite direction. The wide concept of relative velocity can be
very easily extended for ​motion​ along a straight line, to include
motion in a plane or either in three dimensions.

Velocity
Velocity refers to a physical ​vector​ quantity which is described by
both magnitude and direction. The magnitude or ​scalar​ absolute value
of velocity is referred to as ​speed​. As stated by the Pythagorean
Theorem, the magnitude of the velocity vector is given by –

| v | = v = √ ( v​x​ ²+ v​y​ ² )

Browse more Topics under Motion In A Plane

● Introduction to Motion in a Plane
● Scalars and Vectors
● Resolution of Vectors and Vector Addition
● Addition and Subtraction of Vectors – Graphical Method
● Uniform Circular Motion
● Projectile Motion

Acceleration

Acceleration​ is the rate of change of velocity of an object with respect

to time. Numerically or in terms of components, it can be presented as
–

a​x​ =
d

dt

v​x

a​y ​=

dt

v​y

Relative Motion Velocity in Two Dimensions

Let us consider two objects A and B who are moving with the velocity
at Va and Vb with respect to some common frame of reference, for
example, may be the ground or the earth. In this case, the velocity of
object A relative to that of B will be –

V​ab​= V​a​ – V​b

Similarly, the velocity of object B relative to that of A will be :

V​ba​ = V​b​– V​a

Therefore,

V​ba​= – V​ba

And | V​ab​ | = | V​ba​ |

When two objects seem to be stationary for one another, in that case –

V​b​ = V​a

V​ba​ = V​ab​ = 0

The magnitude of V​ba​ and V​ab​ will be lower than the magnitude of V​a
and V​b ​if V​a ​and V​b​ are of same sign. Object A appears faster to B and
B appears slower to A if V​a​ > V​b​.

The magnitude of V​ba​ and V​ab ​will be higher than the magnitude of V​a
and V​b ​if V​a ​and V​b​ are of opposite sign. In this case, both objects will
appear moving faster to one another.

Solved Questions for You

Q1: If rain is falling vertically at a speed of 35 m/s and a person is
riding a bicycle at 12 m/s ( east to west ) then the relative motion
velocity of rain will be V​rb

Solution : V​rb​ = V​r​ – V​b​ = ( 35 – 12 ) m/s = 23 m/s

Tan θ = V​w​ / V​r​ = 12 / 35 = 0.343

θ = 19 degree

The person must hold an umbrella at an angle of 19 degrees with

vertical towards the west to avoid the rain.

Q2. A plane is traveling at velocity 100 km/hr, in the southward

direction​. It encounters wind traveling in the west direction at a rate of
25 km/hr. Calculate the resultant velocity of the ​plane​.

Solution: Given, the velocity of the wind = V​w​ = 25km / hr

The velocity of the plane = V​a ​= 100 km / hr

The relative motion velocity of the plane with respect to the ground
can be given as the angle between the velocity of the wind and that of
the plane is 90°. Using the Pythagorean theorem, the resultant velocity
can be calculated as,

R​2​= (100 km/hr)² + (25 km/hr)²

R​2 ​= 10 000 km² / hr² + 625 km² / hr²

= 10 625 km² / hr²

Hence, R = 103.077 km/hr

Using ​trigonometry​, the angle made by the resultant velocity with

respect to the horizontal plane can be given as,

Tan θ = ( window velocity / airplane velocity )

Tan θ =( 25/100 )

θ = tan ​−1​(1/4)

θ =1/4 radians

Uniform Circular Motion

The term “Uniform circular motion” is the kind of motion of an object
in a ​circle​ at a constant ​speed​. With uniform circular motion, as an
object moves in a particular circle, the direction of it is constantly
changing. Herein, in all instances, the object is moving tangent to the
circle. Let us study this angular motion in detail.

Circular Motion

Circular motion is the movement of an object in a circular path.

Uniform Circular Motion

This motion refers to the circular motion if the magnitude of the

velocity of the particle in circular motion remains constant. The
non-uniform circular motion refers to the circular motion when the
magnitude of the velocity of the object is not constant. Another special
kind of circular motion is when an object rotates around itself also
known by spinning motion.

Variables in Circular Motion

Angular Displacement

The angle which is subtended by the position vector at the center of

the circular path refers to the angular displacement.

Angular Displacement (Δθ) = (ΔS/r)

Where Δ’s refers to the linear displacement while r is the radius.

Radian is the unit of Angular Displacement.

Browse more Topics Under Motion In A Plane

 ● Introduction to Motion in a Plane
● Scalars and Vectors
● Resolution of Vectors and Vector Addition
● Addition and Subtraction of Vectors – Graphical Method
● Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions
● Uniform Circular Motion
● Projectile Motion

Angular Acceleration

It refers to the rate of time of change of ​angular velocity​ (dῶ).

Angular acceleration (α) = dῶ/dt = d2θ / dt2

Its ​unit​ is r​ad​/s​2​ and dimensional formula [T]​-2​. The relation between
linear acceleration (a) and angular acceleration (α)

A = rα, where r is the radius.

Angular Velocity

It refers to the time rate change of angular displacement (dῶ).

Angular Velocity (ῶ) = Δθ/Δt

Angular Velocity is a vector quantity. Its unit is rad/s. The relation

between the linear velocity (v) and angular velocity (ῶ) is

v = rῶ

Centripetal Acceleration

It refers to an ​acceleration​ that acts on the body in circular motion

whose ​direction​ is always towards the center of the path.

Centripetal Acceleration (α) = v​2​/r = rῶ2.

The magnitude of this acceleration by comparing ratios of velocity

and position around the circle. Since the particle is traveling in a
circular path, the ratio of the change in velocity to velocity will be the
same as the ratio of the change in position to position. It is also known
as radial acceleration as it acts along the radius of the circle.
Centripetal Acceleration is a ​vector​ quantity and the unit is in m/s​2​.

Solved Question for You

Q. During the course of a turn, an automobile doubles its speed. How
much must additional frictional​ force​ the tires provide if the car safely
makes around the ​curve​? Since ​F​c varies with ​v​2, an increase in
velocity by a factor of two must be accompanied by an increase in
centripetal force by a factor of four.

A satellite is said to be in geosynchronous orbit if it rotates around the

earth once every day. For the earth, all satellites in geosynchronous
orbit must rotate at a distance of 4.23×107 meters from the earth’s
center. What is the magnitude of the acceleration felt by a
geosynchronous satellite?

Solution: The acceleration felt by any object in uniform circular

motion​ is given by

a​ =

v²÷r

We are given the radius but must find the velocity of the satellite. We
know that in one day, or 86400 seconds, the ​satellite​ travels around
the earth once. Thus:
v=

Δr÷Δt

2πr÷Δt

2π×4.23×

10

÷86400

= 3076m/s

a​ =

÷r
=

3076

÷(4.23×

10

= .224m/s²

Projectile Motion

Motion in a plane is also referred to as a motion in two dimensions.

For example – ​Circular Motion​, Projectile Motion, etc. For the
analysis of such type of motion (i.e. Projectile Motion), the reference
point will be made of an origin and the two coordinate axes X and Y.
One of the most common examples of motion in a plane is Projectile
motion.
Projectile Motion

Projectile refers to an object that is in flight after being thrown or

projected. In a projectile motion, the only acceleration acting is in the
vertical direction which is ​acceleration​ due to gravity (g). ​Equations of
motion​, therefore, can be applied separately in X-axis and Y-axis to
find the unknown parameters.

Some examples of Projectile Motion are Football, A baseball, A

cricket ball, or any other object. The projectile motion consists of two
parts – one is the horizontal motion of no acceleration and the other
vertical motion of constant acceleration due to ​gravity​. The projectile
motion is always in the form of a ​parabola​ which is represented as:

Browse more Topics under Motion In A Plane

● Introduction to Motion in a Plane
● Scalars and Vectors
● Resolution of Vectors and Vector Addition
● Addition and Subtraction of Vectors – Graphical Method
● Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions
● Uniform Circular Motion
y = ax + bx​2

Projectile motion is calculated by a way of neglecting air ​resistance​ in

order to simplify the calculations. The above diagram represents the
motion of an object under the influence of gravity. It is an example of
projectile motion (a special case of motion in a plane). The motion of
a projectile is considered as a result:

Few Examples of Two – Dimensional Projectiles

● Throwing a ball or a cannonball

● The motion of a billiard ball on the billiard table.
● A motion of a shell fired from a gun.
● A motion of a boat in a river.
 ● The motion of the earth around the sun.

What is Motion in Plane?

When a particle is projected obliquely near the earth’s surface, it

moves simultaneously in the direction of horizontal and vertical. The
motion of such a particle is called Projectile Motion. In the above
diagram, where a particle is projected at an angle θ, with an initial
velocity u. For this particular case, we will calculate the following:

● The time is taken to reach point A from O

● The horizontal distance covered (OA)
● The maximum height reached during the motion.
● The velocity at any time “ t “ during the motion.

Quantity Value

Components of velocity at time t v​x​ = v​0​ cosθ​0

 v​y​ = v​0​ sinθ​0​–gt

x = (v​0​ cosθ​0​)t

Position at time t
y = (v​0​ sinθ​0​)t – 1/2 gt​2

Equation of path of projectile motion y = (tan θ​0​)x – gx​2​/2(v​0​cosθ​0​)​2

Time of maximum height t​m​ = v​0​ sinθ​0​ /g

Time of flight 2t​m​ = 2(v​0​ sinθ​0​/g)

Maximum height of projectile h​m​ = (v​0​ sinθ​0​)​2​/2g

Horizontal range of projectile R = v​02​ sin 2θ​0​/g

Maximum horizontal range ( θ​0​ = 45° ) R​m​ = v​02​/g

If any object is thrown with the velocity u, making an angle Θ from
horizontal, then the horizontal component of initial velocity = u cos Θ
and the vertical component of initial velocity = u sin Θ. The horizontal
component of velocity (u cos Θ) remains the same during the whole
journey as herein, no acceleration is acting horizontally.

The vertical component of velocity (u sin Θ) gradually decrease and at

the highest point of the path becomes 0. The velocity of the body at
the highest point is u cos Θ in the horizontal direction. However, the
angle between the velocity and acceleration is 90 degree.

Important Points of Projectile Motion

● The linear momentum at the highest point is mu cos Θ and the

kinetic energy is (1/2)m(u cos Θ)​2
● After t seconds, the horizontal displacement of the projectile is
x = (u cos Θ) t
 ● After t seconds, the vertical displacement of the projectile is y
= (u sin Θ) t – (1/2) gt​2
● The equation of the path of the projectile is y = x tan Θ –
[g/(2(u​2​ cos Θ)​2​)]x​2
● The path of a projectile is parabolic.
● At the lowest point, the kinetic energy is (1/2) mu​2
● At the lowest point, the linear momentum is = mu
● Throughout the motion, the acceleration of projectile is
constant and acts vertically downwards being equal to g.
● The angular momentum of projectile = mu cos Θ × h where the
value of h denotes the height.
● The angle between the velocity and acceleration in the case of
angular projection varies from 0 < Θ < 180 degrees.

What is Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions?

Solved Examples for You

Question: A man can swim at a speed of 4.0 km/h in still water. How
long does he take to cross a river 1.0 km wide if the river flows
steadily at 3.0 km/h and he makes his strokes normal to the river
current? How far down the river does he go when he reaches the other
bank?

Solution: Speed of the man = 4 km/h and width of the river = 1 km

Time taken to cross the river = Width of the river / Speed of the river

= 1/4 h = 1/4 × 60 = 15 minutes

Speed of the river, v​r​ = 3 km/h

Distance covered with flow of the river = v​r​ × t

= 3 × 1/3 = 1/4

= 3/4 × 1000 = 750 m