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 Vedantu’s Tatva Practice Book

Physics
Volume 2 Class 11 NEET
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 How to use your
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1
8. Quantization of charge
When a physical quantity can
have only discrete values rather
than any value, the quantity is
said to be quantised. The
smallest charge that can exist in Scan the QR Code in each
nature is the charge of an chapter’s theory section to
electron.
view micro concept videos
related to the chapter, on
SCAN CODE the Vedantu app.
Electrostatics

Exercise - 2:

2
Solve all types of
1. The rate constant for a first
order reaction is 4.606 ×
10–3s–1. The time required to
reduce 2.0g of the reactant to
0.2g is:
exercise questions (NEET 2020)
based on the latest
NEET pattern. (a) 500s (b) 1000s
(c) 100s (d) 200s

Answer Key

3
CHAPTER-1: ELECTROSTATICS
For extra exam
Exercise-1: Basic Objective preparation content,
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Scan the QR code in the You can find previous
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Founder’s Message
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6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Work, Energy & Power

Theory........................................................................................................................................................ 8

Solved Examples........................................................................................................................................ 18

Exercise - 1: Basic Objective Questions.................................................................................................... 25

Exercise - 2: Previous Year Questions....................................................................................................... 39

Exercise - 3: Achiever’s Section ................................................................................................................ 42

Answer Key……………………………………………………………………………………………... 221

Circular Motion
Theory........................................................................................................................................................ 46

Solved Examples........................................................................................................................................ 60

Exercise - 1: Basic Objective Questions.................................................................................................... 66

Exercise - 2: Previous Year Questions....................................................................................................... 79

Exercise - 3: Achiever’s Section ................................................................................................................. 84

Answer Key……………………………………………………………………………………………... 223

Centre of Mass, Momentum & Collision

Theory........................................................................................................................................................ 89

Solved Examples........................................................................................................................................ 100

Exercise - 1: Basic Objective Questions.................................................................................................... 107

Exercise - 2: Previous Year Questions....................................................................................................... 122

Exercise - 3: Achiever’s Section ................................................................................................................ 128

Answer Key……………………………………………………………………………………………... 225

 7

Rotational Motion
Theory…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 134

Solved Examples………………………………………………………………………………………… 144

Exercise – 1: Basic Objective Questions………………………………………………………………... 154

Exercise − 2: Previous Year Questions…………………………………………………………………. 169

Exercise − 3: Achiever’s Section………………………………………………………………………... 173

Answer Key……………………………………………………………………………………………... 227

Gravitation
Theory…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 179

Solved Examples………………………………………………………………………………………… 193

Exercise – 1: Basic Objective Questions………………………………………………………………... 199

Exercise − 2: Previous Year Questions…………………………………………………………………. 212

Exercise − 3: Achiever’s Section………………………………………………………………………... 215

Answer Key……………………………………………………………………………………………... 229

 05
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 1

Chapter 05

Work, Energy And Power

 
W  Fx ˆi  Fy ˆj  Fz kˆ . xiˆ  yjˆ  zkˆ 
1. Work W  x Fx  y Fy  zFz
Obviously, work is a scalar quantity, i.e., it has magnitude
Introduction to Work: only and no direction. However, work done by a force can
In Physics, work stands for ‘mechanical work’. be positive or negative or zero.
Work is said to be done by a force when the body is Note:
displaced actually through some distance in the direction of Work done is positive, negative or zero depending upon the
the applied force. angle between force & displacement
However, when there is no displacement in the direction of
the applied force, no work is said to be done, i.e., work done 1.1. Dimensions and Units of Work
is zero, when displacement of the body in the direction of
As work = force × distance
the force is zero.
 W   M1 L1T 2   L
Suppose a constant force F acting on a body produces a
 1 1 –2
displacement s in the body along the positive x-direction, W = (M L T ) × L
as shown in the figure
W   M1 L2 T 2 

This is the dimensional formula of work.

The units of work are of two types:
1. Absolute units 2. Gravitational units
(a) Absolute unit
1. Joule. It is the absolute unit of work in SI.
Fig.5.1
Work done is said to be one joule, when a force of one
If  is the angle which force makes with the positive x– newton actually moves a body through a distance of one
direction of the displacement, then the component of in the metre in the direction of applied force.
direction of displacement is (F cos  ). As work done by the From W  Fs cos 
force is the product of component of force in the direction of
1 joule = 1 newton × 1 metre × cos 0° = 1 N–m
the displacement and the magnitude of the displacement,
2. Erg. It is the absolute unit of work in cgs system.
W   Fcos   s ... 1 Work done is said to be one erg, when a force of one dyne
actually moves a body through a distance of one cm in the
If displacement is in the direction of force applied, direction of applied force.
  0 . Then from (1), W = (F cos 0°) s = F s From W  Fs cos 
 
Equation (1) can be rewritten as W  F.s ...  2  1erg  1dyne 1cm  cos 0  105 N 102 m 1
Thus, work done by a force is the dot product of force and
1erg  107 J
displacement.
 
In terms of rectangular component, F and s may written as (b) Gravitational units
 
F  Fx ˆi  Fy ˆj  Fz kˆ and s  xiˆ  yjˆ  zkˆ These are also called the practical units of work.
  1. Kilogram-metre (kg–m). It is the gravitational unit of
From (2), W  F.s
work in SI.

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Work, Energy and Power
10 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Work done is said to be one kg–m, when a force of 1 kgf

moves a body through a distance of 1 m in the direction of
the applied force.
From W  F cos 
1 kg–m = 1kgf × 1 m × cos 0° = 9.8 N × 1 m = 9.8 joule,
i.e., 1kg  m  9.8 J

2. Gram-centimetre (g-cm). It is the gravitational unit of

work in cgs system.
Work done is said to be one g-cm, when a force of 1g f
moves a body through a distance of 1 cm in the direction of Fig.5.2
the applied force.
(c) Zero work
From W  Fs cos   
When force applied F or the displacement s or both are
1 g-cm = 1 g f × 1 cm × cos 0° zero, work done W = F s cos q is zero. Again, when angle q
 
1 g-cm = 980 dyne × 1 cm × 1 between F and s is 90°, cos   cos 90  0 . Therefore,
1g  cm  980 erg work done is zero.
For example:
1.2. Nature of Work Done When we push hard against a wall, the force we exert on the

Although work done is a scalar quantity, its value may be wall does no work, because s = 0. However, in this process,
positive, negative or even zero, as described below: our muscles are contracting and relaxing alternately and
(a) Positive work internal energy is being used up. That is why we do get
 tired.
As W = F. s  Fs cos 
1.3. Work done by a Variable Force
 when q is acute (< 90°), cos q is positive. Hence, work
done is positive. If the force is variable then the work done is
xB
For example: W  F  x  .dx
When a body falls freely under the action of gravity,   0 xA

F (x)
, cos   cos 0  1 . Therefore, work done by gravity on a C
body falling freely is positive.
(b) Negative work
 D
As W = F. s  Fs cos 
Work
\ When q is obtuse (> 90°), cos q is negative. Hence, work
done is negative. O x
A B
For example: (b)

When a body is thrown up, its motion is opposed by gravity. Fig.5.3

The angle  between gravitational force and the
W  Area ABCDA
displacement is 180°. As cos   cos180  1 therefore,
work done by gravity on a body moving upwards is Note Hence, work done by a variable force is numerically equal
negative. to the area under the force curve and the displacement axis.
Note:
NOTE:
Energy of a body is defined as the capacity or ability of
the body to do the work
Work done is equal to energy consumed.

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Work, Energy and Power
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 11

2. Kinetic Energy
Introduction to Kinetic Energy:
The kinetic energy of a body is the energy possessed by the
body by virtue of its motion.
For example:
(i) A bullet fired from a gun can pierce through a target on
account of kinetic energy of the bullet.
(ii) Windmills work on the kinetic energy of air.
(iii) For example, sailing ships use the kinetic energy of
wind.
(iv) Water mills work on the kinetic energy of water. For
example, fast flowing stream has been used to grind
corn.
(iv) A nail is driven into a wooden block on account of
kinetic energy of the hammer striking the nail.
Formula for Kinetic Energy

1
K.E. of body  m v2
2

2.1. Relation Between Kinetic Energy and Linear Momentum


Let m = mass of a particle, v  velocity of the particle. Fig.5.4
 
Linear momentum of the particle, p  mv

and K.E. of the particle 

1 2
mv 
1
 m2 v2  3. Work Energy Theorem
2 2m
According to this principle, work done by net force in
p2 displacing a body is equal to change in kinetic energy of the
 K.E 
2m body.
This is an important relation. It shows that a particle cannot Thus, when a force does some work on a body, the kinetic
have K.E. without having linear momentum. The reverse is energy of the body increases by the same amount.
also true. Conversely, when an opposing (retarding) force is applied
on a body, its kinetic energy decreases. The decrease in
1
Further, if p = constant, K.E  kinetic energy of the body is equal to the work done by the
m
body against the retarding force. Thus, according to work
This is shown in figure (a) energy principle, work and kinetic energy are equivalent
If K.E. = constant, p2  m or quantities.
Proof: To prove the work-energy theorem, we confine
This is shown in figure (b).
ourselves to motion in one dimension.
If m = constant, p2  K.E or Suppose m = mass of a body, u = initial velocity of the
This is shown in figure (c) body,
F = force applied on the body along it’s direction of motion,
a = acceleration produced in the body, v = final velocity of
the body after t second.

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Work, Energy and Power
12 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Small amount of work done by the applied force on the 2. Work done by or against a conservative force does not
body, depend upon the trajecrory of the path followed by the body
in going from initial position to the final position.
dW  F  ds  when ds is the small distance moved by the
3. Work done by or against a conservative force in moving a
body in the direction of the force applied.
body through any round trip (i.e., closed path, where final
 dv  position coincides with the initial position of the body) is
Now, F  ma  m  
 dt  always zero.
Non-conservative Forces
 dv   dv 
dW  F  ds   m   ds  m   A force is said to be non-conservative, if work done by or
 dt   dt 
against the force in moving a body from one position to
 ds  another, depends on the path followed between initial and
dV  mv dv   v 
 dt  final position.
 ds  For example, frictional forces are non-conservative forces.
  v 
 dt 
Potential Energy and the Associated Conservative Force:
Total work done by the applied force on the body in
increasing its velocity from u to v is We know how to find potential energy associated with a
v
conservative force. Now we learn how to obtain the
v v
 v2  conservative force if potential energy function is known.
W   mv dv  m  v dv  m  
 2 u Consider work done dW by a conservative force in moving
u u

1 1 1 a particle through an infinitely small path length d s as
W
2
 
m v 2  u 2  mv 2  mu 2
2 2 shown in the figures.

1 1
But mv 2  K f  final K.E. of the body and mu 2  K i 
2 2
initial K.E. of the body
W  K f  K i  change in K.E. of body
i.e., Net work done on the body = increase in K.E. of body

4. Potential Energy
4.1. Conservative and Non-Conservative Fig.5.5

Force
 
Conservative force dU  dW  F.ds  Fds cos 
A force is said to be conservative if work done by or against
the force in moving a body depends only on the initial and From the above equation, the magnitude F of the
final positions of the body, and not on the trajectory of path conservative force can be expressed.
followed between the initial and the final positions.
dU dU
This means, work done by or against a conservative force in F 
ds cos  dr
moving a body over any path between fixed initial and final
positions will be the same. If we assume an infinitely small displacement in the
For example, gravitational force is a conservative force. direction of the force, magnitude of the force is given by the
Properties of Conservative forces : following equation.
1. Work done by or against a conservative force, in moving
dU
a body from one position to the other depends only on the F
initial position and final position of the body. dr

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Work, Energy and Power
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 13

Here minus sign suggest that the force acts in the direction If we assume that height h is not too large and the value of g
of decreasing potential energy. is practically constant over this height,

U U U Wg  mg  cos180
Also, Fx  , Fy  , FZ  
x y z Wg  mgh

U  Wg
4.2 Introduction to Potential Energy
U  mgh
The potential energy of a body is defined as the energy
possessed by the body by virtue of its position or U B  U A  mgh
configuration in some conservative field. Considering U A  0, U B  U  mgh
Thus, potential energy is the energy that can be associated
with the configuration (or arrangement) of a system of 4.4. Spring Potential Energy
objects that exert forces on one another. Obviously, if
Potential energy of a spring is the energy associated with the
configuration of the system changes, then its potential
state of compression or expansion of an elastic spring.
energy changes.
To calculate it, consider an elastic spring OA of negligible
Two important types of potential energy are :
mass. The end O of the spring is fixed to a rigid support and
1. Gravitational potential energy a body of mass m is attached to the free end A. Let the
2. Elastic potential energy. spring be oriented along x–axis and the body of mass m lies
Also WC  U on a perfectly frictionless horizontal table.

WC : Work done by conservative force

O
4.3. Gravitational Potential Energy A
Fig.5.7
Gravitational potential energy of a body is the energy
possessed by the body by virtue of its position above the The position of the body A, when spring is unstretched is
surface of the earth. chosen as the origin.
To calculate gravitational potential energy, suppose When the spring is compressed or elongated, it tends to
m = mass of a body regain to its original length, on account of elasticity. The
g = acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth. force trying to bring the spring back to its original
configuration is called restoring force or spring force.
h = height through which the body is raised, as shown in the
figure. For a small stretch or compression, spring obeys Hooke’s
law.
Restoring Force  stretch or compression
   
F   x, F  kx
where k is a constant of the spring and is called spring
constant.
1
It is established that for a spring, k  ,

 : Natural length of spring
i.e., smaller the length of the spring, greater will be the force
constant and vice-versa.
Fig.5.6 The negative sign in equation indicates that the restoring
force is directed always towards the equilibrium position.

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Work, Energy and Power
14 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Let the body be displaced further through an infinitesimally For simplicity, we assume the motion to be one dimensional
small distance dx, against the restoring force. only. Suppose a body undergoes a small displacement Dx
Small amount of work done in increasing the length of the under the action of a conservative force F  x  . According to
spring by dx is
work energy theorem,
dW = – F dx = kx dx
change in K.E. = work done
Total work done in giving displacement x to the body can be
obtained by integrating from x = 0 to x = x, i.e.,
K  F  x  .x
xx
xx
 x2   x2  1 2 As the force is conservative, the potential energy function
W x0 k x dx  k  2  x0  k  2  0  2 kx U  x  is defined as

This work done is stored in the spring at the point B in the U  F  x  .x or U  F  x  .x
form of P.E
Adding, we get K  F  x  .dx
1 2
 P.E. at B  W  kx
2 K  U,   K  U   0

which means  K  U   E  constant

5.1 Illustration of the Law of

Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Fig.5.8
To illustrate the law further, let us calculate kinetic energy
The variation of potential energy with distance x is shown in
K.E., potential energy P.E. and total energy T.E. of a body
figure
falling freely under gravity.
P.E.
Let m be the mass of the body held at A, at a height h above
the ground, figure.
A
X' A X
x x

Fig.5.9 h
B
(h–x)
5. Mechanical Energy and Its C
Ground
Conservation Fig.5.10

As the body is at rest at A, therefore,

The mechanical energy (E) of a body is the sum of kinetic At A : K. E. of the body = 0
energy (K) and potential energy (U) of the body
P.E. of the body = mgh where g is acceleration due to
i.e., E  K  U gravity at A.

Obviously, mechanical energy of a body is a scalar quantity T.E. of the body  K.E  P.E  0  mgh
measured in joule.
E1  mgh ....1
We can show that the total mechanical energy of a system is
conserved if the force, doing work on the system are Let the body be allowed to fall freely under gravity, when it
conservative. strikes the ground at C with a velocity v.

This is called the principle of conservation of total From v 2  u 2  2as

mechanical energy.

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Work, Energy and Power
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 15

v2  0  2gh slope of the potential energy function. Variation in the force

with r is also shown in the figure.
v 2  2gh ...  2 
At locations r  r1 , r  r2 , and in the region r  r3 , where
1 1 potential energy function assumes a minimum, a maximum,
At C : K.E. of the body  mv 2  m(2 gh)  mgh
2 2 and a constant value respectively, the force becomes zero
P.E. of the body = mgh = mg (0) = 0 and the particle is in the state of equilibrium
Total energy of the body = K.E. + P.E.
E 2  mgh  0  mgh ... 3

In the free fall, let the body cross any point B with a velocity
v1 , where AB = x
2 2
From v – u = 2 as
v12  0  2(g)x .... 4 

1 1
At B : K.E. of the body  mv 2  m(2gx)  mgx
2 2
Height of the body at B above the ground = CB = (h – x)
P.E. of the body at B = mg (h – x)
Total energy of the body at B = K.E. + P.E.
EB  mgx  mg  h  x   mgx  mgh  mgx
Fig.5.11
EB  mgh ... 5
Force is negative of the slope of the potential energy
From (1), (3), (5) we find that
function
E A  E B  E C  mgh which proves conservation of
mechanical energy 6.1 Stable Equilibrium
At r  r1 the potential energy function is a minima and the
6. Potential Energy and force on either side acts towards the point r  r1 . If the
particle is displaced on either side and released, the force
Nature of Equilibrium tries to restore it at r  r1 . At this location the particle is in
the state of stable equilibrium. The dip in the potential
du energy curve at the location of stable equilibrium is known
As we know f   So, Force = negative of slope of u
dr as potential well. A particle when disturbed from the state of
versus r graph. stable equilibrium starts oscillations about the location of
stable equilibrium. At the locations of stable equilibrium we
The state of stable and unstable equilibrium is associated have
with a point location, where the potential energy function
U F 2 U
assumes a minimum and maximum value respectively, and F(r)    0; and  0; and 2  0
r r r
the neutral equilibrium is associated with region of space,
where the potential energy function assumes a constant
value.
6.2 Unstable Equilibrium

For the sake of simplicity, consider a one dimensional At r  r2 the potential energy function is a maxima, the force
potential energy function U of a central force F. Here r is the
acts away from the point r  r2 . If the particle is displaced
radial coordinate of a particle. The central force F
experienced by the particle equals to the negative of the slightly on either side, it will not return to the location r  r2
. At this location, the particle is in the state of unstable

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Work, Energy and Power
16 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

equilibrium. At the locations of unstable equilibrium we  

P  F.v
have
U F 2U Dimensions of power can be deduced as :
F(r)    0; therefore  0; and 0
r r r 2 W M1 L2 T 2
P    M1 L2 T 3 
6.3 Neutral Equilibrium t T1

In the region r  r3 , the potential energy function is

constant and the force is zero everywhere. In this region, the
particle is in the state of neutral equilibrium. At the locations
of neutral equilibrium we have
U F 2U
F(r)    0 therefore  0 and 0
r r r 2

7. Power
Power of a person or machine is defined as the time rate at
which work is done by it.
work done
i.e., Power = Rate of doing work =
time taken
Thus, power of a body measurement how fast it can do the
work.
Units of power
The absolute unit of power in SI is watt, which is denoted
by W.
From P = W/t
1 joule
1 watt = , i.e., 1W  1Js 1
1sec
Power of a body is said to be one watt, if it can do one joule
of work in one second.
1 h.p.  746 W

NOTE:
Power is also described in terms of rate at which energy
is consumed.
dW
P
dt
   
* Now, dW = F.d s, where F is the force applied and ds is
the small displacement.
 
F.d s
P
dt
 
F.d s
P
dt

ds 
But  v, the instantaneous velocity.
dt

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WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 17

NCERT Corner
the pseudo forces in the calculation of the net force
acting on the body under consideration.
11. Every force encountered in mechanics does not have an
associated potential energy. For example, work done by
1. Work done is a scalar quantity. It can be positive or
friction over a closed path is not zero and no potential
negative unlike mass and kinetic energy which are
energy can be associated with friction.
positive scalar quantities. The work done by the friction
12. The principle of conservation of mechanical energy
or viscous force on a moving body is negative.
states that the total mechanical energy of a body remains
2. A force is conservative if (i) work done by it on an constant if the only forces that act on the body are
object is path independent and depends only on the conservative.
initial and final position, or (ii) the work done by the
force is zero for an arbitrary closed path taken by the
object such that it returns to its initial position.
3. The gravitational potential energy of a particle of mass
m at a height x about the earth’s surface is U(x) = m g x
where the variation of g with height is ignored.
4. The elastic potential energy of a spring of force constant
1
k and extension x is U(x)  kx 2
2
5. The potential energy of a body subjected to a
conservative force is always undetermined upto a
constant. For example, the point where the potential
energy is zero is a matter of choice. For the gravitational
potential energy mgh, the zero of the potential energy is
chosen to be the ground. For the spring potential energy
kx2/2, the zero of the potential energy is the equilibrium
position of the oscillating mass.
6. For a conservative force in one dimension, we may
define a potential energy function U(x) such that
dU(x)
F(x)  
dx
xf

or Ui  U f   F(x)dx
xi

dU
7. For equilibrium F   0
dx
8. The work – energy theorem states that the change in
kinetic energy of a body is the work done by the net
force on the body.
Kf – Ki = Wnet
9. The work done by a force can be calculated sometimes
even if the exact nature of the force is not known. This is
calculated with the help of work energy theorem by
using change in kinetic energy
10. The WE theorem holds in all inertial frames. It can also
be applied in non internal frames provided we include

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18 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Solved Examples
Coefficient of kinetic friction,   0.1
Initial velocity, u = 0
Example 1 Time, t = 10 s
Frictional force is given as:
The sign of work done by a force on a body is
important to understand. State carefully if the f  mg  0.1 2  9.8  1.96N
following quantities are positive or negative: Total force = 7-1.96 = 5.04
(a) work done by a man in lifting a bucket out of a Total acceleration of the body:
well by means of a rope tied to the bucket. a  2.52ms2
(b) work done by gravitational force in the above The distance travelled by the body is given by the
case, equation of motion:
(c) work done by friction on a body sliding down an 1 1 2
inclined plane, s  ut    at 2  0     2.52  10   126m
2
  2
 
(d) work done by an applied force on a body moving (a) Work done by the applied force,
on a rough horizontal plane with uniform velocity,
Wa  F  s  7  126  882 J
(e) work done by the resistive force of air on a
(b) Work done by the frictional force.
vibrating pendulum in bringing it to rest.
Wf  F  s  1.96  126  247 J
Sol. (a) Positive In the given case, force and displacement
are in the same direction. Hence, the sign of work (c) Net force = 7 + (-1.96) = 5.04 N
done is positive. In this case, the work is done on the Work done by the net force,
bucket. (b) Negative in the given case, the direction Wnet  5.04  126  635 J
of force (vertically downward) and displacement (d) From the first equation of motion, final velocity
(vertically upward) are opposite to each other. Hence, can be calculated as:
the sign of work done is negative. v  u  at  0  2.52  10  25.2 m / s
(c) Negative since the direction of frictional force is
Change in kinetic energy
opposite to the direction of motion, the work done by
1 1
frictional force is negative in this case.    mv 2    mu 2
2 2
(d) Positive Here the body is moving on a rough
horizontal plane. Frictional force opposes the motion 1 2
 
    2 v 2  u 2   25.2   02  635 J
2
of the body. Therefore, in order to maintain a
uniform velocity, a uniform force must be applied to
the body. Since the applied force acts in the direction Example 3
of motion of the body, the work done is positive. The potential energy function for a particle executing
(e) Negative, the resistive force of air acts in the linear simple harmonic motion is given by
direction opposite to the direction of motion of the kx 2
Ux  . where k is the force constant of the
pendulum. Hence, the work done is negative in this 2
case. oscillator. For k  0.5Nm 1 , the graph of V (x)
versus x is shown in fig. Show that a particle of total
Example 2 energy 1 J moving under this potential must ‘turn
A body of mass 2 kg initially at rest moves under the
back when it reaches x  2m .
action of an applied horizontal force of 7 N on a table
Sol. Total energy of the particle, E = 1J
with coefficient of kinetic friction = 0.1. Compute the
Force constant, k  0.5Nm 1
(a) work done by the applied force in 10 s,
(b) work done by friction in 10 s, 1
Kinetic energy of the particle, K    mv 2
(c) work done by the net force on the body in 10 s, 2
(d) change in kinetic energy of the body in 10 s, and According to the conservation law:
interpret your results.
Sol. Mass of the body, m = 2 kg
Applied force, F = 7 N
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 19

Example 6
A body is initially at rest. It undergoes one-
dimensional motion with constant acceleration. The
power delivered to it at time t is proportional to
1
(a) t 2 (b) t
3
E  UK
(c) t 2 (d) t 2
1 1 Ans: (b)
1  kx 2  mv 2
2 2 Sol.
At the moment of ‘turn back’, velocity (and hence K) From v = u + at
becomes zero, v = 0 + at = at
1 As power, P  Fv
 1  kx 2
2
2
 P   ma  at 2  ma 2 t
x 4
As m and a are constants, therefore, P  t
x  2
Option (b) is correct.
Hence, the particle turns back when it reaches
x  2 .
Example 7
A body is moving unidirectionally under the
Example 4
influence of a source of constant power. Its
Underline the correct alternative:
displacement in time t is proportional to
(a) When a conservative force does positive work on
1
a body, the potential energy of the body increases/ (a) t 2 (b) t
decreases/remains unaltered. 3
(b) Work done by a body against friction always (c) t 2 (d) t 2
results in a loss of its kinetic/potential energy. Ans: (b)
Sol. (a) Decreases, we know WC  U dv P
Sol. m.v. .v  v2 dv  dx
As WC  0 dx m
Hence, U  0 As p and m are constant
(b) Kinetic energy, the work done against the v3  x
direction of friction reduces the velocity of a body. 1

Hence, there is a loss of kinetic energy of the body. v  x3

1
dx
Example 5  kx 3
dt
State if each of the following statements is true or 1
false. Give reasons for your answer.  dx x 3   dt
(a) Total energy of a system is always conserved, no 2
matter what internal and external forces on the body x3  t
are present. 3
(b) Work done in the motion of a body over a closed x  t2
loop is zero for every force in nature.
Sol. (a) False Total energy of a system may change it  Example 8
ternal force acts or if on-conservative forces are A body constrained to move along the z-axis of a
acting. coordinate system is subject to a constant force F
(b) False The work done in the motion of a body over given by F  i  2j  3k N . Where i, j, k are unit
a closed loop is zero for a conservation force only.
vectors along the x-, y- and z-axis of the system
respectively. What is the work done by this force in
moving the body a distance of 4 m along the z-axis?
Sol. Force exerted on the body,
20 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER


F  i  2j  3k N
3 1
v  ax 2 and a  5m 2 s 1

Displacement, S  4km ˆ Initial velocity, u at (x = 0) = 0
 Final velocity v at (x = 2m) = 10 2m / s
Work done, W  F.s
Work done, W = Change in kinetic energy
 (i  2j  3k).(4k)
  1

 m v2  u 2
2

 0  0  3 4
 12J
Hence, 12 J of work is done by the force on the body.
1
 2
   0.5 10 2   0
2
2

1
    0.5  10  10  2  50J
Example 9 2
A pump on the ground floor of a building can pump
Example 11
up water to fill a tank of volume 30 m3 in 15 min. If
A man rowing a boat upstream is at rest with respect
the tank is 40 m above the ground, and the efficiency
to shore.
of the pump is 30%, how much electric power is
consumed by the pump? (a) Is he doing any work?

Sol. Volume of the tank, V  30m3 (b) If he stops rowing and moves down with the
stream, is any work being done on him?
Time of operation, t = 15 min = 15×60 = 900 s
Sol. (a) No work is being done by the net force because
Height of the tank, h = 40m displacement of boat relative to the shore is zero.
Efficiency of the pump,  = 30% (b) When he stops rowing, force of water flow will
3 3 produce displacement with respect to the shore.
Density of water,  = 10 kg/m
Therefore, work is done by force of flowing water.
Mass of water, m  .v  30 103 kg KE of the person will increase
Output power can be obtained as:
Example 12
mgh
P0 = Work done/Time  A stone is dropped from the top of a high tower. Will
t the mechanical energy of the stone be conserved or
40 not if the force of friction due to air is not neglected?
 30 103  9.8   13.067 103 W Sol. Mechanical energy is conserved only when forces
900
involved are conservative. As force of friction due to
For input power Pi , efficiency, is given by the air is non-conservative, therefore, mechanical energy
relation: of the stone is not conserved.
P0
  30% Example 13
Pi
A man can jump higher on moon than on earth. With
103 same effort, can a runner improve his timing for 100
Pi  13.067  100 
30 m race on moon as compared to that on earth ?
Sol. The man can jump higher on moon than on earth,
 0.436  105 W  43.6kW
because the acceleration due to gravity on moon is
less than acceleration due to gravity on earth.
Example 10 However, acceleration due to gravity has no effect on
A body of mass 0.5 kg travels in a straight line with horizontal motion. Therefore, a runner cannot
3 1
improve his timing on the moon for 100-meter race.
velocity v  ax 2 where a 5m 2 s 1 . What is the work
done by the net force during its displacement from
Example 14
x = 0 to x = 2m?
Work done by external forces is always equal to the
Sol. Mass of the body, m = 0.5 kg
gain in kinetic energy. Is it always true ?
Velocity of the body is governed by the equation,
Sol. Yes. This is the universal work-energy theorem.
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 21

Example 15 Example 17
Assume that the Earth revolves around the Sun in a
A pump is required to lift 1000 kg of water per
perfectly circular orbit. Does the Sun do any work on
minute from a well 20 m deep and eject it at a rate
the Earth?
of 20 m/s.
Sol. While the force is along the radius, the displacement
is a along the tangent. Since radius and tangent are (a) How much work is done in lifting water?
 
perpendicular, therefore, F and S are also (b) How much work is done in giving it a KE?
perpendicular. Consequently, work done is zero. (c) What HP (horsepower) engine is required for the
purpose of lifting water?
Example 16
A block of mass 5 kg is being raised vertically Sol. (a) Work done in lifting water = gain in potential
upwards by the help of a string attached to it. It rises PE  1000  g  20  1.96 105
with an acceleration of 2m / s2 . The block rises by
2.5 m. Match the correct choices: 1
(b) Work done (per minute) in giving it KE  mv 2
Column – I Column - II 2
(A) Work done by (P) 122.55
gravity 1 2
 1000  20   2 105 J per minute
(B) Work done by (Q) 147.55 2
tension
(C) Net worm done on (R) – 122.55 (c) Power of the engine = Work done per second
the block (S) 25 J
1
Sol. Let us first calculate the tension.  1.96  2105 J  6.6 103 W  watts 
60
From force diagram: Since 1 HP = 746 W, HP required = 8.85
T  mh  5aT  5  9.8  2   59N.
  Example 18
As the T and displacement S are in same direction An object of mass 5 kg falls from rest through a
(upwards), work done by the tension T is : vertical distance of 20 m and attains a velocity of 10
m/s. How much work is done by the resistance of the
air on the object ?(g = 10 m/s2)

Sol. Applying work-energy theorem,

work done by all the force = change in kinetic energy
1
or Wg  Wair  mv 2
2

W = T s = 59 (2.5) = 147.5 J 1
 Wair  mv 2  Wg
2
Work done by the gravity
 mgh  5  9.8 2.5  122.5J 1
 mv 2  mgh
2
Net work done on block = work done by T + work
1 2
done by mg   5  10    5   10    20 
2
= 147.5 + (–122.5) = 25 J
= – 750 J
The answer is A  R;B  Q;C  S .
22 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Example 19  r  1
 (mgr) + (2mg)     m  2m  v 2
A rod of length 1.0 m and mass 0.5 kg fixed at one  2 2
end is initially hanging, vertical. The other end is
2
now raised until it makes an angle 60° with the or v  1   gr
vertical. How much work is required? 3

Sol. For increase in gravitational potential energy of a rod

Example 21
we see the centre of the rod.
A small mass m starts from rest and slides down the
smooth spherical surface of R. Assume zero potential
energy at the top. Find :
(a) the change in potential energy
(b) the kinetic energy
(c) the speed of the mass as a function of the angle q
made by the radius through the mass with the
vertical.
W = change in potential energy
Sol. In the figure h  R 1  cos  

 mg 1  cos  
2
Substituting the values, we have
 1.0 
W   0.5 9.8    1  cos 60 
 2 
= 1.225 J

Example 20
A smooth narrow tube in the form of an arc AB of a (a) As the mass comes down, potential energy will
circle of centre O and radius r is fixed so that A is decrease. Hence, U  mgh  mgR 1  cos 
vertically above O and OB is horizontal. Particles P
(b) Magnitude of decrease in potential energy =
 r 
of mass m and Q of mass 2 m with a light   increase in kinetic energy
 2 
inextensible string of length connecting them are  Kinetic energy = mgh
placed inside the tube with P at A and Q at B and K.E  mgR 1  cos 
released from rest. Assuming the string remains taut
during motion, find the speed of particles when P 1
(c) mv 2  mgR 1  cos  
reaches B. 2
 v  2gR 1  cos  

Example 22
One end of a light spring of natural length d and
spring constant k is fixed on a rigid wall and the
other is attached to a smooth ring of mass m which
can slide without friction on a vertical rod fixed at a
Sol. All surfaces are smooth. Therefore, mechanical distance d from the wall. Initially the spring makes
energy of the system will remain conserved. an angle of 37° with the horizontal as shown in
figure. When the system is released from rest, find
 Decrease in PE of both the block
the speed of the ring when the spring becomes
= increase in KE of both the blocks  3
horizontal sin 37  
 5 
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 23

(a)What is the mechanical energy of the system ?

(b)The maximum kinetic energy of the particle, and
Sol. If l is the stretched length of the spring, then from (c)The value of x at which it occurs.
figure (d)Determine the equation for F (x) as a function of
x.
d 4 5
 cos 37  , i.e.,   d (e) For what (finite) value of x does F (x) = 0?
 5 4
Sol. (a) Potential energy at x = 5.0 m is
2
5 d U  20   5  2   29J
so the stretch y    d  dd
4 4
Mechanical energy
5 3 3 E = K + U = 20 + 29 = 49 J
and h   sin 37  d  d
4 5 4 (b) and (c) :
Now taking point B as reference level and applying Maximum kinetic energy is at x = 2m, where the
law of conservation of mechanical energy between A potential energy is minimum and this maximum
and B, kinetic energy is,
EA  EB K max  E  U min  49  20  29 J

1 1 dU
or mgh  ky 2  mv 2 [as for B, h = 0 and y = 0] (d) F    2  x  2   4  2x
2 2 dx
2
3 1 d 1 (e) F (x) = 0, at x = 2.0 m
or mgd  k    mv 2
4 2 4 2 where potential energy is minimum (the position of
stable equilibrium).
 3 1 
 As for A, h  d and y  d 
 4 4 
Example 24
3g k A running man has half the kinetic energy of that of a
or v  d 
2d 16 m boy of half of his mass. The man speed up by 1 m/s
so as to have same kinetic energy as that of the boy,
the original speed of the man is:
Example 23
A single conservative force F (x) acts on a 1.0 kg
(a)  
2 1 m / s (b) 2m/s

particle that moves along the x–axis. The potential 1 1

2 (c) m/s (d) m/s
energy U (x) is given by: U  x   20   x  2  where  2 1 2
x is in meters. At x = 5.0 m the particle has a kinetic
energy of 20 J. Ans: (c)
1
Sol. Initially, K man  K boy
2
24 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

1 11m 
mv2     u 2 
2 2 2 2  
u
v
2
Finally,
K man  K boy
1 1m 
m(v  1)2     u 2 
2 2 2  
u
v 1 
2
2v
v 1 
2
 
 2 2 v  2

2 1
v v ms 1
2 2 2 1

Example 25
A kilowatt hour is equal to
(a) 3.6 106 J (b) 3.6104 J

(c) 3.6 103 J (d) 3.6 104 J

Ans.(a)
Solution: 1kWh  1000W  3600s  3.6 106 J
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 25

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Work
1.  
A force of 10iˆ  3jˆ  6kˆ N acts on a body of 5 kg and (a) Mgd (b)   M  m gd

displaces it form  
A 6iˆ  5jˆ  3kˆ m to B (c) mgd (d) Zero

 
B 10iˆ  2ˆj  7kˆ m. The work done is
5. The relationship between force and position is shown
(a) Zero (b) 121J in figure (in one dimensional case). The work done
(c) 100J (d) 221J by the force in displacing a body from x  1cm to
x  5cm is:
2. A body is under the action of two equal and opposite
forces, each of 3N. The body is displaced by 2m. The
work done is:
(a) + 6 J (b) – 6 J
(c) 0 (d) None of above

3. A particle is moved from (0, 0) to (a, a) under a force

 (a) 20 erg (b) 60 erg
 
F  3iˆ  4ˆj from two paths. Path 1 is OP and path 2
(c) 70 erg (d) 700 erg
is OQP. Let W1 and W2 be the work done by this
force in these two paths. Then: 6. A particle of mass 0.1 kg is subjected to a force
which varies with distance as shown in figure. If it
starts its journey from rest at x  0, its velocity at
x  12m is

(a) W1  W2 (b) W1  2W2

(c) W2  2W1 (d) W2  4W1

4. The net work done by the tension in the figure when (a) 0 m/s (b) 40 m/s
the bigger block of mass M touches the ground is:
(c) 20 2m / s (d) 20 m/s

7. Under the action of a force, a 2kg body moves such

that its position x as a function of time t is given by
t3
x , where x is in metre and t in second. The
3
work done by the force in the first two second is:
(a) 1600J (b) 160J
(c) 16J (d) 1.6J
26 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

8. A mass M is lowered with the help of a string by a (a) 12.50 N-m (b) 18.75 N-m
g (c) 25.00 N-m (d) 6.25 N-m
distance x at a constant acceleration . The
2
magnitude of work done by the string will be:
13. 300J of work is done in sliding a 2kg block up an
1
(a) Mgx (b) Mgx 2 inclined plane of height 10 m. Taking g  10 m / s2 ,
2
work done against friction is:
1 2
(c) Mgx (d) Mgx (a) 200 J (b) 100 J
2
(c) Zero (d) 1000 J

9. The work done by Pseudo forces is

(a) Positive (b) Negative 14. A position dependent force, F  7  2x  3x 2 N acts
on a small body of mass 2kg and displaces it from
(c) Zero (d) All of these
x  0 to x  5m. The work done in joule is:
(a) 35J (b) 70J
10. A block of mass m is pulled along a horizontal
surface by applying a force at an angle  with the (c) 135J (d) 270J
horizontal. If the block travel with a uniform velocity
and has a displacement d and the coefficient of
friction is , then the work done by the applied force 15. A body of mass 100 g is rotating in a circular path of
radius r with constant speed. The work done in one
is
complete revolution is:
r 100
(a) J (b) J
100 r
(c) 100 r J (d) Zero
16. A block of mass 60 kg just slides over a horizontal
distance of 0.9 m. If the coefficient of friction
between their surfaces is 0.15 then work done against

mgd mgd cos 


friction will be: g  9.8m / s 2 
(a) (b) (a) 79.4 J (b) 97.54 J
cos    sin  cos    sin 
(c) 105.25 J (d) 81 J
mgd sin  mgd cos 
(c) (d)
cos    sin  cos    sin 
17. A body moves a distance of 10 m along a straight line
under the action of 5 N force. If work done is 25 J,
11. A uniform chain of length L and mass M is lying on a then angle between the force and direction of motion
smooth table and one third of its length is hanging of the body will be:
vertically down over the edge of the table. If g is
(a) 75 (b) 60
acceleration due to gravity, work required to pull the
hanging part on the table is (c) 45 (d) 30

L
(a) MgL (b) Mg 
3 18.  
A force F  5iˆ  3jˆ N is applied over a particle
L L 
(c) Mg
9
(d) Mg
18  
which displaces it by S  2iˆ  ˆj . The work done on
the particle is:
(a) + 11 J (b) + 7 J
12. A spring of spring constant 5  103 N / m is stretched
initially by 5cm from the unstretched position. Then (c) + 13 J (d) – 7 J
the work required to stretch it further by another 5cm
is
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 27

19. If the unit of force and length each be increased by m 2

(c) gat (d) 0
four times, then the unit of energy is increased by 2
(a) 16 times (b) 8 times
(c) 2 times (d) 6 times 25. A force F  5  2x acts on a body in x-direction
where x is in metres and F in newton. Find the work
20. A 50 kg man with 20 kg load on his head climbs up done in displacing the body from x  0 to x  2 m .
20 steps of 0.25 m height each. The work done by the (a) 14 J (b) 18 J
man on the block during climbing is
(c) 16 J (d) None of these
(a) 5 J (b) 350 J
(c) 1000 J (d) 3540 J
26. A particle moves under the effect of a force F = Cx
from x  0 to x  x1 . The work done in the process
21. A force acting on a particle varies with the is
displacement x as F  ax  bx 2 where a  1N / m and
1 2
2 (a) Cx12 (b) Cx1
b  1N / m . The work done by this force for the first 2
one meter (F is Newtons, x is in meters) is: (c) Cx1 (d) Zero
1 2
(a) J (b) J
6 6
27. A particle of mass m is moving with speed u. It is
3 stopped by a force F in distance x. If the stopping
(c) J (d) None of these
6 force is 4F then:
(a) Work done by stopping force in second case will
22. A rigid body is acted upon by a horizontal force be same as that in first case.
which is inversely proportional to the distance (b) Work done by stopping force in second case will
covered ‘s’. The work done by this force will be be 2 times of that in first case.
proportional to: (c) Work done by stopping force in second case will
(a) s (b) s 2 be ½ times of that in first case.
(d) Work done by stopping force in second case will
(c) s (d) None of these
be ¼ times of that in first case.

23. Work done by static friction on an object:

28. When work done by force of gravity is negative
(a) may be positive (b) must be negative (Assume only gravitational force to be acting)
(c) Must be zero (d) None of these (a) KE increases (b) KE stays Constant
(c) PE increases (d) PE stays constant
24. A block of mass m is suspended by a light thread
from an elevator is accelerating upward with uniform
29. A force F acting on an object varies with distance x
acceleration a. The work done by tension on the block
as shown here. The force is in N and x is in m. The
during t seconds is  u  0  : work done by the force is moving the object from
x  0 to x  6m is

m m
(a)  g  a  at 2 (b)  g  a  at 2
2 2
28 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER


34.  
A 120g mass has a velocity v  2iˆ  5jˆ ms1 at a
certain instant K.E. of the body at that instant is
(a) 3.0J (b) 1.74J
(c) 4.48J (d) 5.84J

35. A body is moving under the action of a force.

Suddenly, force is increased to such an extent that its
kinetic energy is increased by 100 %. The momentum
increases approximately by:
(a) 18.0 J (b) 13.5 J
(a) 100 % (b) 60 %
(c) 4.5 J (d) 9.0 J
(c) 40 % (d) 20 %

30. A body of mass 3kg is under a constant force which

36. A man has a box of weighing 10kg. The energy of the
causes a displacement s in metres, given by the
box, when the man runs with a constant velocity of
1
relation s  t 2 , where t is in seconds. Work done by 2 m / sec along with the box behind the bus, is
3
the force in first 2 seconds is: (a) 10 Joule (b) 30 Joule

5 3 (c) 20 Joule (d) 2 Joule

(a) J (b) J
19 8 37. What is the shape of the graph between the speed and
kinetic energy of a body?
8 19
(c) J (d) J (a) Straight line (b) Hyperbola
3 5
(c) Parabola (d) Exponential

31. If force F  5iˆ  3jˆ  4kˆ makes a displacement of
 38. If the linear momentum is increased by 50%, then
s  6iˆ  5k,
ˆ work done by the force is:
kinetic energy will be increased by:
(a) 10 unit (b) 122 5 unit (a) 50% (b) 100 %
(c) 125% (d) 25 %
(c) 5 122 unit (d) 20 unit

39. At time t  0s particle starts moving after along x-

32. A particle of mass 100 g is thrown vertically upwards axis. If its kinetic energy increases uniformly with
with a speed of 5 m/s. The work done by the force of time t, the net force acting on it must be proportion to
gravity during the time the particle goes up is:
(a) t (b) constant
(a) – 0.5 J (b) – 1.25 J
1
(c) – 1.25 J (d) 0.5 J (c) t (d)
t
Kinetic Energy
40. A particle moves in a straight line with retardation
33. The P.E and KE of a helicopter flying horizontally at proportion to its displacement. Its loss of kinetic
a height 400m are in the ratio 5: 2. The velocity of energy for any displacement x is proportional to
helicopter (give the value of g as g  10m / s2
(a) x2 (b) e x
(a) 28 m/s (b) 47 m/s
(c) x (d) loge x
(c) 56 m/s (d) 30 m/s

41. A shell of mass 200gm is ejected from a gun of mass

4kg by an explosion that generates 1.05kJ of energy.
The initial velocity of the shell is
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 29

(a) 100 ms 1 (b) 80 ms1 direction of initial velocity, the change in its kinetic
energy is:
(c) 40 ms 1 (d) 120 ms1 (a) 4.4J (b) 3.3J
(c) 5.5J (d) 1.1J
42. A ball of mass 2kg and another of mass 2kg are 48. If the momentum of a body is increased by 100%
dropped together from a 60ft tall building. After a fall then the percentage increase of kinetic energy will be
of 30ft each towards earth, their respective kinetic (a) 350% (b) 300%
energies will be in the ratio of
(c) 200% (d) 225%
(a) 2 :1 (b) 1: 4
(c) 1: 1 (d) 1: 2 49. If the momentum of certain body be increased by
43. A particle of mass m1 is moving with a velocity v1 50%, its kinetic energy will increase by;

and another particle of mass m 2 is moving with a (a) 125 % (b) 150 %

velocity v2 . Both of them have the same momentum (c) 50 % (d) 62.5 %

but their different kinetic energies are E1 and E 2

50. The kinetic energy of a particle continuously
respectively. If m1  m 2 , Then:
increases with time
E1 m1 (a) The resultant force on the particle must be parallel
(a) E1  E 2 (b) 
E2 m2 to the velocity at all instants,
(c) E1  E 2 (d) E1  E 2 (b) The resultant force on the particle must be at an
angle greater than 90 with the velocity all the
time
44. A stone is thrown at an angle of 45 to the horizontal
(c) Its height above the ground level must
with kinetic energy K. The kinetic energy at the
continuously decrease
highest point is:
(d) The magnitude of its linear momentum is
K K increasing continuously
(a) (b)
2 2
(c)K (d) Zero 51. If kinetic energy of a body is increased by 300% then
percentage change in momentum will be
45. The mass of two substances are 25g and 89g (a) 100% (b) 150%
respectively. If their kinetic energies are same then (c) 265% (d) 73.2 %
their ratio of their momenta is:
(a) 9: 5 (b) 7 : 3
52. A block of mass 10kg, moving in x direction with a
(c) 5: 9 (d) None of these
constant speed of 10ms 1 , is subject to a retarding
force F  0.1x J / m during its travel from x  20m to
46. If the kinetic energy of the body becomes four times
30m. Its final KE wll be:
of its initial value, then the new momentum will:
(a) 450J (b) 275J
(a) Become twice its initial value
(c) 250J (d) 475J
(b) Remain constant
(c) Become four times its initial value
53. If kinetic energy is doubled, find fractional change in
(d) Becomes three times its initial value
momentum:
(a) 2 (b) 2 2
47. A body of mass 5kg has momentum of 10kg m/s.
When a force of 0.2N is applied on it for 10s in the 1 1
(c) (d)
2 2 2
30 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Work Energy Theorem

60. A particle at rest on a frictionless table is acted upon
by a horizontal force which is constant in magnitude
54. A truck weighting 1000kg changes its speed from
and direction. A graph is plotted of the work done on
36km/h to 72 km/h in 2 minutes. Thus, the work done
the particle W, against the speed of particle v. If there
by the engine on the truck during this interval is:
are no frictional forces acting on the particle, the
(a) 2.5  105 J (b) 3.5  105 J graph will look like:
(c) 1.5  105 J (d) 5.5  105 J
55. The work done in time t on a body of mass m which
is accelerated from rest to a speed v in time t1 as a
function of time t is given by:
1 v 2 v 2
(a) m t (b) m t (a) (b)
2 t1 t1
2
1  mv  2 1 v2 2
(c)   t (d) m t
2  t1  2 t12

56. A body of mass 2kg moves down the quadrant of

circle of radius 4m. The velocity on reaching the (c) (d)
lowest point is 8m/s. What is work done against
friction? (use g  9.8m / s2 ) 61. A 2kg block slides on a horizontal floor with a speed
of 4m/s. It strikes a uncompressed spring, and
(a) 14.4J (b) 28.8J
compresses it till the block is motionless. The kinetic
(c) 64J (d) zero friction force is 15N and spring constant is
10000N/m. The spring compresses by
57. The KE of a 500g stone is 100J. Against a force of 50 (a) 5.5cm (b) 2.5cm
N, how long will it travel? (c) 11.0cm (d) 8.5cm
(a) 0.2s (b) 0.1s
(c) 0.3s (d) 0.4s 62. A force acts on a 3.0g particle in such a way that the
position of the particle as a function of time is given
58. What average force is necessary to stop a bullet of by x  3t  4t 2  t 3 , where x is in metre and t is in
mass 20g and speed 250m/sec as it penetrates wood second. The work done during the first 4s is:
to a distance of 12cm: (a) 570mJ (b) 450mJ
3 3
(a) 3.4  10 Newton (b) 5.2  10 Newton (c) 490mJ (d) 528mJ
(c) 4.0  103 Newton (d) 3.6  10 3 Newton
63. A bullet of mass 10g leaves a riffle at an initial
velocity of 1000m/s and strikes the earth at the same
59. A pendulum of length 2m left at A. When it reaches
level with a velocity of 500m/s. The work done in
B, it looses 10% of its total energy due to air
overcoming the resistance of air will be:
resistance. The velocity at B is nearly:
(a) 500J (b) 5000J
(c) 3750J (d) 475J

(a) 6m/s (b) 1m/s

(c) 2 m/s (d) 8 m/s
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 31

64. A particle of mass m at rest is acted upon by a force (c) 20J (d) 10J
F for a time t. Its kinetic energy after an interval t is:
F2 t 2 F2 t 2 69. A body of mass 1kg is thrown upwards with a
(a) (b)
m 2m velocity 20 ms1 . It momentarily comes to rest after
F2 t 2 Ft attaining a height of 18m. How much energy is lost
(c) (d)
3m 2m due to air friction? ( g  10ms2 )
(a) 20J (b) 30J
65. A heavy stone is thrown from a cliff of height h with (c) 40J (d) 10J
a speed v. The stone will hit the ground with
maximum speed if it is thrown
70. A ball is released from certain height which looses
(a)Vertically downward 50% of its kinetic energy on striking the ground it
(b) Vertically upward will attain a height again:
(c) Horizontally 1 1
(a) th of initial height (b) of initial height
(d) The speed does not depend on the initial direction. 4 2
66. A body starts from rest with uniform acceleration and 3
acquired a velocity V in time T. The instantaneous (c) th of inital height (d) None of these
4
kinetic energy of the body after any time t is
proportional to:
71. The mass of ship is 2 107 kg. On applying a force of
V  V2  2
(a)   t (b)  t 25  10 5 N, it is displaced through 25m. After the
T  T 
displacement, the speed acquired by the ship will be:
 V2   V2  (a) 12.5m/s (b) 5m/s
(c)  2  t (d)  2  t 2
T  T  (c) 5m/s (d) 2.5m/s

67. The total work done on a particle is equal to the 72. The velocity of bullet is reduced from 200m/s to
change in its kinetic energy 100m/s while travelling through a wooden block of
(a) always thickness of 10cm. The retardation assuming to be
(b) Only if the forces acting on it are conservative uniform, will be:

(c) Only if gravitational force alone acts on it (a) 15  10 4 m / s 2 (b) 13.5 10 4 m / s 2
(d) Only if elastic force alone acts on it. (c) 12  10 4 m / s 2 (d) None of these

68. The graph between the resistive force F acting on a

Potential Energy
body and the distance covered by the body is shown
in the figure. The mass of the body is 25kg and initial
velocity is 2m/s. When the distance covered by the 73. A body of mass 500g is taken up an inclined plane of
body is 4m, its kinetic energy would be length 10m and height 5m, and then released to slide
down to the bottom. The coefficient of friction
between the body and the plane is 0.1. What is the
amount of work done in the round trip ?
(a) 5J (b) 15J
5
(c) 5 3J (d) J
3

(a) 50J (b) 40J

32 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

74. A particle is moving in a conservative force field from MgL

(a) MgL (b)
point A to point B. U A and U B are the potential 3
energies of the particle at point A and B and WC is the MgL MgL
work done by conservative forces in the process of (c) (d)
9 18
taking the particle from A and B:
(a) WC  U B  U A (b) WC  U A  U B
81. If W1 , W2 and W3 represent the work done in
(c) U A  U B (d) U B  U A moving a particle from A to B along three different
paths 1, 2 and 3 respectively (as shown) in the
75. A meter stick of mass 400g is pivoted at one end and gravitational field of a point mass m. Find the correct
displaced through an angle 60°. The increases in its relation between W1 , W2 and W3 :
potential energy is :
(a) 1J (b) 10J
(c) 100J (d) 1000J

76. A spring of spring constant 8N/cm has an extension of

5cm. The minimum work done in joule in increasing
the extension from 5cm to 15cm is
(a) 16J (b) 8J
(c) 4J (d) 32J
(a) W1  W2  W3 (b) W1  W2  W3
(c) W1  W2  W3 (d) W2  W1  W3
77. The potential energy of a certain spring when
stretched through a distance ‘S’ is 10joule. The 82. A particle is moving in a circular path of radius a
amount of work (in joule) that must be done on this k
spring to stretch it through an additional distance ‘S’ under the action of an attractive potential U  2 .
2a
will be :
Its total energy is :
(a) 30J (b) 40J
(c) 10J (d) 20J 3 k
(a) zero (b)
2 a2

78. A rod of mass m and length  is lying on a horizontal k k

(c) (d)
table. Work done in making it stand on one end will 4a 2 2a 2
be:
mg 83. When a long spring is stretched by 2cm, its potential
(a) mg (b)
2 energy is U. If the spring is stretched by 10 cm, the
potential energy stored in it will be :
mg
(c) (d) 2 mg (a) 10U (b) 25U
4
79. A uniform chain of length 2m is kept on a table such (c) U (d) 5U
that a length of 60cm hangs freely from the edge of
the table. The total mass of the chain is 4kg. What is 84. Two springs have force constants k A and k B such
the work done in pulling the entire chain on the table ?
that k B  2k A . The four ends of the springs are
(a) 7.2J (b) 3.6J
(c) 120J (d) 1200J stretched by the same force. If energy stored in spring
A is E, then energy stored in spring B is :
80. A uniform chain of length L and mass M is lying on a E
smooth table and one-third of its length is hanging (a) (b) 2E
2
vertically down over the edge of the table. If g is
(c) E (d) 4E
acceleration due to gravity, the work required to pull
the hanging part on to the table is :
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 33

85. The potential energy of a particle varies with distance 90. Two similar springs P and Q have spring constants
x as shown in the graph. The force acting on the K P and K Q , such that K P  K Q . They are stretched,
particle is zero at
first by the same amount (case a), then by the same
force (case b). The work done by the springs WP and
WQ are related as, in case (a) and case (b),
respectively:
(a) WP  WQ ;Q P  WQ (b) WP  WQ ; WQ  WP

(c) WP  WQ ; WQ  WP (d) WP  WQ ; WP  WQ
(a) C (b) B
(c) B and C (d) A and D
91. When a spring is stretched by a distance x, it exerts a
86. For the path PQR in a conservative force field (fig.),
the amount of work done in carrying a body from P to
 3

force, given by F  5x 16x N . The work done,
Q & from Q to R are 5 J & 2 J respectively. The work when the spring is stretched from 0.1m to 0.2m is :
done in carrying the body from P to R will be – (a) 8.7 102 J (b) 12.2 102 J
(c) 8.7 104 J (d) 12.2 101 J

92. A spring of spring constant 5  103 N/m is stretched

initially by 5cm from the unstretched position. Then
(a) 7J (b) 3J the work required to stretch it further by another 5cm
is :
(c) 21 J (d) zero
(a) 12.50N-m (b) 18.75N-m
(c) 25.00N-m (d) 6.25N-m
87. A rigid body of mass mkg is lifted uniformly by a man
to a height of one metre in 30sec. Another man lifts
the same mass uniformly to the same height in 60sec. 93. The potential energy of a body is given by
The work done on the body against gravitation by U  A  Bx 2 (where x is the displacement). The
them are in ratio magnitude of force acting on the particle is
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 1 (a) constant (b) proportional to x
(c) 2 : 1 (d) 4 : 1 2 1
(c) proportional to x (d) proportional to
x
88. The potential energy of a long spring when stretched
by 2cm is U, If the spring is stretched by 8cm the
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
potential energy stored in it is:
(a) 4U (b) 8U
U 94. A spring of spring constant 1000N/m is compressed
(c) 16U (d)
4 through 5cm and is used to push a metal ball of mass
0.1 g. The velocity with which the metal ball moves is
89. A vertical spring with force constant k is fixed on a (a) 5m/s (b) 7.5m/s
table. All ball of mass m at a height h above the free (c) 10m/s (d) 2.5m/s
upper end of the spring falls vertically on the spring,
so that the spring is compressed by a distance d. The
net work done in the process is :
1 1
(a) mg  h  d   kd 2 (b) mg  h  d   kd 2
2 2
1 2 1 2
(c) mg  h  d   kd (d) mg  h  d   kd
2 2
34 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

95. A body is attached to the lower end of a vertical spiral 101. A body of mass m was slowly pulled up the hill by a
spring and it is gradually lowered to its equilibrium force F which at each point was directed along the
position. This stretches the spring by a length d. If the tangent of the trajectory. All surfaces are smooth.
Find the work performed by this force:
same body attached to the same spring is allowed to
fall suddenly, what would be the maximum stretching
in this case ?
(a) d (b) 2d
1
(c) 3d (d)
2d
(a) mg (b)  mg
96. A coconut of mass 1.0kg falls to earth from a height
(c) mgh (d) zero
of 10m. The kinetic energy of the coconut, when it is
4m above ground is :
(a) 0.588J (b) 58.8J 102. The potential energy of a 1kg particle free to move
(c) 5.88J (d) 588J along the x -axis is given by
 x4 x2 
U  x     J
 4 2 
97. Calculate the K.E. and P.E. of the ball halfway up,
when a ball of mass 0.1kg is thrown vertically The total mechanical energy of the particle is 2J.
upwards with an initial speed of 20 m/s. Then, the maximum speed (in ms 1 ) is
(a) 10 J, 20 J (b) 10J, 10J 3
(a) (b) 2
(c) 15J, 8J (d) 8 J, 16 J 2
1
(c) (d) 2
98. If a body of mass 3kg is dropped from top of a tower 2
of height 250m, then its kinetic energy after 3sec.
will be 103. A spherical ball of mass 20kg is stationary at the top
(a) 1126 J (b) 1048 J of a hill of height 100m. It rolls down a smooth
surface to the ground, then climbs up another hill of
(c) 735J (d) 1296.5J height 30m and finally rolls down to a horizontal base
at a height of 20m above the ground. The velocity
attained by the ball is
99. If water falls from a dam into a turbine wheel 19.6m
below, then velocity of water at turbine, is (Take g = (a) 40m/ s (b) 20m/ s
9.8m/s2) (c) 10m/ s (d) 10 30m / s
(a) 9.8 m / s (b) 19.6 m / s
(c) 39.2 m / s (d) 98.0 m / s 104. The block of mass M moving on the frictionless
horizontal surface collides with the spring of spring
constant k and compresses it by length L. The
100. Three particles A, B and C are projected from the top
maximum momentum of the block after collision is
of a tower with the same speed. A is thrown straight
upwards, B straight down and C horizontally. They hit
the ground with speeds v A , v B and v C , then which
of the following is correct:
(a) v A  v B  v C (b) v A  v B  v C kL2
(a) MkL (b)
(c) v A  v B  v C (d) v B  v C  v A 2M
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 35

ML2 that the potential energy lost each time he lowers the
(c) zero (d) mass is dissipated. How much fat will he use up
k
considering the work done only when the weight is
lifted up? Fat supplies 3.8  10 7 J of energy per kg
105. A stone tied to a string of length L is whirled in a
which is converted to mechanical energy with a 20%
vertical circle with the other end of the string at the
efficiency rate.
centre. At a certain instant of time, the stone is at its
lowest position, and has a speed u. The magnitude of Take g  9.8 m s  2 :
the change in its velocity as it reaches a position (a) 6.4  10  3 kg (b) 9.89  10  3 k g
where the string is horizontal is
(c) 1 2 .8 9  1 0  3 k g (d) 2 .45  10  3 kg
2
(a) u  2gL (b) 2gL

2 108. A block of mass M is attached to the lower end of a

(c) u  gL 
(d) 2 u 2  gL  vertical spring. The spring is hung from a ceiling and
has force constant value k. The mass is released from
rest with the spring initially unstretched. The
106. For a simple pendulum, a graph is plotted between its maximum extension produced in the length of the
kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) against spring will be
its displacement d. Which one of the following Mg 2Mg
represents these correctly? (a) (b)
k k
(Graphs are schematic and not drawn to scale) 4Mg Mg
(c) (d)
k k

109. A child is swinging a swing. Minimum and the

maximum heights of swing from earth’s surface are
0.75m and 2m respectively. The maximum velocity
of this swing is:

(a) g  m / s  2

(a) 5 m / s (b) 10m / s

(c) 15m/ s (d) 20m/s

110. If a body of mass 200g falls from a height 200m and
its total potential energy is converted into kinetic
(b) energy, at the point of contact of the body with the
surface, then decrease in potential energy of the body

at the contact is: g  10 m / s
2

(a) 900J (b) 600J
(c) (c) 400J (d) 200J

111. A stone projected vertically up with a velocity u

reaches a maximum height h. When it is at a height of
3h
from the ground, the ratio of KE and PE at that
4
(d) point is: (consider PE = 0 at the point of projection)

(a) 1 : 1 (b) 1 : 2
107. A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts a
mass of 10kg upto a height of 1m 1000 times. Assume (c) 1 : 3 (d) 3 : 1
36 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

112. An apple gives 21kJ energy to a boy. How much A B

height he can climb by using this energy. If his (c) (d)
B A
efficiency is 28% ? (mass of boy 40kg)
Power
(a) 22.5m (b) 15m

(c) 10m (d) 5m 116. A man weighing 60kg lifts a body of mass 15kg to the
113. A particle is placed at the origin and a force F  kx is top of a building 10m high in 3minute. His efficiency
acting on it (where k is a positive constant). If is
U  0   0, the graph of U  x  versus x will be (where 20% 10%
(a) (b)
U is the potential energy function) :
(c) 30% (d) 40%
117. A pump of 200W power is lifting 2 kg water per
second from an average depth of 10 m . Velocity of
water delivered by the pump is
(a) 3 m / s (b) 2 m / s

(a) (b) (c) 4 m / s (d) 1 m / s

118. A machine gun fires 360 bullets per minute, with a
velocity of 600m/s. If the power of the gun is 5.4kW,
the mass of each bullet is
(a) 5 kg (b) 0.5 kg
(c) 5gm (d) 0.5gm
(c) (d)
1
119. A grinding machine whose wheel has radius metre
114. Potential energy v/s displacement curve for one 
dimensional conservative field is shown in figure. runs at 2.5 rps, when a tool to be sharpened is held
against the wheel with a force of 40 N . If the
Force at A and B is respectively.
coefficient of friction between the tool and the wheel
is 0.2, power developed is
(a) 4 W (b) 8 W
(c) 20W (d) 40 W

120. A train of mass 100 ton is moving up an incline of 1 in

100 at a constant speed of 36 km / h. . If the friction
(a) Positive, Positive (b) Positive, Negative per ton is 100 N, then power of the engine is
(c) Negative, Positive (d) Negative, Negative (a) 198kW (b) 96 kW

(c) 298kW (d) 398kW

115. The potential energy of particle in a force field is ,
A B
U  where A and B are positive constants and 121. The power of a water pump is 2kW . If g  10 m / s 2 ,
r2 r
r is the distance of particle from the centre of the field. the amount of water it can raise in one minute to a
For stable equilibrium, the distance of the particle is : height of 10m is
B 2A (a) 2000litre (b) 1000litre
(a) (b)
2A B (c)100litre (d) 1200litre
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 37

122. A man is riding on a cycle with velocity 7.2km/hr up a (a) (R – ma) v (b) (R + ma )v
hill having a slope 1 in 20. Total mass of the man and (c) mav (d) Rv
cycle is 100kg. The power of man is :
(a) 98W (b) 49W 128. The power of pump, which can pump 200kg of water
(c) 196W (d) 147W to a height of 50m in 10s, will be : (Take g = 10 m/s2)
(a) 10  103 W (b) 20  103 W
123. Power applied to a particle varies with time as (c) 4  10 3 W (d) 6  10 3 W
 2

P  3t  2t  1 W, where t is in second. Find the

change in its kinetic energy between time t  2s and t 129. If the force applied is F and the velocity gained is v,
then the power developed is :
 4s.
(a) F v 3 (b) Fv
(a) 32J (b) 46J
F
(c) 61J (d) 102J (c) F v 2 (d)
v

124. A body of mass m is accelerated uniformly from rest

to a speed v in a time T. The instantaneous power 130. A motor drives a body along a straight line with a
delivered to the body as a function of time, is given by constant force. The power P delivered by the motor
must vary with time t according to :
mv 2 mv2
(a) t (b) t2 (a) t (b) t1/2
T2 T2
1 mv 2 1 mv 2 2
(c) t 3 / 2 (d) t 2
(c) t (d) t
2 T2 2 T2
131. The average power required to lift a 100kg mass
through a height of 50metres in approximately
125. A particle of mass m is moving in a circular path of
50seconds would be
constant radius r such that its centripetal acceleration
t as (a) 50J/s (b) 5000J/s
ac is varying with time a c  k 2 rt 2 , , where k is
constant. The power delivered to the particle by the (c) 100J/s (d) 980J/s
force acting on it is :
(a) 2  mk 2 r 2 (b) mk2r2 t 132. A block of mass m is moving with a constant
acceleration 'a' on a rough horizontal plane. If the

(c)
 mk r t 
4 2 5

(d) zero
coefficient of friction between the block and plane is
3 .The power delivered by the external agent at a time
t from the beginning is equal to:

126. Water falls from a height of 60 m at the rate of 15 kg/s (a) ma2 t (b) mgat
to operate a turbine. The losses due to frictional forces (c)  m  a   g  gt (d) m  a   g  at
are 10% of energy. How much power is generated by
the turbine? (Take g  10 m / s 2 )
133. A man M1 of mass 80kg runs up a staircase in 15s.
(a) 8.1kW (b) 10.2 kW
Another man M2 also of mass 80kg runs up the stair
(c) 12.3 kW (d) 7.0 kW
case in 20s. The ratio of the power developed by them
 P1 
127. A car of mass m is driven with acceleration a along a   will be:
 P2 
straight level road against constant external resistive
force R. When the velocity of the car is v, the power 4
(a) 1 (b)
of the engine is : 3
38 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

16 137. A particle of mass M, starting from rest, undergoes

(c) (d) none of the above uniform acceleration. If the speed acquired in time T
9
 is v, the power delivered to the particle is
 
134. An engine exerts a force F  20iˆ  3jˆ  5kˆ N and
Mv2 1 Mv2
 (a) (b)
 
moves with velocity v  6iˆ  20jˆ  3kˆ m / s . The T 2 T2
power of the engine (in watt) is : Mv2 1 Mv2
(c) (d)
(a) 45 (b) 75 T2 2 T
(c) 20 (d) 10
135. An engine pumps water continuously through a hose. 138. A car of mass m starts from rest and accelerates so
that the instantaneous power delivered to the car has a
Water leaves the hose with a velocity v and m is the
constant magnitude P 0 . The instantaneous velocity
mass per unit length of the water jet. What is the rate
of this car is proportional to :
at which kinetic energy is imparted to water?
(a) t2P (b) t1/ 2
1 3
(a) mv (b) mv 3 t
2 (c) t 1 / 2 (d)
m
1 2 1 2 2
(c) mv (d) m v 139. An engine pumps up 100kg of water through a height
2 2
of 10m in 5s. Given that, the efficiency of engine is
60%. If g  10ms 2 , the power of this engine is :
136. An engine pumps water through a hose pipe. Water
passes through the pipe and leaves it with a velocity of (a) 3.3kW (b) 3.33kW
2m/s. The mass per unit length of water in the pipe is (c) 0.033kW (d) 33kW
100kg/m. What is the power of the engine?
(a) 400W (b) 200W
(c) 100W (d) 800W
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 39

EXERCISE – 2: Previous Year Questions

1. A mass m moving horizontally (along the x–axis) height, the momentum when it hits the ground will
with velocity v collide and sticks to a mass of 3m change by [AIPMT 2012]
moving vertically upward (along the y–axis) with (a) 100% (b) 68%
velocity 2v. The final velocity of the combination is (c) 41% (d) 200%
[AIPMT 2011]
2 ˆ 1 ˆ 3 ˆ 1 ˆ 5. A car of mass m starts from rest and accelerates so
(a) vi  vj (b) vi  vj
3 3 2 4 that the instantaneous power delivered to the car has a
constant magnitude P o . The instantaneous velocity of
1 ˆ 3 ˆ 1 ˆ 2 ˆ
(c) vi  vj (d) vi  vj this car is proportional to [AIPMT 2012]
4 2 3 3
t
(a) (b) t 2 P o
m
2. A small mass attached to a string rotates on a
frictionless table top as shown. If the tension in the (c) t1/2 (d) t 1/2

string is increased by pulling the string causing the

radius of the circular motion to decrease by a factor of 6. A uniform force of (3iˆ  ˆj)N acts on a particle of mass
2, the kinetic energy of the mass will 2 kg. Hence, the particle is displaced from (2i  k)m

[AIPMT 2011]
  
position to position (4i 3j  k)m. The work done by
the force on the particle is:
[NEET 2013]
(a) 9 J (b) 6 J
(c) 13 J (d) 15 J
(a) Increase by a factor of 4
(b) Decrease by a factor of 2
7. A block of mass 10 kg, moving in x-direction with a
(c) Remain constant
constant speed of 10 ms1 , is subjected to a retarding
(d) Increase by a factor of 2
force F  0.1xJm  1 during its travel from x  20 to
30 m. Its final K.E. will be: [NEET
3. The potential energy of a particle in a force field is: 2015]
A B (a) 450 J (b) 275 J
U  , where A and B are positive constants
r2 r (c) 250 J (d) 475 J
and r is the distance of particle from the centre of the
field. For stable equilibrium the distance of the
particle is [AIPMT 2012] 8. Two similar springs P and Q have spring constant k p
and k 0 , such k p  k Q . They are stretched, first by the
B B
(a) (b) same amount (case a) then by the same force (case b).
A 2A
The work done by the springs WP and WQ are related
2A A
(c) (d) as, in case (a) and case (b), respectively:
B B
[NEET 2015]
(a) W P  W Q ; W P  W Q (b) W P  W Q ; W Q  W P
4. A stone is dropped from a height h. It hits the ground
with a certain momentum P. If the same stone is (c) W P  W Q ; W Q  W P (d) W P  W Q ; W P  W Q
dropped from a height 100 % more than the previous
40 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

9. A particle of mass m is driven by a machine that the end of the second revolution after the beginning
delivers a constant power k watt. If the particle starts of the motion? [NEET 2016]
from rest of the force on the particle at time t is:
(a) 0.1m / s 2 (b) 0.15 m / s 2
[NEET 2015]
(c) 0.18 m / s 2 (d) 0.2 m / s2
mk 2mk
(a) (b)
t t
14. A body of mass 1 kg begins to move under the action
1 mk mk 
(c)
2 t
(d)
2t
 
of a time dependent force F  2tiˆ  3t ˆj N , where î
2

and ˆj are unit vectors along x and y axis. What

power will be developed by the force at the time t ?
10. A nucleus of uranium decays at rest into nuclei of
thorium and helium. Then [NEET 2015] [NEET 2016]
(a) the helium nucleus has less kinetic energy than the
thorium nucleus.
 2
(a) 2t  3t W
3
  2
(b) 2t  4t W
4

(c)  2t  3t  W (d)  2t  3t  W
3 4 3 5
(b) the helium has more kinetic energy than the
thorium nucleus
(c) the helium nucleus has less momentum than the
thorium nucleus 15. A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts a
mass of 10 kg upto a height of 1 m 1000 times.
(d) the helium nucleus has more momentum than the
Assume that the potential energy lost each time he
thorium nucleus
lowers the mass is dissipated. How much fat will he
use up considering the work done only when the
11. The heart of a man pumps 5 L of blood through the weight is lifted up? Fat supplies 3.8 × 10 7 J of
arteries per minute at a pressure of 150 mm of energy per kg which is converted to mechanical
mercury. If the density of mercury be 13.6  10 3 kg m  3 energy with a 20% efficiency rate. Take g  9.8 m s  2 :
and g  10 m s  2 , then the power of heart in watt is:
[NEET 2016]
[NEET 2015]
(a) 6.45  10  3 k g (b) 9.89  10  3 k g
(a) 1.50 (b) 1.70
(c) 12.89  10  3 kg (d) 2 .45  10  3 kg
(c) 2.35 (d) 3.0

16. A spring of force constant k is cut into lengths of

12. A bullet of mass 10 g moving horizontally with a
ratio 1: 2: 3. They are connected in series and the new
velocity of 400 ms1 strikes a wooden block of mass 2
force constant is k. Then, they are connected in
kg which is suspended by a light inextensible string
parallel and force constant is k  . . Then k  : k  is:
of length 5 m. As a result, the centre of gravity of the
block is found to rise a vertical distance of 10 cm. [NEET 2017]
The speed of the bullet after it emerges out (a) 1: 9 (b) 1: 11
horizontally from the block will be: (c) 1: 14 (d) 1: 6
[NEET 2016]
(a) 80 ms1 (b) 120 ms 1 17. A particle moves from a point (  2 ˆi  5 ˆj) to (4 ˆj  3kˆ )
(c) 160 ms 1 (d) 100 ms 1
when a force of (4i  3j)N
 is applied. How much
work has been done by the force? [NEET 2017]
13. A particle of mass 10 g moves along a circle of radius
(a) 11 J (b) 5 J
6.4 cm with a constant tangential acceleration. What
is the magnitude of this acceleration if the kinetic (c) 2 J (d) 8 J

energy of the particle becomes equal to 8 104 J by

WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 41

18. Consider a drop of rain water having mass 1 g falling 21. The energy that will be ideally radiated by a 100kW
from a height of 1 km. It hits the ground with a speed transmitter in 1 hour is: (NEET 2022)
of 50 m/s Take g constant with a value 10 m / s 2 . The (a) 30 × 107J (b) 36 × 104J
(c) 36 × 105J (d) 1 × 105J
work done by the (i) gravitational force and the (ii)
22. An electric lift with a maximum load of 2000 kg (lift
resistive force of air is: [NEET 2017] + passengers) is moving up with a constant speed of
(a) (i) -10 J, (ii) -8.25 J (b) (i) 1.25 J, (ii) -8.25 J 1.5 ms-1. The frictional force opposing the motion is
3000N. The minimum power delivered by the motor
(c) (i) 100 J, (ii) 8.75 J (d) (i) 10 J, (ii) -8.75 J
to the lift in watts is: (NEET 2022)
(a) 23000 (b) 20000
19. A body initially at rest and sliding along a frictionless (c) 34500 (d) 23500
track from a height h (as shown in the figure) just
completes a vertical circle of diameter AB  D. The
height h is equal to: [NEET 2018]

7
(a) D (b) D
5
3 5
(c) D (d) D
2 4

20. A force F  20 10y acts on a particle in y-direction

where F is in newton and y in meter. Work done by
this force to move the particle from y  0 to y  1m
is: [NEET 2019]
(a) 5 J (b) 25 J
(c) 20 J (d) 30 J
42 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

EXERCISE – 3: Achiever’s Section

1. A particle of mass 0.5 kg is displaced from position  ˆ  xj)
ˆ
 
r 1 (2, 3,1) to r2 (4,3, 2) by applying a force of magnitude
6. A force F  b(yi
2 2
N (b is a constant) acts on a
x y
30 N which is acting along ( ˆi  ˆj  kˆ ) . The work done particle as it undergoes counterclockwise circular
by the force is motion in the circle: x 2  y 2  16 . The work done by
the force when the particle undergoes one complete
(a) 10 3J (b) 30 3J
revolution is (x, y are in m)
(c) 30 J (d) none of these (a) zero (b) 2bJ
(c) 2 b J (d) None of these.
2. What average force is necessary to stop a bullet of
mass 20 gm and speed 250 m / sec as it penetrates 7. The displacement of a body of mass 2 kg varies with
wood to a distance of 12 cm: time t as s  t 2  2t , where s is in meters and t is in
(a) 3.4  103 newton (b) 5.2  103 newton seconds. The work done by all the forces acting on
the body during the time interval t=2s to t=4s is
(c) 4.0  103 newton (d) 3.6  103 newton
(a) 36 J (b) 64 J
(c) 100 J (d) 120 J
3.
 
Forces acting on a particle is (2i  3j)N . Work done
by this force is zero, when a particle is moved on the 8. A particle located in a one-dimensional potential field
line 3y  kx  5 . Here, value of k is: a b
has its potential energy function as U(x)  4  2
(a) 2 (b) 4 x x
(c) 6 (d) 8 where a and b are positive constants. The position of
equilibrium x-corresponds to
 b 2a
4. A force of F  2 x ˆi  2 ˆj  3z 2 kN
ˆ is acting on a
(a) (b)
particle. Find the work done by this force in 2a b
displacing the body from (1,2,3) m to (3,6,1) m. 2b a
(c) (d)
(a) -10 J (b) 100 J a 2b
(c) 10 J (d) 1 J
9. The potential energy function associated with the
 
F  4xyi  2x2 j
5. A force F  (3xy  5z ) j  4 zk is applied on a particle.
force is
The work done by the force when the particle moves
from point (0,0,0) to point (2,4,0) as shown in the (a) U   2 x 2 y (b) U   4 x 2 y  constant
figure is
(c) U  2 x 2 y  constant (d) not defined


10. The potential energy for a force field F is given by
U(x, y)  cos(x  y) . The force acting on a particle
 
at position given by coordinates  0,  is
 4
1 ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
(a)  (i  j) (b) (i  j)
2 2
280 140
(a) (b) 1
5 5  3  1
 3 
(c)  i  j (d)  i  j
232 192 2 2  2 2 
(c) (d)
5 5
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 43

11. A ball is released from the top of a tower. The ratio of

work done by force of gravity in first, second and
third second of the motion of ball is
(a) 1: 2: 3 (b) 1: 4: 16
(c) 1: 3: 5 (d) 1: 9: 25

12. 32. A man throws the bricks to a height of 12 m

where it reach with a speed of 12 m/s. If he throws
the bricks such that it just reach that height, what

percentage of energy will be saved g  9.8 m/ s
2
 (a) x 0 (b) 2 x 0
(c) 3x0 (d) 1.5x 0
(a) 29 % (b) 46 %
(c) 38 % (d) 50 %
18. A spring of stiffness K is kept compressed by
applying horizontal force on m by a length
13. A machine, which is 75 % efficient, uses 12 J of
energy in lifting up a 1 kg mass through a certain  mg 
 x0   . If the force F is withdrawn suddenly,
distance. The mass is then allowed to fall through that  K 
distance. the velocity at the end of its fall is (in ms 1 ) the block oscillates and finally stops. In consequence,
frictional loss is equal to 50 % of the initial potential
(a) 24 (b) 32 energy stored in the spring. The coefficient of friction
(c) 18 (d) 9 the between block and the ground is

14. The force acting on a body moving along x-axis

varies with the position of the particle as shown in the
figure. The body is in stable equilibrium at:
(a) x  x 1 (b) x  x 2
1 2
(c) both x 1 and x 2 (d) neither x 1 nor x 2 (a) (b)
2 3
1 1
15. If the speed of a vehicle increases by 2 m/s, its K.E. is (c) (d)
doubled. The original speed of the vehicle was 2 3
(a) ( 2  1) m / s (b) 2 ( 2  1)m / s
19. Two springs have their force constants K 1 and K 2 .
(c) 2( 2  1)m / s (d) 2m/s
Both are stretched till their elastic energies are equal.
K1
Then, ratio of stretching forces is equal to:
16. A particle moves in a straight line with retardation K2
proportional to its displacement. Its loss of KE for
any displacement x is proportional to K1
(a) (b) K2 : K1
2
K2
(a) x (b) x
(c) x 0 (d) e x (c) K1 : K2 (d) K 12 : K 22
20. An elastic string of unstretched length L and force
17. Two discs, each having mass m, are attached rigidly constant k is stretched by a small length x. It is
to the ends of a vertical spring. One of the discs rests further stretched by another small length y. The work
on a horizontal surface and the other produces a done in the second stretching is
compression x 0 on the spring when it is in 1 2 1
equilibrium. How much further must the spring be (a)
2
ky (b)
2

k x 2  y2 
compressed so that when the force causing
compression is removed, the extension of the spring 1 1
(c) ky(2x  y) (d) k(x  y) 2
will be able to lift the lower disc off the table 2 2
44 WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

21. A particle is released from a height H. At certain 26. The potential Energy as a function of the force
height its kinetic energy is two times its potential between two atoms in a diatomic molecule is given
energy. Height and speed of particle at that instant are a b
by U(x)  12  6 , where a and b are positive
H 2gH H gH x x
(a) , (b) ,2
3 3 3 3 constants and x is the distance between the atoms.
The position of stable equilibrium for the system of
2H 2gH H the two atoms is given
(c) , (d) , 2gH
3 3 3
a a
(a) x  (b) x 
b b
22. A body of mass 2 kg is moved from a point A to a
3a
point B by an external agent in a conservative force (c) x  (d) x  6  2a 
field. If the velocity of the body at the points A and B b  b 
are 5 m / s and 3 m / s respectively and the work done
by the external agent is 10 J, then the change in 27. An unbanked curve has a radius of 60 m. The
potential energy between points A and B is maximum speed at which a car can make a turn if the
(a) 6 J (b) 36 J coefficient of static friction is 0.75 is:
(c) 16 J (d) none of these (a) 2.1m / s (b) 14m/s
(c) 21 m / s (d) 7 m / s
23. If v be the instantaneous velocity of the body dropped
from the top of a tower, when it is located at height h,
then which of the following remains constant?
28. A motorcyclist wants to drive on the vertical surface
v2 of wooden 'well' or radius 5 m, with a minimum
(a) gh  v 2
(b) gh 
2 speed of 5 5 m / s . The minimum value of
v2 coefficient of friction between the tires and the wall
(c) gh  (d) gh  v 2 of the well must be: (take g  10 m / s 2 )
2
(a) 0.10 (b) 0.20
24. Power supplied to a particle of mass 2 kg varies with (c) 0.30 (d) 0.40
3t 2
time as P  watt, here t is in second. If velocity
2 29. A body of mass 1 kg is moving in a vertical circular
of particle at t=0 is v=0. The velocity of particle at path of radius 1 m. The difference between the kinetic
time t  2s will be energies at its highest and lowest position is:
(a) 20 J (b) 10 J
(a) 1 m / s (b) 4 m / s
(c) 4 5 J (d) 1 0 ( 5  1) J
(c) 2 m / s (d) 2 2 m / s

25. The potential energy of a particle of mass 1 kg is, U= 30. A block of mass m slides down along the surface of a
bowl (radius R) from the rim to the bottom. The
1 0  ( x  2 ) 2 . Here, U is in joules and x in metres on
velocity of the block at the bottom will be:
the positive x-axis. Particle travels upto x 6m . (a)  R g (b) 2  R g
Choose the correct statement:
(c) 2Rg (d) gR
(a) On negative x-axis particle travels upto x 2m
(b) The maximum kinetic energy of the particle is 16 J
(c) Both (a) and (b) are correct
(d) Both (a) and (b) are wrong
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER 45

Notes:

Find Answer Key and Detailed Solutions at the end of this book.

WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

 06
CIRCULAR MOTION
CIRCULAR MOTION 1

Chapter 06

Circular Motion
(b) Particle moving in a straight line

1. Characteristics of Circular
Motion
1.1 Circular motion
It is the movement of particles along the circumference of Fig. 6.3
the circle. (c) Particle moving in circular path
i) Angular displacement is a vector quantity.
ii) Its direction is perpendicular to the plane of
2. Various Parameters in rotation and is given by right hand screw rule.
NOTE:
Circular Motion Clockwise angular displacement is taken as negative and
anticlockwise displacement as positive.
2.1 Radius Vector angle 
arc

linear displacement
The vector joining the centre of the circle and centre of the radius radius
particle performing circular motion is called radius vector.
It has constant magnitude and variable directions. iii) For circular motion ΔS = r × Δθ
iv) Its unit is radian (in M.K.S)
2.2 Angular Displacement NOTE:
Introduction: Angle subtended by position vectors of a Always change degree into radian, if it occurs in
particle moving along any arbitrary path w.r.t. some fixed numerical problems.
point is called angular displacement.
v) It is a dimensionless quantity, i.e. dimension is
[M0L0T0]

2.3 Angular Velocity

It is defined as the rate of change of angular displacement
of a body or particle moving in a circular path.
i) It is a vector quantity.
Fixed point ii) Its direction is the same as that of angular displacement
i.e. perpendicular to the plane of rotation.
Fig. 6.1
(a) Particle moving in an arbitrary path
NOTE:
If the particle is revolving in the clockwise, direction then
the direction of angular velocity is perpendicular to the
revolutionary plane downwards. Whereas in case of
anticlockwise direction the direction will be upwards.

iii) Its unit is Radian/sec.

iv) Its dimension is [M0L0T–1].

Fig. 6.2

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Circular Motion
48 CIRCULAR MOTION

Types of Angular Velocity iv) Dimension : M0L0T–2

3.1 Relation Between Angular
Average Angular Velocity
Acceleration And Linear
 Total angular displacement
av  Acceleration
Total time taken
Linear acceleration = Rate of change of linear
velocity
Instantaneous Angular Velocity
dv
The instantaneous angular velocity is defined as the angular a  ...  i 
velocity at some particular instant of time. dt
 Instantaneous angular velocity Angular acceleration = Rate of change of angular velocity
 d d
  lim   ... ii 
t 0 t dt dt
NOTE: From (i) & (ii)
Instantaneous angular velocity can also be called simply a dv d  r  d
   r  r is constant   r
angular velocity.  d d d
 a  r
  
In vector form, a   r
2.4 Relation Between Linear Velocity
And Angular Velocity
d d ds 1 4. Radial and Tangential
We have      v
Acceleration
dt ds dt r
 ds arc ds 
d  dr , angle  radius and v  dt  linear velocity  a) Radial Acceleration is the change in direction of linear
 
   velocity and acts along the radius towards the centre of
In vector form, v   r
circle. It is given by
NOTE:
v2
i) When a particle moves along a curved path, its linear r   2 r
r
velocity at a point is along the tangent drawn at that
It is also called centripetal acceleration.
point.
ii) When a particle moves along a curved path, its
b) Tangential acceleration is the change in magnitude of
velocity has two components. One along the radius,
linear velocity, that act along the tangent to the circular
which increases or decreases the radius and another
path. It is given by:
one perpendicular to the radius, which makes the
   r
particle revolve about the point of observation.
 vsin 
iii)   
t r 5. Uniform & Non-Uniform

3. Angular Acceleration Circular Motion

 The uniform circular motion is that in which the
 The rate of change of angular velocity is defined as
particle is moving at a constant speed on circular path.
angular acceleration.
 The non-uniform circular motion is that in which the
 If Δω be change in angular velocity in time Δt, then
particles move with variable speed on its circular path.
angular acceleration:
 
 d
  lim
t 0 t

dt 6. Kinematics of Circular
i) It is a vector quantity
ii) Its direction is that of change in angular velocity Motion
iii) Unit : rad/sec2 If,

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CIRCULAR MOTION 49

m = mass of body,
r = radius of circular orbit,
v = magnitude of velocity
ac = centripetal acceleration,
at = tangential acceleration
Fig. 6.6
iv) Total acceleration
In uniform circular motion :
v2
a  a c2  a 2t  a c  (towards the centre)
   r
i) v1  v 2  v 3  constant i.e., speed is constant
NOTE:
 Because Fc is always perpendicular to velocity or
displacement, hence the work done by this force will
always be zero.
 Circular motion in a horizontal plane is usually
uniform circular motion.
 There is an important difference between projectile
Fig 6.4 motion and circular motion:

ii) As v is constant, so tangential acceleration at = 0 In projectile motion, both the magnitude and the
direction of acceleration (g) remain constant, while
in circular motion the magnitude remains constant
but the direction continuously changes.
Hence, equations of motion are not applicable for
circular motion.
Fig. 6.5  Remember that equations of motion remain valid
iii) Tangential, force Ft = 0 only when both the magnitude & direction of
acceleration are constant.

6.1 Equation of Linear Motion and Rotational Motion

S.No Condition Linear Motion Rotational Motion

a = 0, s = ut α = 0 , θ = ωt
(i) Average velocity (i) Average angular velocity
With constant
i. vu   2
velocity vav = ωav = 1
2 2

(ii) Average acceleration (ii) Average angular acceleration

vu   1
aav = aav = 2
t t
(iii) s = vav t (iii) θ = ωav. t
vu   2
 t  1 t
2 2
With constant (iv) v = u + at (iv) 2  1  t
ii.
acceleration
1 1 2
(v) s = ut + at 2 (v) θ = ω1t + t
2 2
1 1
(vi) s = vt – at 2 (vi) θ = ω2t – t 2
2 2
(vii) v2 = u2 + 2as (vii)  22  12  2
(viii) displacement in nth sec (viii) Angular displacement in nth sec

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Circular Motion
50 CIRCULAR MOTION

1 1
Sn  u   2n  1 a n  1   2n  1 
2 2

ds
(i) v  (i)   d / dt
dt
(ii)  ds   v dt (ii)  d    dt
With variable dv dv d d
iii. (iii) a  v (iii)   
acceleration
dt ds dt d
(iv)  dv   a dt (iv)  d    dt

(v)  v dv   a ds (v)   d    d
7. Non-Uniform Circular
Motion
i) In non-uniform circular motion :

v  constant,   constant
i.e. speed is not constant
& angular velocity is not constant
ii) If at any instant,
v = magnitude of velocity of particle, Fig. 6.7
r = radius of circular path,
ω = angular velocity of particle, vii) Net acceleration towards the centre = centripetal
then v  r acceleration
iii) Tangential acceleration: v2 F
 ac   2 r  c
dv r m
at 
dt Fnet
viii) Net Acceleration a  a c2  a 2t 
ds m
where, v  and s = arc (length) a t Ft
dt The angle made by 'a' with ac, tan   
iv) Tangential Force: a c Fc
Ft = mat
v) Centripetal Force:
mv2
Fc   m2 r
r a
vi) Net Force on the particle
  
F  Fc  Ft

 F  Fc2  Ft2 Fig. 6.8

If θ is the angle made by [Note: angle between Fc and Ft
is 90º] F with Fc, then
F
tan   t
Fc NOTE:
F   In both uniform & non-uniform circular motion, Fc is
   tan 1  t  perpendicular to velocity ; so work done by
 Fc 
centripetal force will be zero in both the cases.
Angle between F & Ft is (90º – θ)
 In uniform circular motion, Ft = 0, as at = 0, so work

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CIRCULAR MOTION 51

done will be zero by tangential force. s AB  

   v1  v 2  v 
 But in non-uniform circular motion Ft ≠ 0, thus there r AQ
will be work done by tangential force in this case. v
 Rate of work done by net force in non-uniform  v  s
r
circular motion = Rate of work done by tangential
v v s
force  
 t r t
dW    dx
P  Ft  v  Ft  v v  s 
dt dt  lim  lim  
t  0 t r t  0
 t 
v2
8. Centripetal & Centrifugal
v
 ac  v  r2
r r

Force a c  r 2
This is the magnitude of centripetal acceleration of particle
8.1 Centripetal
  
i) A body or particle moving in a curved path always i) It is a vector quantity. In vector form a c   v
moves effectively in a circle at any instant.  
ii) The direction of a c would be the same as that of v .
ii) The velocity of the particle changes moving on the
iii) Because the velocity vector at any point is tangential to
curved path, this change in velocity is brought by a
the circular path at that point, the acceleration vector
force, known as centripetal force and the acceleration
acts along the radius of the circle at that point and is
produced in the body, is known as centripetal
directed towards the centre. This is the reason that it is
acceleration.
called centripetal acceleration.
iii) The direction of centripetal force or acceleration is
always towards the centre of the circular path.
8.3 Expression for Centripetal Force
8.2 Expression for Centripetal
Acceleration

Fig. 6.9
(a) Particle moving in circular path of radius r
Q

A
Fig. 6.10
(b) Vector diagram of velocities
The triangle OP1P2 and the velocity triangle are similar Fig. 6.11
PP AB If v = velocity of particle,
 1 2 
P1O AQ r = radius of path
Then necessary centripetal force
Fc = mass × acceleration

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Circular Motion
52 CIRCULAR MOTION

v2 Both centripetal and centrifugal forces, being the forces

Fc  m of action and reaction, act always on different bodies. For
r
This is the expression for centripetal force example, when a piece of stone tied to one end of a string
is rotated in a circle, centripetal force F1 is applied on the
i) It is a vector quantity stone by the hand. In turn, the hand is pulled outwards by
ii) In vector form centrifugal force F2 acting on it, due to the tendency of
the stone to regain its natural straight line path. The
 mv2
Fc   centripetal and centrifugal forces are shown in Fig.
r
 mv 2 
Fc   2 r
r

Fc   m  2 r
  
Fc   m  v   
Negative sign indicates direction only.
  
Fc  m  v  
Fig. 6.12
iii) For circular motion:

Fc  m  v sin 90   mv

9. Applications of Circular
NOTE:
 Centripetal force is not a real force. It is only the Motion
requirement for circular motion.
 It is not a new kind of force. Any of the forces found 9.1 Hint to solve numerical problem
in nature such as gravitational force, electric friction  Write down the required centripetal force.
force, tension in string, reaction force may act as  Draw the free body diagram of each component of the
centripetal force. system.
 Resolve the forces acting on the rotating particle along
8.4 Centrifugal Force radius and perpendicular to radius.
 Calculate net radial force acting towards the centre of
The natural tendency of a body is to move uniformly along a
the circular path.
straight line. When we apply centripetal force on the body, it
is forced to move along a circle. While moving actually  Make it equal to required centripetal force.
along a circle, the body has a constant tendency to regain its  For remaining components see according to the
natural straight line path. This tendency gives rise to a force question.
called centrifugal force.
Hence, Centrifugal force is a force that arises when a NOTE:
body is moving actually along a circular path, by virtue When a system of particles rotates about an axis, the
of the tendency of the body to regain its natural straight angular velocity of all the particles will be the same, but
line path. their linear velocity will be different, because of different
 Centrifugal forces can be regarded as the reaction of distances from the axis of rotation i.e. v = rω.
centripetal force. As forces of action and reaction are
always equal and opposite, therefore, magnitude of 9.2 Motion in Horizontal Circle :
centrifugal force = m v2/r, which is same as that of
centripetal force.
Conical pendulum
 However, the direction of centrifugal force is opposite This is the best example of uniform circular motion. A
to the direction of centripetal force i.e. centrifugal conical pendulum consists of a body attached to a string of
force acts along the radius and away from the centre length  , such that it can revolve in a horizontal circle with
of the circle. uniform speed. The string traces out a cone in space.
NOTE:
i) The force acting on the bob are

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Centre of mass, Momentum & Collision
CIRCULAR MOTION 53

(a) Tension F (b) weight mg therefore, acts, towards the centre of the circular track
and provides the necessary centripetal force.
 Three forces are acting on the car, fig.

Fig. 6.14
i) The weight of the car, mg, acting vertically downwards,
ii) Normal reaction R of the road on the car, acting
vertically upwards,
iii) Frictional Force F, along the surface of the road,
Fig. 6.13
towards the centre of the turn.
ii) The horizontal component F sin θ of the tension F
 As there is no acceleration in the vertical direction,
provides the centripetal force and the vertical
R–mg=0 or R=mg ...(1)
component F cos θ balances the weight of bob
The centripetal force required for circular motion is
mv2 along the surface of the road, towards the centre of the
 Fsin   and Fcos   mg
r turn.
From these equations As, it is the static friction that provides the necessary
centripetal force. Clearly,
v4
F  mg 1  .....  i  mv2
r2g2 F …(2)
r
v2 where v is the velocity of the car while turning and r is
and tan   .... ii 
rg the radius of a circular track.
Also if h = height of conical pendulum As F = μsR = μs mg, [using (1)]
OP r where μs is the coefficient of static friction between the
tan    .... iii  tyres and the road. Therefore, from (2),
OS h
From (ii) & (iii) mv2
 s mg
v2 g r
2   or v  s rg
r2 h
The time period of revolution
 vmax  s rg ….(3)
2
As, T 
 Hence the maximum velocity with which a vehicle can
go round a level curve, without skidding is
h  cos 
T  2  2  where OS =   v  s rg
g g
 The value depends on the radius r of the curve and on
9.3 Rounding a Level Curved Road the coefficient of static friction (μs) between the tyres
 When a vehicle goes round a curved road, it requires and the road. Clearly, v is independent of the mass of
some centripetal force. While rounding the curve, the the car.
wheels of the vehicle have a tendency to leave the
curved path and regain the straight line path. Force of
friction between the wheels and the road opposes this
tendency of the wheels. This force (of friction)

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Circular Motion
54 CIRCULAR MOTION

9.4 Banking of Roads  R sin θ, along the horizontal, towards the centre of the
curved road.
 The maximum permissible velocity with which a
vehicle can go around a level curved road without
F can also be resolved into two rectangular components :
skidding depends on μ, the coefficient of friction
between the tyres and the road. The value of μ  F cos θ, along the horizontal, towards the centre of
decreases when the road is smooth or tyres of the curved road.
vehicle are worn out or the road is wet. Thus, the force  F sin θ, along vertically downward direction.
of friction is not a reliable source for providing the
required centripetal force to the vehicle. As there is no acceleration along the vertical direction, the
 A safer course of action would be to raise the outer net force along this direction must be zero. Therefore,
edge of the curved road above the inner edge. By doing Rcosθ =mg+ F sin θ ...(1)
so, a component of normal reaction of the road shall be
spared to provide the centripetal force. The If v is the velocity of the vehicle over the banked circular
phenomenon of raising the outer edge of the curved road of radius r, then centripetal force required = mv2/r. This
road above the inner edge is called banking of roads. is provided by the horizontal components of R and F as
shown in Fig.
 We can calculate the angle of banking θ, as detailed
below: mv2
 R sin   Fcos   ...  2 
In Fig., OX is a horizontal line. OA is the level of r
banked curved road whose outer edge has been raised. But F < μs R, where μs is coefficient of static friction
∠XOA = θ = angle of banking. between the banked road and the tyres.

To obtain vmax, we put F = μs R in (1) and (2).

Rcosθ = mg + μs Rsinθ ...(3)
mv 2
and R sin    s R cos   ....  4 
r
From (3), R (cos θ – μs sin θ) = mg
mg
R ....  5 
cos    s sin 

Fig. 6.15 mv2

From (4), R  sin   s cos  
r
mg  sin    s cos   mv 2
Using (5), 
 cos   s sin   r
rg  sin    s cos   rg cos   tan    s 
 v2  
 cos   s sin   cos  1   s tan  
1/ 2
 rg   s  tan   
v  ....  6 
 1   s tan   

Fig. 6.16 This is the max. velocity of vehicle on a banked road.

Three forces are acting on the vehicle as shown in Fig. Special Case:
 Weight mg of the vehicle acting vertically downwards. If μs = 0, i.e., if banked road is perfectly smooth, then,
1/ 2
 Normal reaction R of the banked road acting upwards in v0   rg tan  .... 7 
a direction perpendicular to OA.
This is the speed at which a banked road can be rounded
 Force of friction F between the banked road and the
even when there is no friction. Driving at this speed on a
tyres, acting along AO.
banked road will cause almost no wear and tear of the tyres.
R can be resolved into two rectangular components :- From (7), v 20  rg tan 
 R cos θ, along vertically upward direction.

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CIRCULAR MOTION 55

or tan   v02 / rg .... 8

 If the speed of the vehicle is less than v0, frictional force

will be up the slope. Therefore, the vehicle can be
parked only if tan θ < μs.
 Roads are usually banked for the average speed of
vehicles passing over them. However, if the speed of a
vehicle is somewhat less or more than this, the self
adjusting static friction will operate between the tyres
and the road, and the vehicle will not skid. Fig. 6.17
 The speed limit at which the curve can be negotiated R can be resolved into two rectangular components:
safely is clearly indicated on the sign boards erected  R cos θ, along the vertical upward direction,
along the curved roads.  R sin θ, along the horizontal, towards the centre of the
NOTE: circular track.
The curved railway tracks are also banked for the same
In equilibrium, R cos θ balances the weight of the cyclist i.e.
reason. The level of outer rail is raised a little above the
R cos θ = mg ...(1)
level of inner rail, while laying a curved railway track.
and R sin θ provides the necessary centripetal force (m v2/r)
mv2
9.5 Bending of a Cyclist  R sin   ....  2 
r
 When a cyclist takes a turn, he also requires some
Dividing (2) by (1), we get
centripetal force. If he keeps himself vertical while
turning, his weight is balanced by the normal reaction R sin  mv 2

of the ground. R cos  r mg
 In that event, he has to depend upon force of friction v2
between the tyres and the road for obtaining the tan  
rg
necessary centripetal force. As the force of friction is
small and uncertain, dependence on it is not safe. Clearly, θ would depend on v and r.
 To avoid dependence on force of friction for obtaining
centripetal force, the cyclist has to bend a little inwards  For a safe turn, θ should be small, for which v should be
from his vertical position, while turning. By doing so, a small and r should be large i.e. turning should be at a
component of normal reaction in the horizontal slow speed and along a track of larger radius. This
direction provides the necessary centripetal force. To means, a safe turn should neither be fast nor sharp.
calculate the angle of bending with vertical,
Let,
m = mass of the cyclist,
10. Motion in Vertical Circle
v = velocity of the cyclist while turning, Motion of a body suspended by string: This is the best
r = radius of the circular path, example of non-uniform circular motion.
θ = angle of bending with vertical. When the body rises from the bottom to the height h, a part
of its kinetic energy converts into potential energy
In Fig., we have shown weight of the cyclist (mg) acting
vertically downwards at the centre of gravity C. R is force of Total mechanical energy remains conserved
reaction of the ground on the cyclist. It acts at an angle θ Total (P.E. + K.E.) at A = Total (P.E. + K.E.) at P
with the vertical. 1 1
 0  mu 2  mgh  mv2
2 2
v u 2  2gh
as h     cos 
  1  cos  

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56 CIRCULAR MOTION

a) Tension at the lowest point A :

 v  u 2  2g 1  cos 
mv2A
TA   mg

Here   0
mu 2
TA   mg

b) Tension at point B :
mv2B
TB   mg

Fig. 6.18
mu 2
[Where  is length of the string] TB   5mg    180

c) Tension at point C :
10.1 Tension at a point P mvC2
mv2 TC 
i) At point P, required centripetal force  

mu 2
a) Net force towards the centre : TC   2mg  Here   90

T – mg cos θ, which provides required centripetal
Thus, we conclude that
force.
T A > T C > TB
and also
TA – TB = 6 mg
TA – TC = 3 mg
TC – TB = 3 mg

iii) Cases:
a) If u  5g
In this case tension in the string will not be zero at
Fig. 6.19 any of the points, which implies that the particle
will continue the circular motion.
b) If u  5g
mv2
 T  mg cos   In this case the tension at the top most point (B)

will be zero, which implies that the particle will
 v2  just complete the circular motion.
T  m  g cos   
   c) Critical Velocity: The minimum velocity at which
m 2 the circular motion is possible.
  u  g  2  3cos   
  The critical velocity at A  5g
b) Tangential force for the motion The critical velocity at B  g 
Ft = mg sin θ
The critical velocity at C  3g 
This force retards the motion
ii) Results: Also, TA = 6 mg, TB = 0, TC = 3 mg
d) If 2g   u  5g 
In this case particles will not follow circular
motion. Tension in string becomes zero somewhere
between points C & B whereas velocity remains
positive. Particle leaves circular path and follow
parabolic trajectory

Fig 6.20

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CIRCULAR MOTION 57

maximum angular velocity of the platform,

  g / h  , where  is the coefficient of friction
between the object and the platform.
10) If an inclined plane ends into a circular loop of radius r,
then the height from which a body should slide from the
inclined plane in the order to complete the motion in a
circular track is h = 5r/2.
11) Minimum velocity that should be imparted to a
Fig. 6.21
pendulum to complete the vertical circle is  5g
e) If u  2g  where  is the length of the pendulum.
In this case both velocity and tension in the string 12) While describing a vertical circle when the stone is in
becomes zero between A and C and the particle its lowest position, the tension in the string is six times
will oscillate along a semi-circular path. the weight of the stone.
13) The total energy of the stone while revolving in a
f) If u  2g 
vertical circle is (5/2) mg  .
The velocity of the particle remains zero between A 14) When the stone is in horizontal position then the tension
and C but tension will not be zero and the particle in the string is 3mg and the velocity of the stone is
will oscillate about the point A.
 3g .
15) If the velocity of the stone at the highest point is X mg,

11. Tips & Tricks then the tension at the lowest point will be (X + 6)mg.
16) If a body of mass m is tied to a string of length  and is
1) Centripetal force does not increase the kinetic energy of projected with a horizontal velocity u such that it does
the particle moving in a circular path, hence the work not complete the motion in the vertical circle, then
done by the force is zero. u2
2) Centrifuges are the apparatuses used to separate small (a) the height at which the velocity vanishes is h 
2g
and big particles from a liquid.
(b) the height at which the tension vanishes is
3) The physical quantities which remain constant for a
particle moving in a circular path are speed, kinetic u 2  g
h .
energy and angular momentum. 3g
4) If a body is moving on a curved road with speed greater 17) The K.E. of a body moving in a horizontal circle is the
than the speed limit, the reaction at the inner wheel same throughout the path but the K.E. of the body
disappears and it will leave the ground first. moving in a vertical circle is different at different
5) On unbanked curved roads the minimum radius of places.
curvature of the curve for safe driving is r = v2/mg,
where v is the speed of the vehicle and m is small.
6) If r is the radius of curvature of the speed breaker, then
the maximum speed with which the vehicle can run on
it without leaving contact with the ground is v   gr 
7) While taking a turn on the level road sometimes
vehicles overturned due to centrifugal force.
8) If h is the height of centre of gravity above the road, a is
half the wheel base distance, then for road safety
mv2
 h  mg  a,
r
Minimum safe speed for no overturning is v  gar / h .
9) On a rotating platform, to avoid the skidding of an
object placed at a distance r from axis of rotation, the

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Circular Motion
58 CIRCULAR MOTION

NCERT Corner
Relation between angular acceleration    and
linear velocity (v)

Important Points to Remember v2


r
1. Circular Motion
 It is the movement of particles along the circumference
3. Centripetal and Centrifugal Force
of a circle.  Centripetal force: In uniform circular motion the force
acting on the particle along the radius and towards the
 The uniform circular motion is that in which the
centre keeps the body moving along the circular path.
particle is moving at a constant speed on circular path.
This force is called centripetal force.
 The non-uniform circular motion is that in which the
 Centrifugal force: The pseudo force experienced by a
particles move with variable speed on its circular path.
particle performing uniform circular motion due to
accelerated frame of reference which is along the radius
2. Variables in Circular Motion and directed way from the centre is called centrifugal
 Angular Displacement: It is the angle subtended by force.
the position vector at the centre of the circular path.
NOTE:
Angular displacement,   s / r where, s is the arc
 Pseudo force acts in non inertial frame i.e. accelerated
length and r is the radius
frame of reference in which Neutron’s law’s of motion
 Angular Velocity: The time rate of change of angular
do not hold good.
displacement    is called angular velocity.
 When a car moving along a horizontal curve takes a
Angular velocity,    / t turn, the person in the car experiences a push in the
Angular velocity is a vector quantity outward direction.
 The coin placed slightly away from the centre of a
Relation between linear velocity (v) and and angular rotating gramophone disc slips towards the edge of the
velocity    is given by disc.
 A cyclist moving fast along a curved road has to lean
v  r
inwards to keep his balance
 Angular Acceleration: The rate of change of angular
velocity is called angular acceleration.
Angular acceleration, 4. Difference Between Centripetal Force and
 d d 2  Centrifugal Force
  lim   Its SI unit is rad/s2 and
t  0 t dt dt 2 Centripetal Force Centrifugal Force
dimensional formula is [T-2]  Centripetal force is  Centrifugal force is
Acceleration in a circular motion has two components directed along the directed along the
as given below: radius. Towards the radius, away from the
(a) Tangential acceleration is the change in magnitude centre of the circle. centre of the circle.
of linear velocity and act along tangent to the circular  It is a real force.  It is a pseudo force.
path. It is given by:  It arises only in non-
 It arises in both
 T  r inertial and non- inertial frame of
(b) Radial Acceleration is the change in direction of inertial frame of reference or in rotating
linear velocity and acts along the radius towards the reference. frame reference
 Eg. when a satellite is  Eg. along a curved road
v2
centre of circle. It is given by  r   2 r revolving in circular the passenger in the
r orbit around the earth, vehicle has a feeling of
It is also called centripetal acceleration. the centripetal force is push in the outward
due to gravitational direction The push is
Relation between linear acceleration (a) and angular force of attraction. due to centrifugal force.
acceleration   
a  r , where r = radius

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CIRCULAR MOTION 59

5. Equations of Motions: For completing the circular motion minimum speed at

For constant angular acceleration- the bottom v B  5gr
(i)   0  t Tension TB  6mg
1 2
(ii)   0 t  t
2 10. Conical Pendulum (Motion in a horizontal
(iii)  2  20  2 circle)
mg
Tension in string 
6. Motion of a car on a plane circular road- 1/ 2

For motion without skidding

 2
 r2 

Mv2max g
 Mg Angular velocity 
r  cos 

 v max rg  cos  r

Periodic time  2  2
g g tan 

7. Motion on a banked road

Angle of banking  
h
tan  
b
Maximum safe speed at the bend
1/2
 rg    tan   
vmax   
 1    tan   
If friction is negligible
rhg v2
v max  rg tan   and tan   max
b rg

8. Motion of cyclist on a curve

v2
In equilibrium angle with vertical is  , then tan  
rg
Maximum safe speed  v max   rg

9. Motion in a vertical circle (particle tied to

string)
 v2 
At the top position – Tension TA  m  A  g 
 r 
For TA  0, critical speed  gr
 v2 
At the bottom – Tension TB  m  B  g 
 r 

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60 CIRCULAR MOTION

Solved Examples
dv
but  2 thus a t  2m / s 2
dt
Example 1 2 2 2
and a  a t  a r  2m / s
A particle is moving in a circle of radius r centered at
(b) At t = 3 sec, v = 6 m/s
O with constant speed v. What is the change in the 2
velocity in moving from A to B? Given AOB  40 v2  6 dv
so a r    6m / s 2 and a t   2m / s2 .
 r 6 dt
Sol.  v  2v sin  40  / 2   2v sin 20
Therfore, a  2 2  6 2  40m / s 2
Example 2
A road makes a 90 bend with a radius of 190 m. A car Example 4
enters the bend moving at 20 m/s. Finding this too fast, The kinetic energy of a particle moving along a circle
the driver decelerates at 0.92 m/s2. Determine the of radius r depends on distance covered as K = As2
acceleration of the car when its speed rounding the where A is a constant. Find the force acting on the
bend has dropped to 15 m/s. particle as a function of s.
Sol. Since it is rounding a curve, the car has a radial Sol. According to given problem
acceleration associated with its changing direction, in 1 2A
mv 2  As 2 or v  s …..(1)
addition to the tangential deceleration that changes its 2 m
speed. We are given that at = 0.92 m/s2; since the car is
v2 2As2
slowing down, the tangential acceleration is directed So, a r   …..(2)
r mr
opposite the velocity.
Further, more as
dv dv ds dv
at    v ….(3)
dt ds dt ds
From Eqn. (1),
dv 2A
vs  2A / m    …..(4)
ds m
The radial acceleration is a Substitute values from Eqn. (1) & Eqn. (4) in Eqn. (3)
v 2 15m / s 
2
 2A   2A  2As
ar    1.2 m / s 2 a t  s  
r 190m  m  m  m
Magnitude of net acceleration, 2 2
1/2  2As 2   2As 
2 2
a  a  a  1.2    0.92  
2 2 So, a  a 2r  a 2t     
r 
t   mr   m 
 1.5m / s2 2As 2
i.e. a  1  s / r 
and points at an angle m
a   1.2  So, F  ma  2As 1  s / r 
2
  tan 1  r   tan 1    53 relative to the
a
 t  0.92 
tangent to the circle. Example 5
A particle of mass m is moving in a circular path of
Example 3 constant radius r such that its centripetal acceleration
A particle is constrained to move in a circular path of is varying with time t as a c  k 2 rt 2 , where k is a
radius r = 6m. Its velocity varies with time according
constant. Determine the power delivered to particle by
to the relation v = 2t (m/s). Determine its
the forces acting on it.
(i) Centripetal acceleration
Sol. If v is instantaneous velocity, centripetal acceleration
(ii) tangential acceleration
(iii) instantaneous acceleration at: v2 v2
ac    k 2 rt 2  v  krt .
(a) t = 0 sec. and r r
(b) t = 3 sec. In circular motion work done by centripetal force is
Sol. (a) At = 0, v = 0 Thus ar = 0 always zero & work is done only by tangential force.
CIRCULAR MOTION 61

dv d  g 
Tangent acceleration a t    krt   kr or   cos 1  2 
dt dt  
 Tangential force F1  ma1  mkr
Power P  Ft v   mkr  krt   mk 2 r 2 t Example 9
Two balls of equal masses are attached to a string at
distance 1 m and 2 m from one end as shown in fig.
Example 6
The string with masses is then moved in a horizontal
Stone of mass 1 kg is whirled in a circular path of
circle with constant speed. Find the ratio of the tension
radius 1 m. Find out the tension in the string if the
T1 and T2?
linear velocity is 10 m/s?
2
Sol. Let the radius of the balls of the two circles are r1 and
mv2 1 10  r2. The linear speed of the two masses are
Sol. Tension   100N
R 1 v1  r1 & v 2  r2 , where  is the angular speed of
the circular motion. The tension in the strings are such
Example 7 that
A satellite of mass 107 kg is revolving around the earth
with a time period of 30 days at a height of 1600 km.
Find out the force of attraction on satellite by earth?
2 2  3.14 6.28
Sol. Force  m2 R and  
T 30  86400 2.59  106
Force  m2 r
2
 6.28 
 6 
 107   6400  1600  103
 2.59 10  m22
6 T2   m2 r2
 2.34 10 N r2
mv12
Example 8 T1  T2   m2 r1
r1
A vertical rod is rotating about its axis with a uniform
angular speed  . A simple pendulum of length  is
attached to its upper end. What is its inclination with
the rod?
Sol. Let the radius of the circle in which the bob is rotating
is the tension in the string is T, weight of the bob mg,
and inclination of the string  . Then T cos balances
the weight mg and Tsin  provides the centripetal
force necessary for circular motion. That is
 T1  m  2 r1  T2  m  2  r1  r2 
T1 r1  r2 1  2 3
   
T2 r2 2 2

Example 10
A circular loop has a small bead which can slide on it
without friction. The radius of the loop is r. Keeping
T cos   mg and T sin   m2 x the loop vertically it is rotated about a vertical
but x   sin  diameter at a constant angular speed  . What is the
 T  m2  value of angle  , when the bead is in dynamic
equilibrium?
mg mg
and cos    Sol. Centripetal force is provided by the horizontal
T m2  component of the normal reaction N. The vertical
component balances the weight. Thus,
62 CIRCULAR MOTION

Sol. Apparent weight of car = N (normal reaction)

(i) Convex bridge
The motion of the motor car over a convex bridge is
the motion along the segment of a circle. The
centripetal force is provided by the difference of
weight mg of the car and the normal reaction N of the
bridge.
mv2
 mg  N 
r
mv2
N sin   m2 x and N cos   mg or N  mg 
r
Also x  r sin   N  m2 r Clearly N < mg, i.e., the apparent weight of the
g  g  moving car is less than the weight of the stationary car.
cos   2
or cos 1  2 
r  r  mv2
(ii) Concave bridge: N  mg 
r
Example 11
mv2
A particle of mass m slides down from the vertex of Apparent weight: N  mg 
semi-hemisphere, without any initial velocity. At what
r
height from horizontal will the particle leave the
sphere.
Sol. Let the particle leave the sphere at height h,
mv2
 mg cos   N
R
When the particle leaves the sphere N = 0.
mv2
 mg cos   v2 gR cos  …(1)
R
According to law of conservation of energy
 K.E.  P.E. at A   K.E.  P.E. at B
1
 0  mgR  mv2  mgh
2
 v 2  2g  R  h  …(2)
2R
From (1) & (2) h  ,
3
Also cos   2 / 3
Example 13
A ball is released from height h as shown in fig. Find
the condition for the particle to complete the circular
path.

Example 12
Prove that as motor car moving over a (i) Convex
bridge is lighter than the same car resting on the same
Sol. According to law of conservation of energy
bridge. (ii) Concave bridge is heavier than the same
(K.E. + P.E.) at A = (K.E. + P.E.) at B
car resting on the same bridge.
CIRCULAR MOTION 63

1 mv 2
 0  mgh  mv 2  0 or T  mg cos  
2 r
 v 2gh Substituting the given values, we get
2
But velocity at the lowest point of circle, 0.1   2   3
T  0.1  9.8  cos 30   0.98     0.4
5R 1  2 
v  5gR  2gh  5gR  h 
2  0.85  0.4  1.25N

Example 14
A body weighing 0.4 kg is whirled in a vertical circle
making 2 revolutions per second. If the radius of the
circle is 1.2 m, find the tension in the string, when the
body is (a) at the top of the circle (b) at the bottom of
the circle. Given : g = 9.8 ms-2 and   1.2m .
1
Sol. Mass m = 0.4 kg and time period  second and
2 Example 17
radius, r = 1.2 m A car is travelling at 30 km/h in a circle of radius 60
2 m. What is the minimum value of  s for the car to
Angular velocity,    4 rads1  12.56rad s1
1/ 2 make the turn without skidding?
(a) At the top of the circle, Sol. The minimum  s should be that
mv2 mv 2 v2
T  mg  mr2  mg  m  r2  g  s mg  or s 
r r rg
 0.4 1.2  12.56  12.56  9.8  N  71.8N
km 30 1000 25
Here, v  30   m/s
 
(b) At the lowest point, T  m r2  g  79.64m h 3600 3
25 25 1
 s     0.115
Example 15 3 3 60 10
A 4 kg ball is swung in a vertical circle at the end of a For all values of  s greater than or equal to the above
cord 1 m long. What is the maximum speed with
value, the car can make the turn without skidding. If
which it can swing if the cord can sustain maximum
tension of 163.6 N? the speed of the car is high so that minimum  s is
greater than the standard value (rubber tyre on
mv2
Sol. Maximum tension  T   mg (at lowest point) concrete s  1 and on wet concrete  s  0.7 ), then
r
the car will skid.
mv2
  T  mg
r
Example 18
4v2 At what angle should a highway be banked for cars
or  163.6  4  9.8
1 travelling at a speed of 100 km/h if the radius of the
After, solving we get v = 6 m/sec. road is 400 m and no frictional forces are involved?
Sol. The banking should be done at an angle  such that
Example 16 250 250

A small body of mass m = 0.1 kg swings in a vertical v2 9 or tan   652  0.19
tan    9
circle at the end of a cord of length 1m. Its speed is 2 rg 400  10 81  40
m/s when the cord makes an angle   30 with the
or   tan 1 0.19  0.19 radian
vertical. Find the tension in the hord.
Sol. The equation of motion is  0.19  57.3
mv2  11 
T  mg cos  
r
64 CIRCULAR MOTION

Example 19 Time period of hour hand is 12 h in which it traced

An aircraft executes a horizontal loop at a speed of 720 2 angle, so
km h-1 with its wing banked at 15o. Calculate the 2
radius of the loop.  rad h 1
12
1 720 1000 1 2
Sol. Speed, v  720kmh  ms  200ms1  rad s1
3600 12  60  60
and tan   tan15  0.2679

v2  rad s 1
tan   21600
rg
v2 200  200 Example 22
or r   m
g tan  9.8  0.2679 A stone tied to one end of spring 80 cm long is whirled
in a horizontal circle with a constant speed. If stone
 1523.7m  15.24km
makes 14 revolutions in 25 s, the magnitude of
acceleration of stone is
Example 20
(a) 850 cms-2
What determines the nature of path followed by the
(b) 992 cms-2
particle?
(c) 720 cms-2
(a) speed
(d) 650 cms-2
(b) Velocity
Ans. (b)
(c) Acceleration
Sol. Given, radius of the horizontal circle
(d) Both (b) and (c)
r = 80 cm = 0.80 m, n = 14 and t = 25s
Ans. (d)
Angular speed of revolution of the stone,
Sol. The nature of path is decided by velocity and
acceleration. Velocity is ratio of displacement to time. 2n n
  2  
It is a vector quantity possessing both magnitude and t t
direction. When velocity of a particle changes, the 22  14  88
  2     rads 1
particle is said to undergo an acceleration. 7  25  25
The instantaneous acceleration is the derivative of the 2
 Magnitude of centripetal acceleration  r
velocity with respect to time. Acceleration is also a 2
vector quantity possessing both magnitude and  88 
 80     992cms 2
direction. Depending on variation of velocity and  25 
acceleration, the path could be a straight line, circle or
a parabola. Example 23
A stone tied to the end of a string 80 cm long in
Example 21 whirled in a horizontal circle with a constant speed. If
Angular velocity of hour hand of a watch is the stone makes 14 revolutions in 25 s, what is the
 magnitude and direction of acceleration of the stone?
(a) rads 1 (NCERT)
43200
Sol. r = 80 cm = 0.8 m;

(b) rads1 14
30 v rev / s
25

(c) rads 1 22 14 88
21600   2v  2   rad / s  rads1
7 25 25

(d) rads1 The centripetal acceleration
1800 2
 88 
Ans. (c) a  2 r     0.80  9.90ms 2
 25 
angled traced
Sol. As, angular velocity  by hour hand. The direction of centripetal acceleration is along the
time taken
string directed towards the centre of circular path.
CIRCULAR MOTION 65

Example 24
An aircraft executes a horizontal loop of radius 1.00
km with a steady speed of 900 km/h. Compare its
centripetal acceleration with the acceleration due to
gravity. (NCERT)
3 1 5
Sol. r  1km  10 m, v  900km h  900   250ms1
18
Centripetal acceleration
2
v 2  250 
 ac    62.5ms 2
r 103
a c 62.5
Now,   6.38.
g 9.8

Example 25
Read each statement below carefully and state, with
reasons, if it is true or false:
(a) The net acceleration of a particle in circular
motion is always along the radius of the circle
towards the centre.
(b) The velocity vector of a particle at a point is
always along the tangent to the path of the particle
at that point.
(c) The acceleration vector of a particle in uniform
circular motion averaged over one cycle is a null
vector. (NCERT)
Sol.
(a) False, the net acceleration of a particle in circular
motion is along the radius of the circle towards the
centre only in uniform circular motion.
(b) True, because while leaving the circular path, the
particle moves tangentially to the circular path.
(c) True, the direction of acceleration vector in a
uniform circular motion is directed towards the
centre of circular path. It is constantly changing
with time. The resultant of all these vectors will
be a zero vector.
66 CIRCULAR MOTION

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Characteristics of Circular Motion (b) Both magnitude and direction of velocity change
(c) Velocity is directed towards the centre of the
1. If a particle moves in a circle describing equal angles
circle
in equal interval of times, its velocity vector – (d) Magnitude of velocity is constant but direction
(a) remains constant changes
(b) changes in magnitude
(c) changes in direction 8. The linear and angular acceleration of a particle are
(d) changes both in magnitude and direction
10 m/sec2 and 5 rad/sec2 respectively it will be at a
distance from the axis of rotation –
2. A particle is moving along a circular path with
1
uniform speed. Through what angle does its angular (a) 50 m (b) m
2
velocity change when it completes half of the circular
(c) 1 m (d) 2 m
path?
(a) 0° (b) 45°
9. A tachometer is a device to measure -
(c) 180° (d) 360°
(a) gravitational pull (b) speed of rotation
(c) surface tension (d) tension in a string
3. A particle covers equal distance around a circular
path, in equal intervals of time. Which of the
10. The ratio of angular speed of hours hand and seconds
following quantities connected with the motion of the
hand of a clock is-
particle remains constant with time?
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 1 : 60
(a) Displacement (b) Velocity
(c) 1 : 720 (d) 3600 : 1
(c) Speed (d) Acceleration

11. The ratio of angular speeds of minutes hand and hour

4. If the body is moving in a circle of radius r with a
hand of a watch is –
constant speed v, its angular velocity is
(a) 1 : 12 (b) 6 : 1
v2
(a) (b) vr (c) 12 : 1 (d) 1:6
r
v r 12. A particle is acted upon by a constant force always
(c) (d)
r v normal to the direction of motion of the particle. It is
5. When a body moves with a constant speed along a therefore inferred that-
circle (A) Its velocity is constant
(a) No work is done on it (B) It moves in a straight line
(b) No acceleration is produced in the body (C) Its speed is constant
(c) No force acts on the body (D) It moves in circular path
(d) Its velocity remains constant (a) A,D (b) C, D
(c) A, B (d) A, B, C
6. A particle comes round a circle of radius 1 m once.
The time taken by it is 10 sec. The average velocity 13. A ball is being rotated in a circle of radius 5 m with
of motion is constant tangential velocity of 20 m/s. A stone is also
(a) 0.2 m / s (b) 2 m / s being rotated in a circle of radius 4 m with a constant
(c) 2 m/s (d) zero tangential velocity of 16 m/s. Which one of the
following choices is true about both the circular
7. A car moves on a circular road. It describes equal motions?
angles about the centre in equal intervals of time. (a) Both have same angular velocity
Which of the following statement about the velocity (b) Both have difference angular velocity
of the car is true (c) Angular velocity of ball > angular velocity of
(a) Magnitude of velocity is not constant stone
CIRCULAR MOTION 67

(d) Angular velocity of stone > angular velocity of 21. A body is whirled in a horizontal circle of radius 20
ball cm. It has angular velocity of 10 rad/s. What is its
linear velocity at any point on circular path
14. A particle is moving along a circular path of radius (a) 10 m/s (b) 2 m/s
5m with a uniform speed 5 ms–1. What will be the (c) 20 m/s (d) 2m / s
magnitude of average acceleration when the particle
completes half revolution? 22. The angular speed of seconds needle in a mechanical
(a) Zero (b) 10 ms 1 watch is
10 2 
(c) 10  ms 1 (d) ms (a) rad / s (b) 2 rad / s
 30
60
(c)  rad / s (d) rad / s
15. What is the angular velocity in rad/s of a fly wheel 
making 300 r.p.m.?
(a) 600 (b) 20 23. The angular velocity of a particle rotating in a
(c) 10 (d) 30 circular orbit 100 times per minute is
(a) 1.66 rad/s (b) 10.47 rad/s
16. The angular velocity of a particle moving in a circle (c) 10.47 deg/s (d) 60 deg/s
of radius 50 cm is increased in 5 min from 100
revolutions per minute to 400 revolutions per minute. 24. In 1.0 s, a particle goes from point A to point B,
Find tangential acceleration of the particle. moving in a semicircle of radius 1.0 m (see figure).
(a) 60 m/s2 (b) /30 m/s2 The magnitude of the average velocity is
(c) /15 m/s2 (d) /60 m/s2

17. A particle is moving along a circular path of radius

2m with uniform speed of 5 ms–1. What will be the
change in velocity when the particle completes half
of the revolution?
(a) zero (b) 10 ms-1
10
(c) 10 2ms 1 (d) ms 1
2 (a) 3.14m / s (b) 2.0 m / s
18. Two racing cars of masses m1 and m2 are moving in (c) 1.0 (d) Zero
circles of radii r1 and r2 respectively. Their speeds are
such that each makes a complete circle in the same 25. The angular velocity of earth about its axis of rotation
duration of time t . The ratio of the angular speed of is-
the first to the second car is 2
(a) rad / sec
(a) m1 : m2 (b) r1 : r2  60  60  24 
(c) 1 : 1 (d) m1 r1 : m2 r2
2
(b) rad / sec
19. The angular speed of a fly wheel making 120
 60  60 
revolutions/minute is 2
(c) rad / sec
(a) 2 rad / s (b) 42 rad / s 60
(c)  rad / s (d) 4 rad / s 2
(d) rad / sec
 365  24  60  60 
20. A particle moves in a circle of radius 25 cm at two
revolutions per second. The acceleration of the
26. A bottle of soda water is grasped by the neck and
particle in m / s2 is
swing briskly in a vertical circle. Near which portion
(a) 2 (b) 82 of the bottle do the bubbles collect?
(c) 42 (d) 22 (a) near the bottom
(b) in the middle of the bottle
68 CIRCULAR MOTION

(c) near the neck (a) 8 rad/sec (b) 12 rad/sec

(d) uniformly distributed in the bottle (c) 24 rad/sec (d) 36 rad/sec

27. A particle is acted upon by a force of constant 33. A particle moves in circular path with uniform speed
magnitude which is always perpendicular to the v. The magnitude of change in its velocity on rotating
velocity of the particle. The motion of the particle through 60º is –
takes place in a plane. it follows that– v
(a) v 2 (b)
(a) its velocity is constant 2
(b) its acceleration is constant (c) v (d) zero
(c) its kinetic energy changes with time
(d) it moves in circular path 34. A particle is moving along a circular path of radius 6
m with uniform speed of 8 ms–1. The average
28. A body of mass m moves in a circular path with acceleration when the particle completes one half of
uniform angular velocity. The motion of the body has the revolution is –
constant
16 32
(a) Acceleration (b) Velocity (a) m / s2 (b) m / s2
3 3
(c) Momentum (d) Kinetic energy
64
(c) m / s2 (d) None of these
29. The length of second’s hand in a watch is 1 cm. The 3
change in velocity of its tip in 15 seconds is
 35. A body of mass 100 g is rotating in a circular path of
(a) zero (b) cm / sec radius r with constant speed. The work done in one
30 2
complete revolution is
  2
(c) cm / sec (d) cm / sec  r 
30 30 (a) 100 rJ (b)  J
 100 
 100 
30. A fan is making 600 revolutions per minute. If after (c)  J (d) Zero
some time it makes 1200 revolutions per minute, then  r 
increase in its angular velocity is
(a) 10  rad /sec (b) 20  rad /sec 36. A point P moves in counter–clockwise direction on a
circular path as shown in the figure. The movement
(c) 40  rad /sec (d) 60  rad /sec
of P is such that it sweeps out a length s = t3 + 5,
where s is in metre and t is in second. The radius of
31. Figure shows a body of mass m moving with a
the path is 20 m. The magnitude of acceleration of P
uniform speed v along a circle of radius r. The
when t = 2 s is nearly
magnitude of change in velocity in going from A to B
is

(a) v 2 (b) v 3 (a) 13 ms–2 (b) 12 ms–2

(c) v (d) zero (c) 7.2 ms–2 (d) 14 ms–2

32. If the equation for the angular displacement of a 37. Two moving particles P and Q are 10 m apart at a
particle moving on a circular path is given by : certain instant. The velocity of P is 8 m/s making 30º
with the line joining P and Q and that of Q is 6 m/ s
  2t 3  0.5
making an angle 30º with PQ as shown in the figure
where  is in radian and t in second, then the angular
.Then angular velocity of P with respect to Q is-
velocity of the particle at t = 2 sec
CIRCULAR MOTION 69

100
(c) (d) 6
15
43. A bead can slide on a smooth circular wire frame of
radius r which is fixed in a vertical plane. The bead is
displaced slightly from the highest point of the wire
frame. The speed of the bead subsequently as a
function of the angle  made by the bead with the
(a) 0 rad/s (b) 0.1 rad/s vertical line is :
(c) 0.4 rad/s (d) 0.7 rad/s (a) 2gr (b) 2gr 1  sin  

38. In uniform circular motion- (c) 2gr 1  cos   (d) 2 gr

(a) both velocity and acceleration are constant
(b) acceleration and speed are constant but velocity 44. Two bodies of mass 10 kg and 5 kg moving in
changes concentric orbits of radii R and r such that their
(c) both acceleration and velocity change periods are the same. Then the ratio between their
(d) both acceleration and speed are constant centripetal acceleration is
R r
39. In uniform circular motion, the velocity vector and (a) (b)
r R
acceleration vector are
R2 r2
(a) Perpendicular to each other (c) (d)
(b) Same direction r2 R2
(c) Opposite direction
(d) Not related to each other 45. If ar and at represent radial and tangential
accelerations, the motion of a particle will be
40. A wheel is subjected to uniform angular acceleration uniformly circular if
about its axis. Initially its angular velocity is zero. In (a) a r  0and a t  0 (b) a r  0and a t  0
the first 2 sec, it rotates through an angle ; in the (c) a r  0 but a t  0 (d) None of these
next 2 sec, it rotates through an additional angle 2.
 46. A grinding wheel attained an angular velocity of 20
The ratio 2 of is-
1 rad/sec in 5 sec starting from rest. Find the number of
(a) 1 (b) 2 revolutions made by the wheel.
(c) 3 (d) 5  1
(a) revolution (b) revolution
25 
Uniform & Non-Uniform Circular Motion 25
(c) revolution (d) None of these

41. In applying the equation for motion with uniform
angular acceleration  = 0 +  t, the radian measure 47. A wheel having a diameter of 3 m starts from rest and
– accelerates uniformly to an angular velocity of 210
(a) must be used for both  and  r.p.m. in 5 seconds. Angular acceleration of the wheel
(b) may be used for both  and  is –
(c) may be used for  but not  (a) 1.4  rad / s 2 (b) 3.3 rad / s 2
(d) cannot be used for both  and  (c) 2.2  rad / s 2 (d) 1.1 rad / s 2

42. A wheel starts rotating at 10 rad/sec and attains the 48. A particle is moving in a horizontal circle with
angular velocity of 100 rad/sec in 15 seconds. What constant speed. State whether, the-
is the angular acceleration in rad/sec2? (a) Only K.E. is constant
110 (b) Only P.E. is constant
(a) 10 (b)
15 (c) Both K.E. and P.E. are constant
70 CIRCULAR MOTION

49. A car is travelling with linear velocity v on a circular (c) Force of gravity (d) Reactions forces
road of radius r. If it is increasing it speed at the rate
of 'a' metre/sec2 , then the resultant acceleration will 55. In circular motion, the centripetal acceleration is
be- given by-
   
 v2  v4 (a) a  r (b)  v
2 2    
(a)  2 a  (b)  2 a  (c) a  v (d)   r
r  r 
 v4 2  v2 2 56. A stone of mass m is tied to a string of length  and
(c)  2 a  (d)  2 a  rotated in a circle with a constant speed v. If the
 r   r 
string is released, the stone flies-
(a) radially outward
50. A car is moving with speed 30 m/s on a circular path
(b) radially inward
of radius 500 m. Its speed is increasing at the rate of 2
(c) tangentially
m/s2. The net acceleration of the car is-
(a) 3.7 m/s2 (b) 2.7 m/s2 (d) with an acceleration mv2 / 
2
(c) 1.8 m/s (d) 2 m/s2
57. A particle completes 3 revolutions per second on a
51. A particle of mass M is moving in a horizontal circle circular path of radius 8 cm. Find the values of
of radius R with uniform speed V. When it moves angular velocity and centripetal acceleration of the
from one point to a diametrically opposite point, its particle –
(a) 6  rad / s; 288 2 cm / s 2
MV 2
(a) Kinetic energy changes by (b)  rad / s; 275 2 cm / s 2
4
(b) Momentum does not change (c) 6  rad / s; 288 cm / s 2
(c) Momentum changes by 2MV (d) None
(d) Kinetic energy changes by MV2
58. A particle moves in a circular orbit under the action
52. If the equation for the angular displacement of a of a central attractive force inversely proportional to
particle moving on a circular path is given by the distance 'r'. The speed of the particle is
    2t 3  0.5, where  is in radians and t in (a) Proportional to r2 (b) Independent of r
seconds, then the angular velocity of the particle after (c) Proportional to r-2 (d) Proportional to r-1
2 sec from its start is
(a) 8 rad/sec (b) 12 rad/sec 59. The magnitude of the centripetal force acting on a
(c) 24 rad/sec (d) 36 rad/sec body of mass m executing uniform motion in a circle
of radius r with speed v is
53. For a particle in a non-uniform accelerated circular mv 2
(a) mvr (b)
motion r
(a) Velocity is radial and acceleration is transverse v v
only (c) (d)
r2m rm
(b) Velocity is transverse and acceleration is radial
only 60. A point mass m is suspended from a light thread of
(c) Velocity is radial and acceleration has both radial length l, fixed at O, is whirled in a horizontal circle at
and transverse components constant speed as shown. From your point of view,
(d) Velocity is transverse and acceleration has both stationary with respect to the mass, the forces on the
radial and transverse components mass are

Centripetal & Centrifugal Force

54. The force that keeps the body moving in circular

motion is_____
(a) Centripetal force (b) Centrifugal force
CIRCULAR MOTION 71

work done by this force in moving the body over half

the circumference of the circle?
mv 2
(a)  r (b) zero
r
mv 2 r 2
(c) (d)
r mv 2

65. The centrifugal force always acts_____

(a) Towards the center
(b) Away from the center
(c) In tangential direction
(d) Outside of the plane of motion.

66. Centrifugal force is considered as pseudo force when

(a) (b) (a) An observer is at the centre of circular motion
(b) An observer is outside
(c) An observer who is moving with the particle and
experiencing the force
(d) None of the above

67. A stone of mass 0.5 kg tied with a string of length 1

(c) (d) metre is moving in a horizontal circular path with a
speed of 4 m/ sec. The tension acting on the string in
61. A particle moves in a circle of radius 25 cm at two Newton is-
revolutions per second. The acceleration of particle in (a) 2 (b) 8
m/s2 is – (c) 0.2 (d) 0.8
(a) 2 (b) 82
2
(c) 4 (d) 22 68. The breaking tension of a string is 10 N. A particle of
mass 0.1 kg tied to it is rotated along a horizontal
62. Two bodies of masses 10 kg and 5 kg moving on circle of radius 0.5 metre. The maximum speed with
concentric orbits of radii R and r such that their which the particle can be rotated without breaking the
period of revolution are same. The ratio of their string is-
centripetal acceleration is –
(a) 5 m / sec (b)  50 m / sec
R r
(a) (b)
r R (c)  500  m / sec (d) 1000  m / sec
2 2
R r
(c) (d)
r2 R2 69. A body is moving with a constant speed v in a circle
of radius r. Its angular acceleration is-
63. What happens to the centripetal acceleration of a v
revolving body if you double the orbital speed v and (a) zero (b)
r
halved the angular velocity  ?
v2 v2
(a) the centripetal acceleration remains unchanged (c) (d)
r2 r
(b) the centripetal acceleration is halved
(c) the centripetal acceleration is doubled
70. If both the speed and radius of circular path of a
(d) the centripetal acceleration is quadrupled
revolving body are doubled, the magnitude of
centripetal force will be
64. A body of mass m is moving in a circle of radius r
(a) equal to the former
with a constant speed v. The force on the body is
(b) twice the former
mv 2 (c) 4 times the former
and is directed towards the centre. What is the
r
72 CIRCULAR MOTION

(d) 8 times the former through the fixed end. Calculate the tension in the
string-
71. A body is revolving with a uniform speed V in a (a) 1.0 N (b) 1.6 N
circle of radius r. The angular acceleration of the (c) 2 N (d) 4 N
body is -
V 78. A stone of mass 0.1 kg tied to one end of a string 1.0
(a) m long is revolved in a horizontal circle at the rate of
r
(b) zero 10
revolution per second. Calculate the tension of
V2 
(c) along the radius and towards the centre
r the string ?
(a) 30 N (b) 40 N
V2
(d) along the radius and away from the centre (c) 50 N (d) 60 N
r

72. The force required to keep a body in uniform circular Applications of Circular Motion
motion is 79. A cyclist turns around a curve at 15 miles/hour. If he
(a) Centripetal force (b) Centrifugal force turns at double the speed, the tendency to overturn is-
(c) Resistance (d) None of the above (a) doubled (b) quadrupled
(c) halved (d) unchanged
73. A body of mass 5 kg is moving in a circle of radius
1m with an angular velocity of 2 radian/sec. The 80. A car sometimes overturns while taking a turn. When
centripetal force is it overturns, it is
(a) 10 N (b) 20 N (a) The inner wheel which leaves the ground first
(c) 30 N (d) 40 N (b) The outer wheel which leaves the ground first
(c) Both the wheels leave the ground simultaneously
74. A sphere of mass m is tied to end of a string of length (d) Either wheel leaves the ground first
l and rotated through the other end along a horizontal
circular path with speed v . The work done in full 81. Find the maximum speed for skidding of a car moved
horizontal circle is on a circular track of radius 100 m. The coefficient of
 mv 2  friction between the road and tyre is 0.2
(a) 0 (b)    2l (a) 0.14 m/s (b) 140 m/s
 l 
(c) 1.4 km/s (d) 14 m/s
 mv 2 
(c) mg  2l (d)     l
 l  82. An unbanked curve has a radius of 60 m . The
maximum speed at which a car can make a turn if the
75. The earth, radius 6400 km, makes one revolution coefficient of static friction is 0.75, is
about its own axis in 24 hours. The centripetal (a) 2.1 (b) 14
acceleration of a point on its equator is nearly – (c) 21 (d) 7
(a) 340 cm/sec2 (b) 3.4 cm/sec2
(c) 34 cm/sec2 (d) 0.34 cm/sec2 83. If a cyclist moving with a speed of 4.9 m/s on a level
road can take a sharp circular turn of radius 4 m, then
76. A mass of 2 kg is whirled in a horizontal circle by coefficient of friction between the cycle tyres and
means of a string at an initial speed of 5 revolutions road is
per minute. Keeping the radius constant the tension in (a) 0.41 (b) 0.51
the string is doubled. The new speed is nearly (c) 0.61 (d) 0.31
(a) 14 rpm (b) 10 rpm
(c) 2.25 rpm (d) 7 rpm 84. A ball of mass 0.1 kg. is whirled in a horizontal circle
of radius 1 m. by means of a string at an initial speed
77. A string of length 1 m is fixed at one end and carries of 10 rpm. Keeping the radius constant, the tension in
a mass of 100 gm at the other end. The string makes the string is reduced to one quarter of its initial value.
(2/) revolutions per second around vertical axis The new speed is
CIRCULAR MOTION 73

(a) 5 r.p.m. (b) 10 r.p.m. (a) 10 m/s (b) 1 m/s

(c) 20 r.p.m. (d) 14 r.p.m (c) 100 m/s (d) 1000 m/s
92. A coin placed on a rotating turn table just slips if it is
–1
85. The maximum velocity (in ms ) with which a car at a distance of 40 cm from the centre. If the angular
driver must traverse a flat curve of radius 150 m and velocity of the turntable is doubled, it will just slip at
coefficient of friction 0.6 to avoid skidding is a distance of
(a) 60 (b) 30 (a) 10 cm (b) 20 cm
(c) 15 (d) 25 (c) 40 cm (d) 80 cm

86. A 500 kg car takes a round turn of radius 50 m with a 93. A gramophone record is revolving with an angular
velocity of 36 km/hr. The centripetal force is velocity  A coin is placed at a distance r from the
(a) 250 N (b) 750 N centre of the record. The static coefficient of friction
(c) 1000 N (d) 1200 N is . The coin will revolve with the record if-
g
87. A ball of mass 0.25 kg attached to the end of a string (a) r  g2 (b) r  2 only

of length 1.96 m is moving in a horizontal circle. The
g g
string will break if the tension is more than 25 N. (c) r  only (d) r 
2 2
What is the maximum speed with which the ball can
be moved
94. A circular turn table of radius 0.5 m has a smooth
(a) 14 m/s (b) 3 m/s
(c) 3.92 m/s (d) 5 m/s diametrical groove as shown in fig. A ball of mass 90
g is placed inside the groove along with a spring of
88. A car of mass m is taking a circular turn of radius 'r' spring constant 102 N/cm. One end of the spring is
tied to the edge and other end to the ball. The ball is
on a frictional level road with a speed v. In order that
at a distance of 0.1 m from the centre when the turn
the car does not skid-
table is at rest. On rotating the turn table with a
mv 2 mv 2
(a)  mg (b)  mg constant angular velocity of 102 rad-sec–1 the ball
r r moves away from the initial position by a distance
mv 2 v nearly equal to-
(c)  mg (d)  mg
r r

89. A body of mass 10 kg is rotated in vertical circle of

radius 4 cm at constant angular velocity of 5 rad/ sec.
The maximum tension in the string is-
(a) 100 N (b) 600 N
(c) 110 N (d) 1100 N (a) 10–1 m (b) 10–2 m
(c) 10–3 m (d) 2 × 10–1 m
90. A car of mass 1000 kg moves on a circular track of
radius 20 m. if the coefficient of friction is 0.64, what 95. A smooth table is placed horizontally and an ideal
is the maximum velocity with which the car can be spring of spring constant k = 1000 N/m and
moved? unextended length of 0.5 m has one end fixed to its
(a) 1.12 m/s (b) 11.2 m/s centre. The other end is attached to a mass of 5 kg
0.64  20 which is moving in a circle with constant speed 20
(c) m/s (d) v m/s. Then the tension in the spring and the extension
1000
of this spring beyond its normal length are-
(a) 500 N, 0.5 m (b) 600 N, 0.6 m
91. A string can bear a maximum tension of 100 Newton
(c) 700 N, 0.7 m (d) 800 N, 0.8 m
without breaking. A body of mass 1 kg is attached to
one end of 1 m length of thin string and it is revolved
96. A stone tied to the end of a string 1m long is whirled
in a horizontal plane. The maximum linear velocity
in a horizontal circle with a constant speed. If the
which can be imparted to the body without breaking
stone makes 22 revolution in 44 seconds, what is the
the string, will be –
magnitude and direction of acceleration of the stone
74 CIRCULAR MOTION

2
(a) ms 1 and direction along the radius towards the 102. A car is moving with a speed of 30 m/sec on a
4
centre circular path of radius 500 m. it is accelerating at the
rate of 2 m/sec2. What is the acceleration of the car?
(b) 2 ms2 and direction along the radius away from
(a) 9.8 m/sec2 (b) 2.7 m/sec2
the centre 2
(c) 2.4 m/sec (d) 1.8 m/sec2
(c) 2 ms2 and direction along the radius towards the
centre 103. When the road is dry and the coefficient of friction is
(d) 2 ms2 and direction along the tangent to the , the maximum speed of a car in a circular path is 10
circle 
m/s, if the road becomes wet and  '  . What is the
2
97. The roadway of a bridge over a canal is in the form of maximum speed permitted?
a circular arc of radius 18 m. What is the greatest (a) 5 m/s (b) 10 m/s
speed with which a motor cycle can cross the bridge (c) 10 2 m / s (d) 5 2 m / s
without leaving ground.
(a) 98 m / s (b) 18  9.8 m / s 104. A person with a mass of M kg stands in contact
against the wall of the cylindrical drum of radius r
18
(c) 18  9.8m / s (d) m/s rotating with an angular velocity . The coefficient
9.8
of friction between the wall and the clothing is . The
98. The maximum speed with which a car can cross a
minimum rotational speed of the cylinder which
convex bridge over a river with radius of curvature 9
enables the person to remain stuck to the wall when
m is : (given that the centre of gravity of car is 1m
the floor is suddenly removed is –
above the road)
(a) 50 m/s (b) 30 m/s g r
(a) min  (b) min 
(c) 20 m/s (d) 10 m/s r g
2g gr
99. A cyclist is moving on a circular track of radius 80 m (c) min  (d) min 
r 
with a velocity of 72 km/hr. He has to lean from the
vertical approximately through an angle
105. On an unbanked road, a cyclist negotiating a bend of
1
(a) tan 1   (b) tan 1 1 radius r at velocity v must lean inwards by an angle 
4
 
equal to –
1
(c) tan 1   (d) tan 1  2   v2  g
2 (a) tan 1   (b) tan 1  
g  v

100. Keeping the banking angle same to increase the  v2   rg 

(c) tan 1   (d) tan 1  2 
maximum speed with which a vehicle can travel on a  gr  v 
curved road by 10%, the radius of curvature of road
has to be changed from 20 m to- 106. If the banking angle of curved road is given by
(a) 16 m (b) 18 m
3
(c) 24.25 m (d) 30.5 m tan 1 and the radius of curvature of the road is 6 m,
5
then the safe driving speed is : (g = 10 m/s2)
101. A motor cyclist moving with a velocity of 72 km per
(a) 86.4 km/h (b) 43.2 km/h
hour on a flat road takes a turn on the road at a point
(c) 21.6 km/h (d) 30.4 km/h
where the radius of curvature of the road is 20 metres.
The acceleration due to gravity is 10 m/s2 . In order to
107. A circular road of radius 1000 m has banking angle
avoid skidding, he must bend with respect to the
45°. The maximum safe speed of a car having mass
vertical plane by an angle-
200 kg will be, if the coefficient of friction between
(a)   tan 1 6 (b)   tan 1 2
tyres and road is 0.5 :
(c)   tan 1 25.92 (d)   tan 1 4 (a) 172 m/s (b) 124 m/s
CIRCULAR MOTION 75

(c) 99 m/s (d) 86 m/s

114. A body of mass 2 kg is moving in a vertical circle of
108. A car of mass 1000 kg moves on a circular path with radius 2 m. The work done when it moves from the
constant speed of 16 m/s. It is turned by 90º after lowest point to the highest point is-
travelling 628 m on the road. The centripetal force (a) 80 J (b) 40 J
acting on the car is- (c) 20 J (d) 0
(a) 160 N (b) 320 N
(c) 640 N (d) 1280 N 115. A motor - cycle is moving in a vertical circular path.
At what stage will the speed of the motor cycle be
109. A car when passes through a convex bridge exerts a maximum ?
force on it which is equal to (a) At the highest point of the path
Mv 2 Mv2 (b) At the lowest point of the path
(a) Mg  (b) (c) At the mid height of the path
r r
(c) Mg (d) None of these (d) At all the points in the path

116. What should be the minimum velocity at the highest

110. A motorcyclist wants to drive on the vertical surface
point of a body tied to a string, so that the string just
of wooden ‘well’ of radius 5 m, with a minimum
does not slack?
speed of 5 5 m / s . The minimum value of
(a) Rg (b) 5Rg
coefficient of friction between the tyres and the wall 3/ 2
of the well must be : (take g = 10 m/s2) R
(c)   (d) 2Rg
(a) 0.10 (b) 0.20 g
(c) 0.30 (d) 0.40
117. The tension in the string revolving in a vertical circle
111. A car while travelling at a speed of 72 km/hr. Passes with a mass m at the end which is at the lowest
through a curved portion of road in the form of an arc position is:
of a radius 10 m. If the mass of the car is 500 kg the mv 2 mv 2
reaction on the car at the lowest point P is (a) (b)  mg
r r
mv 2
(c)  mg (d) mg
r

118. A simple pendulum 1 metre long has a bob of 10 kg.

If the pendulum swings from a horizontal position,
(a) 25 KN (b) 50 KN the K.E. of the bob, at the instant it passes through
(c) 75 KN (d) None of these the lowest position of its path is
(a) 89 joule (b) 95 joule
Vertical Circular Motion (c) 98 joule (d) 85 joule

112. A sphere is suspended by a thread of length  . What 119. A particle is projected so as to just move along a
minimum horizontal velocity is to be imparted to the vertical circle of radius r. The ratio of the tension in
sphere for it to reach the height of suspension? the string when the particle is at the lowest and
(a) g (b) g highest point on the circle is –
 (a) 1 (b) finite but large
(c) 2g (d) (c) zero (d) Infinite
g

120. A block of mass m slides down along the surface of

113. A body is moving in a vertical circular motion.
the bowl from the rim to the bottom as shown in fig.
Which one of the following forces does it not
The velocity of the block at the bottom will be-
experience?
(a) Force of gravity (b) Centripetal force
(c) Normal reaction force (d) Centrifugal force
76 CIRCULAR MOTION

R
(c) (d) Rg
g

126. A 1 kg stone at the end of 1 m long string is whirled

in a vertical circle at constant speed of 4 m/sec. The
tension in the string is 6 N, when the stone is at (g =
(a) Rg (b) 2 Rg 10 m/sec2)
(a) Top of the circle
(c) 2Rg (d) gR
(b) Bottom of the circle
(c) Half way down
121. A particle rests on the top of the hemisphere of radius (d) None of the above
R. The small horizontal velocity that must be
imparted to the particle if it is to leave the hemisphere 127. The string of pendulum of length  is displaced
without sliding down. is- through 90o from the vertical and released. Then the
1
1
 R 2 minimum strength of the string in order to withstand
(a) v   2gR  2 (b) v   g  the tension, as the pendulum passes through the mean
 2
1
position is
1
 2g  2 (a) mg (b) 3mg
(c) v   gR  2 (d) v   
R (c) 5 mg (d) 6 mg

122. A can filled with water is revolved in a vertical circle 128. The maximum velocity at the lowest point, so that the
of radius 4 metre and the water just does not fall string just slack at the highest point in a vertical circle
down. The time period of revolution will be – of radius  is:
(a) 1 sec (b) 10 sec (a) g (b) 3g
(c) 8 sec (d) 4 sec
(c) 5g (d) 7g

123. A 2 kg stone at the end of a string 1 m long is whirled

in a vertical circle at a constant speed. The speed of 129. A ball is moving to and fro about the lowest point A
the stone is 4 m /sec. The tension in the string will be of a smooth hemispherical bowl. If it is able to rise up
52 N when the stone is- to a height of 20 cm on either side of A, its speed at A
(a) at the top of the circle must be (Take = 10 m/s2 , mass of the body 5 g)
(b) at the bottom of the circle (a) 0.2 m/s (b) 2 m/s
(c) half way down (c) 4 m/s (d) 4.5 m/s
(d) none of the above
130. A bucket full of water is revolved in vertical circle of
124. In a circus stuntman rides a motorbike in a circular radius 2m. What should be the maximum time-period
track of radius R in the vertical plane. The minimum of revolution so that the water doesn’t fall off the
speed at highest point of track will be bucket ?
(a) 1 sec (b) 2 sec
(a) 2gR (b) 2gR
(c) 3 sec (d) 4 sec
(c) 3gR (d) gR
131. A mass m is revolving in a vertical circle at the end
125. A block of mass m at the end of a string is whirled of a string of length 20 cm. By how much does the
round in a vertical circle of radius R. The critical tension of the string at the lowest point exceed the
speed of the block at the top of its swing below which tension at the top most point?
the string would slacken before the block reaches the (a) 2 m g (b) 4 m g
top is (c) 6 m g (d) 8 m g
2
(a) Rg (b)  Rg 
CIRCULAR MOTION 77

132. A body of mass m crosses the top most point of a 138. A rubber band of length  has a stone of mass m tied
vertical circle with critical speed. What will be to its one end. It is whirled with speed v so that the
tension in string when it is horizontal- stone describes a horizontal circular path. The tension
(a) mg (b) 2 mg T in the rubber band is –
(c) 3 mg (d) 6 mg mv 2
(a) zero (b)

133. A stone tied with a string, is rotated in a vertical
circle. The minimum speed with which the string has (c) 
 mv  2

(d) 
mv2
to be rotated  
(a) Is independent of the mass of the stone
(b) Is independent of the length of the string 139. A heavy small sized sphere is suspended by a string
(c) Decreases with increasing mass of the stone of length  . The sphere rotates uniformly in a
(d) Decreases with increase in length of the string horizontal circle with the string making an angle 
with the vertical. Then the time period of this conical
134. A body of mass 0.4 kg is whirled in a vertical circle pendulum is-
making 2 rev/sec. If the radius of the circle is 2 m,   sin  
then tension in the string when the body is at the top (a) T  2 (b) T  2  
 g 
of the circle, is  use g  9.81m / s 2 
  cos     
(a) 41.56 N (b) 89.86 N (c) T  2   (d) T  2  
(c) 109.86 N (d) 122.27 N  g   g cos  

135. A particle is given an initial speed u inside a smooth 140. A small body of mass m slides without friction from
spherical shell of radius R = 1 m that it is just able to the top of a hemispherical cup. If it leaves the surface
complete the circle. Acceleration of the particle when of the cup at a vertical distance 'h' below the highest
its velocity is vertical is point, then-

r
(a) h = r (b) h 
(a) g 10 (b) g 3
(c) g 2 (d) 3g r 2r
(c) h  (d) h 
2 3
136. A body of mass 1 kg is moving in a vertical circular
path of radius 1 m. The difference between the 141. A body of mass 2 kg is tied at one end of a string 1 m
kinetic energies at its highest and lowest position is : long. The other end is fixed and the body revolves in
(a) 20 J (b) 10 J a horizontal circle. The maximum tension which the
string can withstand is 2000 N. Calculate the
(c) 4 5 J (d) 10  
5 1 J
maximum number of revolutions per minute the body
will make and its linear velocity when the string just
137. A block of mass m, slides down along the surface of breaks-
a bowl (radius R) from the rim to the bottom. The (a) 203 rpm, 13.6 m/sec (b) 32 rpm, 16.3 m/sec
velocity of the block at the bottom will be : (c) 300 rpm, 61.3 m/sec (d) 300 rpm, 31.4 m/sec
(a) Rg (b) 2 Rg
142. An aeroplane flying at 100 m/sec dives in a vertical
(c) 2Rg (d) gR
plane along the circle of radius 200 m. The mass of
the pilot is 75 kg. What will be the force exerted by
78 CIRCULAR MOTION

the pilot on his seat when the aeroplane is at the displacement      , the tension in the string and
maximum height ?
the velocity of the bob are T and v respectively. The
(a) 300 kg wt (b) 200 kg wt
following relation holds good under the above
(c) 450 kg wt (d) 100 kg wt
conditions-
(a) T = Mg cos  (b) T cos  = Mg
143. A block follows the path as shown in the figure from
height h . If radius of circular path is r , then relation Mv 2 Mv2
(c) T  Mg cos   (d) T  Mg cos  
that holds good to complete full circle is L L

148. A body is rotated in the vertical plane by means of a

thread of length  with minimum possible velocity.
When the body is moving up and reaches at the
highest point B of this path, the thread breaks and the
5r 5r body moves on a parabolic path under the influence
(a) h  (b) h 
2 2 the gravitational field as shown in the diagram. The
5r 5r horizontal range AC in the plane of A would be-
(c) h  (d) h 
2 2

144. A pendulum bob on a 2 m string is displaced 60o

from the vertical and then released. What is the speed
of the bob as it passes through the lowest point in its
path
(a) x   (b) x  2
(a) 2m / s (b) 9.8m / s
(c) x  2  (d) x  2 2 
1
(c) 4.43m / s (d) m/s
2
149. A mass of 2.9 kg, is suspended from a string of
length 50 cm, and is at rest. Another body of mass
145. A particle is kept at rest at the top of a sphere of 100 gm moving horizontally with a velocity of 150
diameter 42 m. When disturbed slightly, it slides
m/ sec, strikes and sticks to it. What is the tension in
down. At what height ‘h’ from the bottom, the
the string when it makes an angle of 60º with the
particle will leave the sphere
vertical
(a) 14 m (b) 28 m (a) 153.3 N (b) 135.3 N
(c) 35 m (d) 7 m (c) 513.3 N (d) 351.3 N

146. A ball of mass m is attached to one end of a light rod

150. The vertical section of a road over a canal bridge in
of length  , the other end of which is hinged. What the direction of its length is in the form of circle of
minimum velocity v should be imparted to the ball radius 8.9 metre. Then the greatest speed at which the
downwards, so that it can complete the circle. car can cross this bridge without losing contact with
the road at its highest point, the centre of gravity of
the car being at a height h = 1.1 metre from the
ground. Take g = 10 m/sec2 –
(a) 5 m/sec (b) 10 m/sec
(c) 15 m/sec (d) 20 m/sec
(a) g (b) 5g
(c) 3g (d) 2g

147. A simple pendulum of length L and mass M is

oscillating in a plane about a vertical line between
angular limits  and  For an angular
CIRCULAR MOTION 79

EXERCISE – 2: Previous Year Questions

(a) zero (b) v0
1. A particle moves in a circle of radius 5 cm with (c) 2v0 (d) 2v0
constant speed and time period 0.2s. The
acceleration of the particle is 7. The motor of an engine is rotating about its axis with
[AIPMT 2011] an angular velocity of 100 rev min-1. It comes to rest
(a) 25 ms-2 (b) 36 ms-2 in 15 s after being switched off, assuming constant
(c) 5 ms-2 (d) 15 ms-2 angular deceleration. What is the number of
revolutions made by it before coming to rest?
2. Assertion: A body of mass 1 kg is making 1 rps in a [VITEEE 2011]
circle of radius 1 m. Centrifugal force acting on it is (a) 12.5 (b) 40
42 N. (c) 32.6 (d) 15.6
mv 2
Reason: is given by F  .
r 8. The acceleration of an object moving with speed v in
[AIIMS 2011] a circle of radius r is
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason [Kerala CEE 2011]
is correct explanation of Assertion. v2
(a) , towards the centre
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason r
is not correct explanation of Assertion. v
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect. (b) , away from the centre
r
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
v
(c) 2 , away from the centre
r
3. A wheel is rotating at 900 rpm about its axis. When
the power is cut off, it comes to rest in 1 min. The v
(d) , towards the centre
angular retardation (in rads-2) is r
[AFMC 2011]
(a)  / 2 (b)  / 4 9. A car is moving in a circular horizontal track of
radius 10.0 m with a constant speed of 10.0 ms-1. A
(c)  / 6 (d)  / 8
plumb bob is suspended from the roof of the car by a
light rigid rod of length 10.0 m. The angle made by
4. The angular speed of flywheel making 360 rev/min
the rod with the track is (take, g = 10 ms-2):
is:
[AFMC 2011]
[UP CPMT 2011]
1 (a) zero (b) 30
(a) 12 rads (b) 6 rads 1
(c) 45 (d) 60
(c) 3 rads 1 (d) 2 rads 1
10. A cyclist is travelling with velocity v on a banked
5. A particle with constant speed v in a circle. What is curved road of radius R. The angle  through which
the magnitude of average velocity after half rotation? the cyclist leans inwards is given by
[WB JEE 2011] [J&K CET 2011]
v Rg
(a) 2 v (b) 2 (a) tan   2 (b) tan   v 2 Rg
 v
v v v2 R v2
(c) (d) (c) tan   (d) tan  
2 2 R Rg

6. The centre of wheel rolling on a plane surface moves

11. Assertion (A) A ball connected to a string is in
with a speed v0. A particle on the rim of the wheel at
circular motion on a frictionless horizontal table and
the same level as the centre will be moving at speed
is in equilibrium.
[VITEEE 2011]
80 CIRCULAR MOTION

Reason (R) Magnitude of the centripetal force is qual (c) Velocity is directed towards the center of circle.
to the magnitude of the tension in the string. (d) Magnitude of velocity is constant but direction
[EAMCET 2011] changes.
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct
explanation of A 17. Two cars of masses m1 and m2 are moving in circles
(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct of radii r1 and r2 respectively. Their speeds are such
explanation of A that they make complete circles in the same time t.
(c) A is correct but R is incorrect The ratio of their centripetal acceleration is:
(d) A is incorrect but R is correct [AIPMT 2012]
(a) m1 r1 : m2 r2 (b) m1 : m2
12. A 500 kg car takes a round turn of radius 50 m with a (c) r1 : r2 (d) 1 : 1
velocity of 36 kmh-1. The centripetal force is
[MHT CET 2011] 18. Assertion: Two similar trains are moving along the
(a) 250 N (b) 750 N equatorial line with the same speed but in opposite
(c) 1000 N (d) 1200 N directions. They will exert equal pressure on the rails.
Reason: In a uniform circular motion, the magnitude
13. A motorcycle is going on an over bridge of radius R. of acceleration remains constant but the direction
The driver maintains a constant speed. As the continuously changes
motorcycle is ascending on the over bridge, the [AIIMS 2012]
normal force on it (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
[JCECE 2011] Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(a) increases (b) decreases (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
(c) remains the same (d) fluctuates erratically is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
14. A small body of mass m slides without friction from (d) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.
the top of a hemisphere of radius r. The point at
which the body will be detached from the surface of 19. A circular race track of radius 300 m is banked at an
hemisphere is angle of 15o. If the coefficient of friction between the
[Haryana PMT 2011] wheels of the race car and the road is 0.2. Find
r r optimum speed of the race car to avoid wear and tear
(a) (b)
3 2 on its tyres and maximum permissible speed to avoid
slipping. (tan 15° = 0.27)
2
(c) r (d) 2r [AMU 2012]
3
(a) v 0  48ms 1 and v max  60ms 1
15. A ball of mass 0.25 kg attached to the ends of a string (b) v 0  28.2ms 1 and v max  38.2ms 1
of length 1.96 m is rotating in a horizontal circle. The (c) v 0  62.2ms 1 and v max  73.4ms 1
string will break, if tension is more than 25 N. What (d) None of the above
is the maximum velocity with which the ball can be
rotated? 20. Angle of banking for a vehicle speed of 10 ms-1 for a
[AMU 2011] radius of curvature 10 m is (assume, g = 10 ms-2)
(a) 3 ms-1 (b) 5 ms-1 [J&K CET 2012]
(c) 9 ms-1 (d) 14 ms-1
1
(a) 30o (b) tan 1  
2
16. A car moves on a circular road. It describes equal
angles about the centre in equal intervals of time. (c) 60 (d) 45
Which of the following statement about the velocity
of the car is true? 21. A coin placed on a rotating turn table just slips, if it is
[Punjab PMET 2011] placed at a distance of 8 cm from the centre. If
(a) Magnitude of velocity is not constant. angular speed of the turn table is doubled, then it will
(b) Both magnitude and direction of velocity change. just slip at a distance of
[DUMET 2012]
CIRCULAR MOTION 81

(a) 1 cm (b) 2 cm (b) Halved

(c) 4 cm (d) 8 cm (c) Quadrupled
(d) Unchanged
22. A car is racing on a circular track of 180 m radius
with a speed of 32 ms-1. What should be the banking 28. A particle is acted upon by a force of constant
angle of the road to avoid chances of skidding of the magnitude which is always perpendicular to the
vehicle at this speed without taking into consideration velocity of the particle. The motion of the particle
the friction between the tyres and the road? takes place in a plane, it follows that
[JCECE 2012] [KCET 2013]
(a) 45 (b) 60 (a) its velocity is constant
(c) 30 (d) 15 (b) its acceleration is constant
(c) its kinetic energy is constant
23. A ball is moving in a circular path of radius 5 m. If (d) it moves in a straight line
tangential acceleration at any instant is 10 ms-2 and
the net acceleration makes an angle 30o with the 29. A person is driving a vehicle at a uniform speed of 5
centripetal acceleration, then the instantaneous speed ms-1 on a level curved track of radius 5 m. The
is coefficient of static friction between tyres and road is
[AIIMS 2013] 0.1. Will the person slip while taking the turn with
the same speed? (Take, g = 10 ms-2). Choose the
(a) 50 3 ms 1 (b) 9.3 ms 1
correct statement.
(c) 6.6 ms 1 (d) 5.4 ms 1 [KCET 2014]
(a) A person will slip, if v2  5m2s2
24. A car is travelling with linear velocity v on a circular
(b) A person will slip, if v2  5m2s2
road of radius R. If its speed is increasing at the rate
of a ms-2, then the net acceleration will be (c) A person will slip, if v2  5m2 s2
[AIIMS 2013] (d) A person will not slip, if v2  5m2s2
v2 v2
(a) a (b) a
R R
30. If the length of second’s hand of a clock is 10 cm, the
2 2
(c)  v2 / R   a 2 (d)  v2 / R   a 2 speed of its tip (in cm s-1) is nearly
[Kearala CEE 2014]
(a) 2 (b) 0.5
25. A car of mass 1000 kg moves on a circular track of
(c) 1.5 (d) 1
radius 20 m. If the coefficient of friction of 0.64, then
the maximum velocity with which the car can move
31. A particle describes a horizontal circle in a conical
is
funnel whose inner surface is smooth with speed of
[WB JEE 2013]
0.5 ms-1. What is the height of the plane of circle
(a) 22.4 m/s (b) 5.6 m/s
from vertex of the funnel?
(c) 11.2 m/s (d) None of these
[J&K CET 2014]
(a) 0.25 m (b) 2 cm
26. The angle of banking is independent of
(c) 4 cm (d) 2.5 cm
[MHT CET 2013]
32. A mass m moves in a circle on a smooth horizontal
(a) speed of vehicle
plane with velocity v0 at a radius R0. The mass is
(b) radius of curvature of road
attached to a string which passes through a smooth
(c) height of inclination
hole in the plane as shown.
(d) None of the above

27. A particle is moving in a circle of radius R with

constant speed v. If radius is doubled, then its
centripetal force to keep the same speed gets
[BCECE 2013]
(a) Doubled
82 CIRCULAR MOTION

The tension in the string is increased gradually and 36. What is the minimum velocity with which a body of
R mass m must enter a vertical loop of a radius R so
finally m moves in a circle of radius 0 . The final that it can complete the loop?
2
value of the kinetic energy is: [NEET 2016]
[AIPMT 2015] (a) 3gR (b) 5gR
1 gR 2gR
(a) mv02 (b) mv 02 (c) (d)
2
1
(c) mv02 (d) 2mv 20 37. A particle moving uniformly in a circular path of
4 radius r. When it moves through an angular
displacement  , then the magnitude of the
33. Two stones of mass m and 2 m are whirled in corresponding linear displacement will be
r [WB JEE 2016]
horizontal circles, the heavier one in the radius and
2 (a) 2r cos   / 2  (b) 2r cot   / 2 
the lighter one in the radius r. The tangential speed of
lighter stone is n times that of the value of heavier (c) 2r tan   / 2  (d) 2r sin   / 2 
stone when they experience same centripetal forces.
The value of n is 38. A rotating wheel changes angular velocity from 1800
[AIPMT 2015] rpm to 3000 rpm in 20 s. What is the angular
(a) 1 (b) 2 acceleration assuming to be uniform?
(c)3 (d) 4 [KCET 2016]
(a) 60  rad s 2 (b) 90  rad s 2
34. A car is negotiating a curved road of radius R. The
(c) 2  rad s 2 (d) 40  rad s 2
road is banked at an angle . The coefficient of
friction between the tyres of the car and the road is
39. A rope is wound around a hollow cylinder of mass
 s . The maximum safe velocity on this road is:
3kg and radius 40cm. What is the angular
[NEET 2016] acceleration of the cylinder if the rope is pulled with
g  s  tan      tan   a force of 30N?
(a)   (b) gR 2  s 
R 2  1  s tan   [NEET 2017]
 1  s tan  
(a) 0.25 rad s–2 (b) 25 rad s–2
   tan   g  s  tan   (c) 5 ms–2 (d) 25 ms–2
(c) gR  s  (d)  
 1  s tan   R  1  s tan  
40. The wheel of a car is rotating at the rate of 1200
revolutions per minute. On pressing the accelerator
35. In the given figure, a = 15 m/s2 represents the total
for 10 seconds it starts rotating at 4500 revolutions
acceleration of a particle moving in the clockwise
per minute. The angular acceleration of the wheel is:
direction in a circle of radius R = 2.5 m at a given
[NEET 2017]
instant of time. The speed of the particle is 2
(a) 30 radian/second (b) 1880 degrees/ second2
[NEET 2016]
(c) 40 radian/ second2 (d) 1980 degree/second2

41. A bucket tied at the end of a 1.6 m long string is

whirled in a vertical circle with constant speed. What
should be the minimum speed so that the water from
the bucket does not spill when the bucket is at the
highest position? (Take g = 10 m/s2)
(a) 5.0 m/s (b) 5.7 m/s [AIIMS 2017]
(c) 6.2 m/s (d) 4.5 m/s (a) 4 m/sec (b) 6.25 m/sec
(c) 16 m/sec (d) None of the above
CIRCULAR MOTION 83

42. Two particles A and B are moving in uniform circular 45. A mass m is attached to a thin wire and whirled in a
motion in concentric circles of radii rA and rB with vertical circle. The wire is most likely to break when :
speed vA and vB respectively. The time period of [NEET 2019]
rotation is the same. The ratio of angular speed of A (a) the wire is horizontal
to that of B will be (b) the mass is at the lowest point
[NEET 2019] (c) inclined at an angle of 60° from vertical
(a) vA : vB (b) rB : rA (d) the mass is at the highest point
(c) 1 : 1 (d) rA : rB
46. An electron is moving in a circle of radius 2 m with
43. The radius of circle, the period of revolution, initial speed of 4 ms-1. Find the acceleration of the electron.
position and sense of revolution are indicated in the [AIIMS 2019]
below figure. (a) 8 ms-1 (b) 4 ms-1
[NEET 2019] (c) 16 ms-1 (d) 10 ms-1

47. One end of string of length l is connected to a particle

of mass ‘m’ and the other end is connected to a small
peg on a smooth horizontal table. If the particle
moves in circle with speed ‘v’, the net force on the
particle (directed towards center) will be (T
represents the tension in the string):
y-projection of the radius vector of rotating particle P [KCET 2021]
is mv 2
 t  (a) T  (b) zero
(a) y  t   4sin   , where y is in meter l
2 mv 2
 3t  (c) T (d) T 
(b) y  t   3cos  l
 , where y is in meter
 2 
 t  48. Particle moving in a circle of radius R with a uniform
(c) y  t   3cos   , where y is in meter
 2 speed takes a time T to complete one revolution. I
this particle were projected with the same speed at an
(d) y  t   3cos 2t, where y is in meter
angle '  ' to the horizontal, the maximum height
attained by it equals 4R. The angle of projection,  ,
44. A particle starting from rest, moves in a circle of
is then given by:
radius r. It attains a velocity of v0 ms-1 in the nth
[NEET 2021]
round. Its angular acceleration will be 1/ 2 1/ 2
[NEET 2019]  2 R   2gT 2 
(a)   sin 1  2  (b)   sin 1  2 
 gT   R 
2
v0 v0
(a) rads 2 (b) rads 2
n 2nr 2 1/ 2 1/ 2
 gT 2   2 R 
v 2
v2 (c)   cos 1  2  (d)   cos 1  2 
(c) 0
rads 2 (d) 0
rads 2  R  gT 
4nr 2 4nr
84 CIRCULAR MOTION

EXERCISE – 3: Achiever’s Section

1. A stone of mass m, tied to the end of a string, is  3
(c)  (d) 
whirled around in a horizontal circle (neglect the 2 4
force due to gravity). The length of the string is
reduced gradually keeping the angular momentum of 5. A stone tied to a string of length L is whirled in a
the stone about the centre of the circle constant. Then, vertical circle with the other end of the string at the
the tension in the string is given by T = Arn , where A centre. At a certain instant of time, the stone is at its
is a constant, r is the instantaneous radius of the lowest position, and has a speed u. The magnitude of
circle, and n = ...... the change in its velocity as it reaches a position
(a) –3 (b) –5 where the string is horizontal is :
(c) 3 (d) 5
(a) u 2  2gL (b) 2gL
2. A particle of mass m is moving in a circular path of (c) u 2  gL (d) 2  u 2  gL 
constant radius r such that its centripetal acceleration
ac is varying with time t as ac = k2 rt2, where k is a
6. The work done on a particle of mass m by a force,
constant . The power delivered to the particle by the
forces acting on it is –  
x ˆi  y ˆj (K being a
K
(a) 2mk2 r2 t (b) mk2 r2 t   x 2  y 2 3/ 2 3/ 2

(c) (mk4 r2 t5) /3 (d) zero   x 2  y2  

constant of appropriate dimensions), when the
3. A small block is shot into each of the four tracks as particle is taken from the point (a, 0) to the point (0,
shown below. Each of the tracks rises to the same a) along a circular path of radius a about the origin in
height. The speed with which the block enters the the x-y plane is
track is the same in all cases. At the highest point of 2K K
(a) (b)
the track, the normal reaction is maximum in – a a
K
(c) (d) 0
2a
(a) (b)
7. Three small balls each of mass 100 gm are attached at
distance of 1 m, 2 m and 3 m from end D of a 3 m
(c) (d) length of string. The string is rotated with uniform
angular velocity in a horizontal plane about D. If the
4. A bob of mass M is suspended by a massless string of outside ball is moving at a speed of 6 m/ s, the ratio
length L. The horizontal velocity V at position A is of tension in the three parts of the string from inside-
just sufficient to make it reach the point B. The angle (a) 6 : 5 : 4 (b) 3 : 2 :1
 at which the speed of the bob is half of that at A (c) 3 : 5 : 6 (d) 6 : 5 : 3
satisfies –
8. A stone of mass 1 kg tied to a light inextensible string
of length 10/3 metre is whirling in a vertical circle. If
the ratio of maximum tension to minimum tension in
the string is 4, then speed of stone at highest point of
the circle is- [g = 10 m/s2]
(a) 20 m/s (b) 10 3m / s
(c) 5 2m / s (d) 10 m/s

9. A particle is moving along a circular path of radius 3

  
(a)   (b)  meter in such a way that the distance travelled
4 4 2
measured along the circumference is given by
CIRCULAR MOTION 85

t2 t3
S  . The acceleration of particle when t = 2
3 3
sec is-
(a) 1.3 m/s2 (b) 13 m/s2
2
(c) 3 m/s (d) 10 m/s2

10. A particle P will be in equilibrium inside a

hemispherical bowl of radius 0.5 m at a height 0.2 m
from the bottom when the bowl is rotated at an
angular speed (g = 10 m/ sec2) (a) E and E (b) E and 4E
(c) 4E and E (d) E and 3E

Q14. A bob is suspended from a crane by a cable of length

 = 5 m. The crane and load are moving at a constant
speed v0 . The crane is stopped by a bumper and the
bob on the cable swings out an angle of 60°. The
initial speed v0 is (g = 9.8 m/s2)

10
(a) rad / sec (b) 10 3 rad / sec
3
(c) 10rad / sec (d) 20 rad / sec

11. A wet, open umbrella is held vertical and is twirled (a) 10 m/s (b) 7 m/s
about the handle at a uniform rate of 21 revolutions in (c) 4 m/s (d) 2 m/s
44 second. If the rim of the umbrella is a circle of 1
metre in diameter and the height of the rim above the 15. A particle suspended from a fixed point, by a light
floor is 4.9 metre, then the angular speed of the inextensible thread of length L is projected
umbrella is : horizontally from its lowest position with velocity
(a) 3 radian/sec (b) 1.5 radian/sec 7gL
. The string will slack after swinging through
(c) 1 radian/sec (d) 2.5 radian / sec 2
an angle , such that  equals :
12. In the above question, the locus of the drops is a (a) 30° (b) 135°
circle of radius : (c) 120° (d) 150°
(a) 3 m (b) 1.5 m
16. A simple pendulum is released from rest from the
(c) 1 m (d) 2.5 m
point A at an angle 30° with vertical. Then :

13. Two identical particles, A and B, are attached to a

string of length 2l, A to middle and B to one of the
ends. The string is whirled in a horizontal circle, with
the end O fixed. If the kinetic energy of B relative to
A is E, then the absolute kinetic energies of A and B
are (a) vertical component of velocity of the bob is
always less than its, horizontal component.
(b) vertical component of velocity is less than, equal
to or more than the horizontal component on
different position.
(c) vertical component of velocity is always more
than the horizontal component.
(d) acceleration of the bob is constant throughout.
86 CIRCULAR MOTION

17. With what minimum speed v must a small ball should (a) 0 = 30°
be pushed inside a smooth vertical tube from a height (b) 0 = 60°
h so that it may reach the top of the tube? Radius of (c) At maximum deflection, tension in string is equal
the tube is R. to mg.
(d) At maximum deflection, tension in string is equal
to 2mg.

21. A smooth wire is bent into a vertical circle of radius

a. A bead P can slide smoothly on the wire. The circle
is rotated about diameter AB as axis with a speed 
5 as shown in figure. The bead P is at rest with respect
(a) 2g  h  2R  (b) R
2 to the circular ring in the position shown. Then 2 is
equal to-
(c) g  5R  2h  (d) 2g  2R  h 

18. A small body of mass m slides without friction from

the top of a hemisphere of radius r. At what height
will the body be detached from the centre of
hemisphere ?

2g 2g
(a) (b)
(a) h 
r
(b) h 
r a a 3 
2 3
g 3g 2a
2r r (c) (d)
(c) h  (d) h  a 3g
3 4
22. The kinetic energy of a particle moving along a circle
19. A particle moves from rest at A on the surface of a
of radius R depends on the distance covered s as T =
smooth circular cylinder of radius r as shown. At B it
KS2 where K is a constant. Find the force acting on
leaves the cylinder. The equation relation  and  is :
the particle as a function of S –
2 2
2K S R
(a) 1   (b) 2KS 1   
S R S
2 2
S 2S R
(c) 2KS 1    (d) 1  
(a) 3 sin  = 2 cos (b) 2 sin  = 3 cos  R K S
(c) 3 sin  = 2 cos  (d) 2 sin  = 3 cos 
23. A point moves along a circle with velocity v = at
20. The ring shown in the figure is given a constant where a 0.5 m/sec2. Then the total acceleration of the
 g  point at the moment when it covered (1/10) th of the
horizontal acceleration  a 0   . Maximum circle after beginning of motion –
 3
(a) 0.5 m/sec2 (b) 0.6 m/sec2
deflection of the string from the vertical is 0, then
(c) 0.7 m/sec2 (d) 0.8 m/sec2
CIRCULAR MOTION 87

24. A solid body rotates about a stationary axis so that its

angular velocity depends on the rotation angle  as
  0  k, where 0 and k are positive constants.
At the moment t = 0, angle   0 . Find the time
dependence of rotation angle-
(a) 2.4 N (b) 2.7 N
  kt
(a) k  0 e  kt
(b) 0  e  (c) 2 N (d) 1.2 N
k
0 k 29. A particle P is moving in a circle of radius 'a' with a
(c) 1  e k.t  (d) e  kt  1
k  0 uniform speed v. C is the centre of the circle and AP
is diameter. The angular velocity of P about A and C
25. A heavy particle hanging from a fixed point by a light are in the ratio-
inextensible string of length l is projected (a) 1 :1 (b) 1 : 2
(c) 2 : 1 (d) 4 : 1
horizontally with speed  gl. Then the speed of the
particle and the inclination of the string to the vertical 30. A racing car is travelling along a track at a constant
at the instant of the motion when the tension in the speed of 40 m/s. A T.V. camera men is recording the
string equal the weight of the particle- event from a distance of 30 m directly away from the
3l 3 lg 2 track as shown in figure. In order to keep the car
(a) , cos 1   (b) , cos 1  
g 2 3 3 under view in the position shown, the angular speed
with which the camera should be rotated, is-
3g 2 gl 2
(c) , cos 1   (d) ,sin 1  
l 3 3 3

26. A body is allowed to slide on a frictionless track from

rest position under gravity. The track ends into a
circular loop of diameter D. What should be the
minimum height of the body in terms of D so that it
may complete successfully the loop? 4 3
(a) rad/sec (b) rad/sec
4 5 3 4
(a) D (b) D
5 4 8
(c) rad/sec (d) 1 rad/sec
(c) 1 D (d) 2 D 3 3

27. A particle describing circular motion as shown in

figure. The velocity of particle in m/s is-

(a) 2.82 (b) 2.8

(c) 1.42 (d) 1.4

28. A boy revolves two balls each of mass 100 gm and

tied with strings of 1 metre length in horizontal circle
as shown in figure. If the speed of outermost ball is 6
m/s , then tension in string-1 is-
88 CIRCULAR MOTION

Notes:

Find Answer Key and Detailed Solutions at the end of this book.

CIRCULAR MOTION
 07
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM
&
COLLISIONS
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 1

Chapter 07

Centre of Mass, Momentum & Collisions

M2c
a
M1  M 2
1. Centre of Mass M1c
b
In the first part of mechanics, we have discussed all about M1  M 2
point objects. In this chapter, we shall deal with the cases of
COM will be towards the heavier mass.
large objects or systems of point objects. To deal with such
scenarios, we need to know about the centre of mass of an
(b) For multiple systems of point objects
object or a system.

1.1 Definition
Centre of mass is a hypothetical point where the whole mass
of the object is assumed to be concentrated mathematically.
It is the weighted mean of the positions of all the point
objects with masses M1, M2, M3, ......,Mn respectively
Example :

Fig. 7.1 Fig 7.3

then Consider three systems, where total mass and position
M1 x1  M 2 x 2  .....M n x n of COM mass of all the particles in system 1, is M1
X cm 
M1  M 2 ....  M n and (x1, y1) respectively in system 2 is M2 and (x2, y2)
Similarly : and in system 3 is M3 and (x3, y3) respectively.
 Then COM of all particles in all combined systems is

rcm 
M r i i
M x  M2 x 2  M3 x 3
M i
X cm  1 1 and
M1  M 2  M 3

 X cm 
M x i i
and Ycm 
M y i i M1 y1  M 2 y 2  M 3 y3
Ycm 
M i M i M1  M 2  M 3
(c) For objects with continuous mass distributions:
1.2 Location of Centre of Mass COM of objects with continuous mass distribution can
(a) For 2 point objects be found with help of integration. Presently we shall
focus on the location of COM for some objects whose
mass is continuously distributed.

S.No Shapes COM

Fig 7.2 L
1. x
2
Uniform Rod

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1.3 Motion of Centre of Mass

We know
2R    
2. y  M r  M 2 r2  M 3 r3  ......M n rn
rcm  1 1
 M1  M 2  ......M n
Differentiating both sides with respect to time,
Semicircular ring    
M v  M 2 v 2  ......M n v n
Vcm  1 1
M1  M 2  .....M n
Again, differentiating both sides w.r.t. time
   
M a  M 2 a 2  ....M n a n
4R A cm  1 1
3. y M1  M 2  ....M n
3

1.4 Properties and Application of COM

Semicircular disk
(a) Entire mass is supposed to be concentrated at COM.
(b) If some force is applied on a free object, the body does
not rotate if line of action of force passes through
centre of mass.
R We know
4. y   
2  M a  M 2 a 2  ....M n a n
A cm  1 1
M1  M 2  ....M n
   
Hollow hemisphere  MA cm  M1a 1  M 2 a 2  M n a n
By Newton’s 2nd law.
 
M1a1  F1 and similarly for all objects, with terms
having the obvious meanings.
3R    
5. y  F1  F2  ....Fn  MA cm
8  
  Fext  MA cm
Solid hemisphere The above relation is very useful in solving
complicated problems.
(c) We know
   
M v  M 2 v 2  ....M n v n
Vcm  1 1
M1  M 2  ....M n
   
h  Mv cm  M1 v1  M 2 v 2  ....M n v n
6. y    
4 Psys  P1  P2  .....Pn
Total momentum of system of all particles is total

mass times Vcm .
Solid right circular cone
Above relation helps us in applying momentum related
equations in complex problems.

1.5 Example of Motion of COM and its

2h Applications
7. y
3 (a) Trajectory of COM remains unchanged on
disintegration of an unstable nucleus or a bomb till the

time  Fext on the system does not change.
Hollow right circular cone (b) Motion of binary stars.

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(c) Conservation of momentum during disintegration of an

unstable nucleus.
(d) Motion of earth-moon system about sun.

2. Linear Momentum
The total linear momentum of a system of particles is equal
to the product of the total mass of the system and the
 
velocity of its centre of mass P  Mv cm .

Fig. 7.4
2.1 Linear Momentum Conservation in
Presence of External Force 3.1 Instantaneous Impulse

 dP   There are many cases when a force acts for such a short time
Fext   Fext dt  dP that the effect is instantaneous, e.g., a bat striking a ball. In
dt
  such cases, although the magnitude of the force and the time
 
 dP  Fext dt
impulsive for which it acts may each be unknow but the value of their
 product (i.e., impulse) can be known by measuring the
 
 If Fext
impulsive
0
initial and final momenta. Thus, we can write.
      
 dP  0 or P is constant I   Fdt   P  Pf  Pi
NOTE:
Momentum is conserved if the external force present is 3.1.1 Important Points
non-impulsive. Eg. Gravitation or spring force.
 It is a vector quantity.
 Dimensions = [MLT-1]
When the vector sum of the external forces acting on a
 SI unit = kg m/s
system is zero, the total linear momentum of the system
 Direction is along change in momentum.
remains constant.
     Magnitude is equal to area under the F-t graph.
P1  P2  P3  .......  Pn  constant    
 I   Fdt  Fav  dt  F t
 It is not a property of a particle, but it a measure of the
3. Impulse degree to which an external force changes the
 momentum of the particle.
Impulse of a force F acting on a body for the time interval
t  t1 to t  t 2 is defined as :-
 t2 
3.2 Average Force
I   Fdt We can now define the average force which acts on a
t1

   v2 particle during a time interval t . It is:

dv  
I   Fdt   m dt   mdv  p
dt I
v1 F 
     t t
I  m  v 2  v1   P  change in momentum due to force F
The value of the average force depends on the time chosen.
.
NOTE:
Impulse applied to an object in a given time interval can
also be calculated from the area under force time (F-t)
graph in the same time interval.

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4. Collisions 4.2 Coefficient of Restitution or

We define a collision as an isolated event in which two or
Coefficient of Resilience
more colliding bodies exert relatively strong forces on each Coefficient of restitution or coefficient of resilience of a
other for a relatively short time. collision is defined as the ratio of relative velocity of
Two key rules of the collision game are : separation after collision to the relative velocity of approach
(i) Law of conservation of linear momentum, and before collision. It is represented by ‘e’.
(ii) Law of conservation of energy. relative velocity of separation (after collision)
e=
relative velocity of approach (before collision)
4.1 Types of Collision e
v 2 – v1
Collisions between particles have been divided broadly into u1 – u 2
two types : where u1, u2 are velocities of two bodies before collision,
and v1, v2 are their respective velocities after collision.
(a) Elastic collision : A collision in which there is
absolutely no loss of kinetic energy is called an elastic
collision. For example, collisions between atomic and  For a perfectly elastic collision, relative velocity of
subatomic particles are elastic collisions. Practically a separation after collision is equal to relative velocity of
collision between two ivory balls can also be taken as approach before collision.
an elastic collision.  e 1
 For a perfectly inelastic collision, relative velocity of
The basic characteristics of an elastic collision are: separation after collision = 0
(i) The linear momentum is conserved,
 e0
(ii) Total energy of the system is conserved,
(iii) The kinetic energy is conserved.  For all other collisions, e lies between 0 and 1, i.e.
(iv) The forces involved during elastic collisions must 0 < e < 1.
be conservative forces.
4.3 Elastic Collision in One Dimension
(b) Inelastic collision : A collision in which there occurs It involves two bodies moving initially along the same
some loss of kinetic energy is called an inelastic straight line, striking against each other without loss of
collision. As there is always some loss of kinetic energy kinetic energy and continuing to move along the same
in most of the collisions, therefore, collisions we come straight line after collision.
across in daily life are generally inelastic. Suppose two balls A and B of masses m1 and m2 are moving
initially along the same straight line with velocities u1 and u2
The basic characteristics of an inelastic collision are : respectively, figure (a).
(i) The linear momentum is conserved
(ii) Total energy is conserved.
(iii) Kinetic energy is NOT conserved. Obviously, a
part of kinetic energy is converted into some other form
of energy e.g., heat energy, sound energy etc.
(iv) Some or all the forces involved in an inelastic
collision may be non-conservative in nature.

NOTE:
A perfectly inelastic collision is one in which maximum
amount of kinetic energy is lost.

Fig 7.5

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When u1 > u2, v 2  v1

From (7), 1
Relative velocity of approach before collision, = u1 – u2 u1  u 2
v 2  v1
Therefore, two balls collide, as shown in figure (b). Let the By definition,  e  1 (For perfectly elastic collision)
u1  u 2
collision be perfectly elastic. After collision, suppose v1 is
the velocity of A and v2 is the velocity of B along the same Hence, the coefficient of restitution/resilience of a perfectly
straight line, as shown in figure (c). elastic collision in one dimension is unity.
When v2 > v1, the bodies separate after collision.
Relative velocity of separation after collision = v2 – v1 4.3.1 Calculation of velocities after collision
Linear momentum of the two balls before collision Velocity of A:
= m1u1 + m2u2 ..(1) From (7), v2 = u1 – u2 + v1
Linear momentum of the two balls after collision Putting in (3),
= m1v1 + m2v2 ..(2) we get m1v1 + m2 (u1 – u2 + v1) = m1u1 + m2 u2
 m1v1 + m2u1 – m2u2 + m2v1 = m1u1 + m2u2
As linear momentum is conserved in an elastic collision,  v1 (m1 + m2) = (m1 – m2) u1 + 2 m2 u2
therefore from equations (1) and (2)  m1  m2  u1 2m2 u 2
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1u1 + m2u2  v1   ...(8)
m1  m2 m1  m 2
or, m2 (v2 – u2) = m1 (u1 – v1) ...(3)  
  m1  m 2  u1 2m 2 u 2
General equation, v1  
Total K.E. of the two balls before collision m1  m 2 m1  m 2
1 1
 m1u12  m 2 u 22 ...(4)
2 2 Velocity of B :
Total K.E. of the two balls after collision Put this value of v1 from (6) in (3),
1 1
 m1 v12  m 2 v 22
 m  m2  u1 2m2 u 2
...(5) v 2  u1  u 2  1 
2 2 m1  m 2 m1  m2
 m  m2   2m 2 
As K.E. is also conserved in an elastic collision, therefore  u1 1  1   u2   1
from equations (4) and (5),  m1  m 2   m1  m 2 
1 1 1 1  m  m 2  m1  m 2   2m 2  m1  m 2 
m1 v12  m 2 v 22  m1u12  m 2 u 22  u1  1   u2  
2 2 2 2  m1  m 2   m1  m 2 
1 1
Or, m2  v 22  u 22   m1  u12  v12  2m1u1  m2  m1  u 2
2 2  v2   ...(9)
m1  m2 m1  m 2
Or, m 2  v 22  u 22   m1  u 12  v12  ...(6)  
 2m1u1  m 2  m1  u 2
General equation, v 2  
m1  m 2 m1  m2
Dividing, (6) by (3) we get
m2  v22  u 22  m1  u12  v12 
 NOTE:
m2  v 2  u 2  m1  u1  v1 
The expression for v2 can be obtained from the expression
Or,
 v 2  u 2  v 2  u 2   u1  v1  u1  v1  for v1, by replacing m1 by m2 and u1 by u2. The reverse is

 v2  u 2   u1  v1  also true, i.e., v1 can also be obtained from v2 similarly.
Or, v2 + u2 = u1 + v1
Or, v 2  v1  u1  u 2 ...(7) 4.3.2 Special Cases
   
General equation, v 2  v1  u 1  u 2 1. When masses of two bodies are equal,
i.e., m1 = m2 = m, say
Hence, in one dimensional elastic collision, relative velocity 2 mu 2
From (8), v1   u2 ,
of separation after collision is equal to relative velocity of 2m
approach before collision. i.e., velocity of A after collision = velocity of B before
collision.

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2 m1u1
From (9), v 2   u1 ,
2m1 (c) When body B at rest has negligible mass,
i.e., m2 << m1; i.e., m2 can be ignored compared to m1
i.e., velocity of B after collision = velocity of A before
Putting m2 = 0, in equation (8),
collision.
m 2m1u1
we get v1  1 u1  u1 . ; v 2   2u1
Hence, when two bodies of equal masses undergo a m1 m1
perfectly elastic collision in one dimension, their Hence, when a heavy body A undergoes an elastic
velocities are just interchanged. collision with a light body B at rest, the body A keeps
on moving with the same velocity of its own and the
body B starts moving with double the initial velocity of
A.

4.4 Inelastic Collision in One Dimension

Figure below shows two bodies of masses m1 and m2
moving with velocities, u1 and u2 respectively, along a single
axis. They collide involving some loss of kinetic energy.
Therefore, the collision is inelastic. Let v1 and v2 be the
velocities of the two bodies after collision.

Fig 7.6

2. When the target body B is initially at rest, i.e., u2 = 0

 m1  m2  u1
From (8), v1  ...(10)
m1  m2
2m1u1 Fig 7.7
From (9), v 2  ...(11) As the two bodies form one system, which is closed and
m1  m 2
isolated, we can write the law of conservation of linear
Three cases arises further :
momentum for the two body system as :
Total momentum before collision (Pi) = Total momentum
(a) When masses of two bodies are equal, i.e., m1 = m2
after collision (Pf)
using equation (10),
m1 u1 + m2 u2 = m1 v1 + m2 v2 ...(12)
From, v1 = 0
2m1u1
From, v 2   u1 (The overhead arrows for vectors have been avoided as the
2m1 collision is one dimensional and velocity components along
i.e., body A comes to rest and body B starts moving one axis are used.)
with the initial velocity of A. Obviously, in such a
collision, 100% K.E. of A is transferred to the body B. If we know masses m1, m2, initial velocities u1, u2 and one of
This is shown in figure above. the final velocities, we can calculate the other final velocity
from the equation.
(b) When body B at rest is very heavy, i.e., m2 >> m1, i.e.,
m1 can be ignored compared to m2 Figure shows perfectly inelastic collision between two
Putting m1 = 0 in equation (8), we obtain bodies of masses m1 and m2. The body of mass m2 happens
m to be initially at rest (u2 = 0), we refer to this body as the
v1   2 u1  u1 ; v 2  0
m2 target. The incoming body of mass m1, moving with initial
Hence, when a light body A collides against a heavy velocity u1 is referred to as the projectile. After the
body B at rest; A rebounds with its own velocity and B collision, the two bodies move together with a common
continues to be at rest. This is what happens when a ball velocity V. The collision is perfectly inelastic.
rebounds to the same height from which it was thrown,
on striking a floor.

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 Total K.E. after collision = Total K.E. before collision

1 1 1 1
Or m1 v12  m 2 v 22  m1u12  m 2 u 22 ...(13)
2 2 2 2
Or m1v12  m2 v22  m1u12  m2 u 22 ...(14)

Fig 7.8 As linear momentum is conserved in elastic collision,

As the total linear momentum of the system remains therefore, along the X–axis, total linear momentum after
constant, therefore Pi = Pf collision = total linear momentum before collision.
i.e., m1u2 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2) V m1v1 cos θ + m2v2 cos φ = m1u1 + m2u2 ...(15)
or, m1u1 = (m1 + m2)  u 2  0 
m1u1 Now, along Y–axis, linear momentum before collision is
or, V  zero (as both the bodies are moving along X–axis). And
m1  m 2
 after collision, total linear momentum along Y–axis is
 m1 u1
General equation, V  (m1v1 sin θ – m2v2 sin φ)
m1  m 2
 m1v1sin θ – m2v2 sin φ = 0 ...(16)

4.5 Oblique Collision From three equations (14), (15) and (16), we have to
If the initial velocities and final velocities of both the bodies calculate four variables v1, v2, θ and φ, which is not
are along the same straight line, then it is called a one- possible. We have, therefore, to measure experimentally any
dimensional collision or head-on collision. one parameter, i.e., final velocities v1,v2 of A, B or their
In the case of small spherical bodies, this is possible if the direction θ and φ. The rest of the three parameters can then
direction of travel of body 1 passes through the centre of be calculated from the three equations.
body 2.
When two bodies travelling initially along the same straight
When two bodies travelling initially along the same straight line collide involving some loss of kinetic energy, and move
line collide without loss of kinetic energy and move along after collision, along different directions in a plane, the
different directions in a plane after collision, the collision is collision is said to be inelastic collision in two dimensions.
said to be an elastic collision in two dimensions.
4.5.1 Perfectly inelastic collision in two
Suppose m1, m2 are the masses of two bodies A and B dimensions
moving initially along the X–axis with velocities u1 and u2 Figure shows perfectly inelastic collision between two
respectively. When u1 > u2, the two bodies collide. After bodies of masses m1 and m2. The body of mass m2 is moving
collision, let the body A move with a velocity v1 at an angle initially with velocity u2 along X–axis. The body of mass m1
θ with X–axis. Let the body B move with a velocity v2 at an is moving with velocity u1 at an angle θ with X–axis as
angle φ with X–axis as shown in figure. shown.

Fig 7.9 Fig 7.10

As the collision is elastic, kinetic energy is conserved.

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After the collision at O, the two bodies stick to each other

and move with a common velocity V at an angle φ with X–
axis as shown in figure.
As the system is closed and isolated, the total linear
momentum of the system remains constant.
Referring to figure, and equating initial momentum along
X–axis to final momentum along the same axis, we get
m1u1 cos θ + m2u2 = (m1 + m2) V cos φ ...(17)

Again, applying the law of conservation of linear

momentum along y–axis, we get.
m1u1 sin θ + 0 = (m1 + m2) V sin φ ...(18)

Knowing m1, m2 ; u1, u2 and θ, we can calculate final

velocity V and its direction, i.e., ∠φ from equations (17) and
(18).

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NCERT Corner
4. Conservation of Linear Momentum
According to law of conservation of linear momentum,
total linear momentum of a system of particles remain
Important Points to Remember constant or conserved in the absence of any external
force.

1. Centre of Mass i.e, When Fext  0
Centre of mass of a system is the point that behaves as 
dp
whole mass of the system is concentrated on it. For  0
dt
rigid bodies, centre of mass is independent of the state 
of the body, i.e. whether it is in rest or in accelerated  p  constant
 
motion, centre of mass will remain same. i.e. pinitial  p final

 Centre of mass of two particles system, Also, for n number of particles

     
 m x  m2 x 2 p1  p 2  p3  ...p n  constant
x CM  1 1
m1  m 2
Similarly, xCM for n particle system.  For collision of two bodies, the total momentum before
collision remains the same as the total momentum after
n

   m x the collision.
 m1 x1  m 2 x 2  ........  m n x n i 1
i i
   
x CM   n i.e., m1u1  m 2 u 2  m1 v1  m 2 v 2
m1  m 2  ........  m n
m i m1 v1
i 1  Recoil velocity of gun is calculated by, v 2  
 Velocity of centre of mass (n-particles system). m2
    where, m2 = mass of the gun, m1 = mass of bullet
m v  m 2 v 2  ....  m n v n
VCM  1 1 and v1 = velocity of the bullet.
m1  m 2  ....  m n

 Acceleration of centre of mass,

5. Collision
     It is an isolated event, in which two or more colliding
m a  m 2 a 2  ....  m n a n
A CM  1 1 bodies exert strong forces on each other for a short
m1  m 2  ....  m n
duration of time.
 It is mainly of two types: elastic and inelastic collision.
 Momentum of centre of mass.  For every type of collision, linear momentum of
   
m1p1  m 2 p 2  ...  m n p n colliding body or system is conserved.
PCM 
m1  m 2  ....  m n i.e m1u1  m 2 u 2  m1 v1  m 2 v 2
where, m1 and m2 = masses of the body which undergo
2. Linear Momentum collision.
The total linear momentum of a system of particles is u1 = initial velocity of the body of mass m1,
equal to the product of the total mass of the system and u2 = initial velocity of the body of mass m2,
 
the velocity of its centre of mass. P  Mv cm v1 = final velocity of the body of mass m1, and
v2 = final velocity of the body of mass m2.

3. Impulse
  But kinetic energy of the colliding body and system is
Impulse of a force F acting on a body for the time conserved in elastic collision only.
t2

interval t  t1 to t  t 2 as: I   F  dt
t1 6. Coefficient of Restitution (e)
And also, It is the ratio of relative velocity of separation after
    collision to the relative velocity of approach before
I  m  v 2  v1   P
 v  v1
= Change in momentum due to force F . collision. It is expressed as e  2 , where
u1  u 2
0  e  1.

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(i) For perfectly inelastic collision, e = 0.

(ii) For perfectly elastic collision, e = 1 and for inelastic
collision 0 < e < 1.
(iii) For other collisions, it can be 0 < e < 1.

7. Head-on Collision
 For bodies with masses m1 and m2 respectively
following are the important relations for head-on
collision.
(i) When collision is elastic, final velocities for m1 i.e,
 m  m2  2m 2 u 2  If two bodies of equal masses undergo perfect elastic
v1  1 u1 
m1  m 2 m1  m 2 
oblique collision then scattering angle     and
2
2m1u1  m2  m1 
and for m2, v 2   u12  v12  v22 .
m1  m2 m1  m2

(ii) When collision is inelastic 9. Rebounding of a Ball on collision with

Final velocities for m1, Floor.
 m  em 2   1  e  m 2 
v1   1  u1    u2  Speed of the ball after nth rebound,
 m1  m 2   m1  m 2 
and for m2, v n  e n v 0  e n 2gh

 1  e  m1   m 2  em1   Height covered by the ball after nth rebound, h n  e2n h

v2    u1    u2
 m1  m 2   m1  m 2   Total distance s covered by the ball before it stops
 1  e2 
bouncing , s  h  2 
 If after collision, approaching bodies move with a  1 e 
common velocity, i.e. e = 0 (get stuck with one where, h = height of the ball dropped from ground and e
another). then collision is said to be perfectly inelastic. = coefficient of restitution

8. For perfectly elastic oblique collision

Along X-axis, m1u1  m 2 u 2  m1 v1 cos   m 2 v 2 cos 
Along Y-axis, 0  m1 v 2 sin   m 2 v 2 sin 

SCAN CODE
Centre of Mass, Momentum & Collisions
100 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

Solved Examples
Thus, the COM of the two particles is located at x =
2m.

Example 1
Example 4
Give the location of the centre of mass of a (i) sphere,
The position vector of three particles of masses
(ii) cylinder, (iii) ring, and (iv) cube, each of uniformly
m1  1kg, m 2  2 kg and m3  3kg are
mass density. Does the centre of mass of a body
 
necessarily lie inside the body?    
r1  ˆi  4ˆj  kˆ m, r2  ˆi  ˆj  kˆ m and
[NCERT] 
Sol. In all four cases, as the mass density is uniform, centre r   2iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ  m respectively. Find the position
3

of mass is located at their respective geometrical vector of their centre of mass.

centres. No, its is not necessary that the centre of mass Sol. The position vector of COM of the three particles will
of a body should lie on the body. For example, in case be given by
of a circular ring, centre of mass is at the centre of the   
 m r  m 2 r2  m 3 r3
ring, where there is no mass. rCOM  1 1
m1  m 2  m3
Substituting the values, we get
Example 2
A child sits stationary at one end of a long trolley 
rCOM 
    
1 ˆi  4ˆj  kˆ   2  ˆi  ˆj  kˆ   3  2iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ 
moving uniformly with a speed V on a smooth 1 2  3
horizontal floor. If the child gets up and runs about on 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
the trolley in any manner, what is the speed of the CM 
2
 
3i  j  k m
of the (trolley + child) system?
[NCERT] Example 5
Sol. When the child gets up and runs about on the trolley, Four particles of mass 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and 3 kg are
the speed of the centre of mass of the trolley and child placed at the four vertices A, B, C and D of a square of
remains unchanged irrespective of the manner of side 1 m. Find the position of centre of mass of the
motion of child. It is because here child and trolley particles.
constitute one single system and forces involved are
purely internal forces. As there is no external force,
there is no change in momentum of the system and
velocity remains unchanged.

Example 3
Two particles of mass 1 kg and 2 kg are located at x =
0 and x = 3 m. Find the position of their centre of
mass.
Sol. Since both the particles lies on x-axis, the COM will
also lie on x-axis. Let the COM is
r1 = distance of COM from the particle of mass
1kg = x

Sol. Assuming D as the origin, DC as x-axis and DA as y-

axis, we have
m1 = 1 kg, (x1, y1) = (0, 1m)
m2 = 2 kg, (x2, y2) = (1m, 1m)
m3 = 3 kg, (x3, y3) = (1m, 0)
and r2 = distance of COM from the particle of mass and m4 = 4 kg, (x4, y4) = (0, 0)
2kg = (3 – x) Co-ordinates of their COM are
r m x 2 m x  m 2 x 2  m3 x 3  m 4 x 4
Using 1  2 or  or x  2 m x COM  1 1
r2 m1 3 x 1 m1  m 2  m3  m 4
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 101

1 0   2 1  3 1  4  0  5 1 Sol. Mass of element dx situated at x = x is

   m  0.5m
1 2  3  4 10 2 dm    dx
m1 y1  m 2 y 2  m3 y3  m 4 y 4  dm  Rxdx
Similarly, yCOM 
m1  m 2  m3  m 4 The COM of the element has coordinates (x, 0, 0).
Therefore, x-coordinate of COM of the rod will be
11  2 1  3  0   4  0  3
   0.3m L
1 2  3  4 10  xdm
0
x COM 
  x COM , y COM    0.5m, 0.3m   dm
Thus, position of COM of the four particles is as L L
 x3 
shown in figure. L R  x 2 dx 3

  x  Rx  dx
0
 0

 0

2L
L L L
2 3
  Rx  dx
0 R  xdx x 
2
0  0
The y-coordinate of COM of the rod is

y COM 
 ydm  0 (as y = 0)
 dm
Similarly, z COM  0
 2L 
Hence, the centre of mass of the rod lies at  , 0, 0  .
 3 

Example 6 Example 8
Consider a two-particle system with the particles A uniform this rod is bent in the form of closed loop
having masses m1 and m2. If the first particle is pushed ABCDEFA as shown in the figure. The y-coordinate
towards the centre of mass through a distance d, by of the centre of mass of the system is
what distance should the second particle be moved so
as to keep the centre of mass at the same position?
Sol. Consider figure. Suppose the distance of m1 from the
centre of mass C is x1 and half of m2 from C is x2.
Suppose the mass m2 is moved through a distance d’
towards C so as to keep the centre of mass at C.

Then , m1 x1  m 2 x 2 ….(i)
and m1  x1  d   m 2  x 2  d '  . …(ii) 2r 6r
(a) (b) 
 3  2
Subtracting (ii) from (i)
m1d  m 2 d ' 2r
(c)  (d) Zero

m1
or, d '  d. Ans. (b)
m2
Sol. The centre of mass of semicircular ring is at a distance
2r
Example 7 from its centre.

A rod of length L is placed along the x-axis between x
(Let   mass/length)
= 0 and x = L. The linear density (mass/length)  of
the rod varies with the distance x from the origin as 2r 4r
r     2r 
  Rx. Here, R is a positive constant. Find the  Ycm      6r
r  r  r  2r 3  2
position of centre of mass of this rod.
102 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

Suppose the man moves at a speed w towards the right

Example 9 and the platform recoils at a speed V towards left, both
A projectile is fired at a speed of 100 m/s at an angle relative to the ice. Hence, the speed of the man with
37o above the horizontal. At the highest point, the respect to platform:
projectile breaks into two parts of mass ratio 1 : 3, the V  W  v,
lighter piece coming to rest. Find the distance from the or W  v  V ….(i)
launching point to the point where the heavier piece Taking the platform and the man to be the system,
lands. there is no external horizontal force on the system. The
Sol. Internal force do note effect the motion of the centre of linear momentum of the system remains constant.
mass, the centre of mass hits the ground at the position Initially both the man and the platform were at rest.
where the original projectile would have landed. The Thus,
range of the original projectile is, 0 = MV – mW or, MV = m (v – V) [Using (i)]
3 4
2  10 4   mv
2u 2 sin  cos  5 5m or, V 
x COM   M  m.
g 10
 960 m
Example 11
The centre of mass of two masses m & m ' moves by
x
distance when mass m is moved by distance x and
5
m'
m’ is kept fixed. The ratio is
m
(a) 2 (b) 4
(c) ¼ (d) None of these
The centre of mass will hit the ground at this position. Ans: (b)
As the smallest block comes to rest after breaking. It x
falls down vertically and hits the ground at half of the
Sol:  m  m '  mx  m 'O
5
range, i.e., at m'
m x  m2 x 2  m  m '  5m; m '  4m; 4
x COM  1 1 m
m1  m 2
 m  480    3m  x 2  Example 12
960 
 m  3m  A person P of mass 50 kg stands at the middle of a
boat of mass 100 kg moving at a constant velocity 10
x 2  1120m .
m/s with no friction between water and boat and also
the engine of the boat is shut off. With what velocity
Example 10 (relative to the boat surface) should the person move
A man of mass m is standing on a platform of mass M so that the boat comes to rest. (Neglect friction
kept on smooth ice. If the man starts moving on the between water and boat)
platform with a speed v relative to the platform, with
what velocity relative to the ice does the platform
recoil?
Sol. Consider the situation shown in figure.

(a) 30 m/s towards right

(b) 20 m/s towards right
(c) 30 m/s towards left
(d) 20 m/s towards left
Ans: (a)
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 103

Sol: Momentum of the system remains conserved as no in its natural length:

external force is acting on the system in horizontal
direction.
  50  100 10  50  V  100  0  V  30m / s
towards right.
As boat is at rest: VPboat  30 m / s (a) The maximum velocity of B will be 10m/s
(b) The maximum velocity of B will be greater than
Example 13 10m/s
Two men of masses 80 kg and 60 kg are standing on a (c) The spring will have maximum extension when A
wood plank of mass 100 kg, that has been placed over and B both stop
a smooth surface. If both the men start moving toward (d) The spring will have maximum extension when
each other with speeds 1 m/s and 2 m/s respectively both move towards left.
then find the velocity of the plank by which its starts Ans: (a)
moving. Sol. Suppose B moves with a velocity more than 10 m/s a
should move at a velocity greater than 5 m/s and
increases the overall energy which is not possible since
there is no external force acting on the system. Hence
B should move with a maximum velocity 10 m/s. Also
both A and B can never stop so as to keep the
momentum constant. Also both A and B can never
move towards left simultaneously for momentum
Sol: Applying momentum conservation; remaining conserved.
Hence only (a) is correct.
80 1  60  2    80  60  100  v
40 1 Example 16
v   m / sec.
240 6 The hero of a stunt film fires 50 g bullets from a
machine gun, each at a speed of 1.0 km/s. If he fires 20
Example 14 bullets in 4 seconds, what average force does he exert
Figure shows two blocks of masses 5 kg and 2 kg against the machine gun during this period.
placed on a frictionless surface and connected with a Sol. The momentum of each bullet
spring. An external kick gives a velocity 14 m/s to the   0.050kg 1000m / s   50kg  m / s.
heavier block towards the lighter one. Find the
The gun has been imparted this much amount of
velocity gained by the centre of mass.
momentum by each bullet fired. Thus, the rate of
change of momentum of the gun
 50kg  m / s   20
  250N.
4s
In order to hold the gun, the hero must exert a force of
Sol. Velocity of mass is
250 N against the gun.
5 14  2  0
vcm   10m / s .
52 Example 17
Two identical balls are approaching towards each
Example 15 other on a straight line with velocity 2 m/s and 4 m/s
The two blocks A and B of same mass connected to a respectively. Find the final velocities, after elastic
spring and placed on a smooth surface. They are given collision between them.
velocities (as shown in the figure) when the spring is

Sol. The two velocities will be exchanged and the final

motion is reverse of initial motion for both.
104 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

Substituting the value, we get

2 2
 1 e   1 e  3 1
     or e  .
 2   2  4 2
Example 18
Three balls A, B and C of same mass ‘m’ are placed Example 20
on a frictionless horizontal plane in a straight line as A block of mass 2 kg is pushed towards a very heavy
shown. Ball A is moved with velocity u towards the object moving with 2 m/s closer to the block (as
middle ball B. If all the collisions are elastic then, find shown). Assuming elastic collision and frictionless
the final velocities of all the balls. surfaces, find the final velocities of the blocks.

Sol. A collides elastically with B and comes to rest but, B

starts moving with velocity u
Sol. Let v1 and v2 be the final velocities of 2 kg block and
heavy object respectively then,
As, Pi  Pf
m1u1  m 2 u 2  m1 v1  m 2 v 2
After a while B collides elastically with C and comes
to rest but C start moving with velocity u  m 2  2   m 2 v 2
 as m1  m 2 
 v 2  2m / s
as v 2  v1  e  u1  u 2 
 Final velocities Here, e  1
VA  0; v 2  v1  u1  u 2
VB  0 and VC  u
v1  v2  u1  u 2
 2  10  2
Example 19
On a frictionless surface, a ball of mass m moving at a  14m / s
speed v makes a head on collision with an identical
ball at rest. The kinetic energy of the balls after the
collision is 3/4th of the original. Find the coefficient of
restitution.
Sol. As we have seen in the above discussion, that under
the given conditions:
Example 21
A ball is moving with velocity 2 m/s towards a heavy
wall moving towards the ball with speed 1 m/s as
shown in fig. Assuming collision to be elastic, find the
velocity of the ball immediately after the collision
By using conservation of linear momentum and
equation of e, we get,
1 e  1 e 
v1 '    v and v 2 '   v
 2   2 
3
Given that K f  K i or
4
1 1 31 
mv 2 '2  mv 2 '2   mv 2 
2 2 42 
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 105

Sol. The speed of wall will not change after the collision. From the above table and figure, we see that both the
So, let v be the velocity of the ball after collision in the balls move at right angles after collision with
direction shown in figure. Since collision is elastic velocities v sin θ and v cos θ.
(e=1),
Example 23
Two balls are moving towards each other on a vertical
line collides with each other as shown. Find their
velocities just after collision.

separate speed = approach speed

or v – 1 = 2 + 1 or v = 4 m/s.

Example 22
A ball of mass m makes an elastic collision with
another identical ball at rest. Show that if the collision
is oblique, the bodies go at right angles to each other
after collision. Sol.
Sol.

Linear momentum is conserved

In head on elastic collision between two particles, they   2  3  4  4   2  V1   4   V2 
exchange their velocities. In this case, the component  10  2V1  4V2
of ball 1 along common normal direction, v
 V1  2V2  5
cos θ becomes zero after collision, while that of 2
becomes v cos θ. While the components along  V1  5  2V2 .... 1
common tangent direction of both the particles remain Kinetic energy is conserved:-
unchanged. Thus, the components along common 1 1 1 1
tangent and common normal direction of both the balls  2  9   4  16   2V12   4  V22
2 2 2 2
in tabular form are given a head :
41  V12  2V22
From eq. (i)
Component along Component along
Ball common tangent common normal 41  4V22  25  20V2  2V22
direction direction 6V22  20V2  16  0
Before After Before After
3V22  10V2  8  10
Collision Collision Collision Collision
1. vsin  vsin  v cos  0 10  100  4  3 8
V2 
2. 0 0 0 v cos  2  3
10  14 2
 V2   m/s
6 3
106 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

2
V1  5  2  
3 Example 25
A shell if fired from a cannon with a speed of 100 m/s
19
 m/s at an angle 60o with the horizontal (positive x-
3
direction). At the highest point of its trajectory, the
shell explodes into two equal fragments. One of the
Example 24 fragments moves along the negative x-direction with a
Find the position of centre of mass of the uniform
speed of 50 m/s. What is the speed of the other
lamina shown in figure.
fragment at the time of explosion.
Sol. As we know in absence of external force the motion of
centre of mass of a body remains unaffected, Thus,
here the centre of the two fragments will continue to
follow the original projectile path. The velocity of the
shell at the highest point of trajectory is
v M  u cos   100  cos 60  50m / s
Let v1 be the speed of the fragment which moves along
the negative x-direction and the other fragment has
speed v2,. which must be along positive x-direction.
Now from momentum conservation, we have
m m
mv  v1  v 2 or 2v  v 2  v1
2 2
Sol. Here, or v 2  2v  v1   2  50   50  50m / s .
A1 = area of complete circle  a 2
2
a a 2
A2 = area of small circle     
2 4
(x1, y1) = coordinates of centre of mass of large circle
= (0, 0)
and (x2, y2) = coordinates of centre of mass of small
a 
circle   , 0 
2 
A1 x1  A 2 x 2
Using x COM 
A1  A 2
a 2  a  1
    
4 2 8 a
We get x COM  2
  a  
a  3  6
a 2   
4 4
and yCOM  0 as y1 and y2 both are zero.
Therefore, coordinates of Com of the lamina shown in
 a 
figure are   , 0  .
 6 
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 107

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Centre of Mass 7. A hollow sphere is held suspended. Sand is now
1. A cart of mass M is tied to one end of a massless rope poured into it in stages through a tiny hole at the top.
of length 10 m. The other end of the rope is in the The centre of gravity of the sphere:
hands of a man of the same mass M. The entire (a) first falls and then rises to the original position
system is on a smooth horizontal surface. The man is (b) first rises and then falls to the original position
at x = 0 and the cart at x = 10 m. If the man pulls the (c) remains unchanged in the process
cart by the rope, the man and the cart will meet at the (d) rises continuously
point :
(a) they will never meet (b) x = 10 m 8. A system consists of mass M and m (<< M). The
(c) x = 5m (d) x = 0 centre of mass of the system is :
(a) at the middle
2. The centre of mass of the system of the particles does (b) nearer to M
not depend on : (c) nearer to m
(a) relative distance between the particles (d) at the position of larger mass
(b) position of the particle
(c) forces on the particle 9. Three rods of the same mass are placed as shown in
(d) masses of the particle the figure. What will be the coordinate of the centre
of mass of the system?
3. The position of centre of mass of a system consisting
of two particles of masses m1 and m2 separated by a
distance L apart, from m1 will be :
m1 L m2L
(a) (b)
m1  m 2 m1  m 2
m2L L
(c) (d)
m1 2

4. Four identical spheres each of radius 10 cm and mass

1 kg are placed on a horizontal surface touching one
another so that their centres are located at the corners
of the square of side 20 cm. What is the distance of a a  a a 
their centre of mass from the centre of either sphere? (a)  ,  (b)  , 
2 2  2 2
(a) 5 cm (b) 10 cm
(c) 20 cm (d) none of these  2a 2a  a a
(c)  ,  (d)  , 
 3 3  3 3
5. All the particles of a body are situated at a distance R
from the origin. The distance of centre of mass of the 10. A rod is of length 3 m and its mass per unit length is
body from the origin is : directly proportional to the distance x from its one
(a) = R (b) < R end. The centre of gravity of the rod from that end
(c) > R (d) > R will be at:
(a) 1.5m (b) 2m
6. In a carbon monoxide molecule, the carbon and the (c) 2.5m (d) 3.0m
oxygen atoms are separated by a distance 1.12 × 10–10
m. The distance of the centre of mass, from the 11. Two bodies of mass 1 kg and 3 kg have position
carbon atom is : vectors ˆi  2ˆj  kˆ and  3iˆ  2ˆj  kˆ , respectively. The
(a) 0.68 × 10–10 m (b) 0.56 × 10–10 m centre of mass of this system has a position vector
–10
(c) 0.51 × 10 m (d) 0.48 × 10–10 m (a) 2iˆ  2kˆ (b) 2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ
108 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

(c) 2iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ (d)  ˆi  ˆj  kˆ  1 

(a) on the bisector of the angle,   m from vertex
 2
12. Four bodies of masses 2, 3, 5 and 8 kg are placed at  1 
the four corners of a square of side 2 m. The position (b) on the bisector of the angle,   m from
2 2
of CM will be:
vertex
1
(c) on the bisector of the angle,   m from vertex
2
 1 
(d) on the bisector of the angle,   m from
4 2
vertex

16. Three identical metal balls each of radius r are placed

touching each other on a horizontal surface such that
an equilateral triangle is formed with centres of three
 8 13   7 11  balls joined. The centre of mass of the system is
(a)  ,  (b)  , 
9 9  9 9  located at :
(a) horizontal surface
 11 13   11 8  (b) centre of one of the balls
(c)  ,  (d)  ,  (c) line joining the centres of any two balls
9 9   9 9
(d) point of intersection of the medians
13. Masses of 2 kg each are placed at the corners B and
A of a rectangular plate ABCD as shown in the 17. A uniform square plate ABCD has a mass of 10 kg. If
figure. A mass of 8 kg to be placed on the plate so two points masses of 5 kg each are placed at the
that the centre of mass of the system should be at the corners C and D as shown in the adjoining figure,
centre O. Then the mass should be placed at : then the centre of mass lies on:

(a) 1 m from O on OE (b) 2 m from O on OF

(c) 2 m from O on OG (d) 2 m from O on OH
(a) OH (b) DH
(c) OG (d) OF
14. A uniform metal disc of radius R is taken and out of
it, a disc of diameter R is cut-off from the end. The
18. Distance of the centre of mass of a solid uniform
centre of mass of the remaining part will be :
cone from its vertex is z0. If the radius of its base is R
(a) R/4 from the centre (b) R/3 from the centre
and its height is h then z0 is equal to :
(c) R/5 from the centre (d) R/6 from the centre
5h 3h 3
(a) (b)
15. A uniform metal rod of length 1 m is bent at 90° so as
8 8R
to form two arms of equal length. The centre of mass h2 3h
(c) (d)
of this bent rod is : 4R 4
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 109

19. A uniform circular disc of radius a is taken. A (c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
circular portion of radius b has been removed from its (d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.
as shown in the figure. If the centre of hole is at a
distance c from the centre of the disc, the distance x2 23. Statement – 1: If no external force acts on a system
of the centre of mass of the remaining part from the of particles, then the centre of mass will not move in
initial centre of mass O is given by any direction.
Statement – 2: If net external force is zero, then the
linear momentum of the system remains constant.
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
Statement-1.
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
Statement 1.
(c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
b 2 cb 2 (d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.
(a) (b)
a 2
 c2  a 2
 b2 
24. Statement–1: If net force acting on a system is zero
c 2 ca 2 then the centre of mass of the system always remains
(c) (d)
a 2
 b2  c 2
 b2  at rest.
Statement–2: If net force acting on a system is zero
then acceleration of centre of mass is zero.
Motion of Centre of Mass
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
20. Two balls are thrown simultaneously in air. The
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
acceleration of the centre of mass of the two balls
Statement-1.
while in air :
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
(a) depends on the direction of the motion of the balls
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
(b) depends on the masses of the two balls
Statement 1.
(c) depends on the speeds of the two balls
(c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
(d) is equal to g
(d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.

21. Two particles A and B initially at rest, move towards

25. Two blocks of mass 10 kg and 4 kg are connected by
each other under a mutual force of attraction. At the
a spring of negligible mass and placed on a
instant when the speed of A is v and the speed of B is
frictionless horizontal surface. An impulse gives a
2v, the speed of centre of mass of the system is :
velocity of 14 m/s to the heavier block in the
(a) zero (b) v
direction of the lighter block. The velocity of the
(c) 1.5 v (d) 3 v
centre of mass is :
(a) 30 m/s (b) 20 m/s
22. Statement–1 : Centre of mass of a body will
(c) 10 m/s (d) 5 m/s
continue to move with constant velocity, if external
forces acting on it are zero.
26. Consider a system of two identical particles. One of
Statement–2 : Centre of mass of a moving car is
the particles is at rest and the other has an
achieved to come to rest by applying brakes as the 
acceleration a . The centre of mass has an
internal forces of the brakes bring the required
change. acceleration.
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and 1
(a) zero (b) a
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for 2

Statement-1. (c) a (d) 2
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for 27. Two bodies A and B are attracted towards each other
Statement 1. due to gravitation. Given that A is much heavier than
110 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

B, which of the following correctly describes the (c) 14.7 m/s (d) 5.3 m/s
motion of the centre of mass of the bodies?
(a) It moves towards A 33. Block A and B are resting on a smooth horizontal
(b) It remains at rest surface given equal speeds of 2 m/s in opposite sense
(c) It moves towards B as shown in the figure. At t = 0, the position of block
(d) It moves perpendicular to the line joining the are shown, then the coordinates of centre of mass at
particles t = 3 s will be :

28. Consider a system of two particles having masses m1

and m2 . If the particle of mass ml is pushed towards
the mass centre of particles through a distance d, by
what distance would the particle of mass m2 move so
as to keep the mass centre of particles at the original (a) (1, 0) (b) (3, 0)
position ? (c) (5, 0) (d) (2.25, 0)
m1 m
(a) d (b) 1 d
m1  m 2 m2 34. Two persons A and B having masses 50 kg and 60 kg
m2 respectively are sitting at the two extremes to a 4 m
(d) d (d) d long boat of mass 40 kg kept on smooth ice. If they
m1
come to the middle of the boat then how
(approximately) far does the boat move on the ice
29. Two particles of equal mass have coordinates (2m,
during the process:
4m, 6m) and (6m, 2m, 8m). One of these particles has
 (a) 10 cm (b) 18 cm
1  
a velocity v  2 ˆi m/s and another particle has (c) 16 cm (d) 13 cm

velocity v 2   2 ˆj m/s at time t = 0. The coordinate of
35. Two balls of equal mass are projected from a tower
their centre of mass at time t = 1s will be : simultaneously with equal speeds. One at angle 
(a) (4m, 4m, 7m) (b) (5m, 4m, 7m) above the horizontal and the other at the same angle
(c) (2m, 4m, 6m) (d) (4m, 5m, 4m)  below the horizontal. The path of the centre of
30. Two particles are shown in the figure. At t = 0 a mass of the two balls is:
constant force F = 6 N starts acting on the 3 kg (a) a vertical straight line
particle. Find the velocity of the centre of mass of (b) a horizontal straight line
these particles at t = 5 s. (c) a straight line at angle α (< θ) with horizontal
(d) a parabola

36. Two particles of masses 4 kg and 8 kg are separated

(a) 5 m/s (b) 4 m/s by a distance of 12 m. If they are moving towards
(c) 6 m/s (d) 3 m/s each other under the influence of a mutual force of
attraction, then the two particles will meet each other
31. A meter stick is placed vertically at the origin on a at a distance of :
frictionless surface. A gentle push in +x direction is (a) 6 m from 8 kg mass (b) 2 m from 8 kg mass
given to the top most point of the rod, when it has (c) 4 m from 8 kg mass (d) 8 m from 8 kg mass
fallen completely x coordinate of centre of rod is at :
(a) origin (b) – 0.5 m 37. Two particles A and B start moving due to their
 
(c) – 1 m (d) + 0.5 m mutual interaction only. If at any time ‘t’ a A and a B
 
are their respective accelerations, vA and v B are their
32. Two stones of masses 4 kg and 8 kg are moving with respective velocities, and up to that time WA and WB
velocities 4 m/s and 10 m/s towards each other due to are the work done on A and B, respectively by the
mutual gravitational attraction. The velocity of their mutual force, mA and mB are their masses,
centre of mass will be : respectively, then which of the following is always
(a) 24.9 m/s (b) 28.14 m/s correct.
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 111

   
(a) v A  v B  0 (b) m A v A  m B v B  0
  40. In the arrangement as shown, the mass of block A is
(c) WA  WB  0 (d) a A  a B  0 m. What should be the mass of the block B so that
magnitude of acceleration of centre of mass of both
the blocks is zero :
38. A projectile of mass 3 m explodes at the highest point
of its path. It breaks into three equal parts. One part
follows the original path of the projectile, the second
one comes to rest. The range of the projectile was 100
m if no explosion would have taken place. The
distance of the third part from the point of projection
when it finally lands on the ground is :
(a) 100 m (b) 150 m
(c) 250 m (d) 300 m
m m 3
(a) (b)
2 2
39. A ladder is leaned against a smooth wall and it is
m
allowed to slip on a frictionless floor. Which figure (c) m 2 (d)
represents the tracks of its centre of mass? 3

Linear Momentum
41. The kinetic energy of a body becomes four times its
initial value. The new linear momentum will be :
(a) eight times that of initial value
(b) four times that of initial value
(c) twice the initial value
(d) remain as the initial value
(a)
42. If a player catches a ball of mass 200 g moving with
the velocity 40 ms–1, then he experiences a force of
(time taken to catch the ball is 0.1 s)
(a) 20 N (b) 40 N
(c) 80 N (d) 100 N

43. Statement–1 : Internal forces can change the

momentum of the system.
(b) Statement–2 : Internal forces can change the kinetic
energy of the system.
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
Statement-1.
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
Statement 1.
(c) (c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
(d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.

44. A 4 kg mass and a 1 kg mass are moving with equal

kinetic energies. The ratio of their momenta is
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 1
(c) 2 : 1 (d) 4 : 1

(d)
112 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

45. A shell of mass m moving with velocity v suddenly 60 v

(a) 60 mnv (b)
breaks into 2 pieces. The part having mass m/4 mn
remains stationary. The velocity of other part will be mnv mv
(a) v (b) 2v (c) (d)
60 60 n
3 4
(c) v (d) v
4 3
52. A particle is projected from a point at an angle with
the horizontal. At any instant t, if P is the linear
46. A spacecraft of mass M moves with velocity V in momentum and E the kinetic energy, then which of
free space at first, then it explodes, breaking into two the following graphs is/are correct ?
pieces. If after explosion a piece of mass m comes to
rest, the other piece of spacecraft will have a velocity
MV MV
(a) (b)
Mm Mm
mV mV
(c) (d)
Mm Mm
(a) (b)

47. A bullet of mass 5 g is fired at a velocity 900 ms–1

from A rifle of mass 2.5 kg. What is recoil velocity of
the rifle ?
(a) 0.9 ms–1 (b) 180 ms–1
–1
(c) 900 ms (d) 1.8 ms–1

48. A mass m with velocity u strikes a wall normally and

(c) (d)
returns with the same speed. What is magnitude of
the change in momentum of the body when it returns
53. A ball hits the floor and rebounds after an inelastic
(a) 4 mu (b) mu
collision. in this case :
(c) 2 mu (d) zero
(a) the momentum of the ball just after the collision is
the same as that just before the collision
49. Consider the following two statements :
(b) the mechanical energy of the ball remains the
(A) Linear momentum of the system remains constant
same in the collision
(B) Centre of mass of the system remains at rest
(c) the total momentum of the ball and the earth is
(a) A implies B and B implies A
conserved
(b) A does not imply B and B does not imply A
(d) the total energy of the ball and the earth is
(c) A implies B but B does not imply A
conserved
(d) B implies A but A does not imply B
54. A projectile is moving at 20 ms–1 at its highest point
50. Consider the following two statements :
where it breaks into equal parts due to an internal
(A) Linear momentum of a system of particles is zero
explosion. One part moves vertically up at 30 ms–1
(B) Kinetic energy of a system of particles is zero
with respect to the ground. Then the other part will
(a) A implies B and B implies A
move at
(b) A does not imply B and B does not imply A
(a) 20 m/s (b) 10 13 m / s
(c) A implies B but B does not imply A
(d) B implies A but A does not imply B (c) 50 m/s (d) 30 m/s

51. A machine gun fires a steady stream of bullets at the 55. A bullet is fired from a gun. The force on the bullet is
rate of n per minute into a stationary target in which given by :
the bullets get embedded. If each bullet has a mass m F = 600 – 2 × l05 t
and arrives at the target with a velocity v, the average where F is in newton and t in second. The force on
force on the target is : the bullet becomes zero as soon as it leaves the barrel.
What is the average impulse imparted to the bullet ?
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 113

(a) 8 Ns (b) zero 63. Statement–1 : It is not possible to know details of

(c) 0.9 Ns (d) l.8 Ns final motion just by knowing details of initial motion
and without knowing the forces which are changing
56. A particle of mass 1 kg is thrown vertically upward the motion of the system.

with speed 100 m/s. After 5 s, it explodes into two  dP
parts. One part of mass 400 g comes back with speed Statement–2 : Fext 
dt
25 m/s, what is the speed of the other part just after (a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
the explosion? Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
(a) 100 m/s upward (b) 600 m/s upward Statement-1.
(c) 100 m/s downward (d) 300 m/s upward (b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
57. A player takes 0.1 s in catching a ball of mass 150 g Statement 1.
moving with velocity of 20 m/s. The force imparted (c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
by the ball on the hands of the player is : (d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.
(a) 0.3 N (b) 3 N 64. Two bodies A and B having masses in the ratio 3 : 1
(c) 30 N (d) 300 N possess the same kinetic energy. The ratio of linear
58. A batsman hits a 150 g ball moving horizontally at 20 momentum of B to A is :
m/s back to the bowler at 12 m/s. If the contact of bat (a) 1 : 3 (b) 3 : 1
and ball lasted for 0.04 s, then the average force
(c) 1 : 3 (d) 3 : 1
exerted by the bat on the ball is :
(a) 30 N (b) 120 N
65. In a gravity free space, a man of mass M standing at a
(c) 150 N (d) 120 × l03 N
height h above the floor, throws a ball of mass m
straight down with a speed u. When the ball reaches
59. A body is accelerated from rest by applying a force of
the floor, the distance of the man above the floor will
30 N. The momentum of the body after 2 s will be :
be :
(a) 60 kg-m/s (b) 120 kg-m/s
(c) 67.5 kg-m/s (d) 30 kg-m/s  m  M
(a) h  1   (b)  1   h
 M  m
60. A boat of mass 40 kg is at rest. A dog of mass 4 kg m
(c) h (d) h
moves in the boat with a velocity of 10 m/s w.r.t M
ground. What is the velocity of a boat ?
(a) 4 m/s (b) 2 m/s 66. A particle of mass m moving towards the east with
(c) 8 m/s (d) 1 m/s speed v collides with another particle of the same
mass and same speed v moving towards the north. If
61. Assertion : A quick collision between two bodies is the two particles stick to each other, the new particle
more violent than a slow collision; even when the of mass 2m will have a speed of
initial and final velocities are identical. (a) v (b) v/2
Reason : The momentum is greater in the first case. v
(c) (d) v 2
(a) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason 2
is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is 67. If kinetic energy of a body is increased by 300%, then
not the correct explanation of assertion. percentage change in momentum will be:
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false. (a) 100% (b) 150%
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. (c) 265% (d) 73.2%

62. The Diwali rocket is ejecting 50 g of gases s–1 at a 68. A bullet is fired and gets embedded in a block kept on
velocity of 400 ms–1. The accelerating force on the the table. If table is frictionless then :
rocket will be : (a) potential energy gets conserved
(a) 22 dyne (b) 20 N (b) kinetic energy gets conserved
(c) 20 dyne (d) 100 N (c) momentum gets conserved
114 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

(d) both (a) and (b)

69. In the figure given the position-time graph of a

particle of mass 0.1 kg is shown. The impulse at t = 2
s is :

(a) system (m + M) along any direction

(b) system (m + M) along vertical
(c) system (m + M) horizontally
(d) none of the above
(a) 0.2 kg ms–1 (b) – 0.2 kg ms–1
(c) 0.l kg ms–1 (d) –0.4 kg ms–1 74. An explosion blows a rock into three parts. Two parts
go off at right angles to each other. These two are, 1
70. A ball of mass 150 g is moving with an acceleration kg first part moving with a velocity of 12 ms–1 and 2
20 m/s 2. The force acts on it for 0.1 s. The impulse kg second part moving with a velocity of 8 ms–1. If
during the interval is the third part flies off with a velocity of 4 ms–1, its
(a) 0.5 N-s (b) 0.1 N-s mass would be
(c) 0.3 N-s (d) 1.2 N-s (a) 5 kg (b) 7 kg
(c)17 kg (d) 3 kg
71. A body of mass 1 kg initially at rest, explodes and
breaks into three fragments of masses in the ratio 1 : 75. A particle of mass m is projected with velocity v
1 : 3. The two pieces of equal mass fly off making an angle of 45° with the horizontal. When the
perpendicular to each other, with a speed of 15 m/s particle lands on the level ground the magnitude of
each. The speed of the heavier fragment is : the change in its momentum will be
(a) 5 2 ms 1 (b) 45 ms–1 (a) 2 mv (b) mv / 2
(c) 5 ms–1 (d) 15 ms–1 (c) 2mv (d) zero

72. A particle of mass 15 kg an initial velocity 76. A 50-gram bullet moving with a velocity of 10 ms–1

v i  ˆi  2 ˆj m/s. It collides with another body and the gets embedded into a 950 g stationary body. The loss
impact interval is 0.1 s, resulting in a velocity in K.E. of the system will be
 (a) 95% (b) 100%
v  6iˆ  4 ˆj  5 kˆ m/s after impact. The average force
f
(c) 5% (d) 50%
of impact on the particle is :

(a) 15 5iˆ  6ˆj  5kˆ 
(b) 15 5iˆ  6 ˆj  5 kˆ  77. A 5000 kg rocket is set for vertical firing. The
exhaust speed is 800 m/s. To give an initial upward

(c) 150 5iˆ  6 ˆj  5 kˆ  
(d) 150 5iˆ  6 ˆj  5 kˆ  acceleration of 20 m/s 2. The amount of gas ejected
per second to supply the needed thrust will be :
73. A shell of mass m is moving horizontally with (a) 137.5 kg/s along horizontal direction
velocityv0 and collides with a wedge of mass M just (b) 145.5 kg/s along horizontal direction
above point A, as shown in the figure. As a (c) 127.5 kg/s
consequence, wedge starts to move towards left and (d) 187.5 kg/s
the shell returns with a velocity in x–y plane. The
principle of conservation of momentum can be 78. A disc of mass 10 g is kept floating horizontally by
applied for : throwing 10 marbles per second against it from
below. If the mass of each marble is 5 g. What will be
the velocity with which the marble is striking the disc
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 115

? Assume that the marble strikes the disc normally (b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
and rebound downwards with the same speed: Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
(a) 2.98 m/s (b) 0.98 m/s Statement 1.
(c) 0.49 m/s (d) 1.96 m/s (c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
(d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.
Collisions
84. Statement–1: A particle strikes head–on with another
79. Two particles collide and move jointly together after
stationary particle such that the first particle comes to
the inelastic collision. During such a collision, for the
rest after collision. The collision should necessarily
total system :
be elastic.
(a) neither the kinetic energy nor the linear
Statement–2: In elastic collision there is no loss of
momentum are conserved
momentum of the system of both the particles.
(b) both the kinetic energy and the linear momentum
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
are conserved
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
(c) linear momentum is conserved but not the kinetic
Statement-1.
energy
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
(d) kinetic energy is conserved but not the linear
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
momentum
Statement 1.
(c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
80. Which one of the following is true ?
(d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.
(a) Momentum is not conserved in all collisions but
kinetic energy is conserved in elastic collisions
85. Statement–1: If a sphere of mass m moving with
(b) Momentum is conserved in all collisions but not
speed u undergoes a perfectly elastic head–on
kinetic energy
collision with another sphere of heavier mass M at
(c) Both momentum and kinetic energy are
rest (M > m), then direction of velocity of sphere of
conserved in all collisions
mass m is reversed due to collision (no external force
(d) Neither momentum nor kinetic energy is
acts on system of two spheres).
conserved in elastic collisions
Statement–2: During a collision of spheres of
unequal masses, the heavier mass exerts more force
81. A body of mass m moving with velocity u collides
on the lighter mass in comparison to the force which
inelastically with a stationary body of mass 2 m. The
lighter mass exerts on the heavier one.
speed of the system after collision, is :
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
(a) 3 u (b) u/3
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
(c) 2u (d) u/4
Statement-1.
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true but
82. Which of the following is not an example of perfectly
Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for
inelastic collision ?
Statement 1.
(a) A bullet fired into a block if bullet gets embedded
(c) Statement-1 is true and the Statement-2 is false.
into the block
(d) Statement-1 is false and the Statement-2 is true.
(b) Capture of electrons by an atom
(c) A man jumping on to a moving boat
86. When a ball of mass = 5 kg hits a bat with a velocity
(d) A ball bearing striking another ball bearing
=3 m/s, in positive direction and it moves back with a
83. Statement–1 : In one dimensional elastic collision
velocity = 4 m/s, find the impulse in SI units:
between an incoming body A and body B which is at
(a) 5 (b) 15
rest, mass of body B should be quite lesser than mass
(c) 25 (d) 35
of body A so that body B recoils with greatest speed.
Statement–2 : Linear momentum and energy is
87. A block of mass m moving at a velocity v collides
conserved in elastic collision.
with another block of mass 2 m at rest. The lighter
(a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are true and
block comes to rest after collision. Find the
Statement-2 is the correct explanation for
coefficient of restitution:
Statement-1.
(a) 1/2 (b) 1
116 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

(c) 1/3 (d) 1/4 94. A gun fires a bullet of mass 50 g with a velocity of 30
m/s. Due to this, the gun is pushed back with a
88. Two balls of equal mass have a head on collision with velocity of 1 m/s, then the mass of the gun is :
1 (a) 1.5 kg (b) 5.5 kg
speed 6 m/s each. If the coefficient of restitution is (c) 0.5 kg (d) 3.5 kg
3
, the speed of each ball after impact will be :
(a) 18 m/s (b) 2 m/s 95. Assertion : In an elastic collision of two billiard
(c) 6 m/s (d) data insufficient balls, the total KE is conserved during the short time
of collision of the balls (i.e., when they are in contact)
89. A body of mass m1 moving with a uniform velocity Reason : Energy spent against friction does not
of 40 m/s. collides with another of mass m2 at rest follow the law of conservation of energy :
and then the two together begin to move with a (a) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason
uniform velocity of 30 m/s. The ratio of their masses is the correct explanation of assertion.
(m1/m2) is (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
(a) 0.75 (b) 4.0 not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) 3 (d) 1.33 (c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
90. Two perfectly elastic particles A and B of equal mass 96. An object of mass 3M at rest splits into three equal
travelling along the line joining them with velocities fragments. Two fragments have velocities v î and –v
15 m/s and 10 m/s. After collision, their velocities ĵ . The velocity of third fragment will be :
will be:
A B 
(a) v ˆj  ˆi   
(b) v ˆi  ˆj
(a) 0 25 v  ˆi  ˆj
(b) 5 20 
(c) v ˆi  ˆj  (d)
2
(c) 10 15
(d) 20 5
97. A ball moving horizontally towards the left with
91. A metal ball of mass 2 kg moving with a velocity of speed 5 m/s collides elastically with a vertical wall
36 km/h has a head on collision with a stationary ball which is moving to the right with a speed of 5 m/s
of mass 3 kg. If after the collision, the two balls move and rebounds. After rebounding the speed of the ball
together, the loss in kinetic energy due to collision is : relative to ground will be :
(a) 140 J (b) 100J (a) 5 ms-1 (b) 10 ms-1
-1
(c) 60 J (d) 40 J (c) 15 ms (d) 20 ms-1

92. A body of mass ‘a’ moving with a velocity b strikes a 98. A body of mass 5 kg moving with velocity 10 m/s
body of mass c and gets embedded into it. The collides with another body of the mass 20 kg at rest
velocity of the system after collision is : and comes to rest. The velocity of second body after
a c ab collision will be :
(a) (b) (a) 10 m/s (b) 8.5 m/s
ab a c
(c) 2.5 m/s (d) none of these
a a
(c) (d)
bc ab 99. Two identical balls A and B collide head on
elastically. If velocity of A and B before the collision
93. A ball of mass 10 kg is moving with a velocity of 10 are + 0.5 m/s and – 0.3 m/s respectively, then their
m/s. It strikes another ball of mass 5 kg, which is velocities after the collision will be :
moving in the same direction with a velocity of 4 m/s. (a) + 0.5 m/s and + 0.3 m/s
If the collision is elastic their velocities after collision (b) – 0.5 m/s and + 0.3 m/s
will be respectively : (c) + 0.3 m/s and – 0.5 m/s
(a) 12 m/s, 6 m/s (b) 12 m/s, 25 m/s (d) – 0.3 m/s and + 0.5 m/s
(c) 6 m/s, 12 m/s (d) 8 m/s, 20 m/s
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 117

100. An object A of mass 2 kg is moving with a velocity of 105. The magnitude of the impulse developed by a mass of
3 m/s and collides head-on with an object B of mass 1 0.2 kg which changes its velocity from 5 ˆi  3 ˆj  7 kˆ
kg moving in opposite direction with a velocity of 4
m/s to 2 ˆi  3 ˆj  kˆ m/s is:
m/s. After collision both object coalesce so that they
move with a common velocity equal to : (a) 2.7 N–s (b) 1.8 N–s
(a) 3 m/s (b) 2 m/s (c) 0.9 N–s (d) 3.6 N–s
(c) 1 m/s (d) 2/3 m/s
106. P and Q are two identical masses at rest suspended by
101. Which of the following is not a perfectly inelastic an inextensible string passing over a smooth
collision ? frictionless pulley. Mass P is given a downward push
(a) A man jumps on a cart with a speed v as shown in figure. It collides with the
(b) A bullet embedded in a block floor and rebounds. What happens immediately after
(c) Collision of two glass ball collision?
(d) None of the above

102. The bob A of a simple pendulum is released when the

string makes an angle of 45° with the vertical. It hits
another bob B of the same material and same mass
kept at rest on a table. If the collision is elastic :

(a) P and Q both move upwards with equal speeds

(b) P and Q both move upwards with different speeds
(c) P moves upwards & Q moves downwards with
(a) both A and B rise to the same height
equal speed
(b) both A and B come to rest at B
(d) Both P and Q are at rest.
(c) both A and B move with the same velocity of A
(d) A comes to rest and B moves with the velocity of
107. A body of mass m strikes a stationary body of mass
A
M and undergoes an elastic collision. After collision,
m has a speed one-third its initial speed. The ratio
103. Two bodies having masses m1 and m2 and velocity
  M/m is
u1 and u 2 collide and form a composite system. If
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1
 
m1 u1  m 2 u 2  0  m1  m 2  , the velocity of (c) 1 : 3 (d) 3 : 1
composite system will be :
    108. An object of mass 2 kg is moving with a velocity of 3
(a) u1  u 2 (b) u1  u 2
  m/s and collides head on with an object B of mass 1
u  u2
(c) 1 (d) zero kg moving in the opposite direction with a velocity of
2
4 m/s. After collision, both objects coalesce so that
104. A ball is dropped from a height of 1 m. If coefficient
they move with a common velocity v equal to
of restitution between the surface and the ball is 0.6,
2
the ball rebounds to a height of (a) ms1 (b) 1 m/s
(a) 0.6 m (b) 0.4 m 3
(c) 1 m (d) 0.36 m (c) 2 m/s (d) 3 m/s

109. Two ice skaters A and B approach each other at right

angles. Skater A has a mass 30 kg and velocity 1 m/s
118 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

skater B has mass 20 kg and velocity 2 m/s. They If after collision both stick together, their speed after
meet and cling together. The final velocity of the collision would be :
couple is : (a) v (b) v/2
(a) 2 m/s (b) 1.5 m/s (c) 2v (d) v / 2
(c) 1 m/s (d) 2.5 m/s
116. A bullet of mass 20 g and moving with 600 m/s
110. The collision of two balls of equal mass takes place at
collides with a block of mass 4 kg hanging with the
the origin of coordinates. Before collision, the
string. What is the velocity of the bullet when it
components of velocities are (vx = 50 cm/s, vy = 0)
comes out of the block, if the block rises to height 0.2
and (vx = –40 cm/s and vy = 30 cm/s). The first ball
m after collision ?
comes to rest after a collision. The velocity
(a) 200 m/s (b) 150 m/s
components (vx and vy respectively) of the second
(c) 400 m/s (d) 300 m/s
ball are :
(a) 10 and 30 cm/s
117. A lump of clay of mass 10 g travelling with a velocity
(b) 30 and 10 cm/s
of 10 cm–1 towards east collides head on with another
(c) 5 and 15 cm/s
lump of clay of mass 10 g travelling with velocity of
(d) 15 and 5 cm/s
20 cm–1 towards west. If the two lumps coalesce after
collision, what is its velocity, if no external forces act
111. A stationary particle explodes into two particles of
on the system ?
masses m1 and m2 which move in opposite directions
(a) 15 cm/s towards west (b) 15 cm/s towards east
with velocities v1 and v2. The ratio of their kinetic
(c) 5 cm/s towards west (d) 5 cm/s towards east
energies E1/E2 is :
mv 118. A shell of mass 20 kg at rest explodes into two
(a) 1 (b) 1 2
m 2 v1 fragments whose masses are in the ratio 2 : 3. The
m2 m1 smaller fragment moves with a velocity of 6 ms–1.
(c) (d)
m1 m2 The kinetic energy of the larger fragment is
(a) 96 J (b) 216 J
(c) 144 J (d) 360 J
112. If two balls, each of mass 0.06 kg, moving in
opposite direction with speed 4 m/s collide and
119. A bomb of mass 3.0 kg explodes in air into two
rebound with the same speed, then the impulse
pieces of masses 2.0 kg and 1.0 kg. The smaller mass
imparted to each ball due to the other is :
goes at a speed of 80 m/s. The total energy imparted
(a) 0.92 kg m/s (b) 0.80 kg m/s
to the two fragments is :
(c) 0.48 kg m/s (d) 0.52 kg m/s
(a) 1.07 kJ (b) 2.14 kJ
(c) 2.4 kJ (d) 4.8 kJ
113. An object of mass 40 kg and having the velocity 4
m/s collides with another object m = 60 kg having
120. A particle A of mass m initially at rest slides down a
velocity 2 m/s in the same direction. The collision is
height of 1.25 m on a frictionless ramp, collides with
perfectly inelastic. The loss in energy is :
and sticks to an identical particle B of mass m at rest
(a) 110 J (b) 48 J
as shown in the figure. Then particles A and B
(c) 392 J (d) 440 J
together collide elastically with particle C of mass 2
m at rest. The speed of particle A after the collision
114. A bomb of mass 3.0 kg explodes in air into two
with particle B would be : (g = 10 m/s2)
pieces of masses 2.0 kg and 1.0 kg. The smaller mass
goes at a speed of 80 m/s. The total energy imparted
to the two fragments is :
(a) l.07 kJ (b) 2.14kJ
(c) 2.4 kJ (d) 4.8 kJ

115. A body of mass m is moving towards east and

another body of equal mass is moving towards north.
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 119

(a) 2.0 m/s (b) 1.25 m/s Mm

(a) 2 gh (b) 2 gh
(c) 2.5 m/s (d) 5 m/s m
m Mm
121. A body at rest breaks into two pieces of equal masses. (c) 2 gh (d) 2 gh
Mm m
The parts will move
(a) in same direction 127. A particle is projected with 200 m/s at an angle of
(b) along different lines 60°. At the highest point, it explodes into three
(c) in opposite directions with equal speeds particles of equal masses. One goes vertically
(d) in opposite directions with unequal speeds upwards with velocity 100 m/s, the second particle
goes vertically downwards with same speed. Then the
122. A moving particle of mass m, makes a head on elastic velocity of the third particle will be :
collision with a particle of mass 2m, which is initially (a) 200 m/s
at rest. The fraction of energy lost by colliding (b) 300 m/s
particle is : (c) 120 m/s with 60° angle
1 2 (d) 200 m/s with 30° angle
(a) (b)
9 3
8 128. A body of mass M at rest explodes into three masses
(c) (d) no loss
9 two of which of mass M/4 each are thrown off in
perpendicular directions with velocity of 3 m/s and 4
123. A 2kg of block of wood rests on a long table top. A 5 m/s respectively. The third piece will be thrown off
g bullet moving horizontally with a speed of 150 m/s with a velocity of :
is shot into the block and sticks to it. The block then (a) 3 m/s (b) 2.5 m/s
slides 2.7 m along the table top and comes to a stop. (c) 2.0 m/s (d) 1.5 m/s
The force of friction between the block and the table
is: 129. Two masses mA and mB moving with velocities vA and
(a) 0.052 N (b) 3.63 N vB in opposite directions collide elastically. After that
(c) 2.50 N (d) 1.04 N the masses mA and mB move with velocity vB and vA
m
respectively. Then the ratio A is :
124. A bullet of mass 0.01 kg and travelling at a speed of mB
500 ms–1 strikes a block of 2 kg, which is suspended vA  vB vA  vB
by a string of length 5 m. The centre of gravity of the (a) (b)
vA  vB vA
block is found to rise through a vertical height of 0.1
m. The speed of the bullet after it emerges from the vA
(c) (d) 1
block is vB
(a) 200 m/s (b) 240 m/s
(c) 220 m/s (d) 280 m/s 130. A ball falling freely from a height of 4.9 m/s, hits a
horizontal surface. If e = 3/4 ,then the ball will hit the
125. A bag of mass M hangs by a long thread and a bullet surface, for second time after : [Use g = 9.8 m/s2]
of mass m comes horizontally with velocity v and (a) 0.5 s (b) 1.5 s
gets caught in the bag. Then for the combined (bag (c) 3.5 s (d) 3.4 s
+bullet) system,
mvM 1 131. A shell of mass 200 g is ejected from a gun of mass 4
(a) Momentum  (b) KE = mv 2 kg by an explosion that generates 1.05 kJ of energy.
mM 2
1 m2 v2 The initial velocity of the shell is :
(c) KE =  m  M  v 2 (d) KE = (a) 100 ms–1 (b) 80 ms–1
2 2M  m –1
(c) 40 ms (d) 120 ms–1

126. A bullet of mass m moving with velocity v strikes a 132. A body from height h is dropped. If the coefficient of
suspended wooden block of mass M. If the block restitution is e, then calculate the height achieved
rises to a height h, the initial velocity of the bullet after one bounce.
will be :
120 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

(a) h1 = e2h (b) h1 = e4h

(c) h1 = eh (d) h1 = h/e

133. A body of mass M1 collides elastically with another

body of mass M2 at rest. There is maximum transfer
of energy when:
(a) M1 > M2
(b) M1 < M2 2 v
(a) v (b)
(c) M1 = M2 3 3
(d) same for all values of M1 and M2
(c) v (d) 3v
134. A smooth sphere of mass M moving with velocity u 
directly collides elastically with another sphere of 138. A nucleus moving with a velocity v emits an α–
mass m at rest. After collision their final velocities particle. Let the velocities of the α–particle and the
 
are V and v respectively. The value of v is : remaining nucleus be v1 and v 2 and their masses be
2uM 2um m1 and m2.
(a) (b)   
m M (a) v, v1 and v 2 must be parallel to each other.
  
2u 2u (b) None of the two of v, v1 and v 2 should be
(c) (d)
m M parallel to each other.
1 1   
M m (c) v1  v 2 must be parallel to v .
  
(d) m1 v1  m 2 v 2 must be parallel to v .
135. A ball strikes a horizontal floor at 45°, 25% of its
kinetic energy is lost in collision. Find the coefficient
of restitution : 139. In a two block system an initial velocity v0 with
respect to ground is given to block A :
1 1
(a) (b)
2 2
1 1
(c) (d)
2 2 4

136. A sphere of mass m moving with a constant velocity (a) the momentum of block A is not conserved
(b) the momentum of system of block A and B is
u hits another stationary sphere of same mass. If e is
the coefficient of restitution, then ratio of velocities conserved
(c) the increase in momentum of B is equal to the
v
of the two spheres 1 after collision will be : decrease in momentum of block A
v2
(d) all the above

140. A steel ball strikes a steel plate at an angle θ with the

1 e 1 e vertical. If the coefficient of restitution is e, the angle
(a) (b) at which the rebound will take place is :
1 e 1 e
 tan  
e 1 e 1 (a) θ (b) tan 1  
(c) (d)  e 
e 1 e 1
 e 
(c) e tan θ (d) tan 1  
137. A mass m moves with a velocity v and collides  tan  
inelastically with another identical mass. After
v 141. A sphere A of mass m moving with a velocity hits
collision the first mass moves with velocity in a another stationary sphere B of same mass. If the ratio
3
of the velocities of the spheres after collision is
direction perpendicular to the initial direction of
VA 1  e
motion. Find the speed of the 2nd mass after  where e is the coefficient of restitution,
collision: VB 1  e
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 121

what is the initial velocity of sphere A with which it (a) 2 × 103 N/m2 (b) 2 × 105 N/m2
strikes: (c) 107 N/m2 (d) 2 × 107 N/m2
(a) VA + VB (b) VA – VB
 VA  VB  144. A pendulum consists of a wooden bob of mass m and
(c) VB – VA (d) of length l. A bullet of mass m1 is fired towards the
2
pendulum with a speed v1. The bullet emerges out of
142. A mass of 100 g strikes the wall with speed 5 m/s at the bob with a speed v1/3 and the bob just completes
an angle as shown in figure and it rebounds with the motion along a vertical circle. Then v1 is
same speed. If the contact time is 2 × 10–3 s, what is m 3 m 
(a)   5g (b)   5g
the force applied on the mass by the wall ?  m1  2  m1 
2  m1  m 
(c) 5g (d)  1  g
3  m  m

145. The sphere A of mass m1 moves with velocity V on a

frictionless horizontal surface and strikes with sphere
B of mass m2 at rest. The sphere A comes back with
speed V/10. Find the correct option:
(a) 250 3 N to right (b) 250 N to right
(c) 250 3 N to left (d) 250 N to left
(a) m1 > m2 (b) m1 = m2
143. 10,000 small balls, each weighing 1 g, strike one (c) m1 < m2 (d) none of these
square cm of area per second with a velocity 100 m/s
in a normal direction and rebound with the same
speed. The value of pressure on the surface will be :
122 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

EXERCISE – 2: Previous Year Questions

1. A stationary bomb explodes into three pieces. One 5. A 0.5 kg ball moving with a speed of 12 m/s strikes a
piece of 2 kg mass moves with a velocity of 8 ms–1 at hard wall at an angle of 30° with the wall. It is
right angles to the other piece of mass 1 kg moving reflected with the same speed and at the same angle.
with a velocity of 12 ms–1. If the mass of the third If the ball is in contact with the wall for 0.25 s, the
piece is 0.5 kg, then its velocity is : average force acting on the wall is :
(AIPMT 2011) (BHU 2011)
(a) 10 ms–1 (b) 20 ms–1
(c) 30 ms–1 (d) 40 ms–1

2. A cricket ball of mass 0.25 kg with speed 10 m/s

collides with a bat and returns with the same speed
within 0.01s. The force acted on bat is
(AIPMT 2011)
(a) 25 N (b) 50 N
(c) 250 N (d) 500 N

3. A mass m moving horizontally (along the x-axis)

(a) 48 N (b) 24 N
with velocity v collides and sticks to mass of 3m
(c) 12 N (d) 96 N
moving vertically upward (along the y-axis) with
velocity 2v. The final velocity of the combination is:
6. In the diagram shown below, m1 and m2 are the
(AIPMT 2011)
masses of two particles and X1 and X2 are their
1 ˆ 3 ˆ 1 ˆ 2 ˆ
(a) v i  v j (b) v i  v j respective distances from the origin O. The centre of
4 2 3 3 mass of the system is
2 ˆ 1 ˆ 3 ˆ 1 ˆ (J&K CET 2011)
(c) vi  v j (d) vi  v j
3 3 2 4

4. A ball of mass 0.2 kg rests on a vertical post of height

5 m. A bullet of mass 0.01 kg, travelling with a
velocity v m/s in a horizontal direction, hits the centre
of the ball. After the collision, the ball and bullet m1 X 2  m 2 X 2 m1  m 2
(a) (b)
travel independently. The ball hits the ground at a m1  m 2 2
distance of 20 m and the bullet at a distance of 100 m
m1X1  m 2 X 2 m1m 2  X1X 2
from the foot of the post. The initial velocity v of the (c) (d)
m1  m 2 m1  m 2
bullet is
(AIIMS 2011)
7. A particle of mass 2 kg is initially at rest. A force acts
on it whose magnitude changes with the time. The
force-time graph is shown below.
(Kerala CEE 2011)

(a) 250 m/s (b) 250 2 m / s

(c) 400 m/s (d) 500 m/s

The velocity of the particle after 10 s is

CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 123

(a) 20 ms-1 (b) 10 ms-1

(c) 75 ms-1 (d) 50 ms-1

8. The object at rest suddenly explodes into three parts

with the mass ratio 2 : 1 : 1. The parts of equal
masses move at right angles to each other with equal
speeds. The speed of the third part after the explosion
will be
(EAMCET 2011)
(a) 2v (b) v / 2 (a) 8 N-s (b) 4N  s
(c) 2  N  s (d) 8 N  s
(c) v / 2 (d) 2v

9. Three masses are placed on the X-axis, 300g at origin 13. Two persons of masses 55 kg and 65 kg respectively,
500g at x = 40 cm and 400g at x = 70 cm. The are at the opposite ends of a boat. The length of the
distance of the centre of mass from the origin is boat is 3.0 m and weights 100 kg. The 55 kg man
(AIPMT 2012) walks up to the 65 kg man and sits with him. If the
(a) 40 cm (b) 45 cm boat is in still water the centre of mass of the system
(c) 50 cm (d) 30 cm shifts by:
(AIPMT 2012)
10. Two persons of masses 55 kg and 65 kg respectively, (a) 3.0 m (b) 2.3 m
are at the opposite ends of a boat. The length of the (c) zero (d) 0.75 m
boat is 3.0 m and weighs 100 kg. The 55 kg mas
walks up to the 65 kg man and sits with him. If the 14. Two spheres A and B of masses m1 and m2
boat is in still water, the centre of mass of the system respectively collide. A is at rest initially and B is
shifts by moving with velocity v along x-axis. After collision
(AIPMT 2012) v
B has a velocity in a direction perpendicular to the
(a) 3.0 m (b) 2.3 m 2
(c) zero (d) 0.75 m original direction. The mass A moves after collision
in the direction.
11. A stone is dropped from a height h. It hits the ground (AIPMT 2012)
with a certain momentum p. If the same stone is (a) Same as that of B
dropped from a height 100% more than previous (b) Opposite to that of B
height, the momentum when it hits the ground will (c)   tan 1 1 / 2  to the x-axis
change by (d)   tan 1  1 / 2  to the y-axis
(AIPMT 2012)
(a) 68% (b) 41%
15. Three masses are placed on the x-axis: 300 g at
(c) 200% (d) 100%
origin, 500g at origin, 500g at x = 40 cm and 400 g at
x = 70 cm. The distance of the centre of mass from
12. The force-time (F-t) graph for linear motion of a body
the origin is:
initially at rest is shown in figure. The segments
(AIPMT 2012)
shown are circular, the linear momentum gained in 4s
(a) 40 cm (b) 45 cm
is
(c) 50 cm (d) 30 cm
(AIPMT 2012)

16. A bullet of mass 10 g is fired from a gun of mass 1 kg

with recoil velocity of gun 5 m/s. The muzzle
velocity will be
(Manipal 2012)
(a) 30 km/min (b) 600 km/min
(c) 30 m/s (d) 500 m/s
124 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

17. An explosion breaks a rock into three parts in a 1 e 1 e

horizontal plane. Two of them go off at right angles (a) (b)
1 e 1 e
to each other. The first part of mass 1 kg moves with
1 e 1 e
a speed of 12 ms-1 and the second mass 2 kg moves (c) (d)
2 2
with 8 ms-1 speed. If the third part flies off with 4ms-
1 speed, then its mass is:
22. Three particles of masses 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg are
(NEET 2013)
placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side
(a) 5 kg (b) 7 kg
1.0 m as shown in fig. The coordinates of the centre
(c) 17 kg (d) 3 kg
of masses of the system are
(RPMT 2014)
18. A body of mass (4m) is lying in an xy-plane at rest. It
suddenly explodes into three pieces. Two pieces, each
of mass (m) move perpendicular to each other with
equal speeds (v). The total kinetic energy generated
due to explosion is :
(AIPMT 2014)
3
(a) mv2 (b) mv 2
2
(c) 2 mv2 (d) 4 mv2

19. The force F acting on a particle of mass m is

indicated by the force-time graph shown below. The 7 3  1 3 
(a)  m, m (b)  m, m
change in momentum of the particle over the time  12 4  2 4 
interval from zero to 8 s is  3
 3 1  3 
(AIPMT 2014) (c)  m, m  (d)  m, m 
 12 4   12 4 

23. A particle of mass m moving in the x direction with

speed 2v is hit by another particle of mass 2m
moving in the y direction with speed v. If the
collision is perfectly inelastic, the percentage loss in
the energy during the collision is close to:
(NEET 2015)
(a) 56% (b) 62%
(a) 24 N-s (b) 20 N-s (c) 44% (d) 50%
(c) 12 N-s (d) 6 N-s
24. A ball is thrown vertically downwards from a height
20. The position of centre of mass of a system of particle of 20m with an initial velocity v0. It collides with the
does not depend upon the ground, loses 50 percent of its energy in collision and
(Kerala CEE 2014) rebounds to the same height. The initial velocity v0 is
(a) mass of particles (Take g = 10 ms–2)
(b) symmetry of the body (AIPMT 2015)
–1 –1
(c) nature of particles (a) 10 ms (b) 14 ms
(d) relative distance between the particles (c) 20 ms–1 (d) 28 ms–1

21. A ball of mass ‘m’ moving with the velocity v 25. On a frictionless surface, a block of mass M moving
collides head on with another ball of mass m at rest. at speed v collides elastically with another block of
If the coefficient of restitution is e, then the ratio of same mass M which is initially at rest. After collision
the velocities of the first and the second ball after the the first block moves at an angle θ to its initial
collision is direction and has a speed v/3. The second block’s
(RPMT 2014) speed after the collision is:
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 125

(AIPMT 2015) h2 3h
(c) (d)
3 2 2 4R 4
(a) v (b) v
2 3
3 3 30. A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of
(c) v (d) v 2.00 m/s on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass
4 2
of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single
body. The energy loss during the collision is
26. A rod of weight W is supported by two parallel knife
(UP CMT 2015)
edges A and B and is in equilibrium in a horizontal
(a) 0.16 J (b) 1.00 J
position. The knives are at a distance d from each
(c) 0.67 J (d) 0.34 J
other. The centre of mass of the rod is at distance x
from A. The normal reaction on A is :
31. A rigid ball of mass m strikes a rigid wall at 60o and
(AIPMT 2015)
gets reflected without loss of speed as shown in the
W(d-x) Wx
(a) (b) figure. The value of impulse imparted by the wall on
d d the ball will be
Wd W(d-x) (NEET 2016)
(c) (d)
x x

27. Two particles of masses m1, m2 move with initial

velocities u1 and u2. On collision, one of the particles
get excited to higher level, after absorbing energy  .
If final velocities of particles be x v1 and v 2 then we
must have:
(AIPMT 2015)
1 1 1 1
(a) m1u12  m 2 u 22  m1 v12  m 2 v 22  
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
(b) m1u12  m 2 u 22    m1 v12  m 2 v 22
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 (a) mv (b) 2mv
(c) m12 u12  m 22 u 22    m12 v12  m 22 v 22
2 2 2 2 (c) mv/2 (d) mv/3
(d) m12 u1   m22 u 2    m12 v1  m22 v2
32. Two identical balls A and B having velocities of 0.5
28. Two spherical bodies of mass M and 5 M and radii R ms-1 and –0.3 ms-1, respectively, collide elastically in
and 2R released in free space with initial separation one dimension. The velocities of B and A after the
between their centres equal to 12 R. If they attract collision, respectively, will be :
each other due to gravitational force only, then the (AIPMT 2016)
distance covered by the smaller body before collision (a) 0.5 ms–1 and –0.3 ms–1 (b) –0.3 ms–1 and 0.5 ms–1
is: (c) 0.3 ms–1 and 0.5 ms–1 (c) –0.5 ms–1 and 0.3 ms–1
(AIPMT 2015)
(a) 4.5 R (b) 7.5 R 33. Which of the following statements are correct?
(c) 1.5 R (d) 2.5 R (A) Centre of mass of a body always coincides with
the centre of gravity of the body.
29. Distance of the centre of mass of a solid uniform (B) Centre of mass of a body is the point at which the
total gravitational torque on the body is zero
cone from its vertex is z 0 . If the radius of its base is
(C) A couple on a body produces both translational
R and its height is h then z 0 is equal to : and rotational motion in a body.
(AIIMS 2015) (D) Mechanical advantage greater than one means
2
5h 3h that small effort can be used to lift a large load.
(a) (b)
8 8R (NEET 2017)
(a) (B) and (D) (b) (A) and (B)
126 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

(c) (B) and (C) (d) (C) and (D) (a) 1.2, 1.4 (b) 1.3, 1.1
(c) 1.1, 1.3 (d) 1.0, 1.0
34. Hail storms are observed to strike the surface of the
frozen lake at 30° with the vertical and rebound at
60° with the vertical. Assume contact to be smooth,
38. 
Two masses of 6 and 2 unit are at positions 6iˆ  7ˆj 
the coefficient of restitution is:  
and 2iˆ  5jˆ  8kˆ , respectively. The coordinates of
(NEET 2017)
the centre of mass are
1 1 (JIPMER 2017)
(a) e  (b) e 
3 3 (a) (2, -5, 3) (b) (5, -5, -3)
(c) e  3 (d) e = 3 (c) (5, -4, -2) (d) (5, -4, -4)

35. Assertion : A bullet is fired from a rifle. If the rifle 39. Assertion: Collision between two billiard's ball are
recoils freely, the kinetic energy of the rifle is more inelastic
than that of the bullet. Reason: Momentum remains conserved during the
Reason : In the case of the rifle bullet system, the collision
law of conservation of momentum violates. (AIIMS 2018)
(NEET 2017) (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
(a) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is a the correct explanation of assertion.
correct explanation for assertion. (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
(b) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
not a correct explanation for assertion. (c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(c) Assertion is correct, reason is incorrect. (d) If both assertion and reason are false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are incorrect
40. Three bodies having masses 5 kg, 4 kg and 2 kg is
36. Assertion : Even though net external force on a body moving at the speed of 5 ms-1, 4 ms-1 and 2 ms-1
is zero, momentum need not be conserved. respectively along X-axis. The magnitude of velocity
Reason : The internal interaction between particles of of centre of mass is
a body cancels out momentum of each other. (AIIMS 2018)
(AIIMS 2017) (a) 1.0 ms-1 (b) 4 ms-1
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is (c) 0.9 ms-1 (d) 1.3 ms-1
the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is 41. A force of 10 N acts on a body of mass 0.5 kg for
not the correct explanation of assertion. 0.25s starting from rest. What is its impulse?
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false. (JIPMER 2018)
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. (a) 0.25 N-s (b) 2.5 N-s
(c) 0.5 N-s (d) 0.75 N-s
37. Five masses are placed in a plane as shown in figure. 42. A sphere of mass ‘m’ moving with velocity ‘v’
The coordinates of the centre of mass are nearest to: collides head-on on another sphere of same mass
(AIIMS 2017) which is at rest. The ratio of final velocity of second
sphere to the initial velocity of the first sphere is (e is
2 coefficient of restitution and collision is inelastic)
3kg 4kg
(MHT CET 2018)
e 1 e
(a) (b)
5kg 2 2
1 e 1
(c) (d) e
2

1kg 2kg 43. Body A of mass 4m moving with speed u collides

0
0 1 2 with another body B of mass 2m, at rest. The
collision is head on and elastic in nature. After the
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 127

collision the fraction of energy lost by the colliding 48. Two particles of mass 5 kg and 10 kg respectively are
body A is: attached to the two ends of a rigid rod of length 1 m
(NEET 2019) with negligible mass. The centre of mass of the
8 4 system from the 5 kg particle is nearly at a distance
(a) (b) of:
9 9
(NEET 2020)
5 1
(c) (d) (a) 67 cm (b) 80 cm
9 9
(c) 33 cm (d) 50 cm

44. Assertion: There is no loss in energy in elastic

49. A ball of mass 0.15 kg is dropped from a height 10
collision
m, strikes the ground and rebounds to the same
Reason: Linear momentum is conserved in elastic
height. The magnitude of impulse imparted to the
collision
bulb is (g = 10 m/s2) nearly:
(AIIMS 2019)
(NEET 2021)
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
(a) 21 kg m/s (b) 1.4 kg m/s
the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) 0 kg m/s (d) 4.2 kg m/s
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
50. A shell of mass m is at rest initially. It explodes into
not the correct explanation of assertion. three fragments having mass in the ratio 2:2:1. If the
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false. fragments having equal mass fly off along mutually
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. perpendicular directions with speed v, the speed of
the third (lighter) fragment is (NEET 2022)
45. A gun applies a force F on a bullet which is given by (a) v (b) 2v
F  100  0.5  10 5 t  N. The bullet emerges out with (c) 2 2v (d) 3 2v
speed 400 m/s. Then, find out the impulse exerted till 51. Two objects of mass 10kg and 20kg respectively are
force on bullet becomes zero. connected to the two ends of a rigid rod of length
(AIIMS 2019) 10m with negligible mass. The distance of the center
of mass of the system from the 10 kg mass is:
(a) 0.2 N-s (b) 0.3 N-s
(c) 0.1 N-s (d) 0.4 N-s
46. Assertion: Even though net external force on a body
is zero, momentum need not to conserved.
Reason: The internal interaction between particles of
a body cancels out momentum of each other. (NEET 2022)
(AIIMS 2019) 10 20
(a) m (b) m
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason 3 3
is the correct explanation of Assertion (c) 10m (d) 5m
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason
is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

47. A moving block having mass m, collides with

another stationary block having mass 4m. The lighter
block comes to rest after collision. When the initial
velocity of the lighter block is v, then the value of
coefficient of restitution (e) will be :
(J & K CET 2019)
(a) 0.8 (b) 0.25
(c) 0.5 (d) 0.4
128 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

EXERCISE – 3: Achiever’s Section

1. Three identical spheres, each of mass 1 kg are placed
touching each other with their centres on a straight
line. Their centers are marked P, Q and R
respectively. The distance of centre of mass of the
system from P is :
PQ  PR  QR PQ  PR
(a) (b)
3 3 (a) 5 cm (b) 9 cm
PQ  QR (c) 4.5 cm (d) 5.5 cm
(c) (d) none of these
3
5. A cracker is thrown into air with a velocity of 10 m/s
2. A circular ring of mass 6 kg and radius a is placed at an angle of 45° with the vertical. When it is at a
such that its centre lies at the origin. Two particles of height of 1m from the ground, it explodes into a
masses 2kg each are placed at the intersecting points number of pieces which follow different parabolic
of the circle with +ve x–axis and +ve y–axis. Then, paths. What is the velocity of the centre of mass,
the angle made by the position vector of centre of when it is at a height of 1 m from the ground ? (g =
mass of entire system with x–axis is : 10 m/s–2)
(a) 45° (b) 60° (a) 4 5 ms 1 (b) 2 5 ms 1
4 (c) 5 4 ms 1 (d) 5 ms–1
(c) tan 1   (d) 30°
5
6. Two bodies with masses, m1 and m2 (m1 > m2) are
3. You are supplied with three identical rods of same joined by a string passing over a fixed pulley. The
length and mass. If the length of each rod is 2 . Two centres of gravity of the two masses are initially at the
of them are converted into rings and then placed over same height. Assume masses of pulley and weight of
the third rod as shown in figure. If points A is the thread are negligible. The acceleration of the
considered as origin of the coordinate system the co- centre of mass of m1 and m2, is :
ordinate of the centre of mass will be (you may
 m  m2  m1g
assume AB as x–axis of the coordinate system) : (a)  1 g (b)
 m1  m 2   m1  m2 
2
 m  m2  m2 g
(c)  1  g (d)
 m1  m2   m1  m2 

7. The spring constant of both the springs is K. The

  1  2 masses are held at the same horizontal level at rest
(a)  ,  (b)  , 
 2 3  2 3 and then released. Find the time in which centre of
 1  2 mass will move by 90 metres : (g = 10m/s2)
(c)  ,  (d)  , 
 3  3

4. A circular plate of uniform thickness has a diameter

of 28 cm. A circular portion of diameter 21 cm is
removed from the plate as shown. O is the centre of
mass of the complete plate. The position of centre of
mass of remaining portion will shift towards left from
‘O’ by
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 129

(a) 7 (b) 7 2
(c) 5 (d) 5 2

8. Two blocks m1 and m2 are pulled on a smooth

horizontal surface, and are joined together with a
spring of stiffness k as shown. Suddenly, block m2
receives a horizontal velocity v0, then the maximum
extension xm in the spring is

g
(a) g (b)
2
(c) 2 g (d) zero
m1m2 2m1 m 2
(a) v0 (b) v 0 12. A man of mass m moves with a constant speed on a
m1  m 2  m1  m 2  k plank of mass M and length l kept initially at rest on a
m1 m 2 m1 m 2 frictionless horizontal surface, from one end to the
(c) v 0 (d) v 0
2  m1  m 2  k  m1  m 2  k other in time t. The speed of the plank relative to
ground while man is moving, is :
M  m 
9. A 50 kg man is standing on a flat boat at rest in a (a)   (b)  
tm t mM
river. He moves 5 m to the north and halts. If the boat
has a mass of 450 kg, then the boat moves through :  M 
(c)   (d) none of these
(a) 0.5 m to the south (b) 0.25 m to the south t Mm
(c) 0.5 m to the north (d) 0 m
13. A block of mass M is tied to one end of a massless
10. A boy of mass m is standing on a block of mass M rope. The other end of the rope is in the hands of a
kept on a rough surface. When the boy walks from man of mass 2M as shown. The block and the man
left to right on the block, the centre of mass (boy + are resting on a rough wedge of mass M. The whole
block) of system : system is resting on a smooth horizontal surface. The
(a) remains stationary man starts walking towards the right while holding
(b) shift towards left the rope in his hands. Pulley is massless and
(c) shifts towards right frictionless. Find the displacement of the wedge when
(d) shifts towards right if M > m and towards left if M the block meets the pulley? Assume the wedge is
<m sufficiently long so that man does not fall down.

11. Block A and B shown in the figure are having equal

masses m. The system is released from rest with the
spring unstretched. The string between A and ground
is cut when there is maximum extension in the spring.
The acceleration of centre of mass of the two blocks
(a) 1/2 m towards right
at this instant is :
(b) 1/2 m towards left
(c) the wedge does not move at all
(d) 1 m towards left

14. In a vertical plane inside a smooth hollow thin tube, a

block of same mass as that of tube is released as
shown. When it is slightly disturbed it moves towards
the right. By the time the block reaches the right end
of the tube, the displacement of the tube will be
130 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

(where ‘R’ is the mean radius of tube the assume that (a) 2.5 cm (b) 6.0 cm
the tube remains in vertical plane) (c) 4 m (d) 4 cm

19. A bob of mass m is suspended by a string of length l

from a train of mass M free to move on a smooth
horizontal surface. The bob is given a horizontal
velocity v0. The maximum height attained by the bob
is :
2R 4R
(a) (b)
 
R
(c) (d) R
2

15. Two bodies of masses m1 and m2 have equal

momenta. If E1 and E2 be their respective K.E., the
ratio E1 : E2 is equal :
(a) m1 : m2 (b) m2 : m1
(c) m1 : m 2 (d) m12 : m 22

16. Two vehicles of equal masses are moving with same v02  M  m  v02  m 
speed v on two roads inclined at an angle θ. They (a)   (b)  
2g  M  2g  M  m 
collide inelastically at the junction and then move
together. The speed of the combination is : v02  M  v02  M  m 
(c)   (d)  
2g  M  m  2g  m 

20. At high altitude, a body explodes at rest into two

equal fragments with one fragment receiving
horizontal velocity of 10 m/s. Time taken by the two
radius vectors connecting point of explosion of
fragments to make 90° is :
(g = 10 m/s2)
(a) v cos θ (b) 2 v cos θ (a) 10 s (b) 4 s
3 v  (c) 2 s (d) 1 s
(c) v cos θ (d) cos
2 2 2
21. A particle of mass m moving with velocity u makes
17. A bullet of mass 0.01 kg and travelling at a speed of an elastic one-dimensional collision with a stationary
500 m/s strikes a block of mass 2 kg, which is particle of mass m. They are in contact for a brief
suspended by a string of length 5 m. The centre of time T. Their force of interaction increases from zero
gravity of the block is found to rise a vertical distance T
to F0 linearly in time and decreases linearly to
of 0.1 m. What is the speed of the bullet after it 2
emerges from the block : T
(a) 780 m/s (b) 220 m/s zero in further time . The magnitude of F0 is :
2
(c) 1.4 m/s (d) 7.8 m/s mu 2 mu
(a) (b)
T T
18. A gun is attached to a trolley that can move freely on
mu
a smooth level road. The total mass of the gun and the (c) (d) none of these
2T
trolley is 10 kg. A bullet of mass 0.005 kg is shot
horizontally to the right and is observed to have
travelled a distance of 50 m in 0.2 s. In this interval of
time, the trolley has moved a distance:
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 131

22. A girl throws a ball with initial velocity v at an (a) (1 + e)N u (b) u(1 + e)N–1
inclination of 45°. The ball strikes the smooth vertical u 1  e 
N –1

wall at a horizontal distance d from the girl and after (c) (d) uN (1 + e)N
2 N –1
rebouncing return to her hand. What is the coefficient
of restitution between wall and the ball ?
26. A bullet of mass m is fired with velocity u 2
gd
(a) v2 – gd (b) 2 relative to the gun at an angle of 45° from a gun of
v  gd
mass M placed on a smooth floor, towards a wall
gd v2 which is moving with half the velocity of the gun
(c) (d)
v2 gd towards it. The coefficient of restitution between
bullet and wall is e. Find the horizontal velocity of
23. Two blocks A and B each of mass m are connected the bullet after collision with the wall.
by a massless spring of spring constant k. The blocks mu 1– e  mu e
(a) eu  (b) eu 
are initially resting on a smooth horizontal floor with 2M  m 2  M  m
the spring at its natural length as shown in figure. A mu 1  e  2mu e
third identical block C also of mass m moving on the (c) eu  (d) eu 
floor with a speed v along the line joining A and B
2M  m  M  m
collides elastically with A then :
27. Two identical balls are connected with a spring of
natural length l0 at a height h from the ground. The
spring undergoes the same amount of maximum
(a) the kinetic energy of the (A + B) system at compression and expansion. Find the time in which
maximum compression of the spring is zero spring will undergo maximum expansion after the
(b) the kinetic energy of the (A + B) system at collision of the lower ball with the ground. All
1 collisions are elastic :
maximum compression of the spring is mv 2
4
and that of C is zero
(c) the total kinetic energy of (A + B + C) system is
1 2
  mv at maximum compression.
2
 
1
(d)
2
 PEspring  = kinetic energy of (A + B) system at
maximum compression

24. A ball thrown with velocity 30 m/s and making an 2 0 0

(a) (b)
angle 370° horizontal. The ball strikes a vertical wall gh 2 gh
at a distance of 12 m from the point of projection and
2 0 0
the coefficient of restitution between wall and the ball (c) (d)
is equal to 0.5. What is the velocity of the ball just 2 gh 2 2 gh
after impact on the wall ?
(a) 17.7 m/s (b) 15.6 m/s 28. Ball A strikes with velocity u elastically with
(c) 20.4 m/s (d) 19.4 m/s identical ball B at rest, inclined at an angle of 60°
with line joining the centres of two balls. What will
25. N identical balls are placed on a smooth horizontal be the speed of ball B after collision:
surface. Another ball of the same mass collides u 3
elastically with velocity u with the first ball of N (a) u (b)
2
balls. A process of collision is thus started in which u u
the first ball collides with the second ball and the (c) (d)
2 2
second ball with the third ball and so on. The
coefficient of restitution for each collision is e. Find
speed of Nth ball :
132 CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION

29. Particles P and Q of masses 20 g and 40 g

respectively are projected from positions A and B on
the ground. The initial velocities of P and Q make
angles of 45° and 135°, respectively with the
horizontal as shown. Each particle has an initial speed
of 49 m/s. The separation AB is 245 m. Both particles
travel in the same vertical plane and undergo a
collision. After the collision P retraces its path. The
position of Q when it hits the ground is

245
(a) 245 m (b) m
3
245 245
(c) m (d) m
2 2

30. A ball falls on an inclined plane as shown. The ball is

dropped from height h. Coefficient of restitution for
collision is e and the surface is frictionless. If h1, h2 ...
hn are height of h projectiles and t1, t2, ...tn are their
corresponding time of flights, then

i. t1, t2, ..., tn form a geometric progression of

common ratio e.
ii. h1 > h2 > h3 > ... > hn.
iii. t1, t2, ..., tn form a geometric progression of
common ratio e2.
iv. h1, h2, ..., h3 form a geometric progression of
common ratio e.
Evaluate the above statement and choose the correct
option from the following
(a) Statements i, ii are true and iii, iv are false.
(b) Statements i, ii are false and iii, iv are true.
(c) All statements are true.
(d) All statements are false.
CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM & COLLISION 133

Notes:

Find Answer Key and Detailed Solutions at the end of this book

CENTRE OF MASS, MOMENTUM &

COLLISION
7 ROTATIONAL MOTION

08
ROTATIONAL MOTION
ROTATIONAL MOTION 135

Chapter 08

Rotational Motion

1. Kinematic of the System

of Particles
System of particles can move in different ways as observed 
by us in daily life. To understand this, we need to 
t
understand few new parameters. Unit  Rad/s.
Rigid body: A body in which distance between any two Angular velocity is a vector quantity whose direction
particles remain same regardless of any external changes. is given by right hand thumb rule.
According to right hand thumb rule, if we curl the
1.1 Kinematic of Rotational Motion fingers of right hand along the direction of angular
displacement then the right-hand thumb gives us the
(i) Angular Displacement direction of angular velocity. It is always along the
Consider a particle moving from A to B in the axis of the rotation.
following figures.
(iii) Angular Acceleration
Angular acceleration of an object about any point is
rate of change of angular velocity about that point.

Fig. 8.1
Angle  is the angular displacement of the particle
about O.
Fig.8.3
Unit: radian (rad). 2
d d 
 
(ii) Angular Velocity dt dt 2
The rate of change of angular displacement is called d d d
as angular velocity.  . 
dt d d

 avg 
t
Unit  Rad/s2.
Angular acceleration is also a vector quantity.
If  is constant, then like equations of translatory
motion we can also write relations between 
and t.
  0  t
Fig. 8.2
Instantaneous Angular Velocity 1
  0 t  t 2
d 2
 2 2
dt   0  2
Average Angular Velocity Here, 0 is initial angular velocity and  is final
angular velocity.

SCAN CODE
Rotational Motion
136 ROTATIONAL MOTION

1.2 Various Types of Motion

(i) Translational Motion
A system is said to be in translational motion, if all
the particles within the system have same linear
velocity

Example: Motion of a rod as shown below. Fig.8.7

v = velocity of axis.
 = Angular velocity of system about O.

1.3 Relationship Between Kinematics

Variables
Fig. 8.4 In general, if a body is rotating about any axis (fixed or
movable), with angular velocity  and angular acceleration
, then velocity of any point p with respect to axis is
Example: Motion of body of car on a straight rod.   
v p   r
  
a  at  ar
  
at    r
  
a r   v
Fig.8.5

In both the above examples, velocity of all the

particles is same as they all have equal displacements
in equal intervals of time.

(ii) Rotational Motion

An object is said to be in pure rotational motion,
Fig.8.8
when all the points lying on the system are in circular
motion about one common fixed axis. Example

Fig.8.6
In pure rotational motion, angular velocity of all the Fig.8.9
points is same about the fixed axis.
L
(iii) Rotational + Translational motion v B  L and v A  , with directions as shown in
An object is said to be in rotational + translational 2
motion, when the particle is rotating with some the figure above.
angular velocity about a movable axis. Now in rotational + translational motion, we just
superimpose velocity and acceleration of axis on the
For Example velocity and acceleration of any point about the axis
of rotation. (i.e.)

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ROTATIONAL MOTION 137

F  component of force in the direction perpendicular to


r.
r  component of distance in the direction perpendicular to

F.
(i) Direction of Torque:
Direction of torque is given by right hand thumb
rule. If we curl the fingers of right hand from first
 
Fig.8.10  
vector  r  to the second vector F then right-
 hand thumb gives us direction of their cross
v PO  Ri product, i.e., the torque.

vO  vi
   (ii) Some Important Points about Torque:
 v P  vO  v PO Torque is always defined about a point or about an
  
 v P  v PO  vO   R  v  i axis.
 When there are multiple forces, the net torque
Similarly, vQO  R j needs to be calculated. i.e., all torque about same

vO  vi point/axis.
   
 net  F1  F2  ...Fn
 v Q  vi  R j
 If    0 , then the body is said to be in rotational
equilibrium.
2. Rotational Dynamics  If  F  0 along with    0 , then body is said to
be in mechanical equilibrium (Translation and
rotational equilibrium).
2.1 Torque  If two forces of equal magnitude, opposite direction
Similar to force, the cause of rotational motion is a physical and do not share a line of action act to produce
quantity called a torque/moment of force/angular force. same torque, then they constitute a couple. It does
Torque incorporates the following factors. not produce any translation, only rotation.
 Amount of force.  For calculating torque, it is very important to know
 Point of application of force. the effective point of application of force.
 Direction of application of force.
Combining all the above, 2.2 Newton's Law in Rotation
Torque about point O,
    = I
  rF
  r.Fsin  Where, I = moment of Inertia
Where,  = Angular Acceleration
r = distance from the point O to point of application of force.

3. Moment of Inertia
F = force
 
 = angle between r and F
Moment of inertia gives the measure of mass distribution
about an axis.
I   mi ri2
Where ri  Perpendicular distance of the i th mass from the
axis of rotation.
Moment of inertia is always defined about an axis.

Fig. 8.11

Magnitude of torque can also be rewritten as

  rF or   r F
Where,

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138 ROTATIONAL MOTION

Fig.8.14
Keep in mind that here the quantity r is the perpendicular
distance of point mass from axis of rotation, not the distance
to the origin. To evaluate this integral, we must express m in
terms of r.

Fig.8.12
For example, moment of inertia for above case, 3.5 Moment of Inertia of Some
2 2 2 2
I  M r M r M r M r
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 Important Bodies
 SI unit  kg-m2
 Gives the measure of rotational inertia and is (i) Circular Ring
analogous to mass in linear motion. Axis passing through the centre and perpendicular
to the plane of ring.
3.1 Moment of Inertia of a Discreet I = MR2

Particle System :

Fig.8.15
(ii) Hollow Cylinder
I = MR2

Fig.8.13
I  M r  M r  M 3 r32
1 1
2 2
2 2

Fig.8.16
3.2 Moment of Inertia of Continuous (iii) Solid Cylinder and a Disc
About its geometrical axis as shown below
Bodies 1
I  MR 2
When the distribution of mass of a system of particle is 2
continuous, the discrete sum I   m1r12 is replaced by an
integral. The moment of inertia of the whole body takes the
form
I   r 2dm

Fig.8.17

(iv) Sphere
Solid Sphere: Axis passing through the centre of
mass

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ROTATIONAL MOTION 139

I
2
MR 2
I P  Icm  Md 2
5 (ii) Perpendicular Axis Theorem :
Consider a planar body (i.e., a body of zero
thickness) of mass M. Let X and Y axes be two
mutually perpendicular lines in the plane of the
body. The axes intersect at origin O.

Fig.8.18
Hollow Sphere :
Axis passing through the centre of mass,
2
I MR 2
3
Fig.8.22
(v) Thin Rod of length l :
 Axis passing through midpoint and perpendicular Let Ix  moment of inertia of the body about X–
to length : axis.
Let I y  moment of inertia of the body about Y–
axis.
Then the moment of inertia of the body about Z–
axis
Fig.8.19 (Passing through O and perpendicular to the plane
M 2 of
I the body) is given by :
12
Iz  Ix  Iy
 Axis passing through an end and perpendicular to
the rod: The above result is known as the perpendicular axis
theorem.

3.5 Radius of Gyration

If M is the mass and I is the moment of inertia of a rigid
body about a given axis then the radius of gyration (K) of
Fig.8.20 the body about that axis is given by :
M 2
I
I K
3 M
R
3.4 Theorems on Moment of Inertia e.g. K ring  R, K disc  (About an axis passing through
2
(i) Parallel Axis Theorem: Let ICM be the moment of
the com and perpendicular to the plane of body)
inertia of a body about an axis through its centre of
mass and let IP be the moment of inertia of the
4. Angular Momentum
same
body about another axis which is parallel to the
first one. If d is the distance between these two and Angular Impulse
parallel axes and M is the mass of the body then
according to the parallel axis theorem : 4.1 Angular Momentum
(i) For a particle
Angular momentum about a point (O) is given as
      
  
L  r  p  r  mv  m r  v 

where r is position vector of the particle w.r.t. O

and v is velocity of particle
(ii) For a particle moving in a circle
For a particle moving in a circle of radius r with a
speed v, its linear momentum is mv, magnitude of
Fig.8.21 angular momentum (L) is given as :

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140 ROTATIONAL MOTION

L  mvr  mvr  W   d  Where  is function of  

As  being 90, sin 90  1 dW d
 Power    
Direction of L is out of the plane of circle. dt dt

5.2 Kinetic Energy

Rotational kinetic energy of the system rotating about a
fixed axis
1 1
 m1 v12  m2 v22  ....
Fig.8.23 2 2
(iii) For a rigid body (about a fixed axis) 1 1
L = sum of angular momentum of all particles about  m1r12 2  m2 r22 2  ....
2 2
that axis 1
 L  m1 v1r1  m 2 v 2 r2  m3 v3 r3  ....  
 m1r22  mr22  m3 r32  .... 2
2
 L  m1r12   m 2 r22   m3 r32   ....  v  r 1
Hence rotational kinetic energy of the system  I 2
 L   m r  m r  m r  .... 
11
2 2
2 2
2
3 3
2
Where I = Moment of inertia about the axis.
 L  I
Angular momentum is also a vector and its direction NOTE:
is same as that of  Comparing the expression of rotational kinetic energy
We know that, with 1/2 mv2, we can say that the role of moment of
 
L  I inertia (I) is same in rotational motion as that of mass
 
dL d   in linear motion. It is a measure of the resistance
I  I  net (Considering I constant) offered by a body to a change its rotational motion.
dt dt
Similar to the definition of linear force in linear
motion, Torque can be defined as the rate of change The total kinetic energy of a body which is translating as
of angular momentum. well as rotating is given by :
K  K translational  K rotational
4.2 Conservation

of Angular Momentum 1 1
2
If net  0 K  MVCM  ICM 2
 2 2
dL Where,
 0
dt VCM = speed of the centre of mass
 ICM = moment of inertia about axis passing through CM.
 L  constant
   = angular velocity of rotation
 Lf  Li
4.2 Angular
 
Impulse
 6. Rolling
J   dt  L Rolling motion is a combination of rotation and translation
In case of rolling all point of a rigid body have same angular
5. Work and Energy speed but different linear speed.
5.1 Work Done by a Torque
Consider a rigid body acted upon by a force F at
perpendicular distance r from the axis of rotation. Suppose
that under this force, the body rotates through an angle d.
Work done = force × displacement
Fig.8.24
dW  F(rd)
 dW  d 6.1 Pure Rolling (without Slipping)
For a rolling motion to be pure rolling the velocity of point
 Work done = (torque) × (angular displacement)
of contact of body with platform should be equal for both
rolling body and platform.

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ROTATIONAL MOTION 141

Example: When sudden brakes are applied to car its ‘v’

remain same while ‘r’ decreases so it slides on the ground.
6.4 Backward Slipping

Fig.8.25
(i) General case (when surface is moving)
VA  VB
Fig.8.28
 Vcm  R  VB
The bottom most point slides in the backward direction
In terms of acceleration: a cm  R  a B w.r.t. ground, so friction force acts opposite to velocity i.e.,
friction will act in the direction of motion.
(ii) special case (when VB = 0)
Example: When car starts on a slippery ground, its wheels
Vcm  R  0 have small ‘v’ but large ‘r’ so wheels slips on the ground
 Vcm  R and friction acts against slipping.

6.2 Total KE of Rolling Body 6.5 Rolling and Sliding Motion On an

Inclined Plane
(i) Pure rolling on an incline plane

Fig. 8.26
1
(i) K I P 2
2
Or
1 1
(ii) K I cm 2  MVcm
2

2 2 Fig.8.29
Here, (a) IP  Icm  MR 2 (parallel axes theorem) gsin 
aR 
I
(b) Vcm  R (condition for pure rolling) 1
mR 2
NOTE: If initial velocity of body is zero then by using
Friction is responsible for the motion, but work done or equation of motion,
dissipation of energy against friction is zero in pure 2g sin  h
VR2  02 
rolling motion as point of application has zero velocity. I sin 
1
MR 2

6.3 Forward Slipping 2gh

 VR 
I
1
MR 2
1 2h  I 
Also, t R  1  
sin  g  MR 2 
Where, VR = Final velocity of com of rolling body,
tR = Time taken by body to reach the ground,
Fig.8.27
(ii) Sliding on an incline plane
The bottom most point slides in the forward direction w.r.t.
ground, so friction force acts opposite to velocity at lowest
point i.e., opposite to direction of motion.

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142 ROTATIONAL MOTION

Fig.8.30
Using energy conservation,
1
mVs2  mgh
2
 Vs  2gh
Component of acceleration along incline is g sin.

Time taken by body to reach ground by sliding:

h 1
 g sin  t s2
sin  2
1 2h
 ts  .
sin  g

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ROTATIONAL MOTION 143

 n  
NCERT Corner    r t  Ft
t 1

1. Ideally a rigid body is one for which the distances 9. A rigid body is in mechanical equilibrium if
between different particles of the body do not change, (1) It is in translational equilibrium, i.e., the total external

even though there are forces acting on them. force on it is zero:  Ft  0, and

(2) It is in rotational equilibrium, i.e., the total external

2. A rigid body fixed at one point or along a line can   
torque on it is zero:   t   r t  Ft  0.
have only rotational motion. A rigid body not fixed in
some way can have either pure translational motion or
a combination of translational and rotational motions. 10. The centre of gravity of an extended body is that point
about which the total gravitational torque on the body
3. In rotation about a fixed axis, every particle of the is zero.
rigid body moves in a circle which lies in a plane
perpendicular to the axis and has its centre on the axis. 11. The moment of inertia of a rigid body about an axis is
Every point in the rotating rigid body has the same 2
angular velocity at any instant of time.
defined by the formula I  m r i i where ri is the
th
perpendicular distance of the i point of the body
from the axis.
4. In pure translation, every particle of the body moves
with the same velocity at any instant of time. 12. The theorem of parallel axes: I '  I com  Ma 2 , allows
us to determine the moment of inertia of a rigid body
about an axis as the sum of the moment of inertia of
5. Angular velocity is a vector quantity. Its magnitude is the body about a parallel axis through its centre of
d mass and the product of mass and square of the
 and it is directed along the axis of rotation.
dt perpendicular distance between these two axes.

For rotation about a fixed axis this vector  has a 13. Rotation about a fixed axis is directly analogous to
fixed direction. linear motion in respect of kinematics and dynamics.
14. The kinetic energy of rotation about an axis is
6. The linear velocity of a particle of a rigid body 1
   K  I 2 .
rotating about a fixed axis is given by v   r, 2

where r is the position vector of the particle with 15. For a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis of rotation,
respect to an origin along the fixed axis. The relation L = I, where I is the moment of inertia about that
applies even to more general rotation of a rigid body axis.

with one point fixed. In that case r is the position 16. The angular acceleration of a rigid body rotating about
vector of the particle with respect to the fixed point a fixed axis is given by I = .
taken as the origin. 17. If the external torque  acting on the body about the
axis is zero, then angular momentum about the axis
7. The angular momentum of a system of n particles (L = I) of such a rotating body is constant.
about the origin is 18. For rolling motion without slipping on ground vcm =
  
n R, where vcm is the velocity of translation (i.e., of the
L   r t  pt
t 1
centre of mass), R is the radius and m is the mass of
the body. The kinetic energy of such a rolling body is
8. The torque or moment of force on a system of n
the sum of kinetic energies of translation and rotation:
particles about the origin is
1 2 1
K mv cm  I cm 2
2 2

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144 ROTATIONAL MOTION

Solved Example 
 v  i  18   j 13  k  2 

Example 1  v  18i  13j  2k

Two particles of masses m and 2m are place at Example 3

separation L. Find the moment of inertia about an axis
From a thin uniform disc of radius 2R, another disc of
passing through the center of mass and perpendicular
diameter 2R is removed. The mass of the remaining
to the line joining the point masses.
portion is m. Find the M.I. of the shaded portion about
Sol. an axis passing through O and perpendicular to the
plane.
First, locate the center of mass (c.m.)

Sol.

m  0  2mL 2L
x c.m.  
m  2m 3
2 2
I  mx c.m.  2m  L  x c.m. 
2 2
 2L  L Mass of disc  area
 m   2m  
 3  3
2
4 mL 2mL 2mL2
2 2
m A    2R   m A  4M
  
9 9 3 m B  R 2  m B  M
Example 2 1 2
 I A O   4M  2R   8MR 2
 2
What is the value of linear velocity, if   3i  4j  k 2
  IB O  
1  3MR
 MR 2  MR 2  
and r  5i  6j  6k?

2  2

(a) 4i 13j  6k M.I. of the shaded portion

13MR 2
(b) 18i 13j  2k I O   I A O   I B O 
2

(c) 6i  2j  3k 4M  M  m  M 

m
3
(d) 6i  2j  8k IO 
13MR 2 13mR 2

2 6
Sol. (b)
Example 4
i j k
   Calculate the torque (magnitude and direction) about
v   r  3 4 1 point O due to the force as shown. In each case forces
5 6 6 and rod lie in the plane of the paper.
ROTATIONAL MOTION 145

The force 10 cos 37 produces no torque, as it is

passing through O.

3
O  10sin 37 3  10   3  18 Nm, the rod rotates
(a) 5
anticlockwise.

Torque is outside the plane of paper.

(c)
(b)

(c)

5 N and 10 sin 37 both rotate the rod anticlockwise.

O  5  1  10sin 37 3
3
 5  1  10   3  23 Nm
5
(d)
Torque is outside the plane of paper.
Sol.
(d)
Torque = force  perpendicular distance of line of
action of force from O

If the body rotates clockwise, torque is inside the plane

of the paper and if the body rotates anticlockwise,
torque is outside the plane of paper.

Anticlockwise torque is considered positive.

(a) 10 N produces no torque, 5 N rotates the rod

anticlockwise,

10 sin 37 rotates the rod clockwise.

O  5  1  10sin 37 2
O  10  3  30 Nm, 3
 5  10   2  5  12  7 Nm
5
rod rotates clockwise
Negative sign, i.e., the rod rotates clockwise.
Torque is inside the plane of paper.
Torque is inside the plane of paper.
(b)
Example 5

Find the magnitude of torque of a force


F  3i  4j  5k N about a point O, applied at a point P

whose position vector is r  i  j  k m.
146 ROTATIONAL MOTION

Sol. is placed at distance L/8 from the centre as shown.

Find reactions at supports.
i j k
  
O  r  F  1 1 1
3 4 5


 O  i  2j  k Nm

 O  O  6 Nm

Example 6
Sol.
A pulley has the shape of uniform solid disc of mass 2
kg and radius 0.5 m. A string is wrapped over its rim
and is pulled by a force of 2.5 N. The pulley is free to
rotate about its axis. Initially, the pulley is at rest. Find
the angular velocity and angle rotated by pulley in 10
s.

Since the rod is in equilibrium

4Mg
 Fy  0  R A  R B  Mg  mg  …(i)
3

Taking torque about B

L L L
Sol.  B  0  R A  Mg  mg …(ii)
2 4 8

Mg mg Mg Mg 7Mg
RA     
2 4 2 12 12
4Mg 7Mg 9Mg 3
RB     Mg
3 12 12 4

The reactions at supports are

Moment of inertia of pulley
7Mg 3Mg
and
1 1 2 12 4
I  mR 2   2   0.5  0.25kg m 2
2 2
Torque produced by force about O Example 8
O = 2.5  0.5 = I = 0.25 A cubical block of side a and of mass m rests on a
 = 5 rad/s2 (constant) rough horizontal surface. A horizontal force F is
applied to normal to one of the faces at height h above
 = o + t = 0 + 5  10 = 50 rad/s a
the base h  . What is the minimum value of F for
2
1 1 2
  o t  t 2  0  5  10   250 rad which the cube begins to tip about an edge? (Assume
2 2
friction is sufficient to stop sliding)
Example 7
Sol.
A uniform rod of mass M and length L rests on two
supports A and B as shown.. A ball of mass m = M/3
ROTATIONAL MOTION 147

The direction of angular momentum is inside the plane

of paper, i.e., along the -z direction.

Example 10

A solid cylinder of mass 20 kg rotates about its axis

with angular speed 100 rad s-1. The radius of the
In the absence of any external force the normal contact cylinder is 0.25 m. What is the kinetic energy
force passes through the center of mass. When the associated with the rotation of the cylinder? What is
external force is applied, normal contact force shifts in the magnitude of angular momentum of the cylinder
the direction of the applied force to counteract the about its axis?
deflecting torque due to the applied force. At the [NCERT]
instant of tipping over about the edge the normal
contact force passes through the edge. If it is not able Sol. Mass of the cylinder, m = 20 kg
to counter to deflecting torque, toppling takes place.
Angular speed,  = 100 rad s-1
The cube will tip about A if the deflecting torque due
Radius of the cylinder r = 0.25 m
to F  the restoring torque due to mg
The moment of inertia of the solid cylinder:
a
Fh  mg
2 mr 2
I
mga 2
F
2h 1 2
  20   0.25
mga 2
Fmin 
2h  0.625kgm 2
Example 9
1 2
Kinetic energy  I
Find the angular momentum of the particle about O if 2
a particle of mass m moving with velocity v parallel to
the x-axis at distance d from it. 1 2
  0.625  100   3125 J
2

Angular momentum, L = I

= 0.625  100

= 62.5 Js

Example 11
Sol.
(a) A child stands at the centre of a turntable with his
Angular momentum of particle about O two arms outstretched. The turntable is set rotating
with an angular speed of 40 rev/min. How much is the
= linear momentum of particle  perpendicular angular speed of the child if he folds his hands back
distance of particle from O and thereby reduces his moment of inertia to 2/5 time
= mvd of the initial value? Assume that the turntable rotates
without friction.
In the vector form
     (b) Show that the child’s new kinetic energy of
L  r  p  r  mv rotation is more than the initial kinetic energy of
rotation. How do you account for this increase in
 dj  mvi
    kinetic energy?
 mvdk
[NCERT]
148 ROTATIONAL MOTION

Sol. (a) Initial angular velocity, 1 = 40 rev/min Increase in the rotational kinetic energy is attributed to
the internal energy of the boy.
Final angular velocity = 2
Example 12
The moment of inertia of the child with stretched
hands = I1 A rope of negligible mass would round a hollow
cylinder of mass 3 kg and radius 40 cm. What is the
The moment of inertia of the child with folded hands = angular acceleration of the cylinder if the rope is
I2 pulled with a force of 30N?
The two moments of inertia are related as: What is the linear acceleration of the rope? Assume
that there is no slipping.
2
I 2  I1
5 [NCERT]

Since no external force acts on the child, the angular Sol. Mass of the hollow cylinder, m = 3 kg
momentum L is constant.
Radius of the hollow cylinder, r = 40 cm = 0.4 m
Hence, for the two situations, we can write:
Applied force, F = 30 N
I22 = I1 1
The moment of inertia of the hollow cylinder about its
I1 geometric axis:
2  1
I2 I = mr2

I1 5 = 3  (0.4)2 = 0.48 kgm2

  40   40
2 2   
I1 Torque,   r  F
5
 100 rev/min
 = 30  0.4 = 12 Nm
1 For angular acceleration , torque is also given by the
(b) Initial Kinetic energy of rotation E I  I112
2 relation:
1  = I
Final kinetic energy of rotation, E F  I 2 22
2
 12
 
1 I 0.48
I 2
EF 2 2 2
  25 rad s 2
EI 1
I112
2 Linear acceleration = r = 0.4  25 = 10 ms-2
1 2 2 Example 13
 I
EF 2 5 1 2
 A metre stick is pivoted about its centre. A piece of
EI 1 2
I11 wax of mass 20 g travelling horizontally and
2
perpendicular to the metre stick at 5 m/s strikes and
E F 2 22 adheres to one end of the stick so that the stick starts to
 
E I 5 12 rotate in a horizontal circle. Given the moment of
2 inertia of the stick and wax about the pivot is 0.02 kg
E F 2 100 
  m-2, the initial angular velocity of the stick is
E I 5  40 2
EF (a) 1.58 rad/s
 2.5
EI (b) 2.24 rad/s
E F  2.5  E I
(c) 2.5 rad/s

(d) 5.0 rad/s

ROTATIONAL MOTION 149

Sol. (c) Sol. (b)

2
Conserving angular momentum about O we have, vnet  vcm  v 2cm
mvr  I  vcm 2
20 1
  5   0.02  Example 16
1000 2
   2.5 rad / s A solid cylinder of mass m and radius R rolls down an
inclined plane of height h without slipping. The speed
Example 14 of its centre of mass when it reaches the bottom is
A circular disc of mass 2 kg and radius 10 cm rolls
(a) 2gh
without slipping with a speed 2 m/s. The total kinetic
energy of disc is
4
(b) gh
(a) 10 J 3

(b) 6 J 3
(c) gh
(c) 2 J 4

(d) 4 J 4g
(d)
h
Sol. (b)
Sol. (b)
1 1
K mv2 cm  I cm 2
2 2 By energy conservation
1 1 mr 2 v 2
 mv2  . 1 1
2 2 2 r2 mgh  mv 2  I2
3 2
2 2
  2  2  1 1 mR 2 v 2
4  mgh  mv 2  .
 6J 2 2 2 R2

Solving,
Example 15

In case of pure rolling, what will be the magnitude of 4gh

v
velocity of point A of the ring of radius R? 3

Example 17

A point P is the contact point of a wheel on ground

which rolls on ground without slipping. The value of
(a) vcm displacement of the point P when wheel completes half
of rotation (If radius of wheel is 1 m)
(b) 2 vcm
(a) 2 m
v
(c) cm
2 (b) 2  4 m
(d) 2vcm (c)  m
150 ROTATIONAL MOTION

(d) 2  2 m v0
Also   , I  mR 2
R
Sol. (b)
K   mv 02    mv 02  2mv 02  mv 02 
For pure rolling v  R
 K  5mv20
For half rotation,

 R Example 19
t 
 v A spool is pulled vertically by a constant force F(<Mg)
as shown in figure. The frictional force is best
Linear distance covered  vt  R
represented in

By using pythagoras theorem

r 2  (R) 2  (2R)2
 r  R 2  4
 r  2  4 m

Example 18
(a)
A ring of mass m and radius R has four particles each
of mass m attached to the ring as shown in figure. The
centre of ring has a speed v0. The kinetic energy of the
system is

(b)

(a) mv02 (c)

(d) None
(b) 3mv20
Sol. (a)
(c) 5mv02
Due to the applied torque the spool will move
(d) 6mv 2 anticlockwise that means bottom part of the spool
0
which is in touch with the ground will move towards
Sol. (c) right. So, to oppose this tendency of sliding of
contact point towards rightward, frictional force will
K = Kring + Kparticles
act leftward.
1 1 
K   mv02  I2  Example 20
2 2 
1 2 1 1 2  Figures shows four rotating disks that are sliding
2
 
2
2
  m 2v0  m  2v0   m
2
 2v0   0
 across a frictionless floor. Three forces act on each
ROTATIONAL MOTION 151

disk, either at the rim, at the centre, or halfway A hollow sphere and a solid sphere having same mass
between rim and centre. Which disks are in and same radii are rolled down a rough inclined plane:
equilibrium:
(a) The hollow sphere reaches the bottom first

(b) The solid sphere reaches the bottom with greater

speed

(c) The solid sphere reaches the bottom with greater

kinetic energy

(d) The two spheres will reach the bottom with same
linear momentum

Sol. (b)

Acceleration of a body when it is rolling down an

incline plane is given by
(a) A, D
g sin 
a
(b) A, B  K2 
1  2 
(c) C, D  R 

(d) A, C For Hollow sphere

Sol. (d) 2 2
IH  mR 2  mK 2  K 2  R 2
  3 3
For the equlibrium,  F  0 and    0
g sin  3
For Disk A aH   g sin   0.6g sin 
 2 5
  1  
 F  3F  2F  F  0  3
 R
   3F  0  F  R  2F   0 For Solid sphere
2
2 2
For Disk B IS  mR 2  mK 2  K 2  R 2
5 5

 F  2F  F  F  4F g sin  5
 aS   g sin   0.71g sin 
   2F  0  F  R  F  R  0  2 7
 1  
 5
For Disk C
 Acceleration of solid sphere will be greater and so its
 F  F  F  2F  0 speed will be greater at the bottom.

   2F  0  F  R  F  R  0 Option (c) is not correct, since both the spheres are
released from the same position, their initial potential
For Disk D
energy will be the same. So, when they reach the

 F  2F  F  F  0 bottom, they lose same amount of potential energy,
 and this loss of potential energy will be the gain in
   F  0  F  R  2F  R  3FR
kinetic energy. So, both the spheres will have same
kinetic energy at the bottom.
We can clearly see that only disk A and C are in
equilibrium. Since the solid sphere reaches the bottom with a
greater speed and both have same mass, they can not
Example 21
have the same linear momentum. Thus option (d) is
not correct.
152 ROTATIONAL MOTION

Example 22

A string is wrapped over the edge of a uniform disk

and its free end is fixed to the ceiling, the disk moves
down unwinding the string with an acceleration equal
to
(a) VP < VQ < VC
2
(a) g
3 (b) VQ < VC < VP

3 (c) VQ > VC > VP

(b) g
2 1
(d) VQ  VC , VP  VC
2 2
(c) g
7 Sol. (c)

g Considering pure rotation about O, in figure OQ > OC

(d)
2 > OP, VQ > VC > VP

Sol. (a)

Example 24

A uniform sphere is placed on a smooth horizontal

surface and a horizontal force F is applied on it at a
distance h above the surface. The acceleration of the
a cm  R ...(i) centre of mass
mg  T  ma cm ...(ii) (a) is maximum when h = 0
mR 2 a cm
TR   (b) is maximum when h = R
2 R
ma cm (c) is maximum when h = 2R
T ...(iii)
2
(d) is independent of h
From eq.(ii) and (iii)
Sol. (d)
2
a cm  g F
3 a cm   constant
m
Example 23

A disk rolls without slipping on a horizontal surface

with constant angular velocity . P and Q are two
points such that their distance from center C is same. If
VC, VQ and VP are the respective magnitude of
velocities of C, Q and P then
Example 25

A disk of mass m and radius R moves in the plane of

paper as shown in the figure. The centre of mass
moves along the x-axis with a velocity v = 3R where
ROTATIONAL MOTION 153

 is the angular velocity about the center of the disk,

then the y-coordinate of the instantaneous center of
rotation is

(a) (0, 3R)

(b) (0, -3R)

(c) (R, -R)

(d) (-R, 0)

Sol. (a)

We know that at instantaneous center of rotation vp = 0

v  y  0,
v
 y   3R

154 ROTATIONAL MOTION

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Introduction to Rotational Motion and 7. The radius of gyration of a body depends upon :
Moment of Inertia (a) translation motion
(b) axis of rotation
1. A fan is moving around its axis. What will be its (c) area of the body
motion regarded as?
(d) all of these
(a) pure rolling (b) rolling with slipping
8. A circular disc X of radius R is made from an iron
(c) skidding (d) pure rotation plate of thickness t, and another disc Y of radius 4R is
2. A body is rotating with angular velocity made from an iron plate of thickness t/4. Then the


  3iˆ  4 ˆj  kˆ  . The linear velocity of a point
relation between the moment of inertia IX and IY
about a axis passing through their center of mass and


having position vector r  5 iˆ  6 ˆj  6kˆ is:  perpendicular to the plane of disk is :
(a) IY = 32 IX (b) IY = 16 IX
(a) 6 iˆ  2 ˆj  3kˆ (b) 18 iˆ  13 ˆj  2 kˆ
(c) IY = IX (d) IY = 64 IX
(c)  18 iˆ  13 ˆj  2 kˆ (d) 6 iˆ  2 ˆj  8kˆ
9. Moment of inertia of a uniform annular disc of
3. The moment of inertia of a body does not depend on: internal radius r and external radius R and mass M
about an axis through its centre and perpendicular to
(a) the mass of the body
its plane is:
(b) the angular velocity of the body
1
(c) the axis of rotation of the body (a) M ( R2  r 2 )
2
(d) the distribution of the mass in the body 1
(b) M ( R2  r 2 )
4. Three point masses m1, m2 and m3 are located at the 2
vertices of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’. What is
M (R4  r 4 )
the moment of inertia of the system about an axis (c)
along the altitude of the triangle passing through m1? 2( R 2  r 2 )

a2 a2 1 M (R4  r 4 )
(a)  m1  m2  (b)  m2  m3  (d)
4 4 2 (R2  r 2 )
a2 a2 10. If the radius of a solid sphere is 35 cm, calculate the
(c)  m1  m3  (d)  m1  m2  m3 
4 4 radius of gyration when the axis is along a tangent:
5. The ratio of the squares of radii of gyration of a (a) 7 10 cm (b) 7 35 cm
circular disc and a circular ring of the same radius
about a tangential axis in the plane of bodies is: 7 2
(c) cm (d) cm
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 5 : 6 5 5
(c) 2 : 3 (d) 2 : 1 11. The moment of inertia of a straight thin rod of mass
M, length L about an axis perpendicular to its length
6. For the same total mass which of the following will
and passing through its one end is:
have the largest moment of inertia about an axis
passing through the centre of mass and perpendicular 1 1
(a) ML2 (b) ML2
to the plane of the body? 12 3
(a) A disc of radius a 1 2 2
(c) ML (d) ML
(b) A ring of radius a 2
(c) A square lamina of side 2a 12. What is the moment of inertia I of a uniform hollow
(d) Four roads forming square of side 2a sphere of mass M and radius R, pivoted about an axis
that is tangent to the surface of the sphere?
 F
D C R

A B
E
A
162 ROTATIONAL MOTION

(c) remains constant (d) is zero (a) The torque acting on the particle is not zero
80. If a particle moves in the X–Y plane, the resultant (b) The torque acting on the particle produces an
angular momentum has : angular acceleration in it
(a) only x–component (b) only y–component (c) The angular momentum of the particle is
conserved
(c) both x & y component (d) only z–component
 (d) The angular momentum of the particle increases
81. The position of a particle is given by : r  ˆi  2ˆj  kˆ
88. A rigid body rotates with an angular momentum L. If
and its linear momentum is given by :
 its rotational kinetic energy is made 4 times, its
P  3iˆ  4 ˆj  2kˆ . Then its angular momentum, about
angular momentum will become :
the origin is perpendicular to :
(a) 4 L (b) 16 L
(a) YZ plane (b) z–axis
(c) y–axis (d) x–axis (c) 2L (d) 2 L
82. Angular momentum of a body with moment of inertia 89. The diameter of a flywheel (Disk) is 1 m. It has a
I and angular velocity  is equal to : mass of 20 kg. It is rotating about its axis with a
I speed of 120 rotations is one minute. Its angular
(a) (b) I2 momentum (in kg–m2/s) is :

(c) I (d) none of these (a) 13.4 (b) 31.4
83. What is moment of inertia in terms of angular (c) 41.4 (d) 43.4
momentum (L) and rotational kinetic energy (K) ?: 90. A disc of moment of inertia I1 is rotating freely with
L 2
L2 angular velocity 1 when a second, non-rotating disc
(a) (b) with moment of inertia I2 is dropped on it gently the
K 2K
two then rotate as a unit. Then the total angular speed
L L is :
(c) (d)
2K2 2K I11 I2 1
(a) (b)
84. A diver in a swimming pool bends his head before I2 I1
diving because it :
(a) decreases his moment of inertia (c)
I11
(d)
 I1  I2  1
I 2  I1 I2
(b) decreases his angular velocity
(c) increases his moment of inertia 91. If a gymnast, sitting on a rotating stool with his arms
outstretched, suddenly lowers his arms:
(d) increases his linear velocity
(a) the angular velocity increases
85. What is the angular momentum of a body whose
rotational kinetic energy is 10 J, if the angular (b) his moment of inertia increases
momentum vector coincides with the axis of rotation (c) the angular velocity remains same
and its moment of inertia is 8 g–cm2: (d) the angular momentum increases
(a) 4 × 10-3 kg–m2/s (b) 8 × 103 kg–m2/s
92. A disc is rotating with angular velocity . If a child
(c) 2 × 103 kg–m2/s (d) none of thes sits on it, what is conserved ?
86. A particle of mass m = 5 units is moving with a (a) Linear momentum (b) Angular momentum
uniform speed v  3 2 units in the XOY plane
(c) Kinetic energy (d) Moment of inertia
along the line y = x + 4. The magnitude of the
93. A particle undergoes uniform circular motion. About
angular momentum of the particle about the origin is
which point in the plane of the circle, will the angular
:
momentum of the particle remain conserved?
(a) zero (b) 60 unit
(a) Centre of the circle
(c) 7.5 unit (d) 40 2 unit
(b) Any point on the circumference of the circle

87. ˆ r  ,
A particle moves in a force field given by F  rF (c) Any point inside the circle
where r̂ is a unit vector along the position vector, (d) Any point outside the circle

r, then which is true?
ROTATIONAL MOTION 163

94. A particle performs uniform circular motion with an (b) earth rotates slower
angular momentum L. If the frequency of the particle (c) time period of earth decreases
motion is doubled and its kinetic energy is halved the
angular momentum becomes : (d) Can’t be said
101. A particle of mass m is projected with a velocity v
L L
(a) (b) making an angle of 45° with the horizontal. The
4 2
magnitude of angular momentum of the projectile
(c) 2 L (d) 4 L about an axis of projection when the particle is at
95. A circular disc is rotating with angular velocity . If maximum height h is :
a man standing at the edge of the disc walks towards
mv 3
its centre, then the angular velocity of the disc : (a) zero (b)
4 2g
(a) is not changed (b) be halved
(c) decreases (d) increases mv 2
(c) (d) m 2gh 3
96. The angular momentum of a system of particles is not 2g
conserved :
102. A constant torque acting on a uniform circular wheel
(a) when a net external force acts upon the system changes its angular momentum from A0 to 4A0 in 4
(b) when a net external torque is acting upon the seconds. The magnitude of this torque is :
system
3 A0
(c) when a net external impulse is acting upon the (a) (b) A0
4
system
(c) 4A0 (d) 12 A0
(d) none of the above
97. A disc of mass 2 kg and radius 0.2 m is rotating with 1
103. If the radius of earth contracts of its present-day
angular velocity 30 rad/s. What is angular velocity, if n
a mass of 0.25 kg is put on periphery of the disc ? value, the length of the day will be approximately :
(a) 24 rad/s (b) 36 rad/s 24 24
(a) h (b) h
(c) 15 rad/s (d) 26 rad/s n n2
98. A particle of mass 0.5 kg is moving in the X–Y plane (c) 24n h (d) 24n2 h
with uniform speed of 3 m/s parallel of Y–axis and
104. A thin circular ring of mass M and radius R is
crosses the X–axis at 2 m from origin. The angular
rotating about its axis with a constant angular
momentum about origin is :
velocity . Two objects, each of mass m, are attached
(a) zero (b) 3 kg m2/s
gently to the opposite ends of a diameter of the ring.
(c) 1.5 kg m2/s (d) changing with time The ring rotates now with an angular velocity :
99. A thin and circular disc of mass M and radius R is   M  2m 
M
rotating in a horizontal plane about an axis passing (a) (b)
Mm M  2m
through its centre and perpendicular to its plane with
an angular velocity . If another disc of same M  M  m
(c) (d)
dimensions but of mass M/4 is placed gently on the M  2m M
first disc co–axially, then the new angular velocity of 105. A thin uniform circular disc of mass M and radius R
the system is is rotating in a horizontal plane about an axis passing
5 2 through its centre and perpendicular to the plane with
(a)  (b) 
4 3 angular velocity . Another disc of same mass but
half the radius is gently placed over it coaxially. The
4 3 angular speed of the composite disc will be :
(c)  (d) 
5 2
5 4
100. If radius of earth is reduced (a)  (b) 
4 5
(a) time period of earth increases
 v

P
166 ROTATIONAL MOTION

122. In the above question, the force of friction on the 127. A solid sphere of diameter 0.2 m and mass 2 kg is
sphere is: rolling on an inclined plane with velocity v = 0.5
m/s. The kinetic energy of the sphere is :
1 2
(a) Mg sin  (b) Mg sin 
7 7 (a) 0.10 J (b) 0.35 J
(c) 0.50 J (d) 0.42 J
(c) 3 Mg sin  (d)
5
Mg sin 
7 7 128. A solid cylinder is rolling down an inclined plane of
inclination 60°. What is its acceleration ?
123. In the above question, the minimum value of
coefficient of friction so that sphere may roll without g
(a) g 3 (b)
slipping is : 3
2 2 2g
(a) sin  (b) cos  (c) (d) None of these
7 7 3
2 2 129. Two solid spheres of unequal mass but same radius
(c) cos  (d) cot 
7 7 are released on inclined plane. They roll down
124. A hoop rolls without slipping down an incline of without slipping. Which one will reach the ground
slope 30°. Linear acceleration of its centre of mass is first?
(a) Light sphere
g g
(a) (b) (b) Heavier sphere
2 3
(c) Both will reach at the same time
g g
(c) (d) (d) None of the above
4 6
125. A wheel of bicycle is rolling without slipping on a 130. A solid sphere and a spherical shell both of same
level road. The velocity of the centre of mass is vcm; radius and mass roll down from rest without slipping
then true statement is : on an inclined plane from the same height . The time
taken to reach the bottom of the inclined plane is :
A
(a) more for spherical shell
(b) more for solid sphere
cm vcm
(c) same for both
B (d) depends on coefficient of friction
(a) The velocity of point A is 2 vcm and velocity of 131. Statement 1 : A rigid disc rolls without slipping on a
point B is zero fixed rough horizontal surface with uniform angular
(b) The velocity of point A is zero and velocity of velocity. Then the acceleration of lowest point on the
point B is 2 vcm disc is zero.

(c) The velocity of point A is 2 vcm and velocity of Statement 2 : For a rigid disc rolling without
point B is – vcm slipping on a fixed rough horizontal surface, the
velocity of the lowest point on the disc is always
(d) The velocities of both A and B are vcm
zero.
126. A thin uniform circular disk is rolling down an
(a) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is True;
inclined plane of inclination 30° without slipping. Its
Statement–2 is a correct explanation for Statement–1.
linear acceleration along the inclined plane is :
(b) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is True;
2g g Statement–2 is NOT a correct explanation for
(a) (b)
3 4 Statement–1.
g g (c) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is False.
(c) (d)
3 2 (d) Statement–1 is False, Statement–2 is True.
ROTATIONAL MOTION 167

Miscellaneous Problems in Rotation 138. A drum of radius R and mass M, rolls down without
slipping along an inclined plane of angle . The
frictional force
132. A 6 kg ball starts from rest and rolls down a rough
(a) converts part of potential energy to rotational
gradual slope until it reaches a point 80 cm lower
energy
than its starting point. Then the speed of the ball is :
(b) dissipates energy as heat
(a) 1.95 ms-1 (b) 2.5 ms-1
(c) decreases the rotational motion
(c) 3.35 ms-1 (d) 4.8 ms-1
(d) decreases the rotational and translational motion
133. A uniform solid sphere rolls on a horizonal surface at
20 ms–1. It then rolls up an incline having an angle of 139. A solid iron sphere A rolls down an inclined plane
inclination at 30° with the horizontal. If the friction while an identical hollow sphere B of same mass
losses are negligible, the value of height h above the slides down the plane in a frictionless manner. At the
ground where the sphere stops is: (Use g = 9.8 ms-2) bottom of the inclined plane, the total kinetic energy
of sphere A is.
(a) 14.3 m (b) 28.6 m
(a) less than that of B
(c) 57.2 m (d) 9.8 m
(b) equal to that of B
134. A disc is rolling on an inclined plane. What is the
ratio of its rotational K.E. to the total K. E. ? (c) more than that of B
(a) 1 : 3 (b) 3 : 1 (d) sometimes more and sometimes less.
(c) 1 : 2 (d) 2 : 1 140. A meter stick is held vertically with one end on the
floor and is the other end is allowed to fall.
135. If a spherical ball rolls on a table without slipping,
Assuming that the end on the floor of the stick does
the fraction of its total energy associated with
not slip, the velocity of the other end when it hits the
rotation is
floor, will be:
3 2
(a) (b) (a) 10.8 m/s (b) 5.4 m/s
5 7
(c) 2.5 m/s (d) none of these
2 3
(c) (d) 141. A solid sphere is rolling on a frictionless surface,
5 7 shown in figure with a translational velocity v m/s. If
136. A ball rolls without slipping. The radius of gyration it is to climb the inclined surface, then v should be :
of the ball about an axis passing through its centre of
mass is K. If radius of the ball be R, then the fraction
h
of total energy associated with its rotational energy v
will be :
K2 R2 10
(a) (b) (a)  gh (b)  2 gh
K 2  R2 K 2  R2 7
K 2  R2 K2 10
(c) (d) (c) 2 gh (d) gh
R2 R2 7
137. A solid cylinder of mass M and radius R rolls 142. A spherical ball of mass 20 kg is stationary at the top
without slipping down an inclined plane of length L of a hill of height 100 m. It rolls down a smooth
and height h. What is the speed of its centre of mass surface to the ground, then climbs up another hill of
when the cylinder reaches at bottom of the incline height 30 m and finally rolls down to a horizontal
plane ? base at a height of 20 m above the ground. The
velocity attained by the ball is :
4
(a) gh (b) 4 gh (a) 40 m/s (b) 20 m/s
3
(c) 10 m/s (d) 10 30 m/s
3
(c) 2 gh (d) gh
4
ROTATIONAL MOTION 169

EXERCISE – 2: Previous Year Questions

5. Moment of inertia of a disc about an axis which is
1. When a mass is rotating in a plane about a fixed tangent and parallel to its plane is I. Then, the
point, its angular momentum is directed along : moment of inertia of disc about a tangent but
[AIPMT 2012] perpendicular to its plane will be

(a) the tangent to the orbit [MHT CET 2013]

(b) a line perpendicular to the plane of rotation 3I 5I

(a) (b)
(c) the line making an angle of 45° to the plane of 4 6
rotation 3I 6I
(c) (d)
(d) the radius 2 5
2. The moment of inertia of uniform circular disc is 6. Assertion Two circular discs of equal mass and
maximum about an axis perpendicular to the disc and thickness made of different materials, will have same
passing through moment of inertia about their central axes of rotation.
Reason Moment of inertia depends upon the
C
distribution of mass in the body
B
A D [AIIMS 2013]
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason
is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[AIPMT 2012]
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
(a) A (b) B
is not correct explanation of Assertion
(b) C (d) D
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
3. A rod PQ of mass M and Length L is hinged at end P.
(d) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.
The rod is kept horizontal by a massless string tied to
point Q as shown in figure. When string is cut, the 7. A solid cylinder of mass 50 kg and radius 0.5 m is
initial angular acceleration of the rod is : free to rotate about the horizontal axis. A massless
string is wound round the cylinder with one end
attached to it and other hanging freely. Tension in the
P
string required to produce an angular acceleration of
Q 2 revolution-s-2 is:
L [NEET 2014]
[NEET 2013] (a) 78.5 N (b) 157 N
(c) 25 N (d) 50 N
2g 3g 8. The ratio of the accelerations for a solid sphere (mass
(a) (b)
3L 2L ‘m’ and radius ‘R’) rolling down an incline of angle
′θ′ without slipping and slipping down the incline
g 2g
(c) (d) without rolling is:
L L
[NEET 2014]
4. A small object of uniform density rolls up a curved
(a) 2 : 5 (b) 7 : 5
surface with an initial velocity ‘v’. It reaches upto a
(c) 5 : 7 (d) 2 : 3
3v 2
maximum height of h  with respect to the 9. Moment of inertia of a ring about its diameter is I.
4g
The moment of inertia of the same ring about that
initial position. The object is
axis perpendicular to its plane and passing through
[NEET 2013] center is
(a) Disc (b) Ring [KCET 2014]
(c) Solid sphere (d) Hollow sphere
170 ROTATIONAL MOTION

I
(a) (b) 2I
2
I
(c) (d) 4I
4
10. Two bodies have their moments of inertia I and 2I,
respectively about their axis of rotation. If their
kinetic energies of rotation are equal, their angular
velocity will be in the ratio 11 2
[UK PMT 2014] (a) 4mr 2 (b) mr
5
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2
16 2
(c) 2 :1 (d) 1 : 2 (c) 3mr 2 (d) mr
5
11. A body having a moment of inertia about its axis of 15. Two rotating bodies A and B of mass m and 2m with
rotation equal to 3 kg-m2 is rotating with angular moments of inertia Ia and Ib (Ib > Ia) have equal
velocity of 3 rad s–1. Kinetic energy of this rotating kinetic energy of rotation. If La and Lb be their
body is same as that of a body of mass 27 kg moving angular momentum respectively, then :
with a velocity v. The value of v is
[NEET 2016]
[KCET 2014]
(a) La = 2Lb (b) Lb > La
(a) 1 ms-1 (b) 0.5 ms-1
Lb
(c) 2 ms-1 (d) 1.5 ms-1 (c) La > Lb (d) La 
2
12. A rotating wheel changes angular speed from 1800
16. A light rod of length l has two masses m1 and m2
rpm to 3000 rpm in 20 s. What is the angular
attached to its two ends. The moment of inertia of the
acceleration assuming it to be uniform?
system about an axis perpendicular to the rod and
[KCET 2014] passing through the centre of mass is :
-2
(a) 60π rad s (b) 90π rad s-2
[NEET 2016]
(c) 2π rad s-2 (d) 40π rad s-2
m1  m2 2
13. A rod of weight W is supported by two parallel knife (a) l (b) ( m1  m2 )l 2
m1m2
edges A and B and is in equilibrium in a horizontal
position. The knives are at a distance d from each m1m2 2
(c) m1m2 l 2 (d) l
other. The centre of mass of the rod is at distance x m1  m2
from A. The normal reaction on A is:
17. A solid sphere of mass m and radius R is rotating
[NEET 2015] about its diameter. A solid cylinder of the same mass
W (d  x) Wx and same radius is also rotating about its geometrical
(a) (b) axis with an angular speed twice that of the sphere.
d d
The ratio of their kinetic energies of rotation (Es : Ec)
Wd W (d  x ) will be:
(c) (d)
x x [NEET 2016]
14. Three identical spherical shells, each of mass m and (a) 1 : 5 (b) 1 : 4
radius r are placed as shown in figure. Consider an
(b) 3 : 1 (d) 2 : 3
axis XX’ which is touching to two shells and passing
through diameter of third shell. Moment of inertia of 18. A uniform circular disc of radius 50 cm at rest is free
the system consisting of these three spherical shells to turn about an axis which is perpendicular to its
about XX’ axis is: plane and passes through its centre. It is subjected to a
torque which produces a constant angular
[NEET 2015]
acceleration of 2.0 rad s–2. Net acceleration of a point
ROTATIONAL MOTION 171

on rim in ms–2 at the end of 2.0 s is approximately:

[NEET 2016]
(a) 6.0 (b) 3.0
(c) 8.0 (d) 7.
19. A disc and a solid sphere of same radius but different
masses roll off on two inclined planes of the same
altitude and length. Which one of the two objects gets [JIPMER 2017]
to the bottom of the plane first ? (a) I1 = I2 = I3 (b) I2 > I1 > I3
[NEET 2016] (c) I3 < I2 < I1 (d) I3 > I1 > I2
(a) Both reach at the same time 24. Assertion: The total kinetic energy of a rolling solid
(b) Depends on their masses sphere is the sum of translational and rotational
(c) Disc kinetic energies.
(d) Sphere Reason: For all solid bodies, total kinetic energy is
 always twice of translational kinetic energy.
20. A force F  5i  2j  5k acts on a particle whose
 [AIIMS 2017]
position vector is r  i  2j  k.
 What is the torque
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason
about the origin ? is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[KCET 2016] (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
(a) 8i  10j  12k (b) 8i  10j  12k is not the correct explanation of Assertion
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(c) 8i  10j  8k (d) 10i  10j  k
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
21. Two discs of same moment of inertia I rotating about
25. A cylinder rolls up an inclined plane, reaches some
their regular axis passing through centre and
height and then rolls down (without slipping
perpendicular to the plane of disc with angular
throughout these motions). The directions of the
velocities 1 and  2 . They are brought into contact frictional force acting on the cylinder are
face to face coinciding the axis of rotation. The [JIPMER 2017]
expression for loss of energy during this process is :
(a) up the incline while ascending and down the
[NEET 2017] incline while descending
1 2 1 2 (b) up the incline while ascending as well as
(a) I  1  2  (b) I  1  2 
2 4 descending
2 1 2 (c) down the incline while ascending and up the
(c) I  1  2  (d) I  1  2 
8 incline while descending
22. A constant torque of 3.14 N-m is exerted on a pivoted (d) down the incline while ascending as well as
wheel. If the angular acceleration of the wheel is 4π descending
rad s−2, then the moment of inertia of the wheel is 
26. The moment of the force F  4 ˆi  5 ˆj 6 kˆ , at (2, 0, -
[J&K CET 2017]
2
3), about the point (2, -2, -2), is given by:
(a) 0.25 kg-m (b) 2.5 kg-m2
[NEET 2018]
(c) 4.5 kg-m2 (d) 25 kg-m2
(a)  7 ˆi  8 ˆj 4 kˆ (b) 4 ˆi  ˆj 8 kˆ
23. ABC is right angled triangular plane of uniform
thickness. The sides are such that AB > BC as shown (b)  8iˆ  4 ˆj  7 kˆ (d)  7 ˆi  4 ˆj 8 kˆ
in figure. I1, I2, I3 are moments of inertia about AB,
27. A thin horizontal circular disc is rotating about a
BC and AC, respectively. Then, which of the
vertical axis passing through its centre. An insect is at
following relations is correct?
rest at a point near the rim of disc. The insect now
moves along a diameter of the disc to reach its other
172 ROTATIONAL MOTION

end. During the journey of the insect, the angular 32. Two discs having mass ratio 1 : 2 and diameter ratio 2
speed of the disc : 1, then find the ratio of moment of inertia.
[AIIMS 2018] [JIPMER 2019]
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 1
(a) continuously decreases
(c) 1 : 2 (d) 2 : 3
(b) continuously increases
33. A solid cylinder of mass 2 kg and radius 50 cm rolls
(c) first increases and then decreases up an inclined plane of angle inclination 30°. The
(d) remains unchanged centre of mass of cylinder has speed of 4 ms−1. The
distance travelled by the cylinder on the inclined
28. A solid cylinder of mass 2 kg and radius 4 cm is surface will be (take, g = 10ms−2)
rotating about its axis at the rate of 3 rpm. The torque
[NEET (Odisha) 2019]
required to stop it after 2 revolutions is :
(a) 2.2 m (b) 1.6 m
[NEET 2019]
(c) 1.2 m (d) 2.4 m
(a) 2 × 10–3 N m (b) 12 × 10–4 N m
34. Find the torque about the origin when a force of
(c) 2 × 106 N m (d) 2 × 10–6 N m
3j N acts on a particle whose position vector is
29. A disc of radius 2 m and mass 100 kg rolls on a
horizontal floor. Its centre of mass has speed of 20 2k m.
cm/s. How much work is needed to stop it ? [NEET 2020]
[NEET 2019]
(a)  6i Nm (b) 6k Nm
(a) 30 kJ (b) 2 J
(c) 1 J (d) 3 J (c) 6i Nm (d) 6j Nm

30. A disc of radius 20 cm and mass half kg is rolling on 35. From a circular ring of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘R’ an
an inclined plane. Find out friction force so that disc arc corresponding to a 90 sector is removed. The
performs pure rolling. moment of inertia of the remaining part of the ring
about an axis passing through the centre of the ring
and perpendicular to the plane of the ring is ‘K’ times
‘MR2’. Then the value of ‘K’ is:
[NEET 2021]
1 1
(a) (b)
4 8
[AIIMS 2019]
3 7
(c) (d)
4 8
5 2 5
(a) N (b) N 36. The angular speed of a fly wheel moving with
3 3 2 uniform angular acceleration changes from 1200
5 5 rpm to 3120 rpm in 16 seconds. The angular
(c) N (d) N acceleration in rad/s2 is:
2 2 3
(NEET 2022)
31. A sphere pure rolls on a rough inclined plane with (a) 2 (b) 4
initial velocity 2.8 ms−1. Find the maximum distance
(c) 12 (d) 104
on the inclined plane
37. The ratio of the radius of gyration of a thin uniform
disc about an axis passing through its centre and
normal to its plane to the radius of gyration of the
disc about its diameter is
(NEET 2022)
[AIIMS 2019] (a) 2:1 (b) 2 :1
(a) 2.74 m (b) 5.48 (c) 4:1 (d) 1: 2
(c) 1.09 m (d) 3.2 m
ROTATIONAL MOTION 173

EXERCISE – 3: Achiever’s Section

I
1. A uniform solid cylinder has a radius R and length L.
r
If the moment of inertia of this cylinder about an axis
passing through its centre and normal to its circular
face is equal to the moment of inertia of the same
cylinder about an axis passing through its centre and
2 2
normal to its length, then (a) R (b) R
15 5
(a) L = R (b) L = 3 R
3 3
(c) R (d) R
(c) L = R/ 3 (d) L = 0 15 15
2. A thin rod of length 4l and mass 4m is bent at the 5. A uniform beam of length L whose mass ‘m’ is 1.8
points as shown in the figure. What is the moment of kg rests with its ends on two digital scales, as in
inertia of the rod about the axis passing through point figure. A uniform block whose mass M is 2.7 kg rests
O and perpendicular to the plane of the paper? on the beam, its centre is at a distance L/4 from the
beam’s left end. What do the scales read?

M2 10M2
(a) (b)
3 3
M 2 M 2
(c) (d)
12 24
3. From a circular disc of radius R and mass 9M, a small (a) 29 N on right scale and 15 N on left scale
disc of radius R/3 is removed. The moment of inertia (b) 15 N on right scale and 29 N on left scale
of the remaining disc about an axis perpendicular to
(c) 10 N on right scale and 20 N on left scale
the plane of the disc and passing through O is:
(d) 2.25 N on right scale and 7 N on left scale
R/3
6. Each pulley shown in the given figure below has
radius r and moment of inertia I. The acceleration of
the blocks is: (Given M > m)
R O

(a) 4 MR2 (b) MR2

(c) 10 MR2 (d) MR2
4. A solid sphere of radius R has moment of inertia I
(a)
M  m g (b)
M  m  g
about its geometrical axis, it is melted into a disc of
 2I   2I 
radius r and thickness t. If it’s moment of inertia M  m  2  M  m  2 
 r   r 
about the tangential axis (which is perpendicular to
plane of the disc), is also equal to I, then the value of
r is equal to :
174 ANSWER KEY

(c)
M  m  g (d)
11. A solid sphere and a hollow sphere of equal mass and
 I  radius are placed over a rough horizontal surface after
M  m  2  rotating it about its centre of mass with same angular
 r 
velocity o . Once the pure rolling starts let v1 and
M  mg
 I  v 2 be the linear speeds of their centre of mass
M  m  2  respectively, then :
 r 
7. A uniform rod of length 2l is placed with one end in (a) v1 = v2 (b) v1 > v2
contact with the horizontal table and is then inclined (c) v1 < v2 (d) data is insufficient
at an angle  to the horizontal and allowed to fall.
12. A constant horizontal force F is applied on the top of
When it becomes horizontal, its angular velocity will
a solid sphere and a hollow sphere of same mass and
be
radius both kept on a sufficiently rough surface. Let
3g sin  2 a1 and a2 be their linear accelerations respectively,
(a) (b)
2 3g sin  then:
F F
g sin  
(c) (d)
 g sin 
8. A cylindrical rod of mass M, length L and radius R Solid sphere Hollow sphere
has two cords wound around it whose ends are
attached to the ceiling. The rod is held horizontally (a) a1 = a2 (b) a1 > a2
with the two cords vertical. When the rod is released, (c) a1 < a2 (d) data sufficient
the cords unwind and the rod rotates, the linear
13. A disc of radius R and mass M is rolling horizontally
acceleration of the cylinders as it falls, is :
without slipping with speed v. It then moves up an
(a) g (b) g/3 incline as shown.
(c) 2g/3 (d) g/2 The maximum height upto which it can reach is
9. A solid sphere of radius 1 m and mass 2 kg is rolling
with a linear speed of 2 m/s. What is the speed of
point A
v

(a) v2/g (b) v2/2g

(c) v2/3g (d) 3v2/4g
(a) 2 m/s (b) 2 2 m / s
14. A particle performs uniform circular motion with an
(c) 4 m/s (d) 2 m /s angular momentum L. If the frequency of particle’s
10. A wheel of radius r rolls without slipping with a motion is doubled and its kinetic energy is halved, the
speed v on a horizontal road. When it is at a point A angular momentum becomes :
on the road, a small blob of mud separates from the (a) 2L (b) 4L
wheel at its highest point and lands at point B on the (c) L/2 (d) L/4
road.
15. A rigid horizontal smooth rod AB of mass 0.75 kg
(a) AB  v r / g and length 40 cm can rotate freely about a fixed
vertical axis through its midpoint O. Two rings each
(b) AB  2v r / g
of mass 1 kg initially at rest at a distance of 10 cm
(c) AB  4v r / g from O on either side of the rod. The rod is set in
rotation with an angular velocity of 30 radians per
(d) If v  4 rg , the blob of mud will land on the
sec. When the rings reach the ends of the rod, the
wheel and not on the road angular velocity in rad/sec is
ROTATIONAL MOTION 175

(a) 5 (b) 10 (a) v0 = 0 (b)  = (3v/5a)

(c) 15 (d) 20 (c)  = v/5a (d) E = 3mv2/5
16. A rigid spherical body is spinning around an axis 20. A tube of length L is filled completely with an
without any external torque. Due to changes in incompressible liquid of mass M and closed at both
temperature, the volume increases by 1%. Its angular the ends. The tube is then rotated in a horizontal plane
speed will about one of its ends with a uniform angular velocity
(a) increase approximately by 1% . The force exerted by the liquid at the other end is:
(b) decrease approximately by 1% M2 L
(a) (b) M L
(c) decrease approximately by 0.67% 2
(d) decrease approximately by 0.33%
M2 L M2 L2
17. A cubical block of side a is moving with velocity v on (c) (d)
4 2
a horizontal smooth plane as shown in figure. It hits a
21. A disc of mass M and radius R is rolling with angular
ridge at point O. The angular speed of the block after
speed  on a horizontal plane as shown. The
it hits O is:
magnitude of angular momentum of the disc about
a the origin O is:

a v
M O

3v 3v
(a) (b)
 4a   2a 
(c) 3v  2a  (d) Zero

18. A meter rule is freely pivoted about its centre. A 1 2

piece of putty of mass 20g travelling at 5 ms–1 strikes (a)   MR  (b) MR2 
2
and adheres to one end of the rule so that the rule
starts to rotate in a horizontal circle. Given that the 3 2
(c)   MR  (d) 2 MR2 
moment of inertia of the rule and putty about pivot is 2
 
0.02 kg m2, the initial angular velocity of the meter
22. An equilateral triangle ABC formed from a uniform
rule is
wire has two small identical beads initially located at
(a) 1.58 rad s–1 (b) 2.24 rad s–1
A. The triangle is set rotating about the vertical axis
(c) 2.50 rad s–1 (d) 5.00 rad s–1 AO. Then the beads are released from rest
19. A uniform bar of length 6a and mass 8m lies on a simultaneously and allowed to slide down, one along
smooth horizontal table. Two point masses m and 2m, AB and other along AC as shown. Neglecting
moving in the same horizontal plane with speed 2v frictional effects, the quantities that are conserved as
and v respectively, strike the bar (as shown in figure) beads slides down are:
and stick to the bar after collision. Denoting angular A
velocity (about centre of mass), total energy and
g
velocity of centre of mass by , E and v0
respectively, after the collision which of the
following is incorrect

B C
O
(a) angular velocity and total energy (kinetic and
potential
(b) total angular momentum and total energy
176 ANSWER KEY

(c) angular velocity and moment of inertia about the (c) more than 9
axis of rotation
(d) less than 3
(d) total angular momentum and moment of inertia
26. A particle of mass m is projected with a velocity v
about the axis of rotation.
making an angle of 45° with the horizontal. The
23. A thin wire of length L and uniform linear mass magnitude of the angular momentum of the projectile
density  is bent into a circular loop with centre at O
about the point of projection when the particle is at its
as shown. The moment of inertia of the loop about the maximum height h is:
axis XX’ is:
mv3
(a) zero (b)
X X' 4 2g 
90°
mv3 3
O (c) (d) m 2 gh
 2g 
27. A mass ‘m’ is supported by a massless string wound
L 3
L 3 around a uniform hollow cylinder of mass m and
(a) (b) radius R. If the string does not slip on the cylinder,
8 2 16 2
with what acceleration will the mass fall on release?
5 L3 3 L3
(c) (d)
16 2 8 2

24. A circular platform is free to rotate in a horizontal

plane about a vertical axis passing through its centre.
A tortoise is sitting at the edge of the platform. Now
the platform is given an angular velocity 0. When
the tortoise moves along a chord of the platform with
a constant velocity (with respect to the platform). The
angular velocity of the platform (t) will vary with
g 5g
time t as: (a) (b)
2 6
2g
(c) g (d)
3
28. A uniform ladder of mass 10 kg leans against a
smooth vertical wall making an angle of 53° with it.
(a) (b) The other end rest on a rough horizontal floor. The
normal force and frictional force that the floor exerts
on the ladder are respectively
(a) 98 N, 65 N (b) 98 N, 0
(c) 0, 65 N (d) 65 N, 98 N
(c) (d) 29. A projectile is projected at certain angle. The angular
momentum about origin will
25. A pulley of radius 2 m is rotated about its axis by a
2
force F = (20t – 5t ) N (where t is measured in (a) always increase
seconds) applied tangentially. If the moment of (b) always decrease
inertia of the pulley about its axis of rotation is 10 (c) will first increase then decrease
2
kg–m the number of rotations made by the pulley
(d) remain constant
before its direction of motion is reversed, is
(a) more than 3 but less than 6
(b) more than 6 but less than 9
ROTATIONAL MOTION 177

u
y

α
x

30. Statement-I : The hardboiled egg and raw egg can be

distinguished on the basis of spinning of both.
Statement - II : The moment of inertia of hardboiled
egg is more as compared to raw egg.
(a) Statement–I is True, Statement–II is True;
Statement–II is a correct explanation for Statement–I.
(b) Statement–I is True, Statement–II is True;
Statement–2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement–I.
(c) Statement–I is True, Statement–II is False.
(d) Statement–I is False, Statement–II is True
178 ANSWER KEY
 09
GRAVITATION
GRAVITATION 180

Chapter 09

Gravitation
1.3 Vector Form
Introduction In vector form, Newton’s law of gravitation is represented

Gravity is the force of attraction exerted by earth towards is  
in the following manner. The force F21 exerted on particle
centre on a body lying on or near the surface of earth.
m2 by particle m1 is given by,
Gravity
 mm
is merely a special case of gravitation and is also called F21  G 1 2 2  rˆ12  ...  i 
earth’s gravitational pull. r
Weight of a body is defined as the force of attraction exerted Where  r̂12  is a unit vector drawn in the direction of vector
by the earth on the body towards its centre. from particle m2 to
The units and dimensions of gravity pull or weight are the 
same as those of force.  
particle m1. Similarly, the force F12 exerted on particle m1
by particle m2 is given by
1. Newton’s Law of Gravitation  mm
F12  G 1 2 2  rˆ12  ...  ii 
r
1.1 Definition
From (i) and (ii)
Every particle attracts every other particle with a force  
 F12  F21
which is directly proportional to the product of their masses

2. Acceleration due to Gravity

and inversely proportional to the square of the distance
between them.
2.1 Definition
Acceleration due to gravity is the acceleration gained by a
an object due to gravitational force. It SI unit is m / s 2 . It
Fig. 9.1 has both magnitude direction, hence, it is a vector quantity.
Acceleration due to gravity is represented by g.
1.2 Mathematical Form The stranded value of g on the surface of earth at sea level is
If m1 and m2 are the masses of the particles and r is the 9.8m / s 2 .
distance between them, the force of attraction F between the
particles is given by 2.2 The Acceleration due to Gravity at a
mm Height h above the Earth’s Surface
F  12 2
r
mm Let M and R be the mass and radius of the earth and g be
 F  G 12 2 the acceleration due to gravity at the earth’s surface.
r
Suppose that a body of mass m is placed on the surface of
Where G is the universal constant of gravitation.
the earth.
Universal gravitational constant is measured in N m 2 / kg 2
GMm
 mg 
The dimensional formula is  L3 M 1T 2  universal R2
gravitational constant GM
 g  2 ...  i 
The value of G is: 6.67408  1011 Nm 2 / kg 2 R
Now suppose that the body is raised to a height h, above
the earth’s surface,
GMm
Mg n  2
....  ii 
R  h 

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radius OB (R – d). The outer spherical shell, whose

thickness is d, will not exert any force on body at point B.
Because it will acts as a shell and point is inside.

Fig. 9.2
Dividing eq (ii) by eq (i), we get,
gh R2 Fig. 9.3

g  R  h 2 4 3
Now, M    R  d 
3
 R2 
 gh   2
g GM1
  R  h   gd  2
R  d
4
or g d  G  R  d   ...  ii 
2.3 Acceleration due to Gravity at a 3
Very Small Height Dividing the equation (ii) by (i), we have
4
2 G  R  d  
Rh gd 3 R d  d
gh  g    or g d  g 1   ..  iii 
 g 4 R  R
 R  GR
2 3
 h Therefore, the value of acceleration due to gravity
g h  g 1  
 R decreases with depth.
If h << R, then neglecting high power’s of ‘h’ we get,
 2h  2.5 Variation of ‘g’ with Latitude due to
g h  g 1  
 R 
Rotational Motion of Earth
2.4 Effect of Depth on a Acceleration Due to the rotational of the earth the force mr2 cos 
radially outwards. Hence the net force of attraction exerted
due to Gravity by the earth of the particle and directed towards the centre
Also g in terms of  of the earth is given by
GM mg   mg  mr2 cos 
g
R2 where g  is the value of the acceleration due to gravity at
If  is density of the material of earth, then the point P.
4
M  R 3
3
4
G  R 3
g 3
R2
4
 g  GR
3
Let gd be acceleration due to gravity at the point B at a
depth d below the surface of earth. A body at the point B
will experience force only due to the portion of the earth of

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Fig. 9.5

3. Gravitation Field and

Gravitation Potential
3.1 Gravitational Field
The space surrounding the body within which its
gravitational force of attraction is experienced by other
bodies is called gravitational field. Gravitational field is very
similar to electric field in electrostatics where charge ‘q’ is
replaced by mass ‘m’ and electric constant ‘K’ is replaced
Fig. 9.4
2
by gravitational constant ‘G’. The intensity of gravitational
 g   g  r cos 
field at a points is defined as the force experienced by a unit
Now, r  R cos  (where R is the radius of the earth) mass placed at that point.

Then g   g   R cos   2 cos   F
E
 g   g  R2 cos 2  m
The effective acceleration due to gravity at a point ‘P’ is The unit of the intensity of gravitational field is N kg-1.
given by, Intensity of gravitational field due to point mass:
g   g  R2 cos 2  The force due to test mass m0 placed at point P is given
Thus value of ‘g’ changes with  and  b:
GMm 0
1. At poles, F
r2
  90
F GM
g   g  R2 cos 2 90 Hence E  E 2
m0 r
g  g
 GM
This is maximum acceleration due to gravity. In vector form E   ˆr
r2
2. At equator
Dimensional formula of intensity of gravitational field
0 2
F  MLT 
g  g  R2 cos 2 0     M0 LT 2 
g  g  R2
m  M
This is minimum acceleration due to gravity. 3.2 Gravitational Potential
Variation due to shape.
The gravitational potential at any point in a gravitational
field is defined as the work done to bring a unit mass slowly
NOTE: from
The variation of acceleration due to gravity according to infinity to that point.
the depth and the height from the earth’s surface can be 1. The gravitational potential (V) at a point at distance r
expressed with help of following graph. from
a point mass M is given by,
GM
V (Where G is the constant of gravitation)
r

2. The work done on a unit mass is converted into its

potential energy. Thus, the gravitational potential at any
point is equal to the potential energy of a unit mass placed
at that point.

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3. If a small point mass m is placed in a gravitational field at

a point where the gravitational potential is V, the
gravitational
potential energy (P.E.) of the mass m is given by.
P.E. = mass × gravitational potential
P.E = mV
GMm
P.E  
r

3.3 Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational potential energy of a body at a point is
defined as the work done in slowly bringing the body from
infinity
to that point.
Let a body of mass m is displaced through a distance ‘dr’
towards the mass M, then work done given by,
r
GMm GMm
dW  Fdr  2
dr   dW   2 dr
r  r
Gravitational potential energy,
GMm
U
r
(i) From above equation, it is clear that gravitational
potential
energy increases with increase in distance (r) (i.e. it
becomes less negative).
(ii) Gravitational P.E. becomes maximum (or zero) at r  

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
Object Potential (V) Electric field ( E ) Figure

Ring GM  GMr

V E rˆ
2 1/ 2 3/ 2
a 2
r  a 2
 r2 

Thin circular 2GM  2 2   2GM  r 

V a r r E   2 1   rˆ
a2   a  r  a2
2


Uniform Thin
spherical shell

(a) Point P GM E0

inside the shell V
a
(r < a)
(b) Point P GM  GM
V
r E  2 rˆ
outside the r
shell (r > a)

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Uniform Solid
sphere  GMr
GM
(a) Point P V
2a 3
 3a 2  r 2  E
a3
rˆ
inside the
sphere (r  a)  GM
GM
V E  2 rˆ
(b) Point P r r
outside the
sphere (r ≥ a)

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4. Satellite T2  
 42  3
r
 GM e 
4.1 Definition Putting the values, we get orbital radius of geo-stationery
Any smaller body which revolves around another larer
satellite r  6.6R e (here Re = Radius of the earth) height
body under the influence of its gravitation is called a
satellite. The satellite may be natural or artificial. from the surface h  5.6R e .

1. The moon which revolves around the earth, is a satellite

5. Period of Revolution of a
Satellite
of the earth. There are sixteen satellites revolving around
the planet Jupiter. These satellite are called natural
satellites. The time taken by a satellite to complete one revolution
round the earth is called its period or periodic time (T).
2. A satellite made and launched into circular orbit by man Consider a satellite of mass m revolving in a circular orbit
is with a orbital velocity v0 at a height h above the surface of
called an artificial satellite. The first satellite was launched the earth. Let M and R be the mass and the radius of the
by USSR named SPUTNIK–I and the first Indian satellite earth respectively. The radius (r) of the circular orbit of the
was ‘ARYABHATTA’. satellite is r = R + h. For the circular motion,
There are two types of satellites:
1. GEO stationary satellite
2. SPY satellite
Let’s discuss GEO stationary satellite

Fig. 9.7
GM
 v0  ... i 
r
If T is the period of revolution of the satellite,
circumference of orbit 2r
Period (T)  
critical velocity v0

Fig 9.6 2r

R ...(From i)
We know that the earth rotates about tis axis with angular GM
velocity earth and time period Tearth  24 hours . Suppose a r
satellites is set in an orbit which is in plane of the equator, r3
 T  2
whose  is equal to earth , (or its T is equal to GM
Tearth  24 hours ) and direction is also same as that of earth. This expression gives the periodic time of the satellite.
Squaring the expression, we get
Then as seen from earth, it will appear to be stationery. This
type of satellite is called geo-stationery satellite. 4 2 r 3
 T2 
satellite  earth GM
 Tsatellite  Tearth  24 hr.
 T 2  r 3 ...(since G and M are constants)
So time period of a geo-stationery satellite must be 24 hours. Thus, the square of the time period of revolution of a
To achieve T = 24 hour, the orbital radius geo-stationery satellite
satellite. is directly proportional to the cube of the radius of its orbit

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6. Orbital Velocity 6.3 The Escape Velocity of a Body from

the Surface of the Earth is 2 Times
6.1 Definition
its Critical Velocity When it
The horizontal velocity with which a satellite must be
projected from a point above the earth’s surface, so that it Revolves Close to the Earth’s
revolves in a circular orbit round the earth, is called the Surface
orbital velocity of the satellite.
Let M and R be the mass and radius of the earth and m be
the mass of the body. When orbiting close to the earth’s
6.2 An Expression for the Orbital surface, the radius of the orbit is almost equal to R. If ve is
Velocity of a Satellite Revolving the critical velocity of the body, then for a circular orbit.
Round the Earth Centripetal force = Gravitational force

Suppose that a satellite of mass m is raised to a height h GMm

 mvc2 
above the earth’s surface and then projected in a horizontal R2
direction with the orbital velocity v0 . The satellite begins GM
 vc  ... i 
to move round the earth in a circular orbit of radius, R + h, R
where R is the radius of the earth. If ve is the escape velocity from the earth’s surface,
K.E. of projection = Binding energy
1 GMm
 mve2 
2 2
2GM
 ve  ...  ii 
R
From Eq (i) and Eq. (ii), we get,
ve  2vc

6.4 Different Cases of Projection

When a satellite is taken to some height above the earth
Fig.9.8 and then projected in the horizontal direction, the following
GMm four cases may occur, depending upon the magnitude of
The gravitational force acting on the satellite is 2
, the horizontal velocity.
R  h
where M is the mass of the earth and G is the constant of
gravitation.
For circular motion,
mv 20 GMm
 ,
 R  h   R  h 2
GM
 v0 
R  h
This expression gives the orbital velocity of the satellite.
From the expression, it is clear that the orbital velocity
depends upon.
1. Mass of the earth
2. Radius of earth and
3. Height of the satellite above the surface of the earth. Fig. 9.9
1. If the velocity of the projection is less than the orbital
velocity then the satellite moves in elliptical orbit, but the
point of projection is apogee and in the orbit, the satellite

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comes closer to the earth with its perigee point lying at it will keep moving in a closed orbit, or will escape from the
180°. If it enters the atmosphere while coming towards earth, depending on the values of v and h.
perigee it will loose energy and spirally comes down. If it Hence a satellite carried to a height h (<< R) and given a
does not enters the atmosphere it will continue to move in horizontal velocity of 8 km/sec will be placed almost in a
elliptical orbit. circular orbit around the earth (figure). If launched at less
2. If the velocity of the projection is equal to the orbital than 8 km/sec, it would get closer and closer to earth until it
velocity then the satellite moves in circular orbit round the hits the ground. Thus, 8 km/sec is the critical (minimum)
earth. velocity.

3. If the velocity of the projection is greater than the orbital

velocity but less than the escape velocity, then the satellite 7. Communication Satellite
moves in elliptical orbit and its apogee, or point of greatest
distance from the earth, will be greater than projection An artificial satellite revolving in a circular obrit round the
height. earth in the same sense of the rotational of the earth and
having same period of revolution as the period of rotation
4. If the velocity of the projection is equals to the escape
of the earth (i.e. 1 day = 24 hours = 86400 seconds) is
velocity, then the satellite moves in parabolic path.
called as geo-stationary or communication satellite.
5. It the velocity of the projection is greater than the escape As relative velocity of the satellite with respective to the
velocity, then orbit will hyperbolic and will escape the earth is zero it appears stationary from the earth’s surface.
gravitational pull of the earth and continue to travel Therefore it is know as geo-stationary satellite or
infinitely. geosynchronous satellite.
NOTE: 1. The height of the communication satellite above the
earth’s
Launching Of An Artificial Satellite Around Earth surface is about 36000 km and its period of revolution is 24
hours or 24 × 60 × 60 seconds.

7.1 Uses of the Communication Satellite

1. For sending TV signals over large distances on the earth’s
surface.
2. Telecommunication.
3. Weather forescasting.
4. For taking photographs of astronomical objects.
5. For studying of solar and cosmic radiations.

Fig. 9.10 8. Escape Velocity of a Body

The satellite is placed upon the rocket which is launched
from the earth. After the rocket reaches its maximum 8.1 Expression for the Escape Velocity of
vertical height h, a spherical mechanism gives a thrust to the A Body at Rest on the Earth’s Surface
satellite at point A (figure) producing a horizontal velocity
v. The total energy of the satellite at A is thus, The minimum velocity with which a body should be
projected from the surface of the earth, so that it escapes
1 GMm
E mv 2  from the earth’s gravitational field, is called the escape
2 Rh velocity. Thus, if a body or a satellite is given the escape
The orbit will be an ellipse (closed path), a parabola, or an velocity, its kinetic energy of projection will be equal to its
hyperbola depending on whether E is negative, zero, or binding energy.
positive. In all cases the centre of the earth is at one focus of Kinetic Energy of projection = Binding Energy.
the path. If the energy is too low, the elliptical orbit will
intersect the earth and the satellite will fall back. Otherwise,

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1 GMm of earth and this acceleration is equal to the acceleration due

 mvc2 
2 R to gravity at the place.
2GM 4. Therefore astronaut does not produce any action on the
 vc 
R floor of the satellite. Naturally the floor does not exert any
force of reaction on the astronaut. As there is no reaction,
the astronaut has a feeling of weightlessness. (i.e. no sense
8.2 Expression for ‘Ve’ in Terms’s of ‘g’
of his own weight).
The escape velocity for any object on the earth’s surface
is given by. NOTE:
2GM
ve  1. sensation of weightlessness experienced by an
R
astronaut is not the result of there being zero
If m is the mass of the object, its weight mg is equal to the gravitational acceleration, but of there being zero
gravitational force acting on it. difference between the acceleration of the spacecraft
GMm and the acceleration of the astronaut.
 mg 
R2 2. The most common problem experienced by
 GM  gR 2 astronauts in the initial hours of weightlessness is
known as space adaptation syndrome (space
Substituting this value in the expression for ve we get, sickness).
ve  2gR
10. Kepler’s Laws
8.3 Expression for ‘Ve’ in Terms’s of
10.1 Law of Orbit
Density
Each Planet moves around the sun in an elliptical orbit
We have,
with the sun at one of the foci as shown in figure. The
2GM eccentricity of an ellipse is defined as the ratio of the
ve 
R SO
distance SO and AO i.e. e 
Let  be the mean density of the planet. Then, AO

4 3 SO
M R  e  , SO  ea
3 a
2G 4 3
ve   R 
R 3
G
ve  2R
3

9. Weightlessness
1. The gravitational force with which a body is attracted
towards the centre of earth is called the weight of body.
Fig. 9.11
2. When an astronaut is on the surface of earth, gravitational
The distance of closest approach with sun at F1 is AS.
force acts on him. This gravitational force is the weight of
This position is called perigee. The greatest distance (BS)
astronaut and astronant exerts this force on the surface of
of the planet from the sun is at position B apogee.
earth. The surface of earth exerts an equal and opposte
At, Perigee (AS) = AO – OS = a – ea = a (1 – e)
reaction and due to this reaction he feels his weight on the
At, apogee (BS) = OB + OS = a + ea = a (1 + e)
earth.
3. For an astronaut in an orbiting satellite, the satellite and
astronaut both have same acceleration towards the centre

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10.2 Law of Area Inertial Mass

The line joining the sun and a planet sweeps out equal NOTE:
areas in equal intervals of time. A planet takes the same
time to travel from A to B as from C to D as shown in Inertial mass of a body is related to its inertia in linear
figure. motion; and is defined by Newton’s second law of
(The shaded areas are equal). Naturally the planet has to motion.
move faster between C to D. Let a body of mass mG move with acceleration a under
the
action of an external force F. According to Newton’s
second law of motion, F = mi a or mi = F/a
Thus, inertial mass of a body is equal to the magnitude of
external force required to produce unit acceleration in the
body.

Gravitational Mass
Fig. 9.12
NOTE:
area swept
Areal velocity 
time Gravitational mass of a body is related to gravitational
1 pull
r  rd 
1 d 1 mr 2  L on the body and is defined by Newton’s law of
 2  r2  
dt 2 dt 2 m 2m gravitational.
L GMmG F F
Hence = constant. [As L = constant] F or mG  
2m R2 
GM / R 2 I

The mass mG of the body in this sence is the gravitational

10.3 Law of Periods mass of the body. The inertia of the body has no effect on
The square of the time for the planet to complete a the gravitational mass of the body. mG = F
revolution about the sun is proportional to the cube of Thus, Gravitational mass of a body is defined as the
semimajor axis of the elliptical orbit. magnitude of gravitational pull experienced by the body
T2  a3 in
a gravitational field of unit intensity.

Astronomical Data
11. Binary Star System
Body Sun Earth Moon
11.1 Double Star System
Mean radius, 6.95  108 6.37  106 1.74  10 6

Mass, kg 1.97  1030 5.96  1024 7.30  10 22

Mean density,
1.41 5.52 3.30
103 kg/m3

Period of rotation
25.4 1.00 27.3 Fig. 9.13
about axis, days
From mass M 2

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Gm1m 2
 m 2 2 r2
r2
Gm1 2 m1r

r2 m1  m 2
G  m1  m 2 
2 
r3
2
 2  G  m1  m 2 
  
 T  r3
4 2 r 3
T2 
 m1  m 2  G
42 r 3
T
 m1  m2  G
In reality all the planets arel satellite revolves around their
COM but if the mass of planet is very large as compare to
the mass of satellite, then we can assume that planet is
stationary and satellite is removing around it in circular path
(because r1  0 )

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NCERT CORNER
 The gravitational potential at any point in a
gravitational field is defined as the work done to bring
a unit mass from slowly infinity to that point.
 Gravitational force: The constitutents of the universe
 Binding Energy: The minimum energy which must be
are galaxy, stars, planets, comets, asteriods, meteroids.
supplied to a satellite, so that it can escape from the
The force which keeps them bounded together is called
earth’s gravitation field, is called the binding energy of
gravitational force.
a satellite.
 Gravitation is a natural phenomenon by which particles
 Kepler’s laws of planetary motion
get attracted towards one another.
 NEWTON’S LAW OF GRAVITATION: Every
Kepler First law – The Law of Orbits
particle attracts every other particle with a force which
According to Kepler’s first law,” All the planets revolve
is directly proportional to the product of their masses
around the sun in elliptical orbits having the sun at one of
and inversely proportional to the square of the distance
the foci”. The point at which the planet is close to the sun is
between them.
known as perihelion and the point at which the planet is
 Variation of ‘g’ with latitude due to Rotational motion farther from the sun is known as aphelion.
of Earth:
Due to the rotational of the earth the force mrw2 cos l Kepler’s Second Law – The Law of Equal Areas
acts radially outwards. Hence the net force of attraction Kepler’s second law states” The radius vector drawn from
exerted by the earth of the particle and directed towards the sun to the planet sweeps out equal areas in equal
the centre of the earth is given by mg’ = mg – mrw2 intervals of time”
cosl where g’ is the value of the acceleration due to
gravity: Kepler’s Third Law – The Law of Periods
1. At poles, l = 90, g’ = g – R w2 cos2 90. g’ = g This is According to Kepler’s law of periods,” The square of the
maximum acceleration due to gravity. time period of revolution of a planet around the sun in an
2. At equator l = 0, g’ = g – Rw2 cos2 0 g’ = g – Rw2 elliptical orbit is directly proportional to the cube of its
This is minimum acceleration due to gravity semi-major axis”.
 Any smaller body which revolves around another larger
body under the influence of its gravitation is called a T2 ∝ a3
satellite. The satellite may be natural or artificial. Shorter the orbit of the planet around the sun, shorter the
 The horizontal velocity with which a satellite must be time taken to complete one revolution.
projected from a point above the earth’s surface, so  An artificial satellite revolving in a circular orbit orbit
that it revolves in a circular orbit round the earth, is round the earth in the same sense of the rotational of the
called the orbital velocity of the satellite. earth and having same period of revolution as the
 Escape Velocity: The minimum velocity with which a period of rotation of the earth (i.e. 1 day = 24 hours =
body should be protected from the surface of the earth, 86400 seconds) is called as geo-stationary or
so that it escapes from the earth’s gravitational field, is communication satellite.
called the escape velocity.

SCAN CODE
Gravitation
193 GRAVITATION

Solved Examples
64 64
 mass of body, m    6.4kg
g 10
Example 1 At height h, the value of g  is given by,
The distances of two planets from the Sun are 1013 R2 R
2
4
 
and 1012 metre respectively. Find the ratio of speeds g  g 2
 10    10 
R  h  R  R / 2  9
of the two planets.
 weight at a height
(a) 1/10 (b) 1 / 10
4
(c) 1 (d) 1/ 20 h  mg  6.4 10  N  28.44N
9
Ans. (b)
Example 4
Sol. Here,
Find the percentage decrease in the weight of the
T1 v
r1  1013 m; r2  1012 m;  ?; 1  ? body when taken to a height of 16 km above the
T2 v2 surface of Earth. Radius of the Earth is 6400 km.
3/ 2
T12 r13 T r   1013  (a) 0.5% (b) 0.1%
Now,  3 or 1   1    12   10 10
2
T2 r2 T2  r2  (c) 0.3% (d) 0.27%
 10 
Ans. (a)
2r1 2r2
v1  and v 2  Sol. Here, h = 16 km, R = 6400 km.
T1 T2
Now
v1 r1 T2 1013 1 1
      2h  2hg
v 2 r2 T1 1012 10 10 10 g  g 1  g or g  g   2gh / R
 R  R
Example 2  % decrease in weight
A planet whose size is the same and mass 4 times as mg  mg g  g
that of Earth, find the amount of energy needed to lift  100   100
mg g
a 2 kg mass vertically upwards through 2m distance
on the planet. The value of g on the surface of Earth 2gh 16
 100  2  100  0.5%
is 10 ms–2. gR 6400
(a) 160 J (b) 100 J Example 5
(c) 50 J (d) 150 J How much below the surface does the acceleration
Ans. (a) due to gravity become 70% of its value on the surface
Sol. Let M, R be the mass and radius of earth. Therefore, of Earth. Radius of Earth = 6.4 × 106 m.
mass of planet M   4M and radius of planet R   R (a) 192  10 6 m (b) 1.42  10 6 m
Let g, g  be the acceleration due to gravity on the (c) 1.92  10 6 m (d) 1.92  10 4 m
surface of earth and planet respectively. Then, Ans. (c)
GM GM G4M Sol. Here g  /g = 70/100 = 7/10 and d = ?
g  2 and g  
R R 2 R2 Now
g   4g  4  10  40 ms 2  d g d 7 d
g   g 1   ;   1  or  1
 Energy needed to lift the body  R  g R 10 R

 mg h  2  40  2  160J d 7 3
or  1  
Example 3 R 10 10
A body weighs 64 N on the surface of Earth. What is 3R 3  6.4 106
or d    1.92 106 m
the gravitational force on it due to the Earth, at a 10 10
height equal to half the radius of Earth. Acceleration Example 6
due to gravity on the surface of Earth is 10 ms–2. Calculate that imaginary angular velocity of the earth
(a) 27.44 N (b) 28.44 N for which effective acceleration due to gravity at the
(c) 29.44 N (d) 25.44 N equator becomes zero. In this condition, find the
Ans. (b) length (in hours) of a day? Radius of earth = 6400
Sol. Weight of body = mg = 64 N km. g = 10 ms–2.
(a) 1.25  10 3 rad / s (b) 2.5  10 3 rad / s
GRAVITATION 194

(c) 0.75  10 3 rad / s (d) 0.5  10 3 rad / s GM GM

v or v 2 
Ans: (a) 2R  R 3R
Sol. At equator, latitude l = 0°. Let g be the acceleration 1 GMm
due to gravity if the earth were at rest. The So, mv 2 
2 6R
acceleration due to gravity (g’) at the equator, when GMm GMm GMm mgR
earth is rotating with angular velocity w be zero.  E2    
6R 3R 6R 6
 g  g  R2 cos 2   0 Minimum energy required to launch the satellite is
or g  R2 cos 2 0    0  1 5
 E2  E1   mgR  mgR  mgR
g 10 6 6
or    3
 1.25  103 rads1 Example 9
R 6400  10
A remote sensing satellite of the Earth in a circular
orbit at a height of 400 km above the surface of Earth.
Example 7
What is the period of revolution of satellite? Radius
Two bodies of masses 100 kg and 10,000 kg are at a
of Earth = 6 × 106 m and acceleration due to gravity
distance 1m apart. At what distance from 100 kg on
at the surface of Earth is 10 m/s2.
the line joining them will the resultant gravitational
(a) 5368.5 s (b) 52 s
field intensity be zero?
(c) 5 s (d) 0 s
(a) 11/ 1 m (b) 1/11 m
Ans. (a)
(c) 1/11cm (d) 1m
Sol. Here, R = 6 × 106 m; g = 10 m/s2;
Ans. (b)
h = 400 × 103 m = 0.4 × 106 m
Sol. Let x be the distance of the point P from 100 kg body
3
where the resultant gravitational intensity is zero. 2 R  h
Period of revolution, T 
 Gravitational intensity at P due to body of mass R g
100 kg is 3
equal and opposite to that due to body of mass 10,000

2   22 / 7   6 10 6
 0.4 106 
 5368.5s
kg. 6 106 10
Hence, Example 10
G  100 G  10, 000 An Earth satellite has time period of 90 minutes.

x2 1  x 
2
Assuming the orbit to be circular, calculate its height.
2 Given, radius of Earth = 6380 km, g at the surface of
or 100x 2  1  x 
Earth = 9.8 ms–2.
or 10x  1  x
(a) 2  105 m (b) 3.2  10 6 m
or 11x  1 or x  1 / 11m
(c) 2.72  10 5 m (d) 2.72  105 m
Example 8 Ans. (d)
What is the minimum energy required to launch a Sol. Here, T = 90 minutes = 90 × 60 s = 5400 s;
satellite of mass m kg from the earth’s surface of R = 6380 km = 6380 × 1000 m = 6.38 × 106 m; g =
radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude of 2 R? 9.8 ms–2.
(a) 5 / 6 mg R (b) 6/5 mg R We know,
(c) mgR/6 (d) 6 mgR 1
Ans. (a)  gR 2 T 2  3
h 2 
R
Sol. Energy of satellite on the surface of earth  4 
GMm mgR 2 1
E1     mgR ...  i   9.8   6.38  106  2   5400  2  3
R R
   6.38  106
If v is the velocity of the satellite at the distance 2R  4   22 / 7  
from the surface of the earth, then total energy of the  
satellite  6.625  10  6.380  10  2.72  105 m
6 6

1 GMm Example 11
E 2  K.E.  P.E.  mv 2  ...  ii  If spheres of same material and same radius r are
2  2R  R 
touching each other, then show that the gravitational
Orbital velocity of satellite, force between them is directly proportional to r4.
195 GRAVITATION

(a) 2  105 m (b) 3.2  10 6 m (c) h = 2649.6 km (d) h = 264 km

(c) 2.72  10 m 5
(d) 2.72  10 m 5 Ans. (c)
Ans. (a) Sol. Given:
Sol. If  is the density of the material, then R  6400km  6400  103 m
4 3 4 3 1
r  r gh  g
m1m 2 2
FG G 3 3
 2r 
2
 2r 
3 To Find: h = ?
We have,
Clearly, F  r 4 2
 R 
Example 12 gh    g
Determine the escape speed of Moon. Given, the Rh
radius of Moon is 1.74 × 106 m, its mass is 7.36 × gh R2

1022 kg. Does your answer throw light on why the g  R  h 2
Moon has no atmosphere? 2
1  R 
G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2.  
2 Rh
(a) 2.38 km (b) 2.38 km s-1
R 1
(c) 2 km (d) 2.38 km s 
Ans. (b) Rh 2
Sol. Here, R = 1.74 × 106 m; M = 7.36 × 1022 kg; Rh
 2
G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2 kg–2, ve = ? R

ve 
2GM

2  6.67  1011  7.3  1022 h  
2 1 R
R 1.74  106 h = 0.414 × 6400 km
 2375ms 1  2.38kms 1 h = 2649.6 km
Since, the average thermal speed of the gas molecules Example 15
like oxygen, hydrogen etc. on the surface of Moon is At a certain height above the surface of the earth the
greater than the escape speed of moon (= 2.38 km s– gravitational acceleration is 90% of its value at the
1), hence these gases have escaped from the surface earth’s surface. Determine that height above the
of Moon and Moon has no atmosphere. earth’s surface.
Example 13 (Radius of the earth is 6400 km).
Assuming the Earth to be a sphere of uniform mass (a) h = 345.6 km (b) h = 345.6 m
density, how much would a body weigh half way (c) h = 34km (d) h = 34.6 km
down to the centre of the Earth if it weighed 250 N on Ans. (a)
the surface?  R 
2

(a) 12.5 N (b) 200 N Sol. gh    g

Rh
(c) 125 N (d) 500 N 2
Ans. (c) gh  R 
 
 d  d g Rh
Sol. As g d  g 1    mg d  mg 1   2
 R  R 9  R 
 
R 10  R  h 
Here, d 
2 Rh 10

 R R 9
1  2  1 Rh
Hence, mg d   250      250   125N  1.054
 R  2 R
  R hR
 1.054  1
Example 14 R
At what height from the surface of earth the value of h
acceleration due to gravity will fall to half that on the  0.054
R
surface of the earth (radius of earth R = 6400 km) h = 0.054 × 6400
(a) h = 26 km (b) h = 2539.6 km h = 64 × 5.4
GRAVITATION 196

h = 345.6 km What would be the new period of rotation of the earth

Example 16 around the Sun if the distance between the earth and
Calculate the acceleration due to gravity at the the sun is doubled?
surface of the earth (radius of earth R = 6.4 × 106 m, (a) 1049 days (b) 1032 days
mean density of the earth = 5.5 × 103 kg/m3) (c) 1 day (d) 10495 days
(a) 9 m/s2 (b) g = 9.833 m Ans. (b)
-2
(c) 9.833 m/s (d) 9.833 m/s2 Sol. T 2  r 3
Ans. (d)
T22 r23
Sol. We have,  
T12 r13
GM  gR 2
T12  r23 3
GM T22   1  2 
 g  2 ... 1 r13

R
M T22  8

V T2  8 year
M   V
T2  2 2 year
4 
  R 3   ...  2  T2 = 2 × 1.414 year
3 
T2 = 2.828 years
substituting (2) in (1)
 T2 = 2.82 × 365 days
G 4 
g  2  R 3   = 1032 days
R 3  Example 19
4RG A communication satellite is at a height of 36000 km
g
3 from earth’s surface. What will be its new period
4  3.142  6.4 106  5.5 103  6.67  1011 when it is brought down to a height of 20,000 km

3 (Radius of earth = 6400 km)
12.568  35.2  6.67  102 (a) 11 hours (b) 12.79 hours
g 
3 (c) 11.79 minutes (d) 11.79 hours
g = 4.189 × 35.2 × 6.67 × 10–2 Ans. (d)
g = 983.3 × 10–2 Sol. As per kepler’s law,
g = 9.833 m/s2 T2  r3
Example 17 2
 T2   r2 
3

A satellite is revolving around the earth in a circular    

orbit at a distance of 107 m from its centre. Find the  T1   r1 
2 3
speed of the satellite. (G = 6.67 × 10–11 S.I. unit and  T   26.4 
 2    
mass of earth = 6 × 1024 kg)  T1   42.4 
(a) 6.326 km/s (b) = 6.326 km 3/ 2
T2  26.4 
(c) = 6 km/s (d) 5.326 km/s   
24  42.4 
Ans. (a)
 T2 = 11.79 hours
GM
Sol.  Example 20
Rh Compare the orbital speeds of two satellites if the
6.67  1011  6  1024 ratio of their periods is 8 : 1.

107 (a) v1 / v2 = 3 / 2 (b) v1 / v2 = 5 / 2
(c) v1 / v2 = 1 / 2 (d) v1 / v2 = 10 / 5
 6.67  6 1013 10 7
Ans. (c)
 40.02 103  6.326 km / s
GM
Speed is 6.326 km/s Sol. vc1 
r1
Example 18
197 GRAVITATION

GM 6.67  1011  6  1024 103

v c2  
r2 6.4  106  6
vc1 6.67  1013  103
r2   1.042  1010 J
 ...1 6.4
vc 2 r1
Example 22
T12  r13 Calculate the escape velocity from the surface of the
T12  r13 planet of radius 2000 km, if acceleration due to
2 3
gravity at the surface of the planet is 2.5 m/s2.
 T1   r1  (a) 3.162 km/s (b) 3.162 m/s
   
 T2   r2  (c) 3.5 km/s (d) 2.8 km /s
2 3 Ans. (a)
 8   r1 
    2GM
 1   r2  Sol. ve 
R
r1 4
 ...  2  2gR 2
r2 1 ve 
R
vc1 1
 ... from (1) and (2) ve  2gR
v c2 4
ve  2  2.5  2 106
v c1 1
  ve  4  2.5  106
v c2 2
Example 21 ve  10 103 m / s
Calculate the work done in moving a body of mass = 3.162 × 103 m/s
1000 kg a from a height R to a height 2R above the = 3.162 km/s
surface of the earth. (G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/kg2, mass Example 23
of the earth M = 6 × 1024 kg. Radius of earth R = A saturn year is 29.5 times the Earth year. How far is
6400 km). the Saturn from the sun if the Earth is 1.50 × 108 km
(a) 1.042 × 10-10 J (b) 1 × 1010 J away from the Sun?
10
(c) 1.1010 × 10 J (d) 1.042 × 1010 J (a) 14.32  108 km
Ans. (d)
(b) 14  10 8 km
Sol. r1  R  h1
(c) 14.32  10 8 km
 R  R ...  h1  R  (d) 16  10 8 m
r1  2R Ans. (a)
r2  R  h 2 Sol. As we know from the Kepler’s third law
 R  2R ...  h 2  R  T12 R13

r2  3R T22 R 32
2/3 2/3
 W  P.E.2  P.E.1 T   29.5 
 R 2  R1  2   1.5 108   
GMm  GMm   T1   1 
  
r2  r1   1.5 108   9.547
GMm GMm
   14.32  108 km
r1 r2
Example 24
GMm  1 1  Three particles, each of mass m are placed at the
   
R  r1 r2  vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. What is
the gravitational potential at the centroid of the
1 1
 GMm    triangle.
 2 3
GMm 1 3Gm  3Gm
  (a) (b)
R 6 a a
Work done
GRAVITATION 198

3 3Gm 3 3 Gm
(c) (d)
a a
Ans. (c)
Sol. Refer figure, O is the centroid of triangle ABC, where

2 3 a
OA  a 
3 2 3
a
Thus, OA  OB  OC 
3
Gravitational potential at O due to masses at A, B and
C is
Gm  Gm   Gm  3Gm 3Gm
V    
OA  OB   OC  OA a / 3
3 3Gm

a
Example 25
The distances of two planets from the sun are 1013
and 1012m respectively. The ratio of time periods of
these two planets is:
1
(a) (b) 100
10
(c) 10 100 (d) 10
Ans. (c)
Sol. By Keplers law
2 3
 T1   r1 
   
 T2   r2 
2 3
 T1   1013 
    12 
 T2   10 
2
 T1  3
   10
T
 2
3
T1
 10 2  10 10
T2
199 GRAVITATION

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Newton’s Law of Gravitation specific gravity 3. The gravitational force will now
be:

1. The SI unit of gravitational constant G is F F

(a) (b)
3 9
(a) Nm kg2 (b) Nm2 kg2
(c) 3 F (d) F
(c) Nm2 kg1 (d) Nm kg1
7. A roller coaster is designed such that riders
2. The value of gravitational constant G depends upon
experience “weightlessness” as they go round the top
(a) The masses of the bodies of a hill whose radius of curvature is 20 m. The speed
(b) the sizes of the bodies of the car at the top of the hill is between
(c) the separation of the bodies (a) 14 m/s and 15 m/s (b) 15 m/s and 16 m/s
(d) none of the above quantities (c) 16 m/s and 17 m/s (d) 13 m/s and 14 m/s

3. A rocket is fired from the earth to the moon. The 8. Assertion: A spaceship while entering the earth’s
distance between the earth and the moon is r and the atmosphere is likely to catch fire.
mass of the earth is 81 times the mass of the moon. Reason: The temperature of upper atmosphere is
The gravitational force on the rocket will be zero, very high.
when its distance from the moon is
(a) A (b) B
r r (c) C (d) D
(a) (b)
20 15
9. Weight of an object is:
r r
(c) (d) (a) Normal reaction between ground and the object
10 5
(b) Gravitational force exerted on the object
4. A mass M is divided into two parts xM and (1  x)M. (c) Depends on frame of reference.
For a given separation, the value of x for which the
(d) Net force on the object
gravitational attraction between the two pieces
becomes maximum is 10. If the distance between two masses is doubled, the
1 3 gravitational attraction between them
(a) (b)
2 5 (a) Is doubled (b) Becomes four times
(c) 1 (d) 2 (c) Is reduced to half (d) Is reduced to a quarter

5. The acceleration due to gravity on planet A is 9 times 11. Two particles of equal mass go round a circle R under
the acceleration due to gravity on planet B. A man the action of their mutual gravitational attraction. The
jumps to a height of 2 m on the surface of A. What is speed of each particle is:-
the height of jump by the same persons on the planet
1 1 Gm
B? (a) v  (b) v 
2R GM 2R
2
(a) 6 m (b) m 1 Gm 4Gm
3 (c) v  (d) v 
2 R R
2
(c) m (d) 18 m
9
Acceleration due to Gravity
6. Two sphere of masses m and M are situated in air and
the gravitational force between them is F. The space
around the masses is now filled with a liquid of 12. The acceleration due to gravity g on earth is 9.8 ms2.
What would the value of g for a planet whose size is
GRAVITATION 200

the same as that of earth but the density in twice that (c) g  r (d) g  r 2
of earth?
(a) 19.6 ms2 (b) 9.8 ms2 19. The radius of earth is about 6400 km and that of mars
2 2 is about 3200 km. The mass of earth is about 10 times
(c) 4.9 ms (d) 2.45 ms
the mass of mars. An object weighs 200 N on earth’s
13. If both the mass and the radius of the earth decrease surface. Then its weight on the surface of the mars is:
by 1%, the value of the acceleration due to gravity (a) 80 N (b) 40 N
will (c) 8 N (d) 20 N
(a) decrease by 1% (b) increase by 1%
20. If the radius of earth is reduced by 2% keeping its
(c) increase by 2% (d) remain unchanged
mass constant. Then the weight of the body on its
14. The acceleration due to gravity on earth of radius Re surface will:
is ge and that on moon of radius Rm is gm. The ratio of (a) increase (b) decrease
the masses of the earth and the moon is given by (c) remain same (d) either (b) or (c)
g Re ge R e
(a) e . (b) . 21. If the earth loses its gravity, then for a body:
gm R m gm R m
(a) weight becomes zero but not the mass
2 2
ge R e g Re
e (b) mass becomes zero but not the weight
(c) . 2
(d) 2
.
gm R m g Rm
m (c) both mass and weight becomes zero
(d) neither mass nor weight becomes zero
15. Two planets of radii R1 and R2 are made from the
same material. The ratio of the accelerations due to 22. If M is the mass of the earth and R its radius, the ratio
gravity g1/g2 at the surfaces of the planets is of the gravitational acceleration and the gravitational
R1 R2 constant is:
(a) (b)
R2 R1 R2 M
(a) (b)
R 
2
R 
2 M R2
(c)  1  (d)  2 
 R2   R1  M
(c) MR 2 (d)
R
16. When the radius of earth is reduced by 1% without
changing the mass, then change in the acceleration 23. Assuming earth to be a sphere of uniform density.
due to gravity will be: What is the value of acceleration due to gravity at a
(a) increased by 2% (b) decreased by 1.5% point 100 km below the earth’s surface? (given R =
6380 × 103m)
(c) increased by 1% (d) decreased by 1%
(a) 3.6 m/s2 (b) 6.6 m/s2
17. If the mass of moon is M/81, where M is the mass of (c) 7.66 m/s2 (d) 9.65 m/s2
earth, find the distance of the point where gravitation
field due to earth and moon cancel each other, from 24. The earth of mass 6 × 1024 kg revolves around the sun
the moon. Given that distance between earth and with an angular velocity of 2 × 107 rad/s in a circular
moon is 60R where R is the radius of earth: orbit of radius 1.5 × 108 km. The force exerted by the
(a) 4 R (b) 8 R sun on earth is:

(c) 2 R (d) 6 R (a) 6 × 1019 N (b) 18 × 1025 N

(c) 36 × 1021 N (d) 27 × 1039 N
18. The value of acceleration due to gravity at distance r
from earth’s centre such that r < R depend on r 25. Two particle of equal mass go round a circle of radius
according to relation (R = radius of earth): R under the action of their mutual gravitational
attraction. The speed v of each particle is:
1 1
(a) g  (b) g 
r2 r (a)  GM  (b) 1  1 
   
 2R  2R  GM 
201 GRAVITATION

becomes 1% of its value at the surface is (R is the

(c) 1  G M  (d)  4GM 
 
2  R   R  radius of the earth)
(a) 8 R (b) 9 R
26. At what height above the surface of earth the value of
(c) 10 R (d) 20 R
acceleration due to gravity would be half of its value
on the surface of earth? (Radius of the earth is 6400 km) 31. The radius of the earth is about 6400 km and that of
mars is about 3200 km. The mass of the earth is about
(a) 2561 km (b) 2650 km
10 times the mass of mars. An object weights 200 N
(c) 3200 km (d) 9800 km on the surface of the earth. Its weight on the surface
of mars would be
27. Assertion: A tennis ball bounces higher on hills than (a) 6 N (b) 20 N
in plains.
(c) 40 N (d) 80 N
Reason: Acceleration due to gravity on the hill is
greater than that on the surface of earth. 32. The acceleration due to gravity g and mean density of
(a) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason earth  are related by which of the following
is the correct explanation of assertion. relations? [G = gravitational constant and R = radius
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is of earth]
not the correct explanation of assertion. 4gR 2 4gR 3
(a)   (b)  
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false. 3G 3G
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. 3g 3g
(c)   (d)  
to B along different paths as shown in figure. Then 4GR 4GR 3

33. What will be the formula of the mass is terms of g, R

and G? (R = radius of earth)
R R2
(a) g 2 (b) G
G g

R R2
(c) G (d) g
g G
(a) Work done along path I will be maximum
(b) Work done along path II will be maximum 34. A body has a weight 72 N. When it is taken to a
(c) Work done along path IV will be maximum height h = R = radius of earth, it would weigh:
(d) Work done along all the paths will be the same (a) 72 N (b) 36 N
(c) 18 N (d) zero

Variation of Acceleration due to Gravity 35. Imagine a new planet having the same density as that
of earth but it is 3 times bigger, than the earth in
(With height and depth)
radius. If the acceleration due to gravity on the
surface of earth is g and that on the surface of the new
29. Assuming that the earth is a sphere of radius R, at planet is g’, then:
what altitude will the value of the acceleration due to
g
gravity be half its value at the surface of the earth? (a) g   3g (b) g  
9
R R
(a) h  (b) h  (c) g   9g (d) g  27g
2 2
36. Acceleration due to gravity is g on the surface of the
(c) h   
2 1 R (d) h   
2 1 R
earth. The value of acceleration due to gravity at a
height of 32 km above the earth surface is
30. The height of the point vertically above the earth’s
surface at which the acceleration due to gravity (radius of the earth = 6400 km)
GRAVITATION 202

(a) 1.01 g (b) 0.8 g of the planet is equal to that at the surface of earth. If
(c) 0.99 g (d) 0.9 g the radius of earth is R, the radius of the planet would
be
37. Astronauts in a stable orbit around the earth are said (a) 2 R (b) 4 R
to be in a weightless condition. The reason for this is
1 1
that (c) R (d) R
4 2
(a) the capsule and its contents are falling freely at the
same rate 43. The angular speed of earth in rad/s, so that the object
(b) there is no gravitational force acting on them on equator may appear weightless is: (radius of earth
(c) the gravitational force of the earth balances that of = 6400 km)
the sun (a) 1.25 × 103 (b) 1.50 × 103
(d) there is no atmosphere at the height at which they (c) 1.56 (d) 1.25 × 101
are orbiting.
44. If we move from equator to pole value of g:
38. At what depth below the surface of earth, the (a) first increases then decreases
acceleration due to gravity g will be half of its value
(b) remains same
1600 km above the surface of earth: (Radius of earth
= 6400 km) (c) increases
(a) 1600 km (b) 2400 km (d) decreases
(c) 3200 km (d) 4352 km 45. If the spinning speed of the earth is increased, then
weight of the body at the equator:
39. If the change in the value of g at a height h above the
surface of the earth is the same as at a depth x below (a) does not change (b) doubles
its surface, then (h  R): (c) decreases (d) increases
2
(a) x = h (b) x = 0.4 h
46. The speed of earth’s rotation about its axis is . Its
(c) x = 2h (d) x = h speed is increased to x times to make the effective
acceleration due to gravity equal to zero at the
equator. then x is:
Variation of Acceleration due to Gravity
(a) 1 (b) 8.5
(Due to Rotation of Earth)
(c) 17 (d) 34

40. What must be the angular velocity of rotation of the Field due to Discrete Mass
earth so that the effective acceleration due to gravity
at the equator is zero? The radius of the earth = 64 ×
104 m. 47. Three particles, each of mass m, are placed at the
vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The
(a) 3.3 × 103 rad s1 (b) 3.5 × 103 rad s1
gravitational field intensity at the centroid of the
(c) 3.7 × 103 rad s1 (d) 3.9 × 103 rad s1 triangle is

41. If a man at the equator would weight (3/5)th of his Gm2

(a) zero (b)
weight, the angular speed of the earth is a2
2g g 2Gm2 3Gm2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5R R a2 a2
R 2R
(c) (d) 48. Infinite number of masses, each of mass m, are
g 5g placed along a straight line at distances of r, 2r, 4r, 8r,
etc. from a reference point O. The gravitational field
42. The density of newly discovered planet is twice that
intensity at point O will be
of earth. The acceleration due to gravity at the surface
203 GRAVITATION

5Gm 4Gm 1
(a) (b) gravitational potential energy increases by mgR.
4r 2 3r 2 3
3Gm 2Gm The value of h is
(c) (d)
2r 2 r2 R R
(a) (b)
3 2
49. A mass m is placed in the cavity inside a hollow
sphere of mass M as shown in the figure. What is the mR mR
(c) (d)
gravitational force on mass m? M  m M

54. The change in the gravitational potential energy when

a body of mass m is raised to a height nR above the
surface of the earth is (here R is the radius of the
earth)
 n   n 
(a)   mgR (b)   mgR
 n 1  n 1 
GMm GMm
(a) (b) mgR
R2 r2 (c) nmgR (d)
n
GMm
(c) 2
(d) zero
R  r 55. A body of mass m is placed on earth surface is taken
to a height of h = 3R, then change in gravitation
potential energy is
Gravitational Potential and Kinetic Energy mgR 2
(a) (b) mgR
4 3
50. Two objects of masses m and 4m are at rest at infinite 3 mgR
separation. They move towards each other under (c) mgR (d)
4 4
mutual gravitational attraction. Then, at a separation
r, which of the following is true? 56. If the potential energy of a body on a planet is
(a) The total energy of the system is zero. numerically U and the escape velocity for the same
body be ve for the same planet, then U/ve will be:
(b) The force between them is not zero.
(c) The centre of mass of the system is at rest. U GM U GM
(a) m (b) m
(d) All the above are true. ve R ve 2R

51. A body is released from a height equal to the radius U 2GM U GM

(c) m (d) m
(R) of the earth. The velocity of the body when it ve R ve R
strikes the surface of the earth will be
57. The escape velocity of a projectile on the earth's
(a) gR (b) 2gR
surface is 11.2 kms1. A body is projected out with
(c) 2 2gR (d) 2 gR thrice this speed. The speed of the body far away
from the earth will be:
52. A high jumper can jump 2.0 m on earth. With the (a) 22.4 kms1 (b) 31.7 kms1
same effort how high will he be able to jump on a
(c) 33.6 kms1 (d) zero
planet whose density is one-third and radius one-
fourth those of the earth? 58. Radius of orbit of satellite of earth is R. Its Kinetic
(a) 4 m (b) 8 m energy is proportional to:
(c) 12 m (d) 24 m 1 1
(a) (b)
R R
53. A body of mass m is raised to a height h above the
surface of the earth of mass M and radius R until its
GRAVITATION 204

1 5 GM 3GM
(c) R (d) 3 (c) (d)
R 2 4 R R

59. If a body is raised from the surface of the earth upto 64. A satellite moves around the earth in a circular orbit
height R, what is the change in potential energy? of radius r with speed v. If the mass of the satellite is
M, its total energy is-
3
(a) mgR (b) mgR 1 1
2 (a)  Mv 2 (b) Mv 2
2 2
mgR mgR
(c) (d) 3
2 4 (c) Mv 2 (d) Mv2
2
60. A satellite of mass m moving in a circular orbit at a
height R above the surface of a planet of mass M and
Escape Velocity and Maximum Height
radius R. The amount of work done to shift the
satellite to higher orbit of radius 2 R is
mgR 65. The masses and radii of the earth and moon are M1,
(a) mgR (b) R1 and M2, R2 respectively. Their centres are a
6
distance d apart. The minimum speed with which a
mMgR mMgR particle of mass m should be projected from a point
(c) (d)
M  m 6M  m midway between the two centres so as to escape to
infinity is given by
61. A planet is moving in an elliptical orbit around the 1 1

sun. If T, U, E and L stand for its kinetic energy,  G  M1  M 2   2  G  M1  M 2   2

(a) 2   (b) 2  
gravitational potential energy, total energy and  md   d 
magnitude of angular momentum about the centre of 1 1
force, which of the following is correct?  G  M1  M 2   2  G  M1  M 2   2
(c) 2   (d) 2  
(a) T is conserved  md   d 
(b) U is always positive
66. A rocket is launched vertically from the surface of the
(c) E is always negative
earth of radius R with an initial speed v. If
(d) L is conserved but direction of vector L changes atmospheric resistance is neglected, the maximum
continuously height attained by the rocket is given by
62. The earth is assumed to be a sphere of radius R A R R
(a) h  (b) h 
platform is arranged at a height R from the surface of  2gR   2gR 
 2  1  2  1
the earth. The escape velocity of a body from this  v   v 
platform is fve, where ve is its escape velocity from
 2gR   2gR 
the surface of the earth. The value of f is: (c) h  R  2  1 (d) h  R  2  1
 v   v 
1
(a) 2 (b)
2 67. The escape velocity of a body projected vertically
upwards from the surface of the earth is v. If the body
1 1
(c) (d) is projected in a direction making an angle  with the
3 2
vertical, the escape velocity would be
63. A body attains a height equal to the radius of the (a) v (b) v cos 
earth. The velocity of the body with which it was (c) v sin  (d) v tan 
projected is:
GM 2GM 68. For earth the escape velocity is 11.2 kms1. For a
(a) (b) planet whose mass and radius are twice those of the
R R
earth, the escape velocity will be
(a) 44.8 kms1 (b) 22.4 kms1
205 GRAVITATION

(c) 11.2 kms1 (d) 2.8 kms1 2GM GMe

(c) (d)
Re Re2
69. The escape velocity from the earth is ve. What is the
escape velocity from a planet whose mass and radius
75. Escape velocity from earth is 11.2 km/s. Another
are twice those of the earth?
planet of same mass has radius 1/4 times that of earth.
(a) v e (b) 2ve What is the escape velocity from another planet?
(c) 4ve (d) 16v e (a) 11.2 km/s (b) 44.8 km/s
70. A body is projected up with a velocity equal to 3/4 of (c) 22.4 km/s (d) 5.6 km/s
the escape velocity from the surface of the earth. The
76. A body attains a height equal to the radius of the
height it reaches is: (Radius of the earth = R)
earth. The velocity of the body with which it was
10R 9R projected is:
(a) (b)
9 7
GM 2GM
9R 10R (a) (b)
(c) (d) R R
8 3
5 GM 3GM
71. For a satellite escape velocity is 11 km/s. If the (c) (d)
4 R R
satellite is launched at an angle of 60° with the
vertical, then escape velocity will be 77. The ratio of the radii of the planet P1 and P2 is k. the
ratio of acceleration due to gravity on them is r. then
(a) 11 km/s (b) 11 3 m / s
the ratio of the escape velocities from them will be:
11
(c) m/s (d) 33 km/s r k
3 (a) (b)
k r
72. The escape velocity from the surface of the earth is (c) kr (d) kr
ve. The escape velocity from the surface of a planet
whose mass and radius are three times those of the 78. Knowing that the mass of moon is 1/81 times that of
earth, will be earth and its radius is 1/4 the radius of earth. If the
(a) Ve (b) 3Ve escape velocity at the surface of the earth is 11.2
km/s. Then the value of escape velocity at the surface
1
(c) 9Ve (d) of the moon is:
3Ve
(a) 2.5 km/s (b) 0.14 km/s
73. The escape velocity of a body on the surface of the (c) 5 km/s (d) 8 km/s
earth is 11.2 km/s. If the earth’s mass increases to
79. The velocity with which a projectile must be fired
twice its present value and the radius of the earth
from surface, so that it escape earth’s gravitation does
becomes half, the escape velocity would become
not depend on:
(a) 44.8 km/s
(a) mass of the earth
(b) 22.4 km/s
(b) mass of the projectile
(c) 11.2 km/s (remain unchanged)
(c) radius of the projectile’s orbit
(d) 5.6 km/s
(d) gravitational constant
74. The escape velocity of a sphere of mass m is given by
80. Four equal masses (each of mass M) are placed at the
(G = universal gravitational constant, Me = mass of
corners of a square of side a. The escape velocity of a
earth and Re = radius of earth)
body is from the centre O of the square is:
GM e 2GM e
(a) (b) 2GM 8 2GM
Re Re (a) 4 (b)
a a
GRAVITATION 206

87. There are two planet and the ratio of radius of the two
4GM 4 2GM
(c) (d) planets is K but ratio of acceleration due to gravity of
a a
both planets is g. What will be the ratio of their
81. Mass of moon is 1/81 times that of earth and its escape velocity?
1 1
radius is 1/4 of the earth radius. If the escape velocity 
(a)  Kg  2 (b)  Kg  2
on the earth’s surface is 11.2 km/s. Then its value at
the surface of moon will be (c)  Kg 
2
(d)  Kg 
2

(a) 5 km/s (b) 2.5 km/s

(c) 1.25 km/s (d) none of these 88. Escape velocity from a planet is Ve. If its mass is
increased to 8 times and its radius is increased to 2
82. The escape velocity of a body from the earth is 11.2 times, then the new escape velocity would be:
km/s. If the radius of planet be half the radius of earth (a) Ve (b) 2 Ve
and its mass be one fourth that of the earth. The
escape velocity of the planet will be: (c) 2Ve (d) 2 2 Ve
(a) 2 km/s (b) 16 km/s
89. For a satellite escape velocity is 11 km/s. If the
(c) 4 km/s (d) 8 km/s satellite is launched at an angle of 60o with the
vertical, then escape velocity will be
83. The escape velocity from earth is 11.2 kms1.
Another planet is having mass 1000 times and radius (a) 11 km/s (b) 11 3km / s
10 times that of the earth, then escape velocity at that
(c) 11 km / s (d) 33 km/s
planet will be: 3
(a) 11.2 km/s (b) 112 km/s
(c) 1.12 km/s (d) 1120 km/s
Orbital Velocity
84. A satellite with kinetic energy EK is revolving round
the earth in a circular orbit. How much more kinetic 90. Choose the wrong statement. The orbital velocity of a
energy should be given to it, so that it may just escape body in a stable orbit around a planet depends upon
into outer space:
(a) the average radius of the planet
(a) E K (b) 2EK
(b) the height of the body above the planet
1 (c) the acceleration due to gravity at surface
(c) EK (d) 3EK
2 (d) the mass of the orbiting body
85. The escape velocity from earth is Ve. If the mass of a 91. An object weights W newton on earth. It is suspended
certain planet is 3 times and radius 3 times that of from the lower end of a spring balance whose upper
earth, then the escape velocity from the planet will end is fixed to the ceiling of a space capsule in a
be: stable orbit around the earth. The reading of the
(a) 3 ve (b) 6 ve spring balance will be
(c) 3 ve (d) ve (a) W (b) less than W
(c) more than W (d) zero
86. The escape velocity of sphere of mass m will be:
(G = universal gravitation constant, Me = mass of the 92. Two satellites of masses 3M and M orbit the earth in
earth, Re = radius of the earth) circular orbits of radii r and 3r respectively. The ratio
2GM e  R e 2GM e m of their speeds is
(a) (b)
Re Re (a) 1:1 (b) 3 :1

2GM e GM (c) 3:1 (d) 9 :1

(c) (d)
Re Re
207 GRAVITATION

93. The gravitational force between two objects is 99. Two satellites of earth, S1 and S2, are moving in the
proportional to 1/R (and not as 1/R2) where R is same orbit. The mass of S1 is four times the mass of
separation between them, then a particle in circular S2. Which one of the following statements is true?
orbit under such a force would have its orbital speed (a) The time period of S1 is four times that of S2
v proportional to
(b) The potential energies of earth and satellite in the
1 0 two cases are equal
(a) 2 (b) R
R (c) S1 and S2 are moving with the same speed
1 (d) The kinetic energies of the two satellite are equal
(c) R 1 (d)
R
100. Two identical satellites are at R and 7R away from
94. The ratio of the escape velocity of an earth satellite to earth surface, the wrong statement is (R = Radius of
its orbital velocity is very nearly equal to earth)
(a) 2 (b) 2 (a) Ratio of total energy will be 4

1 1 (b) Ratio of kinetic energies will be 4

(c) (d) (c) Ratio of potential energies will be 4
2 2
(d) Ratio of total energy will be 4 but ratio of
95. Two satellites of mass m1 and m2 (m1 > m2) are going potential and kinetic energies will be 2
around the earth in orbit of radius r1 and r2 (r1 > r2).
Which one statement about their velocities is correct? 101. Two satellites A and B go round a planet in circular
orbits having radii 4R and R, respectively. If the
v1 v 2
(a)  (b) v1  v 2 speed of satellite A is 3v, then speed of satellite B is
r1 r2
3v 4v
(c) v1  v 2 (d) v1  v 2 (a) (b)
2 2

96. If v0 be orbital velocity of a satellite in a circular (c) 6v (d) 12v

orbital close to the earth’s surface and Ve is escape
102. Calculate the orbital velocity of the earth so that the
velocity from earth, then relation between the two is:
satellite revolves around the earth if the radous of
(a) ve  2vo (b) ve  3 vo earth R  6.5  106 m, the mass of earth
(c) ve  2 vo (d) vo  v e M  5.9722 1024 kg and gravitational constant
G  6.67408 1011 m3 kg 1s 2
97. A satellite of mass m is put into a circular orbit of
height h from the surface of the earth (mass = Me, (a) 7.5 109 km / s (b) 7.5 1010 m / s
radius = Re). The orbital speed of satellite is
(c) 7.5 109 km / s (d) 7.5  1010 km / s
 2GM e h   2GM e 
(a)   (b)   103. Assume that a satellite orbits earth 225 km above its
 R e  R e  h     R e  h  
surface. Given that the mass of Earth is 5.97 x 1024 kg
 GMe   GMe  and the radius of Earth is 6.38 x 106 m, what is the
(c)   (d)   satellite’s orbital speed?
  R e  h    2  R e  h  
(a) 7  103 km / s (b) 7.76 103 m / s
98. A seconds pendulum is mounted in a rocket. Its (c) 7.76 103 km / s (d) 7  103 m / s
period of oscillation decreases when the rocket
(a) comes down with uniform acceleration
(b) moves round the earth in a geostationary orbit Motion and Mechanical Energy of Satellite
(c) moves up with a uniform velocity
(d) moves up with uniform acceleration 104. Two satellites of the same mass are orbiting round the
earth at heights of R and 4R above the earth’s
GRAVITATION 208

surface: R being the radius of the earth. Their kinetic velocity. Then its height above the surface of earth of
energies are in the ratio of radius R, is:
(a) 4 :1 (b) 3: 2 R R
(a) (b)
(c) 4:3 (d) 5: 2 4 2
(c) 2 R (d) R
105. An artificial satellite moving in a circular orbit
around the earth has a total (kinetic + potential) 111. A planet of mass m moves around the sun of mass M
energy E0. Its potential energy is in an elliptical orbit. The maximum and minimum
distance of the planet from the sun are r1 and r2
(a) E0 (b) 1.5 E 0
respectively. The time period of the planet is
(c) 2 E 0 (d) E0 proportional to:
2 3
106. A ball is dropped from a satellite revolving around (a) r15 (b)  r1  r2  2
the earth at a height of 120 km. The ball will:
3 3
(a) continue to move with same speed along a straight (c)  r1  r2  2 (d) r 2
line tangentially to the satellite at that time
(b) continue to move with the same speed along the 112. An earth satellite is kept moving in orbit by the
original orbit of satellite centripetal force provided by
(c) fall doom to earth gradually (a) the burning of fuel in its engine
(d) go far away in space (b) the ejection of hot gases from its exhaust
(c) the gravitational attraction of the sun
107. The satellite of mass m is orbiting around the earth in
a circular orbit with a velocity v. What will be its (d) the gravitational attraction of the earth
total energy?
113. An instrument package is released from an orbiting
3 1 earth satellite by simply detaching it from the outer
(a) mv 2 (b) mv 2
4 2 wall of the satellite. The package will
1 (a) go away from the earth and get lost in outer space
(c) mv 2 (d)    mv 2
2 (b) fall to the surface of the earth
(c) continue moving along with the satellite in the
108. For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth, the same orbit and with the same velocity
ratio of kinetic energy to magnitude potential energy
(d) fall through a certain distance and then move in an
is
orbit around the earth.
1
(a) 2 (b)
2 114. A satellite is moving around the earth in a stable
circular orbit. Which one of the following statements
1
(c) (d) 2 will be wrong for such a satellite?
2
(a) It is moving at a constant speed.
109. A geostationary satellite orbits around the earth in a (b) Its angular momentum remains constant.
circular orbit of radius 36000 km. Then, the time (c) It is acted upon by a force directed away from the
period of satellite orbiting a few hundred kilometres centre of the earth which counter balances the
above the earth’s surface (Rearth = 6400 km) will gravitational pull of the earth.
approximately be
(d) It behaves as if it were a freely falling body.
1
(a) h (b) 1 h
2 115. Potential energy of a satellite having mass m and
(c) 2 h (d) 4 h rotating at a height of 6.4 × 106 m from the earth
surface is:
110. An artificial satellite is revolving around the earth in (a) 0.2 mg Re (b) 2 mg Re
a circular orbit. If its speed is half of the escape
(c) 0.5 mg Re (d) mg Re
209 GRAVITATION

116. The distance of a geostationary satellite from the r r

(a) (b)
centre of earth (radius R = 6400 km) is nearest to: 2 2 2
(a) 18 R (b) 10 R r r
(c) 1
(d) 1
(c) 7 R (d) 5 R
 4 3  2 3
117. Two satellite A and B go around a planet P in circular
orbits having radius 4R and R respectively. If the Kepler’s Law
speed of satellite A is 3v, then the speed of satellite B
will be:
123. A satellite is orbiting the earth in a circular orbit of
(a) 6 v (b) 9 v
radius r. Its period of revolution varies as
(c) 3 v (d) none of these
(a) r (b) r
118. A geostationary satellite has a orbit period: 3

(a) 2 h (b) 6 h (c) r 2

(d) r 2

(c) 12 h (d) 24 h 124. A satellite of mass m is in a stable circular orbit

around the earth at an altitude of about 100
119. The period of revolution of an earth’s satellite close
kilometres. If M is the mass of the earth, R its radius
to surface of earth is 90 min. The time period of
and g the acceleration due to gravity, the time period
another satellite in an orbit at a distance of four times
T of the revolution of the satellite is given by
the radius of earth from its surface will be:
g
(a) 9 0 9 m in (b) 720 min (a) T  2  R (b) T  2 
g R
(c) 450 5 min (d) 360 min
(c) T  2  M R (d) T  2  m R
mg Mg
120. By what percent the energy of a satellite has to be
3
increased to shift it from an orbit of radius r to r ? 125. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R
2 around the earth. A second satellite is launched into
(a) 15% (b) 20.30% an orbit of radius 1.01R. The period of the second
(c) 66.7% (d) 33.33% satellite is longer than that of the first by
approximately
121. The mean radius of earth is R, its angular speed on its
(a) 0.5% (b) 1.0%
own axis is  and the acceleration due to gravity at
(c) 1.5% (d) 3.0%
earth’s surface is g. What will be the radius of the
orbit of a geostationary satellite? 126. If the distance between the earth and the sun were
1 1 half its present value, the number of days in a year
 R 2g  3
 Rg  3
(a)  2  (b)  2  would have been
    
(a) 64.5 (b) 129
1 1
(c) 182.5 (d) 730
 R 2 2  3  R 2g  3
(c)   (d)  
 g     127. Two satellites A and B of masses m1 and m2 (m1 =
2m2) are moving in circular orbits of radii r1 and r2 (r1
122. A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around a = 4r2), respectively, around the earth. If their periods
planet at a distance r from the centre of the planet. If are TA and TB, then the ratio TA/TB is
the angular velocity of the planet about its axis (a) 4 (b) 16
doubles, a satellite can now be in a geostationary
(c) 2 (d) 8
orbit around the planet if its distance from the centre
of the planet is 128. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a
height of 6R above the surface of the earth; R being
GRAVITATION 210

the radius of the earth. What will be the time period

of another satellite at a height 2.5 R from the surface
of the earth?
(a) 6 2 hours (b) 6 2.5 hours
(c) 6 3 hours (d) 12 hours

129. Two satellites A and B are orbiting around the earth

in circular orbits of the same radius. The mass of A is
16 times that of B. the ratio of the period of (a) t2 > t1 (b) t1 = 4t2
revolution of B to that of A is (c) t1 = 2t2 (d) t1 = t2
(a) 1 : 16 (b) 1 : 4
(c) 1 : 2 (d) 1 : 1 135. The radius vector, drawn from the sun to a planet,
sweeps out equal areas in equal times. This is the
130. The period of revolution of planet A round the sun is statement of:
8 times that of B. The distance of A from the sun is (a) Newton’s third law (b) Kepler’s third law
how many times that of B from the sun? (c) Kepler’s second law (d) Kepler’s first law
(a) 5 (b) 4
(c) 3 (d) 2 136. Assertion: The comet does not obey Kepler’s law of
planetary motion.
131. The largest and the shortest distance of the earth from Reason: The comet does not have elliptical orbit.
the sun are r1 and r2. Its distance from the sun when it (a) A (b) B
is perpendicular to the major axis of the orbit drawn
(c) C (d) D
from the sun
r1  r2 r1  r2 137. Assertion: The square of the period of revolution of a
(a) (b)
4 r1  r2 planet is proportional to the cube of its distance from
the sun. [Assuming circular orbit]
2r1 r2 r1  r2
(c) (d) Reason: Sun’s gravitation field is inversely
r1  r2 3 proportional to the square of its distance from the
planet:
132. The distances of two planets from the sun are 1013
(a) A (b) B
and 1012 m respectively. The ratio of time periods of
these two planets is: (c) C (d) D
1 138. The earth rotates about the sun in an elliptical orbit as
(a) (b) 100
10 shown in figure. At which point its velocity will be
(c) 10 10 (d) 10
maximum?

133. A satellite A of mass m is at a distance r from the

surface of the earth. Another satellite B of mass 2 m
is at a distance of 2r from the earth’s surface. Their
time periods are in the ratio of
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 16
(c) 1 : 32 (d) 1: 2 2
(a) At C (b) At A
134. The figure shows elliptical orbit of a planet m about
the sun S. The shared area SCD is twice the shaded (c) At D (d) At B
area SAB. If t1 is the time for the planet to move from
139. If the radius of earth’s orbit is made one fourth, the
C to D and t2 is the time to move from A to B, then duration of a year will become:
211 GRAVITATION

1 1 146. Earth is revolving around the sun. If the distance of

(a) times (b) times
4 8 1
the earth from the sun is reduced to th of the
(c) 4 times (d) 8 times 4
present distance, then the length of present day will
140. An earth satellite S has an orbit radius which is 4 be reduced by:
times that of communication satellite C. The period 1 1
of revolution of S will be: (a) (b)
4 2
(a) 32 days (b) 18 days
1 1
(c) 8 days (d) 9 days (c) (d)
8 6
141. The time period of planet X around the sun is 8 times
147. The radius of orbit of a planet is two times that of the
that of Y. The distance of X from the sun is how
earth. The time period of planet is: [T being time
many times greater than that of the sun?
period of Earth]
1 (a) 4.2 T (b) 2.8 T
(a) 5 times (b) 4 times
2 (c) 5.6 T (d) 8.4 T
(c) 3 times (d) none of these
148. Suppose the gravitational force varies inversely as the
nth power of the distance. The time period of a planet
142. A satellite orbiting the circular orbit of radius R
in circular orbit of radius R around the sun will be
completes one revolution in 3 h. If orbital radius of
proportional to:
geostationary satellite is 36000 km, the orbital radius
R of satellite is:  n 1  n  1
(a) R 2 (b) R 2
(a) 6000 km (b) 9000 km
(c) R n 1 (d) R n 1
(c) 12000 km (d) 15000 km
143. A satellite of mass m, moving around the earth in a 149. A planet revolves around the sun in an elliptical orbit.
circular orbit of radius R, has angular momentum L. The linear speed of the planet will be maximum at
The areal velocity of satellite is: (Me = mass of earth)
L L
(a) (b)
2m m
2L 2L
(c) (d)
m Me

144. A satellite in a circular orbit of radius R has a period

of 4 h. Another satellite with orbital radius 3 R (a) D (b) B
around the same planet will have a period (in hours) (c) A (d) C
(a) 16 (b) 4
150. The orbital angular momentum of a satellite
(c) 4 27 (d) 4 8 revolving at a distance r form the center is L. If the
distance is increased to 16r, then the new angular
145. The radius of orbit of a planet is two times that of the momentum will be
earth. The time period of planet is:
(a) 16 L (b) 64 L
(a) 4.2 T (b) 2.8 T
L
(c) 5.6 T (d) 8.4 T (c) (d) 4L
4
GRAVITATION 212

EXERCISE – 2: Previous Year Questions

mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude
1. Two particles of equal mass m go around a circle of of 2R? [NEET 2013]
radius R under the action of their mutual gravitational
attraction. The speed of each particle with respect to 5GmM 2GmM
(a) (b)
their centre of mass is [NEET 2011] 6R 3R

Gm Gm GmM GmM
(a) (b) (c) (d)
R 4R 2R 3R
Gm Gm
(c) (d)
3R 2R
6. Four particles, each of mass M and equidistant from
2. Two bodies of masses m and 4 m are placed at a each other, move along a circle of radius R under the
distance r. The gravitational potential at a point on the action of their mutual gravitational attraction. The
line joining them where the gravitational field is zero, speed of each particle is [NEET 2014]
is [NEET 2011]
GM GM
(a) 2 2 (b) (1  2 2 )
4Gm 6Gm R R
(a)  (b) 
r r
1 GM GM
(c) (1  2 2) (d)
9Gm 2 R R
(c)  (d) zero
r
7. A black hole is an object whose gravitational field is
3. A satellite is moving with a constant speed v in a so strong that even light cannot escape from it. To
circular orbit about the earth. An object of mass m is what approximate radius would earth (mass
ejected from the satellite such that it just escapes  5.98  10 24 kg ) have to be compressed to be a black
from the gravitational pull of the earth. At the time of hole? [NEET 2014]
its ejection, the kinetic energy of the object is:
[NEET 2011] (a) 102 m (b) 100 m

1 2 (c) 109 m (d) 106 m

(a) mv (b) mv 2
2
8. Two spherical bodies of mass M and 5M and radii R
3 2 and 2 R are released in free space with initial
(c) mv (d) 2mv2
2 separation between their centres equal to 12 R. If they
attract each other due to gravitational force only, then
4. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a
the distance covered by the smaller body before
height of 5R above the surface of the earth, R being
collision is: [NEET 2015]
the radius of the earth. The time period of another
satellite in hours at a height of 2R from the surface of (a) 1.5 R (b) 2.5 R
the earth is [AIPMT 2012]
(c) 4.5 R (d) 7.5 R
6
(a) (b) 5
2 9. From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R, a
spherical portion of radius R / 2 is removed, as shown
(c) 10 (d) 6 2 in the figure. Taking gravitational potential V=0 at
r   , the potential at the centre of the cavity thus
5. What is the minimum energy required to launch a formed is (G = gravitational constant)
satellite of mass m from the surface of a planet of [NEET 2015]
213 GRAVITATION

14. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height '

h ' from the earth's surface (radius of earth R; h<<R).
The minimum increase in its orbital velocity required,
so that the satellite could escape from the earth’s
gravitational field, is close to: (Neglect the effect of
atmosphere.) [NEET 2016]
gR
(a) gR (b)
2
2GM 2GM (c) g R ( 2  1) (d) 2gR
(a) (b)
3R R 15. Two astronauts are floating in gravitational free space
after having lost contact with their spaceship. The
GM GM
(c) (d) two will: [NEET 2017]
2R R
(a) move away from each other
10. A satellite of mass m is orbiting the earth (of radius (b) will become stationary
R) at a height h from its surface. The total energy of (c) keep floating at the same distance between them.
the satellite in terms of g0 , the value of acceleration (d) move towards each other.
due to gravity at the earth’s surface, is
16. The acceleration due to gravity at a height 1 km
[NEET 2016]
above the earth is the same as at a depth d below the
surface of earth. Then: [NEET 2017]
2 2mg0 R2
(a)  mg 0 R (b)
2(R  h) Rh 1
(a) d  km (b) d  1km
2
2mg0 R 2 2
3
(c)  (d) mg 0 R (c) d  km (d) d  2km
Rh 2(R  h) 2

11. The ratio of escape velocity at earth (ve) to the escape 17. Assertion: Orbital velocity of a satellite is greater
velocity at a planet (vp) whose radius and mean than its escape velocity.
density are twice as that of earth is: [NEET 2016] Reason: Orbit of a satellite is within the gravitational
field of earth whereas escaping is beyond the
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1: 2 2 gravitational field of earth. [NEET 2017]
(a) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is a
(c) 1 : 4 (d) 1 : 2
correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is
12. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height
not a correct explanation for assertion.
‘h’ from the earth’s surface (radius of earth R; h <<
R). The minimum increase in its orbital velocity (c) Assertion is correct, reason is incorrect.
required, so that the satellite could escape from the (d) Assertion is incorrect, reason is correct.
earth’s gravitational field, is close to : (Neglect the 18. The variation of acceleration due to gravity g with
effect of atmosphere.) [NEET 2016] distance d from centre of the earth is best represented
gR by (R = Earth's radius): [NEET 2017]
(a) gR (b)
2
(c) g R ( 2  1) (d) 2gR

13. At what height from the surface of earth the

gravitation potential and the value of g are –5.4 × 107
J kg–2 and 6.0 ms–2 respectively? Take the radius of (a) (b)
earth as 6400 km: [NEET 2016]
(a) 2600 km (b) 1600 km
(c) 1400 km (d) 2000 km
GRAVITATION 214

(a) A is located in the southern hemisphere and B is

located in the northern hemisphere.
(b) A is located in the northern hemisphere and B is
located in the southern hemisphere.
(c) (d) (c) A and B are both located in the southern
19. A The kinetic energies of a planet in an elliptical orbit hemisphere.
about the Sun, at positions A, B and C are KA, KB and (d) A and B are both located in the northern
KC, respectively. AC is the major axis and SB is hemisphere.
perpendicular to AC at the position of the Sun S as 24. Two If radius of the earth is 6347 km, then what will
shown in the figure. Then [NEET 2018] be difference between acceleration of free fall and
acceleration due to gravity near the earth's surface?
[NEET 2019]
(a) 0.3400 (b) 0.0340
(c) 0.0034 (d) 0.24
25. Find gravitational field at a distance of 2000 KM
from centre of earth (Given
(a) K B  K A  K C (b) K A  K B  K C R earth  6400 km , r  2000 km , M earth  6  10 24 kg )

(c) K A  K B  K C (d) K B  K A  K C [NEET 2019]

2
20. If the mass of the Sun were ten times smaller and the (a) 1.53 m / s (b) 7.12 m / s 2
universal gravitational constant were ten times larger (c) 3.06 m / s 2 (d) 1.8 m / s 2
z
in magnitude, which of the following is not correct?
26. A body weighs 72 N on the surface of the earth.
[NEET 2018] What is the gravitational force on it, at a height
(a) Time period of a simple pendulum on the Earth equal to half the radius of the earth?[NEET 2020]
would decrease (a) 30N (b) 24N
(b) Walking on the ground would become more (c) 48N (d) 32N
difficult 27. The escape velocity from the Earth’s surface is v.
(c) Raindrops will fall faster The escape velocity from the surface of another
planet having a radius, four times that of Earth and
(d) ‘g’ on the Earth will not change
same mass density is:[NEET 2021]
21. A body weighs 200 N on the surface of the earth. (a) 3v (b) v
How much will it weigh half way down to the centre
of the earth? [NEET 2019] (c) 4v (d) 2v

(a) 200 N (b) 250 N 28. A particle of mass ‘m’ is projected with a velocity
u  kVe  k  1 from the surface of the eatth.
(c) 100 N (d) 150 N
22. The work done to raise a mass m from the surface of ( Ve  escape velocity)
the earth to a height h, which is equal to the radius of The maximum height above the surface reached by
the earth, is: [NEET 2019] the particle is: [NEET 2021]
1 R2k Rk 2
(a) 2mgR (b) mgR (a) (b)
2 1 k 1 k2
2 2
3  k   k 
(c) mgR (d) mgR (c) R   (d) R  
2 1 k  1 k 
23. At a point A on the earth’s surface the angle of dip, 29. A body of mass 60g experiences a gravitational
force of 3.0N, when placed at a particular point. The
= + 25°. At a point B on the earth’s surface the
magnitude of the gravitational field intensity at that
angle of dip,  = – 25°. We can interpret that:
point is: (NEET 2022)
[NEET 2019]
(a) 0.05 N/kg (b) 50 N/g
(c) 20 N/g (d) 180 N/kg
215 GRAVITATION

EXERCISE – 3: Achiever’s Section

6. The depth d at which the value of acceleration due to
1. Three identical point masses, each of mass 1kg lie in
the x-y plane at points (0, 0), (0, 0.2m) and (0.2m, 0). 1
gravity becomes times the value at the surface, is
The net gravitational force on the mass at the origin is n
[R = radius of the earth]
(a) 1.67  10 9 i  j N
  (b) 3.34 1010 i  j N
  R  n 1
(a) (b) R  
(c) 1.67  10 9
i  j N (d) 3.34  10 10
i  j N n  n 
R  n 
(c) (d) R  
2. Four particles of masses m, 2m, 3m and 4m are kept n2  n 1
in sequence at the corners of a square of side a. The
magnitude of gravitational force acting on a particle 7. At what distance from the centre of the earth, the
of mass m placed at the centre of the square will be value of acceleration due to gravity g will be half that
on the surface (R = radius of earth)
24m 2 G 6m2 G
(a) (b) (a) 2 R (b) R
a2 a2
(c) 4 R (d) 0.5 R
4 2Gm 2
(c) (d) zero
a2 8. Suppose a vertical tunnel is dug along the diameter of
earth assumed to be a sphere of uniform mass having
3. The distance of the centres of moon and earth is D.
density . If a body of mass m is thrown in this
The mass of earth is 81 times the mass of the moon.
tunnel, its acceleration at a distance y from the centre
At what distance from the centre of the earth, the
is given by
gravitational force will be zero
(a) D/2 (b) 2D/3
(c) 4D/3 (d) 9D/10

4. Two planets have the same average density but their

radii are R1 and R2. If acceleration due to gravity on
these planets be g1 and g2 respectively, then
g1 R1 g1 R 2
(a)  (b) 
g2 R 2 g 2 R1
2 3 4 3
g1 R 1 g1 R 1 (a) Gym (b) Gy
(c)  2 (d)  3 3 4
g2 R 2 g2 R 2
4 4
(c) y (d) G y
5. Assume that the acceleration due to gravity on the 3 3
surface of the moon is 0.2 times the acceleration due
9. At what height above the earth’s surface is the
to gravity on the surface of the earth. If R e is the
acceleration due to gravity 1% less than its value at
maximum range of a projectile on the earth’s surface,
the surface? [R = 6400 km]
what is the maximum range on the surface of the
moon for the same velocity of projection (a) 16 km (b) 32 km

(a) 0.2 R e (b) 2 R e (c) 64 km (d) 3 2 2 k m

(c) 0.5 R e (d) 5 R e 10. Two concentric shells of mass M1 and M2 are having
radii r1 and r2. Which of the following is the correct
expression for the gravitational field on a mass m.
GRAVITATION 216

GMm GMm
(a) (b)
8r 2 4r 2
3 GMm GMm
(c) (d)
8r 2 16r 2

13. A solid sphere of radius R/2 is cut out of a solid

sphere of radius R such that the spherical cavity so
formed touches the surface on one side and the centre
of the sphere on the other side, as shown. The initial
mass of the solid sphere was M. If a particle of mass
m is placed at a distance 2.5 R from the centre of the
cavity, then what is the gravitational attraction on the
mass m?
G  M1  M 2 
(a) I  for r  r1
r2
G  M1  M 2 
(b) I  for r  r2
r2
M2
(c) I  G for r1  r  r2
r2
GM1 GMm GMm
(d) I  for r1  r  r2 (a) (b)
r2 R2 2R 2
GMm 23 GMm
11. A spherical shell is cut into two pieces along a chord (c) (d)
8R 2 100 R 2
as shown in the figure. P is a point on the plane of the
chord. The gravitational field at P due to the upper
14. A solid sphere of uniform density and radius R
part is I1 and that due to the lower part is I2. What is
applies a gravitational force of attraction equal to F1
the relation between them
on a particle placed at a distance 2R from the centre
of the sphere. A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is now
made in the sphere as shown in the figure. The sphere
with the cavity now applies a gravitational force F2
on the same particle. The ratio F1/F2 is

1 3
(a) (b)
(a) I1  I 2 (b) I1  I 2
2 4
7 9
(c) I1  I 2 (d) No definite relation (c) (d)
8 7
12. A uniform ring of mass m and radius r is placed
15. The following figure shows two shells of masses m1
directly above a uniform sphere of mass M and of
and m2. The shells are concentric. At which point, a
equal radius. The centre of the ring is at a distance
particle of mass m shall experience zero force?
3 r from the centre of the sphere. The gravitational
force exerted by the sphere on the ring will be
217 GRAVITATION

Gm2 Gm2
(a) (b)
4L2 2L2
Gm2 Gm2  4 
(c) (d) n  
9L2 L2 3
(a) A (b) B
19. Two rings having masses M and 2M, respectively,
(c) C (d) D
having same radius are placed coaxially as shown in
16. A solid sphere of uniform density and mass M has figure.
radius 4 m. Its centre is at the origin of the coordinate
system. Two spheres of radii 1 m are taken out so,
that their centres are at P (0, 2, 0) and Q (0, 2, 0),
respectively. This leaves two spherical cavities. What
is the gravitational field at the origin of the coordinate
axes?

If the mass distribution on both the rings is non-

uniform, the gravitational potential at point P is
GM  1 2 
(a)    
R  2 5

GM  2 
(b)  1
R  2 
(c) zero
(d) cannot be determined from given information
31GM GM
(a) (b)
1024 1024 20. The change in potential energy, when a body of mass
(c) 31GM (d) zero m is raised to a height nR from the earth’s surface is
(R = Radios of earth)
17. Gravitational field at the centre of a semicircle n
formed by a thin wire AB of mass m and length l is: (a) mgR (b) nmgR
n 1
n2 n
(c) mgR (d) mgR
n2  1 n 1

21. Two bodies of masses m and M are placed a distance

d apart. The gravitational potential at the position
where the gravitational field due to them is zero is V,
Gm Gm then
(a) along  x axis (b) along  y axis
2  2 G Gm
(a) V    m  M (b) V  
2Gm 2Gm d d
(c) along  x axis (d) along  y axis
 2
2 GM G 2
(c) V  
d
(d) V  
d
 m M 
18. Two identical thin uniform rods of mass m and length
L are placed as shown in figure. The gravitational 22. P is a point at a distance r from the centre of a solid
interaction force between the two rods is sphere of radius a. The gravitational potential at P is
GRAVITATION 218

V. If V is plotted as a function of r, which is the (B) If both ASSERTION and REASON are true but
correct curves? reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(C) If ASSERTION is true but REASON is false.
(D) If both ASSERTION and REASON are false.
(E) If ASSERTION is false but REASON is true.

26. Assertion: If earth suddenly stops rotating about its

(a) (b)
axis, then the value of acceleration due to gravity will
become same at all the places.
Reason: The value of acceleration due to gravity is
independent of rotation of earth.
(a) A (b) B
(c) (d) (c) C (d) D
Assertion and Reason
23. A satellite is moving around the earth with speed v in
a circular orbit of radius r. If the orbit radius is (A) If both ASSERTION and REASON are true and
decreased by 1%, its speed will reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(a) Increase by 1% (b) Increase by 0.5% (B) If both ASSERTION and REASON are true but
reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Decrease by 1% (d) Decrease by 0.5%
(C) If ASSERTION is true but REASON is false.
24. The figure shows the motion of a planet around the (D) If both ASSERTION and REASON are false.
sun in an elliptical orbit with sun at the focus. The
(E) If ASSERTION is false but REASON is true.
shaded areas A and B are also shown in the figure
which can be assumed to be equal. If t1 and t2 27. Assertion: Orbital velocity of a satellite is greater
represent the time for the planet to move from a to b than its escape velocity.
and d to c respectively, then
Reason: Orbit of a satellite is within the gravitational
field of earth whereas escaping is beyond the
gravitational field of earth.
(a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) E
Assertion and Reason
(A) If both ASSERTION and REASON are true and
(a) t1  t 2 (b) t1  t 2 reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

(c) t1  t 2 (d) t1  t 2 (B) If both ASSERTION and REASON are true but
reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
25. Four particles, each of mass M move along a circle of (C) If ASSERTION is true but REASON is false.
radius R under the action of their mutual gravitational (D) If both ASSERTION and REASON are false.
attraction. The speed of each particle is
(E) If ASSERTION is false but REASON is true.
GM GM
(a) (b) 2 2 28. Assertion: We can not move even a finger without
R R
disturbing all the stars.
GM GM  2 2  1  Reason: Every body in this universe attracts every
(c)
R

2 2 1  (d) 
R  4 

other body with a force which is inversely
proportional to the square of distance between them.
Assertion and Reason
(a) A (b) B
(A) If both ASSERTION and REASON are true and
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. (c) C (d) D
219 GRAVITATION

Assertion and Reason

(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True;
Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 True, Statement-2 is True;
Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement-1.
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False.
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True.

29. Statement -1: A spherically symmetric shell

produces no gravitational field anywhere.
Statement - 2: The field due to various mass
elements cancels out, everywhere inside the shell.
(a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) D
Assertion and Reason
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True;
Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 True, Statement-2 is True;
Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement-1.
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False.
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True.

30. Statement -1: For a satellite revolving very near to

earth’s surface the time period of revolution is given
by 1 h 24 min.
Statement-2: The period of revolution of a satellite
depends only upon its height above the earth's
surface.
(a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) D
GRAVITATION 220

Notes:

Find Answer Key and Detailed Solutions at the end of this book.

GRAVITATION
ANSWER KEY 221

Answer Key
CHAPTER 5: WORK, ENERGY AND POWER
EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

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1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 121. (d) 122. (a) 123. (b) 124. (a)
5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (c) 125. (b) 126. (a) 127. (b) 128. (a)
9. (d) 10. (b) 11. (d) 12. (b) 129. (c) 130. (a) 131. (d) 132. (d)
13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (a) 133. (b) 134. (a) 135. (a) 136. (d)
17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20. (c) 137. (d) 138. (b) 139. (a)
21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (a) 24. (a)
25. (a) 26. (b) 27. (a) 28. (c)
29. (b) 30. (c) 31. (a) 32. (b)
33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (c) 36. (c)
37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (d) 40. (a)
41. (a) 42. (c) 43. (a) 44. (a)
45. (d) 46. (a) 47. (a) 48. (b)
49. (a) 50. (d) 51. (a) 52. (d)
53. (a) 54. (c) 55. (d) 56. (a)
57. (a) 58. (b) 59. (a) 60. (d)
61. (a) 62. (d) 63. (c) 64. (b)
65. (d) 66. (d) 67. (a) 68. (d)
69. (a) 70. (b) 71. (d) 72. (a)
73. (c) 74. (b) 75. (a) 76. (b)
77. (a) 78. (b) 79. (b) 80. (d)
81. (b) 82. (a) 83. (b) 84. (a)
85. (c) 86. (a) 87. (b) 88. (c)
89. (b) 90. (b) 91. (a) 92. (b)
93. (b) 94. (a) 95. (b) 96. (b)
97. (b) 98. (d) 99. (b) 100. (b)
101. (c) 102. (a) 103. (a) 104. (a)
105. (d) 106. (d) 107. (c) 108. (b)
109. (a) 110. (c) 111. (c) 112. (b)
113. (a) 114. (b) 115. (b) 116. (a)
117. (b) 118. (c) 119. (b) 120. (a)
222 ANSWER KEY

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1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (c)
5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (b) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (b)
9. (d) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (b) 9. (b) 10. (b) 11. (c) 12. (c)
13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (c) 16. (b) 13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (b)
17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (b) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (d) 22. (c) 21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (c)
25. (c) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (a)
29. (a) 30. (c)
ANSWER KEY 223

Answer Key
CHAPTER 6: CIRCULAR MOTION
EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

DIRECTION FOR USE

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1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 125. (d) 126. (a) 127. (b) 128. (c)
5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (d) 129. (b) 130. (c) 131. (c) 132. (c)
9. (b) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (b) 133. (a) 134. (d) 135. (a) 136. (a)
13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (c) 16. (d) 137. (c) 138. (d) 139. (c) 140. (b)
17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (d) 20. (c) 141. (d) 142. (a) 143. (d) 144. (c)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (b) 145. (c) 146. (c) 147. (c) 148. (b)
25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (d) 149. (b) 150. (b)
29. (d) 30. (b) 31. (a) 32. (c)
33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (d)
37. (d) 38. (c) 39. (a) 40. (c)
41. (a) 42. (d) 43. (c) 44. (a)
45. (c) 46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (c)
49. (b) 50. (b) 51. (c) 52. (c)
53. (d) 54. (a) 55. (b) 56. (c)
57. (a) 58. (b) 59. (b) 60. (c)
61. (c) 62. (a) 63. (a) 64. (b)
65. (b) 66. (c) 67. (b) 68. (b)
69. (a) 70. (b) 71. (b) 72. (a)
73. (b) 74. (a) 75. (b) 76. (d)
77. (b) 78. (b) 79. (b) 80. (a)
81. (d) 82. (c) 83. (c) 84. (a)
85. (b) 86. (c) 87. (a) 88. (b)
89. (c) 90. (b) 91. (a) 92. (a)
93. (d) 94. (b) 95. (c) 96. (c)
97. (b) 98. (d) 99. (c) 100. (c)
101. (b) 102. (b) 103. (d) 104. (a)
105. (c) 106. (c) 107. (a) 108. (c)
109. (d) 110. (d) 111. (a) 112. (c)
113. (c) 114. (a) 115. (b) 116. (a)
117. (c) 118. (c) 119. (d) 120. (c)
121. (c) 122. (d) 123. (b) 124. (d)
224 ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE– 2: Previous Year Questions EXERCISE – 3: Achiever’s Section

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1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (d)
5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (a) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (d)
9. (c) 10. (d) 11. (a) 12. (c) 9. (b) 10. (a) 11. (a) 12. (d)
13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (a)
17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (d) 17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (b) 24. (c) 21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (c)
25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (b) 28. (c) 25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (b)
29. (b) 30. (d) 31. (d) 32. (d) 29. (b) 30. (b)
33. (b) 34. (c) 35. (b) 36. (b)
37. (d) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (d)
41. (a) 42. (c) 43. (c) 44. (c)
45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (c) 48. (b)
ANSWER KEY 225

Answer Key
CHAPTER 7: COM, MOMENTUM & COLLISIONS
EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

DIRECTION FOR USE

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1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (d) 121. (c) 122. (c) 123. (a) 124. (c)
5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (b) 125. (d) 126. (b) 127. (b) 128. (b)
9. (d) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (a) 129. (d) 130. (b) 131. (a) 132. (a)
13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (d) 133. (c) 134. (c) 135. (b) 136. (a)
17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (d) 137. (a) 138. (d) 139. (d) 140. (b)
21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (d) 141. (a) 142. (c) 143. (d) 144. (b)
25. (c) 26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (b) 145. (c)
29. (b) 30. (c) 31. (a) 32. (d)
33. (d) 34. (d) 35. (d) 36. (c)
37. (b) 38. (b) 39. (b) 40. (d)
41. (c) 42. (c) 43. (d) 44. (c)
45. (d) 46. (a) 47. (d) 48. (c)
49. (d) 50. (d) 51. (c) 52. (d)
53. (c) 54. (c) 55. (c) 56. (a)
57. (c) 58. (b) 59. (a) 60. (d)
61. (c) 62. (b) 63. (a) 64. (c)
65. (a) 66. (c) 67. (a) 68. (c)
69. (b) 70. (c) 71. (a) 72. (d)
73. (c) 74. (a) 75. (c) 76. (a)
77. (d) 78. (b) 79. (c) 80. (b)
81. (b) 82. (d) 83. (a) 84. (d)
85. (c) 86. (d) 87. (a) 88. (b)
89. (c) 90. (c) 91. (c) 92. (b)
93. (c) 94. (a) 95. (d) 96. (a)
97. (c) 98. (c) 99. (d) 100. (d)
101. (c) 102. (d) 103. (d) 104. (d)
105. (b) 106. (a) 107. (a) 108. (a)
109. (c) 110. (a) 111. (c) 112. (c)
113. (b) 114. (d) 115. (d) 116. (a)
117. (c) 118. (a) 119. (d) 120. (c)
226 ANSWER KEY

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1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c)
5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (b) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (d)
9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (b) 12. (c) 9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (a) 12. (b)
13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (d) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (a)
17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (c) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (a) 24. (c) 21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (d)
25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (b) 25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (a) 28. (c)
29. (d) 30. (c) 31. (a) 32. (a) 29. (c) 30. (a)
33. (a) 34. (b) 35. (d) 36. (d)
37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (b)
41. (b) 42. (c) 43. (a) 44. (b)
45. (c) 46. (d) 47. (b) 48. (a)
49. (d) 50. (c) 51. (b)
ANSWER KEY 227

ANSWER KEY
CHAPTER 8: ROTATIONAL MOTION
EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

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117. (d) 118. (c) 119. (b) 120. (a)
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (b) 121. (d) 122. (b) 123.(d) 124. (c)
5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (d) 125. (a) 126. (c) 127. (b) 128. (b)
9. (b) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (d) 129. (c) 130. (a) 131. (d) 132. (c)
13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (c) 133. (b) 134. (a) 135. (b) 136. (a)
17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (c) 137. (a) 138. (a) 139. (b) 140. (b)
21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (d) 24. (b) 141. (b) 142. (a) 143. (a) 144. (a)
25. (a) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (a) 145. (b) 146. (a) 147. (b) 148. (b)
29. (d) 30. (d) 31. (b) 32. (a) 149. (a)
33. (a) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (c)
37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (b) 40. (b)
41. (c) 42. (c) 43. (b) 44. (d)
45. (c) 46. (d) 47. (c) 48. (c)
49. (d) 50. (d) 51. (c) 52. (a)
53. (b) 54. (a) 55. (c) 56. (d)
57. (a) 58. (c) 59. (b) 60. (d)
61. (b) 62. (d) 63. (d) 64. (a)
65. (a) 66. (c) 67. (c) 68. (b)
69. (b) 70. (a) 71. (a) 72. (b)
73. (d) 74. (a) 75. (a) 76. (c)
77. (a) 78. (b) 79. (c) 80. (d)
81. (d) 82. (c) 83. (b) 84. (a)
85. (a) 86. (b) 87. (c) 88. (d)
89. (b) 90. (c) 91. (a) 92. (b)
93. (a) 94. (a) 95. (d) 96. (b)
97. (a) 98. (b) 99. (c) 100. (c)
101. (b) 102. (a) 103. (b) 104. (c)
105. (b) 106. (a) 107. (b) 108. (d)
109. (b) 110. (d) 111. (a) 112. (c)
113. (c) 114. (c) 115. (a) 116. (b)
228 ANSWER KEY

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1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (a) 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a)

5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c)
9. (b) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (b)
9. (b) 10. (c) 11. (a) 12. (c)
13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (b) 16. (c)
17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (d) 20. (a) 17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (b) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (c) 21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (d) 24. (c)
25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (d) 25. (a) 26. (b) 27. (a) 28. (a)
29. (a) 30. (c)
29. (d) 30. (b) 31. (c) 32. (a)
33. (d) 34. (a) 35. (c) 36. (b)
37. (b)
229 GRAVITATION

Answer Key
CHAPTER 9: GRAVITATION
EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

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1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) 125. (c) 126. (b) 127. (d) 128. (a)
5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (c) 129. (d) 130. (b) 131. (c) 132. (c)
9. (b) 10. (d) 11. (c) 12. (a) 133. (d) 134. (c) 135. (c) 136. (a)
13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (a) 137. (b) 138. (b) 139. (b) 140. (c)
17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (a) 141. (c) 142. (b) 143. (a) 144. (c)
21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (d) 24. (c) 145. (b) 146. (c) 147. (b) 148. (b)
25. (c) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (d) 149. (c) 150. (c)
29. (d) 30. (b) 31. (d) 32. (c)
33. (d) 34. (c) 35. (a) 36. (c)
37. (a) 38. (b) 39. (c) 40. (d)
41. (a) 42. (d) 43. (a) 44. (c)
45. (c) 46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (b)
49. (d) 50. (d) 51. (a) 52. (d)
53. (b) 54. (a) 55. (c) 56. (b)
57. (b) 58. (a) 59. (c) 60. (b)
61. (c) 62. (b) 63. (a) 64. (a)
65. (b) 66. (a) 67. (a) 68. (c)
69. (a) 70. (b) 71. (a) 72. (a)
73. (b) 74. (b) 75. (c) 76. (a)
77. (d) 78. (a) 79. (b) 80. (b)
81. (b) 82. (d) 83. (b) 84. (a)
85. (d) 86. (c) 87. (a) 88. (c)
89. (a) 90. (d) 91. (d) 92. (b)
93. (b) 94. (a) 95. (b) 96. (c)
97. (c) 98. (d) 99. (c) 100. (a)
101. (c) 102. (a) 103. (b) 104. (d)
105. (c) 106. (b) 107. (d) 108. (b)
109. (c) 110. (d) 111. (b) 112. (d)
113. (c) 114. (c) 115. (c) 116. (c)
117. (a) 118. (d) 119. (c) 120. (d)
121. (a) 122. (c) 123. (c) 124. (a)
ANSWER KEY 230

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1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (d) 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (a)
5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (d) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (d)
9. (d) 10. (a) 11. (b) 12. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d) 11. (c) 12. (c)
13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (d)
17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (d) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (a) 20. (d)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (b) 21. (d) 22. (c) 23. (b) 24. (c)
25. (c) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (c) 25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (a)
29. (d) 29. (d) 30. (a)
MASTER INDEX .
VOLUME 1: Mechanics 1
Units and Measurements & Basic Mathematics
Motion in a Straight line
Motion in a Plane & Relative Motion
Laws of Motion & Friction

VOLUME 2: Mechanics 2
Work, Energy and Power
Circular Motion
Centre of Mass, Momentum and Collision
Rotational Motion
Gravitation

VOLUME 3: Waves & Mechanical Properties of Solid and

Fluid
Mechanical Properties of Solids
Fluid Mechanics
Simple Harmonic Motion
Waves

VOLUME 4: Heat & Thermodynamics

Thermal Physics
Kinetic Theory of Gases and Thermodynamics
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