B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

6 Force and Motion

Practice 6.1 (p. 90)
1 C (c) The MTR is moving forwards at
2 C constant velocity. By Newton’s first
3 (b), (e), (f) law,
4 the man moves forwards with the same
constant velocity, so he seems to remain
at rest.
(d) The MTR is turning a corner. By
Newton’s first law, the man remains in a
state of uniform motion when the MTR
turns a corner, so he seems to move
outwards.
6 Joan moves on the ice surface with constant
velocity.
7 In space, no gravitational force acts on the
Practice 6.2 (p. 97) spaceship. When the rockets are shut down,
1 C they do not exert a force on the spaceship and
2 D hence no net force acts on the spaceship. By
3 D Newton’s first law, the spaceship is in
4 (a) No. Athletes would hit the wall of the uniform motion and can travel far out in
stadium if it is too close to the finish space.
line.
(b) The mat is used to protect the athletes if Practice 6.3 (p. 105)
they hit the wall after passing the finish 1 C
line. 2 A
5 (a) The MTR is accelerating in the forward Net force = ma = 40 × 0.5 = 20 N
direction. By Newton’s first law, the 3 C
man remains at rest when the MTR By v2 – u2 = 2as,
moves from rest, so he would move 0 – u2 = 2a(20)
backwards relative to the MTR. u2 = 40a
(b) The MTR is slowing down. By u2
a=
Newton’s first law, the man continues to 40
move forwards. u 2 ) = –0.03u2
Friction = 1.2(–
40

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 43  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

s = (30)(7.5) + 12 (−4)( 7.5) 2

=

4 By F = ma, 113 m
F 800 000 The braking distance is 113 m.
a= = = 2 m s–2
m 4 ×10 5
When it flies horizontally, its acceleration is
2 m s–2.
v −u 8 (a)
5 (a) By a =
t AB BC CD DE
100 ×1000 ÷ 3600 − 0
a= = 4.63 Acceleration 1 2 0 –3
6
a/ms –2

m s–2
Net force 3 6 0 –9
The acceleration of the car is
F/N
4.63 m s–2.
(b) His comment is correct. From the graph,
(b) F = ma = 1500 × 4.63 = 6945 N
the velocity of the object starts to
The force provided by the car engine is
decrease from t = 30 s onwards and
6945 N.
becomes zero at t = 40 s. If the force
6 (a) Thrust of each turbojet
continues to act on the object, its
ma 1.05 ×10 4 ×17
= = velocity will become negative. That
2 2
means it will change its moving
= 89 250 N
1 2 direction.
(b) s = ut + at
2 9 (a)

s = 1
0 + (17 )( 5) 2 = 213 m
2
Time / s
Acceleration
0–5
0
5–10
4
10–20
1
20–30
0
The vehicle can travel 213 m. a/ms –2

7 (a) Take the direction of the car movement (b) During 0–5 s, the object is moving at
as positive. constant velocity as no net force acts on
By F = ma, it. During 5–10 s, the object is moving
F −6000
a= = = –4 m s–2 with an acceleration of 4 m s–2 as a net
m 1500
force of 20 N acts on it. During 10–20 s,
By v = u + at ,
the object is moving with an
108
v −u 0 −( ) acceleration of 1 m s–2 as a net force of
t= = 3.6 = 7.5 s
a 5 N acts on it. During 20–30 s, the
−4
object is moving at constant velocity as
It takes 7.5 s to stop the car.
1 2 no net force acts on it.
(b) By s = ut + at ,
2
Practice 6.4 (p. 118)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 44  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

1 B Net force = thrust – weight of the rocket

2 B Thrust = net force + weight of the rocket
3 B = 3.6 × 106 + 3 × 106
4 C = 6.6 × 106 N
The thrust of the rocket is 6.6 × 106
N.

5 ‘A bag of sugar weighs 10 N.’ or ‘A bag of

sugar has a mass of 1 kg.’ 9 (a)
6 (a)

(b) (i) Downwards along the slide

(ii) No net force
(iii) No net force
7 (a) Cyclists bend down when they cycle so
as to reduce the air resistance, thus to
obtain a higher speed.
(b) Ships have v-sharp at the front so as to mM
reduce the air resistance, thus to obtain a (b) The acceleration of the balloon is
mB
higher speed.
.
(c) The handle of a tap is not smooth and
mM: mass of the mass ;
round in shape because friction acting
mB: mass of the balloon
on tap can help turn the tap on/off.
10 (a) W = mg = 8 × 105 × 10 = 8 × 106 N
8 Take the upward direction as positive.
The weight of the rocket is 8 × 106 N.
Weight = mg
(b) Take the upward direction as positive.
= 3 × 105 × 10
Net force
= 3 × 106 N
= thrust − weight of the rocket
Net force = ma
= 1.62 × 107 − 8 × 106
= 3 × 10 × 12
5
= 8.2 × 106 N
= 3.6 × 10 N 6
The net force acting on the rocket at lift-

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 45  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

off is 8.2 × 106 N. 13 Take the downward direction as positive.

(c) By F = ma Let R be the reading of the balance.
F (a) By F = ma,
a=
m R − mg = 0
8.2 ×10 6 R = 20 N
=
8 ×10 5 The reading of the balance is 20 N.
= 10.25 m s−2 (b) By F = ma,
The acceleration of the rocket at lift-off mg − R = ma
is 10.25 m s−2. 20 − R = 2 × 1.5
R = 17 N
11 (a) The reading of the balance is 17 N.
(c) By F = ma,
R − mg = 0
R = 20 N
The reading of the balance is 20 N.
(d) Take the downward direction as
positive.

(b) The friction acting on the box is 3 N. Let R be the reading of the balance.

(c) By F = ma, By F = ma,

F 5−3 mg − R = ma
m= = = 1 kg
a 2 20 − R = 2 × (−0.5)
The mass of the box is 1 kg. R = 21 N
12 (a) (i) Weight, air resistance The reading of the balance is 21 N.
(ii) Weight
(iii) Weight, air resistance Practice 6.5 (p. 130)
In the above 3 cases, the net force acts 1 D
downwards. 2 A
(b) 3 C
4 B
5 (a)

Resultant's magnitude is 67.5 N and the

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 46  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

angle between the resultant and the Let θ be the angle between the
horizontal is 13°. resultant and the horizontal.
(b) 15
tan θ = ⇒ θ = 12.8°
66
Resultant's magnitude is 67.7 N and the
angle between the resultant and the
horizontal is 12.8°.
(b) Horizontal component
= 40 + 30 cos 45° = 61.2 N
Resultant's magnitude is 65 N and the
Vertical component
angle between the resultant and the
= 30 sin 45° = 21.2 N
horizontal is 19°.

(c)

Resultant = 61.2 2 +21.2 2 = 64.8 N

Let θ be the angle between the
resultant and the horizontal.
21.2
tan θ = ⇒ θ = 19.1°
61.2
Resultant's magnitude is 60 N and the Resultant's magnitude is 64.8 N and the
angle between the resultant and the angle between the resultant and the
horizontal is 25°. horizontal is 19.1°.
(d) (c) Horizontal component
= 40 + 30 cos 60° = 55 N
Vertical component
= 30 sin 60° = 26.0 N
Resultant = 55 2 + 26.0 2 = 60.8 N
Let θ be the angle between the
resultant and the horizontal.
Resultant's magnitude is 50 N and the 26.0
tan θ = ⇒ θ = 25.3°
angle between the resultant and the 55
horizontal is 37°. Resultant's magnitude is 60.8 N and the
6 (a) Horizontal component angle between the resultant and the
= 40 + 30 cos 30° = 66 N horizontal is 25.3°.
Vertical component (d) Resultant = 40 2 +30 2 = 50 N
= 30 sin 30° = 15 N Let θ be the angle between the
Resultant = 66 2 +15 2 = 67.7N
resultant and the horizontal.

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 47  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

30
tan θ = ⇒ θ = 36.9°
40
Resultant's magnitude is 50 N and the
angle between the resultant and the
horizontal is 36.9°.
7 (a)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 48  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

(b) angle between the two 5-N forces is 120°.

9 For the 2-kg mass:

(c)
T = 20 N
R = mg cos θ = ( 2)(10 ) cos 30 ° =17 .3
For the mass m:
N
8

2T cos 45° = mg
Vertical component = 5 sin θ N
2
Horizontal component 2 × 20 × = m × 10
2
= 5 − 5 cos θ = 5 × (1 − cos θ ) N m = 2.83 kg
(magnitude of the resultant)2 10 (a) 2T sin 10° = 500
= (vertical component)2 + (horizontal T = 1440 N
component)2 The tension of the string is 1440 N.
52 = (5 sin θ )2 + [5 × (1 − cos θ )]2 (b) Component of force
1 = sin2θ + 1 − 2 cos θ + cos2θ = T cos 10°
cos θ = 0.5 = 1440 × cos 10°
⇒θ = 60° = 1420 N
Hence, the angle between the two 5-N forces The component of the force that pulls
is 120°. the car is 1420 N.
11 (a) f = mgsin θ = (2)(10)sin 10 ° = 3.47 N
Alternative method: The frictional force acting on the trolley
By tip-to-tail method, the two 5-N forces and is 3.47 N.
the resultant 5-N force form an equilateral (b) By F = ma,
triangle. It is known that each angle of an mg sin θ − f = ma
equilateral triangle is 60°. Therefore, the ( 2)(10 ) sin 30 °−3.47 = 2a

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 49  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

a = 3.27 m s–2 3 D
When the trolley moves down the 4 A
runway, its acceleration is 3.27 m s .
–2
5 C

12 (a)
6 (a) When the roller skater exerts a force on
the wall, the wall also exerts an equal
but opposite force on the skater. Thus
the skater moves backwards.
(b) When the diver pushes the platform, the
platform also exerts an equal but
opposite force on the diver. Thus the
(b) As the mass is stationary, the net force diver gains speed and dives.
acting on it is zero. (c) When we push ourselves against the
(c) (i) y-component of F1 side of the pool, the pool exerts an equal

= weight of mass but opposite force on us. Thus we

= (1)(10) accelerate forwards.

= 10 N (d) When the runner exerts a force on the

y-component of F1 = F1 starting block, the block exerts an equal

sin 30 ° but opposite force on the runner. Thus

F1 sin 30 ° = 10 N the runner moves forwards.
F1 = 20 N 7 (a) (i) Trolley A’s weight component

x-component of F1 = F1 down the plane

= mg sin θ
cos 30 °
= (3)( 10 ) sin 20 °
= 20 cos 30 °
= 10.3 N
= 17.3 N
(ii) The net force acting on it
(ii) y-component of F2 = 0
= 10.3 N – T (down the plane)
x-component of F2
(b) (i) Trolley B’s weight component
= x-component of F1 = 17.3 N
down the plane
(d) From (c)(i), F1 = 20 N.
= mg sin θ
x-component of F2 = ( 2)(10 ) sin 30 °
= F2 = 17.3 N = 10 N
(ii) The net force acting on it
Practice 6.6 (p. 137) = T – 10 N (up the plane)
1 D (c) Trolley A moves down the plane while
2 C trolley B moves up the plane.

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 50  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

By F = ma,
The force acting on B by A
= mBa
= 5 × 2.5
= 12.5 N

9 (a) F = ma
= (1)(1)
=1N
The net force acting on toy car B during
collision is 1 N towards the right.
(b) By Newton’s third law of motion, the
force acting on B by A has the same
magnitude as that acting on A by B, but
their directions are opposite.
8 (a) The net force acting on toy car A is 1 N
(b) The net force acting on A towards the left.
= 20 N – the force acting on A by B (c) Take the direction towards the right as
The net force acting on B positive.
= the force acting on B by A By F = ma,
F
(c) (i) By F = ma, a=
F m
a= −1
m =
20 3
= = –0.333 m s–2
(3 +5)
v −u
= 2.5 m s–2 By =a ,
t
The accelerations of the blocks are
v = at + u
2.5 m s–2. v = (–0.333)(0.5) + 3
(ii) By F = ma, = 2.83 m s–1
20 N – the force acting on A by B The velocity of toy car A after collision
= mAa is 2.83 m s–1 towards the right.
20 N – the force acting on A by B
= 3 × 2.5 Revision exercise 6
= 7.5 N Multiple-choice (p. 144)
The force acting on A by B Section A
= 12.5 N 1 D

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 51  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

2 A 1
= (10 )
By F = ma, 3
1000 – 500 = 1500a = 3.33 m s–2 (1A)
a = 0.333 m s–2 (b) The block dropped on Mars has a
1 2 1 smaller acceleration than that on Earth.
s = ut + at = 0 + (0.333 )(10 ) 2 =
2 2 (1A)
16.7 m Thus, it takes more time for the block
on Mars to reach the ground. (1A)

3 B
1 2 (a) By F = ma, (1M)
By s = ut + at E 2 ,
2 F
a=
1 m
2 = 0 + (10 )t E 2
2 30 −10
=
tE = 0.632 s 4
On the Moon: = 5 m s–2 (1A)
1 The acceleration of the box is 5 m s–2.
By s = ut + at 2 ,
2 1 2
(b) By s = ut + at , (1M)
1 10 2 2
2 = 0 + ( )t
2 6 1
s = 4 × 5 + (5)( 5) 2 = 82.5 m
t = 1.549 s = 2.45 tE 2
4 C (1A)
5 D The displacement of the box is
6 B 82.5 m.
7 A (c) Any one of the following: (1A)
Add a layer of oil / polystyrene beads
Section B along the path of the block.
8 D Use air cushion.
9 B 3 (a)
10 (HKCEE 2003 Paper II Q8)
11 (HKCEE 2004 Paper II Q7)
12 (HKCEE 2005 Paper II Q32)
13 A
14 D

Conventional (p. 146)

Section A (Weight of Joan.) (1A)
1 (a) The gravitational acceleration of Mars (Reaction from the balance on Joan.)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 52  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

(1A) 40 kg.
(b) By F = ma, (1M)
Reading of the Weight that 50 = (10 + 30) × a
scale Joan feels a = 1.25 m s−2 (1A)
(＜, = or ＞ (heavier, The acceleration of the boxes is
500 N) lighter or 1.25 m s−2.
normal weight)
Lift > 500 N Heavier
accelerates (1A) (1A)
upwards

Lift moves = 500 N Normal weight (b)

up at
constant
speed

Lift slows < 500 N Lighter

(Correct forces.) (1A)
down and (1A) (1A)
(Correct labels.) (1A)
stops

(c) Let R be the normal reaction acting on

Joan by the balance (the reading of the
scale) and W be the weight of Joan.
Take the upward direction as positive. (Correct forces.) (1A)
(i) By F = ma (1M) (Correct labels.) (1A)
R − W = ma (c) Let T be the tension in the string.
R −500 =(50 )( 3) For the 30-kg box,
R = 650 N (1A) By F = ma, (1M)
The reading of the scale is 650 N. T = 30 × 1.25
(ii) Since acceleration is 0 and, by = 37.5 N (1A)
F = ma, the reading of the scale The tension in the string is 37.5 N.
R = W = 500 N. (1A) (d) Net force F
(iii) By F = ma, (1M) = 50 − T = 12.5 N (1A)
R − W = ma The net force acting on the 10-kg box is
R − 500 = 50 × (−2) 12.5 N.
R = 400 N (1A) (e) Her statement is not correct. (1A)
The reading of the scale is 400 N. When the string breaks, the net force
4 (a) 50 N is used to pull blocks of total mass acting on the 30-kg box is zero. (1A)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 53  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

By Newton's first law of motion, the (b) Samuel assumes that the plane is
box will continue to move and its friction-compensated, such that the
velocity will be constant. (1A) weight component of the box along the
v −u plane balances the friction acting on the
5 (a) By a = , (1M)
t box. (1A)
2 −1
a= = 20 m s–2 Hence, the net force acting on the box
0.05
along the plane is zero and the box will
F = ma (1M)
move along the plane with an uniform
= 0.5(20) = 10 N (1A)
speed after pushing the box gently
The force acting on the stone during
momentarily. (1A)
collision is 10 N.
(c) The box will slide down the plane by
either reducing the friction acting on the
box or increasing the weight component
(b) The force acting on the can
of the box down the plane.
= The force acting on the stone
Any two of the following: (2 × 1A)
= 10 N (1A)
Add rollers on the plane.
(c) By F = ma, (1M)
Add a layer of wax/oil on the plane
F
a= Tilt the plane more such that the weight
m
10 component of the box along the plane is
=
0. 4 greater than the friction acting on it.
= 25 m s –2 (Or other reasonable answers)
v −u 7 (a)
By =a , (1M)
t
v −0
= 25
0.05
v = 1.25 m s–1 (1A)
The velocity of the can after collision is
1.25 m s–1.
6 (a) When the box tends to move along the (Correct forces.) (1A)

plane, friction will act on it to oppose its (Correct labels.) (1A)

motion. (1A)
Unless the net force acting on the box
down the plane is greater than zero (i.e.
when the weight component of the box
along the plane is larger than the friction
acting on it), the box will not readily (Correct forces.) (1A)
slide down the plane. (1A) (Correct labels.) (1A)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 54  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

The reaction of m1 (R) and the force the magnitude of the acceleration
acting on pan A by m1 (R') form an of the system will be smaller. (1A)
action-and-reaction pair. (1A) If T1 = T2 + f, the masses will
(b) Since masses m1 and m2 are identical remain at rest. (1A)
and pans A and B are identical, the net 9 (a)
force acting on the system is zero.
Therefore, the pans and masses would
move up/down at constant speed (1A)
or rest. (1A)
8 (a) (i)
normal
force

tension tension
T1 from T2 from
M (Correct forces.) (1A)
m1 m2
(Correct labels.) (1A)
weight
(2 tensions (T1 > T2).) (1A)
(b) The weight of Jackie is constant. (1A)
(Weight and normal force (of the
The air resistance acting on her
same magnitude).) (1A)
increases gradually from zero when she
(ii)
starts diving and her velocity increases.
normal When the air resistance is equal to her
force
tension T1
weight, the net force acting on her
tension
from m1 T2 from becomes zero. (1A)
M
m2 (c) Jackie will fall with constant speed.
friction (1A)
When the air resistance is equal to her
weight weight, the net force acting on her is
zero. (1A)
(2 tensions (T1 > T2).) (1A)
By the Newton’s second law, she will
(Weight and normal force (of the
fall with constant speed. (1A)
same magnitude).) (1A)
10 (a) I do not agree with Gloria. (1A)
Friction (1A)
The air resistance acting on the flower
(b) (i) Mass m1 accelerates downwards,
pot increases from zero as the pot falls
m2 accelerates upwards and M
in air. (1A)
accelerates to the left. (1A)
Since the maximum magnitude of air
(ii) Let f be the friction acting on M.
resistance acting on the pot is equal to
If T1 > T2 + f, the masses will move
the weight of the flower pot, (1A)
in a way similar to that in (b)(i) but

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 55  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

the downward net force acting on the a = 0.25 m s–2 (1A)

pot is always greater than or equal to The acceleration of the trolley is
zero. By F = ma, the pot will not slow 0.25 m s–2.
down. (1A) (iii) By F = ma, (1M)
(For effective communication.) (1C)
F = 1 × 0.25
(b) Take the downward direction as
= 0.25 N
positive.
The resultant force acting on the
trolley is 0.25 N (down the
v / m s−1
plane). (1A)
(b) In order to make the runway friction-
compensated so that the trolley can
move down at uniform velocity, the
angle θ should be smaller. (1A)

t/s

(Axes with correct labels.) (1A)

(The speed of the pot increases with (c) The student is wrong. (1A)
time and the increase in speed
normal reaction
decreases with time.) (1A)
11 (a) (i)
normal
reaction

friction friction
weight

When the trolley moves up along the

weight
runway, friction on the trolley acts
(Weight.) (1A)
downwards along the runway and the
(Normal reaction.) (1A)
net force acting on the trolley is not
(Friction.) (1A)
zero. (1A)
(ii) Take the direction down the
Instead of moving at a uniform speed,
plane as positive.
the trolley decelerates as it moves up
1 2
By s = ut + at , (1M) along the runway. (1A)
2
1 (For effective communication.) (1C)
2=0+ × a × 42
2 12 (a) When the food parcel is thrown from

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 56  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

the plane, it accelerates at first. As it International Space Station is

gains speed, the air resistance acting on 8.8 N / kg. (1A)
it increases. The net force acting on the (ii) The weight of the command
food parcel and thus the acceleration module at this height
decreases (from point A to point B). = 8.8 × 20 × 103 (1M)
(1A) = 1.76 × 10 N 5
(1A)
Eventually, the air resistance increases (iii) Its weight decreases (1A)
so much that it balances the weight of and its mass remains unchanged.
the food parcel. The net force acting on (1A)
the food parcel and thus the acceleration v −u
14 (a) By =a ,
becomes zero (from point B to point C). t
(1A) (1M)
80 − 0
Then the food parcel moves with a a= = 2 m s–2
40
constant speed called terminal speed
By v 2 − u 2 = 2as , (1M)
(50 m s–1). (1A) 2 2
80 −0 = ( 2)( 2) s
(For effective communication.) (1C)
s = 1600 m (1A)
The minimum length of the runway is
1600 m.
(b)

(b) Net force acting on the aeroplane

= ma (1M)
= 2.5 × 10 × 25

= 5 × 105 N (1A)
(c) I should adjust the thrust to balance the
air resistance so as to obtain a constant
speed. (1A)
15 (a) 0–4 s: The object moves with an
(Axes with correct labels.) (1A)
acceleration of 6 m s–2. (1A)
(Correct shape.) (1A)
4–8 s: The object moves with zero
(Correct indications of points A, B and
acceleration. (1A)
C.) (1A)
8–12 s: The object moves with an
(Correct sign (must indicate 0 to
acceleration of –6 m s–2. (1A)
recognize there is no net force between
(b) 0–4 s:
points B and C).) (1A)
F = ma
13 (a) Inertia (1A)
=2× 6
(b) (i) The value of the gravitational field
= 12 N (1A)
strength at the orbital height of the

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 57  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

The force acting on the object is 12 N. = 10 N – 5 N

4–8 s: = 5 N (towards the right) (1A)
F = ma (b) Net force acting on the block
=2× 0 = 12 +5 2 (Pythagoras’ theorem)
=0 (1A) = 5.10 N (1A)
The force acting on the object is 0. 5
tan θ =
8–12 s: 1
F = ma θ = 78 .7° (1A)

= 2 × (–6) The net force is 5.10 N (S 78 .7° E).

= –12 N (1A) (c) By F = ma, (1M)

5.10
The force acting on the object is –12 N. a=
2 .5
16 (a)
= 2.04 m s–2 (1A)
The acceleration of the block is
2.04 m s–2.

(Axes with correct labels.) (1A)

18 (a)
(Correct shape.) (1A) F

(Correct slopes : during 0-9 s, F

slope = 3 m s ; then slope = 0;

–2

final slope = –4 m s–2.) (3 × 1A)

weight
(Correct velocities.) (1A)
(Correct final speed : 0 m s–1.) (1A)
(b) The magnitude of the maximum (Forces, F, normal to the wings.) (1A)
acceleration of the train is 4 m s–2. (1A) (Weight.) (1A)
(b)
θ
Section B F

17 (a) (i) Net force along vertical direction θ

F
=3N–2N
= 1 N (downwards) (1A)
θ
(ii) Net force along horizontal weight
direction

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 58  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

Consider the forces in the vertical

direction.
2F × cos θ = mg (1A)
The aeroplane does not fly with uniform
velocity. (1A)
It is because a net force, 2F sin θ , acts
on the aeroplane towards the left. By
F = ma, the aeroplane flies with
acceleration. (1A)
If a longer string is used, θ will be
19 (a)
smaller. (1A)
mg
Since T = , T decreases with
2 cos θ
decreasing θ . (1A)
Therefore, the tension in a longer string
is smaller and this is harder for the
string to break. (1A)
20 (a) The combined weight
= 28 × 10 (1M)
(2 tensions.) (1A)
= 280 N (1A)
(Weight.) (1A) (b)

(b) The net force acting on the picture is

zero.
Consider the vertical components.
2T cos θ = mg (1M)

 80 ° 
2T × cos   = 1 × 10
 2 
(A completed triangle drawn with
T = 6.53 N (1A) correct orientation.) (1A)
The tension in the string is 6.53 N. (At least two labels for triangle with
(c) correct directions given.) (1A)
force P force P
tan 35 ° = =
weight 280
(1M)
Force P = 196 N (1A)
(c) If the swing is pulled, then tension is
increased. (1A)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 59  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

Refer to the triangle in (b), the tension Average speed

would be greater (longer) as the holding 41
= (1M)
force P would be larger (longer) for 4
greater angle / larger value of tension is = 10.3 m s–1 (1A)
needed so that vertical component still The average speed of the
balances the weight. (1A) platform during the first
21 (a) downward thrust is 10.3 m s–1.
(iii)

(Weight of passenger.) (1A)

(Reaction from the platform to the Let P be the pulling force.
passenger.) (1A) By F = ma
(b) Take the upward direction as positive. P + mg = ma (1M)
(i) Total distance during initial rise P = ma – mg = m(1.5g) – mg
= 50 – 5 = 45 m = 70 (–15) – 70(–10)
Total time = 24 s = –350 N (1A)
Average speed During the first downward
45 thrust, the pulling force acting on
= = 1.88 m s–1 (1M + 1A)
24 the passenger by the chain is 350
The average speed of the N.
platform when it rises from the 22 (a) By F = ma, (1M)
ground to the top of the tower is 8000 – 5000 = 500a
1.88 m s–1. a = 6 m s–2 (1A)
(ii) Total distance during the first The acceleration of the balloon is
downward thrust 6 m s–2.
= 50 – 9 v −u
By =a, (1M)
= 41 m t
v − u 20 − 0
Total time t= = = 3.33 s(1A)
a 6
= 43 – 39
The balloon reaches a velocity of
=4s
20 m s–1 in 3.33 s.

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 60  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

(b) He feels his weight heavier than Eventually, the fluid friction increases
expected. (1A) so much that it balances the weight of
The upward net force acting on him is R the ball-bearing. The net force acting on
– W = ma > 0, where R is the normal the ball-bearing and thus the
reaction and W is his weight. He feels acceleration becomes zero. (1A)
heavier because the R is greater than W. Then the ball-bearing moves with a
(1A) constant speed called terminal speed.
(c) By Newton's first law, the sandbag (1A)
moves up at 20 m s when it leaves the
–1 (For effective communication.) (1C)
balloon. (1A) (b)
Then it slows down due to the gravity.
(1A)
After reaching the maximum height, it
changes its moving direction and
accelerates downwards. (1A)
The velocity of sandbag increases and
the air resistance increases. Hence, the
acceleration of sandbag decreases. (1A)
23 (a) The net force acting on the case is
2250 N. (1A) (Axes with correct labels.) (1A)
(b) Let T be the tension (The velocity firstly increases with time
4 T cos 20 ° = 2250 (1M)
in a direct proportional way.) (1A)
T = 599 N (1A)
(Then the slope of the curve decreases
The tension in each string is 599 N.
continuously.) (1A)
(c) It is safer to hang the case with a longer
string. (1A) (Finally, the velocity becomes constant
It is because the angle between the and the slope of curve becomes zero.)
string and the vertical will be smaller. (1A)
(1A) (c) When an aeroplane travels at a high
Thus the tension in the string is smaller speed in air, it experiences a great air
and it is harder for the strings to break.
resistance which opposes its motion of
(1A)
it. (1A)
24 (a) The ball-bearing accelerates at first. As
Air resistance which is a fluid friction
it gains speed, the fluid friction acting
on it increases. The net force acting on increases with the speed of the moving
the ball-bearing and thus the object. Therefore, it is difficult for an
acceleration decreases. (1A)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 61  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

aeroplane to travel with the speed of negligible. (1A)

sound in air. (1A) The student must use a friction-
In order to improve the speed of an compensated runway to carry out this

aeroplane, the body of the aeroplane experiment. (1A)

26 (a) (i)
should be streamlined so that air can
flow smoothly over its surface and air
resistance can be reduced. (1A)
25 (a) In Figure r, from t = 0.1 s to t = 0.4 s,
average value of tension is 2.44 N.
Tension T equals to the weight of the
weights.
Let m be the mass of the weights.
(Label 2 forces: weight, force on
T = mg (1M)
boat by air.) (2 × 1A)
2.44 = m × 10
(ii) The boat moves with a constant
m = 0.244 kg (1A)
velocity towards the direction it is
The mass of the weights is 0.244 kg.
pushed (1A)
(b) (i) By the data in Figure r, the tension
for some time. (1A)
of the string is 1.93 N
(b) (i) As fans B and C blow air
(t = 1.1 s to 1.5 s). (1A)
backwards, an action force is acted
(ii) The acceleration of the trolley is
on the air by the fans. (1A)
equal to the slope of the graph in
Thus, a reaction force is acted on
Figure s.
the fans by the air. (1A)
The acceleration is 1.24 m s−2.(1A)
Therefore, the boat moves
(c) According to the Newton’s second law
forwards. (1A)
(F = ma), (1A)
(ii) By F = ma,
the tension pulling the force sensor and
0.2 + 0.2 = 1a
the trolley T = ma
a = 0.4 m s–2 (1A)
T = (0.333 + 0.718) × 1.24 = 1.30 N
By v = u + at, (1M)
(1A)
v = 0 + (0.4)(5) = 2 m s –1
(1A)
This theoretical result is not close to the
Its speed is 2 m s .
–1
result in (b)(i). The results are not in
accordance with the Newton’s second
law. (1A)
The discrepancy can be due to the
(iii) Any one of the following: (1A)
friction acting on the trolley; the friction
Switch off fan C.
acting on the trolley may not be

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 62  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

Control fan B to blow air between the balance and the toy,
backwards and control fan C to (1A)
blow air forwards. the reaction force acting on the toy
(c) (i) The boat still moves forwards with by the balance becomes zero. (1A)
a constant velocity (1A) Therefore, the balance reading will
for some time. (1A) change from 50 g to zero at that
(ii) Any one of the following: (1A) moment. (1A)
Switch off fan A. 28 (a) Take the moving direction of the trucks
Control both fans B and C to blow as positive.
air forwards By F = ma, (1M)
27 (a) F −6000
a= =
m 5.5 ×10 3 + 3000
a = –0.7059 m s–2
By v2 – u2 = 2as, (1M)
0 – u = 2(–0.7059)(30)
2

u = 6.51 m s–1 (1A)

The speed of the trucks after the
collision is 6.51 m s–1.
v −u
(b) By =a, (1M)
t
6.51 − 0
(Label 2 forces: weight, force on toy by a= = 130.2 m s–2
0.05
air.) (2 × 1A)
F = ma = (5.5 × 103)(130.2)
(b) The powerful fan of the toy blows air
= 716 000 N (1A)
downwards. Thus, an action force is
The force acting on truck P is
acted on the air by fan. (1A)
716 000 N.
Then, a reaction force is acted on the
(c) The force acting on truck Q
fan of the toy by the air. (1A)
= The force acting on truck P (but in
Such upwards reaction force is larger
opposite direction)
than the weight of the toy. Therefore,
= –716 000 N (1A)
the toy can go up in mid-air. (1A)
(c) (i) The minimum upward force
= the weight of the toy
50
= ×10
1000
= 0.5 N (1A)
(ii) When the toy rises by a few
centimeters, as there is no contact (d) By F = ma, (1M)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 63  Oxford University Press 2006

B Mechanics Chapter 6 Force and Motion

–716 000 = 3000a Physics in articles (p. 155)

a = –238.67 m s –2
(a) When the air bag inflates, the air resistance
v −u acting on the air bag and the person increases.
By =a,
t (1A)
6.51 −u
= −238 .67 When the air resistance is greater than the
0.05
weight of the person, the person will slow
u = 18.4 m s–1 (1A)
down (F = ma). (1A)
The speed of truck Q before collision is
It is easier for a person to land with a lower
18.4 m s–1.
falling speed. (1A)
29 (HKCEE 2000 Paper I Q7) 1
30 (HKCEE 2001 Paper I Q8) (b) (i) By s = ut + at 2 , (1M)
2
31 (HKCEE 2005 Paper I Q13) 1
4 = 0 + (10 )t 2
32 (a) The trolley remains at rest until 2
t = 0.8 s. (1A) t = 0.894 s (1A)
Then it moves with a uniform The man takes 0.894 s to fall from the
acceleration. (1A) first floor to the ground without the air
v −u bag.
(b) By =a, (1M)
t (ii) 0.5 s + 0.1 s = 0.6 s
1.15 − 0
a= = 0.575 m s–2(1A) The time interval between the man
2.8 − 0.8
jumps and the bag is fully inflated is
The acceleration of the trolley is
0.6 s.
0.575 m s–2.
(iii) From (i) and (ii), the time for air
(c) F = ma, (1M)
resistance acting on the man is very
F = (1)( 0.575) = 0.575 N (1A)
short and the velocity of the man cannot
The net force acting on the trolley is
be reduced to a small value. (1A)
0.575 N.
In this case, the man is mainly protected
(d) He is incorrect. (1A)
by the thick special cushion of the air
This is because he ignores the friction of
bag when he reaches the ground. (1A)
the road. The spring balance reading is
equal to the pulling force only. The net
force is equal to the pulling force minus
the friction. (1A)

New Physics at Work (Second Edition) 64  Oxford University Press 2006