Topic 6. Mechanics.

Level 1.
Problem MEC1_01.
A particle moves in a straight line with acceleration which is inversely proportional to t 3 ,
where t is the time. The particle has a velocity of 3 ms −1 when t = 1 and its velocity approaches a
limiting value of 5 ms −1 . Find an expression for its velocity at time t.

2
Answer: 5 − .
t2

k
x = ν& and ν : ν& =
Solution: Expression relating && , k constant. This equation has solution
t3
k k
ν = C − 2 , C constant. t → +∞, ν → 5ms −1 ⇒ C = 5 ⇒ ν = 5 − 2 .
2t 2t
2
t = 1, ν = 3 ⇒ k = 4 ⇒ ν = 5 − 2 .
t

Problem MEC1_02.
A particle moves in a straight line away from a fixed point O in the line, such that when its
k
distance from O is x its speed v is given by v = , for some constant k. Show that the particle
x
has a retardation which is inversely proportional to x 3 .

k dν k  − k  − k 2 −k 2
Solution: ν = ⇒ &&
x=ν =  2  = 3 , i. e., &&
x= 3 .
x dx x  x  x x

Problem MEC1_03.
A particle moves in a straight line away from a fixed point O in the line, such that at time t its
displacement from O is x and its displacement from O is x and its velocity is v. At time
t = 0, x = 0, and v = V . Subsequently the particle is slowing down at a rate proportional to the
square of its speed. Find expressions for the velocity v in terms of the displacement x.

Answer: Ve − kx .

Solution: Choose initial position as origin and initial direction as positive.

Equation of motion: ν& = − k ν2 , k > 0 constant.
1 dν2 d ν2
ν& = − k ν2 ⇒ = − k ν2 ⇒ 2 = −2 k dx ⇒ ln ν2 + C = −2 kx , C constant,
2 dx ν
 ν2 
x = 0, ν = V ⇒ C = − ln V 2 ⇒ ln  2  = −2kx ⇒ ν = Ve − k x .
V 

Problem MEC1_04.
A particle moves in a straight line away from a fixed point O in the line, such that at time t its
1
displacement from O is x and its velocity v is given by = A + Bt , for some positive constants
v
A and B. Show that the retardation of the particle is proportional to the square of the speed.
 1 d  1 − ν&
Solution: = A + Bt ⇒   = B ⇒ 2 = B ⇒ ν& = − Bν2 .
ν dt  ν  ν

Problem MEC1_05.
A particle moves in a straight line away from a fixed point O in the line, such that at time t its
displacement from O is x and its velocity is v. At time t = 0, x = 0, and v = V . Subsequently the
particle is slowing down at a rate is equal to kv 3 , where k is a positive constant. Show that
1 1
kx = − .
v V

x = −k v3, k > 0
Solution: Choose initial direction of motion as positive. Equation of motion: &&
constant. Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, v = V .
dν dv 1
Relation between x and v : v = − k v 3 ⇒ dx = − 2 ⇒ x = + c, c constant.
dx kv kv
1 1 1 1 1
x = 0, v = V ⇒ c = − ⇒ x= − ⇒ kx= − .
kV k v kV v V

Problem MEC1_06.
A particle moves in a straight line away from a fixed point O in the line such that at time t its
displacement from O is x and its velocity is v. At time t = 0, x = 0, and v = 1 . Subsequently the
particle experiences a retardation of magnitude e v . Find the distance traveled by the particle in
coming to rest.

Answer: 1 − 2e −1 .

Solution: Choose initial position as origin, and initial direction as positive.

Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, v = 1 . Equation of motion: &&x = −ev .
v dv
Relation between v and x : = − e v ⇒ dx = − v e− v dv ⇒ x = v e − v + e − v + c, c constant.
dx
x = 0, v = 1 ⇒ c = −2 e ⇒ x = e− v ( v + 1) − 2e −1 : v = 0 ⇒ x = 1 − 2e −1 .
−1

Problem MEC1_07.
A particle of mass m moves in a straight line away from a fixed point O in the line, such that at
time t its displacement from O is x and its velocity is v. At time t = 0, x = 1, and v = 0 .
k
Subsequently the only force acting on the particle is one of magnitude m 2 , where k is a
x
positive constant, in a direction away from O. Show that v can not exceed (2k ) .

Solution: Choose initial direction as positive. Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 1, v = 0 .

k
x = 2 , k > 0.
Equation of motion: &&
x
v dv k k v2 k
Relation between v and x : = 2 ⇒ vdv = 2 dx ⇒ = − + c, c constant.
dx x x 2 x
  1 1
x = 1, v = 0 ⇒ c = k ⇒ v 2 = 2 k 1 −  ; x ≥ 1 ⇒ 1 − < 1 ⇒ v 2 < 2 k ⇒ v < 2 k .
 x x

Problem MEC1_08.
A particle of mass m moves in a horizontal straight line. The only force acting on the particle is
a resistance of magnitude mkv 3 where v is its speed and k is a positive constant. At time t the
distance from a fixed point on the line is x. When t = 0, x = 0 and v = u . Show that
u u
v= = .
(1 + 2ku t ) 1 + kux
2

Solution: Equation of motion: m &&x = − k m ν3 ⇒ ν& = − k ν3 , k > 0 constant.

dν dν −1
Relation between ν and t : ν& = − k ν3 ⇒ = − k ν3 ⇒ 3 = − k dt ⇒ 2 + C = − k t ,
dt ν 2ν
1 1 1 u
C constant, and t = 0, ν = u ⇒ C = 2 ⇒ 2 = 2 + k t ⇒ ν = .
2u 2ν 2u 1 + 2 k u2 t
dν dν −1
= − k ν3 ⇒ 2 = − k dx ⇒
Relation between ν and x : ν& = − k ν3 ⇒ ν + C = − k x,
dx ν ν
1 1 1 u
C constant. x = 0, ν = u ⇒ C = ⇒ = + k x ⇒ ν = .
u ν u 1+ k u x

Problem MEC1_09.
The force of attraction experienced by a particle of mass m at a distance x(> r ) from the center
mgr 2
O of the earth towards O is , where r is the radius of the earth. A particle of mass m starts
x2
from the surface with speed u directly away from O.
(a) Find the subsequent speed when the particle is distance x from O.
(b) Deduce that the particle will escape from the attraction of the earth if u 2 > 2 gr .

r
Answer: u 2 − 2 gr (1 − ) .
x

mgr 2 g r2
x=−
Solution: Equation of motion: m && ⇒ ν& = − 2 .
x x
Initial conditions: x = r , ν = u .
g r2 1 dν2 gr 2 2 dx 2 gr 2
(a) ν& = − ⇒ =− ⇒ dν = −2 g r 2 ⇒ ν + C =
2 2
, C constant.
x2 2 dx x x x
2 gr 2
x = r , ν = u ⇒ C = 2 gr − u2 ⇒ ν2 = u − 2 gr + ⇒
x
 r
ν = u2 − 2 gr 1 −  . (1)
 x
(b) The particle will escape from the attraction of the earth if ν → ν∞ > 0 as x → +∞ . But from
(1) ν∞ = u2 − 2 gr and hence ν∞ > 0 as u2 > 2 gr .
Problem MEC1_10.
A particle P moves with uniform angular speed ω in a circle of radius r. O is the center of the
circle, AB is a diameter and at time t, ∠POB = θ . N is the foot of the perpendicular from P to
AB. Show that as P moves in the circle, N moves in the diameter AB with simple harmonic
motion.

Solution: Dimension diagram

Choose the center of a circle as origin. If x is the coordinate of P, then x = r cosθ . But
θ = ω t ⇒ x = r cos ω t , and hence the motion of N is simple harmonic.

Problem MEC1_11.
The pendulum of a clock beats seconds (each half-oscillation takes one second) at a place
where g = 9.812 ms −2 . Find the length of the pendulum.

Answer: 0.994 m .

l
Solution: Let l be the length of the pendulum. Hence T = 2π is the period of the small
9.812
T
oscillations of the pendulum. But = 1 as the pendulum beats exact seconds (each half-
2
oscillation takes one second).
l 9.812
Hence 2 = 2π ⇒l = ⇒ l = 0.994 m .
9.812 π2

Problem MEC1_12.
Find the length of the pendulum of a clock which is to register correctly at a place where
g = 9.921 ms −2 .

Answer: 1.005 m .
Solution: Let l be the length of the pendulum. Hence the period of the small oscillations of the
l T2
pendulum T = 2π ⇒ l = 9.921 ⋅ . Each half-oscillation takes one second
9.921 (2π) 2
9.921
⇒ T = 2 ⇒ l = 2 ⇒ l = 1.005 m .
π

Problem MEC1_13.
The pendulum of a clock which beats seconds (each half-oscillation takes one second) at a
place where g = 9.812 ms −2 . The clock is moved to a place where g = 9.921 ms −2 . Find by how
much it will gain or lose during one day.

Answer: 476 s .

l ~ l
Solution: Let l be the length of the pendulum. Hence T = 2π and T = 2π are
9.812 9.921
the periods of the small oscillations of the pendulum at an old and new places respectively. But
T
= 1 , as the pendulum beats exact seconds (each half-oscillation takes one second). Hence
2
l 9.812
2 = 2π ⇒l = ⇒ l = 0.994m .
9.812 π2
~
~ T −T
T < T hence at the new place the pendulum gains every second by seconds. So per day it
T
~ 
 T 9.812 
gains 24 ⋅ 36001 −  = 24 ⋅ 3600 ⋅ 1 −  = 476s .

 T  9 . 921 

Problem MEC1_14.
At ground level, where g = 9.81 ms −2 , a simple pendulum beats exact seconds (each half-
oscillation takes one second). If it is taken up a mountain to a place where g = 9.80 ms −2 , find
by how many seconds per day it will be wrong.

Answer: 44 s .

l ~ l
Solution: T = 2π is a period of the pendulum at ground level and T = 2π is a
9.81 9.8
~  9.81 
T 9.81 ~ 9.81 ~
period at mountain level. Then = ⇒T =T ⇒ T − T = T  − 1 .
T 9.8 9.8  9 .8 
~
The pendulum will be wrong per T seconds by T − T seconds. Hence it will be wrong per
~
T −T
every second by seconds. There are 24 ⋅ 3600 seconds in a day, therefore the pendulum
T

will be wrong per day by 24

(~
T) 3600
.
44 .
98

MEC1_15
 On a certain day, low water for a harbour occurs at 3 .30 am and high water at 9 .45 am , the
corresponding depths of water being 5 m and 15 m . Find the rate at which the level of water is
rising or falling when the depth of water is 13 m .

−1
Answer: 0 .034 m min .

Solution:

Period T = 2 ⋅ 375 = 750 minutes.

Amplitude is (15 − 5) = 5 m .
1
2
2π π
Motion is simple harmonic ⇒ &&
x = − n2 x, n = = .
T 375
This equation has solution x = 5 cos ( nt + α), 0 ≤ α < 2π .
Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 5 ⇒ cos α = 1 ⇒ α = 0 ⇒ x = 5 cos nt .
3
The level of water of 13 m corresponds to x = 3 . Hence 3 = 5 cos nt ⇒ nt = cos −1 .
5
2
3
−1 π  3
Then ν = x& = 5n sin nt = 5n sin cos ⇒ ν = 5⋅ 1 −   = 0,034 m min −1 .
5 375  5

Problem MEC1_16.
The depth of water in a harbour is 7 .2 m at low water and 13 . 6 m at high water. On Monday,
low water is at 2 . 05 pm and high water at 8 . 20 pm . The captain of a ship drawing 12 . 3 m of
water wants to leave harbour as early on Monday afternoon as he can. Find between what times
he can leave on Monday.

Answer: between 6 .29 pm and 10 . 11 pm .

Solution:
Period T is 2 ⋅ 375 = 750 minutes.
1
Amplitude is (13 . 6 − 7 .2 ) = 3 .2 m .
2
2π π
Motion is simple harmonic ⇒ &&
x = − n2 x , n = = .
T 375
This equation has solution x = 3 .2 cos (nt + α ) , 0 ≤ α < 2π .
Initial conditions: t = 0 , x = −3 .2 ⇒ cos α = −1 ⇒ α = π ⇒ x = −3 .2 cos nt .
 1 .9 
A minimum depth is 12 . 3 m , if x = 1 . 9 ⇒1 . 9 = −3 . 2 cos nt ⇒ nt = cos −1  − ⇒
 3 .2 
375  −1 19 
t=  π − cos  ⇒ t = 264 minutes = 4 . 24 and T − t = 750 − 264 = 486 minutes = 8 .06 .
π  32 
Hence on Monday the ship can leave the harbour between 2 .05 pm + 4 .24 = 6 . 29 pm and
2 .05 pm + 8 .06 = 10 .11 pm .

Problem MEC_17.
1
A stone of mass m falls freely from rest under gravity for a time . Find the distance it has
2k
fallen and the speed attained.

g g
Answer: 2
, .
8k 2k

Solution: 1. Free motion: choose initial point of motion as origin and ↓ as positive direction.
Equation of motion: ν& = g .
Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, ν = 0 .
Find ν = ν( t ) and x = x ( t ) :
ν& = g ⇒ ν + C = gt , C constant;
gt 2
t = 0, ν = 0 ⇒ C = 0 ⇒ ν = gt ⇒ x& = gt ⇒ x + C = , C constant;
2
 gt 2
t = 0, x = 0 ⇒ x = .
2
1
Let ν and x at a time t = be V and h respectively. Then from the relations ν = gt and
2k
gt 2 g g
x= we obtain V = and h = 2 .
2 2k 8k
2. Motion with resistance: choose the point where the parachutist opened his parachute as origin
and direction ↓ as positive.
Equation of motion: ν& = g − kν .
Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, ν = V .
dν ν dν − kν dν
Relation between x and ν : ν& = g − kν ⇒ ν = g − kν ⇒ dx = ⇒ − kdx = ⇒
dx g − kν g − kν
 −g   −k 
− kdx = 1 +  dν ⇒ − k dx =  k + g
2
 dν ⇒ − k x + C = kν + g ln g − kν , C
2

 g − kν   g − kν 
constant;
g g − kV ( ν − V )
x = 0, ν = V ⇒ C = kV + g ln g − kV ⇒ x = 2 ln − .
k g − kν k
g 3g g g
But V = and if ν = , then x = 2 ln 2 − 2 .
2k 4k k 4k
The total distance the parachutist has fallen is h + x :
g g g
h + x = 2 ln 2 − 2 + 2 ,
k 4k 8k
h + x = 2 (8 ln 2 − 1) .
g
8k

Problem MEC1_18.
A particle of mass m falls from rest under gravity and the resistance to its motion is mkv 2 ,
where v is its speed and k is a positive constant. Show that v 2 =
g
k
(1 − e ), where x is the
− 2 kx

distance fallen.

Solution: Choose initial position of motion as origin and ↓ as positive direction.

Equation of motion: ν& = g − kν2 .
Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, ν = 0 .
Find relation between x and ν :
1 dν2 dν2 − k dν2
ν& = g − kν2 ⇒ = g − kν2 ⇒ 2 dx = ⇒ −2 k dx = ⇒
2 dx g − kν2 g − kν2
−2 kx + C = ln g − kν2 ;

x = 0, ν = 0 ⇒ C = ln g ⇒ −2 kx = ln 1 −
k 2
g
g
(
ν ⇒ ν2 = 1 − e −2kx .
k
)
Problem MEC1_19.
 A particle of mass m is projected vertically upward under gravity in a medium in which the
resistance is mk times the square of the speed, where k is a positive constant. The speed of
projection is V. Find the maximum height.

1 k
ln 1 +
2
Answer: V .
2k g

Solution: Upward motion.

Choose the point of projection as origin and ↑ as positive direction.
Equation of motion: ν& = − g − k ν2 .
Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, ν = V .
Expression relating x and ν :
1 dν2 dν2 − k dν2
= −( g + k ν2 ) ⇒ −2 dx = ⇒ −2 k dx = ⇒ −2 kx + C = ln g + kν2 ;
2 dx g + kν 2
g + kν 2

1 g + kV 2
x = 0, ν = V ⇒ C = ln g + k V 2 ⇒ x = ln . (1)
2k g + k ν2
1 k
At maximum height, ν = 0 . Let the maximum height be h . From (1) h = ln 1 + V 2 .
2k g

Problem MEC1_20.
A particle of mass 0 .5 kg is released from rest and moves vertically downward under gravity
1 2
in a medium which exerts a resistance to the motion of v . At time t after release it has fallen
10
−2
a distance x and has velocity v. Taking g = 10 ms , show that
v = 50 1 − e
2
(
−0 .4 x
)
and &x& = 10 e
−0 . 4 x
.

v2
Solution: Origin is point of release. ↓ is positive direction ⇒ F = mg − .
10
v2
x= g−
Equation of motion: && .
5
Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, v = 0 .
dv v2 5v
Expression relating v and x : v = g − ⇒ dx = dv ⇒
dx 5 5g − v 2
5 1 1  5  1 1 
dx =  −  dv ⇒ x = ln + ln  + c, c constant.
2  5g − v 5g + v  2  5g + v 5 g − v 
5
(
x = − ln 5 g − v 2 + c .
2
)
5  v2 
5
x = 0, v = 0 ⇒ c = ln 5 g ⇒ x = − ln 1 −  ⇒ v 2 = 5 g 1 − e −0 .4 x ;
2 2  5g 
( )
g = 10 ⇒v = 50 1 − e
2
( −0 . 4 x
).
2
1 d v
&x& = ⋅ ⇒ &x& = 10 e −0 .4 x .
2 dx
Problem MEC1_21.
A particle of mass 1 kg is projected vertically upward under gravity with speed 2 c in a
g
medium in which the resistance to motion is 2
times the square of the speed, where c is a
c
positive constant. Find the time of ascent of the particle and the maximum height.

−1
c ⋅ tan
2
2 c
Answer: ; ln 5 .
g 2g

Solution: Upward motion. Choose a point of projection as origin and ↑ as positive.

Initial conditions: t = 0, x = 0, v = 2 c .
g
Equation of motion: && x = − g − 2 v2 .
c
Expression relating x and v . Expression relating v and t .
dv g 2 dv g
v = −g − 2 v , = − g − 2 v2 ,
dx c dt c
v dv dv
− gdx = 2
, − g dt = ,
v v2
1+ 2 1+ 2
c c
c 2
 v 
2
v
− gx + A = ln 1 + 2  , A constant; − gt + A = c ⋅ tan −1 , A constant;
2  c  c
c2
x = 0, v = 2 c ⇒ A = ln 5 ⇒ t = 0, v = 2 c ⇒ A = c ⋅ tan −1 2 ⇒
2

( )
2 2
c 5c c
x= ln 2 . (1) t = tan −1 2 − tan −1 v . (2)
2g c +v 2
g
When the particle reaches its highest point, its velocity is zero. So v = 0 ⇒ from (2)
c ⋅ tan −1 2
t= is the time of ascent. Let h be the distance between the point of projection and the
g
c2
highest point. Then v = 0 ⇒ from (1) h = ln 5 .
2g

Problem MEC1_22.
A particle is projected with speed V and angle of elevation α from a point O on the edge of a
cliff of height h. When the particle hits the ground its path makes an angle tan −1 ( 2 tan α) with
the horizontal. Find the distance from the foot of the cliff to the point where it lands.

V sin α + V 2 sin 2 α + 2 gh 
Answer: V cos α ⋅  .
 g 

Solution: Axes, origin and path:

After t seconds the particle is at the position

x = V cos α ⋅ t , (1)
2
gt
y = h + V sin α ⋅ t − . (2)
2

O is the foot of the cliff. OH = h . OP is the distance from the foot of the cliff to the hit place.

gt 2
As the particle hits the ground, y = 0 ; y = 0 ⇒ from (2) − V sin α ⋅ t − h = 0 .
2
Solving this quadratic, we obtain the time of flight
V sin α + V 2 sin 2 α + 2 gh
t= . (3)
g
Hence from (1) we get
 V sin α + V 2 sin 2 α + 2 gh 
OP = V cos α ⋅  .
 (4)
 g 

Problem MEC1_23.
A particle is projected from a point O at time t = 0 with speed V and angle of elevation α . It
moves under gravity and reaches its horizontal range R at time t = T . If the direction of motion
1 1
of the particle makes an angleβ with the horizontal when t = T , show that tan β = tan α .
4 2

Solution: Axes and origin:

 O is the point of projection.

After t seconds the particle is at the position:

x (t ) = V cos α ⋅ t , (1)
gt 2
y (t ) = V sin α ⋅ t − . (2)
2

y& V sin α − gt
tan β = y x′ =
, hence from (1) and (2) we get tan β = , where
x& V cos α
T g T T V sin α
t = ⇒ tan β = tan α − ; y = 0, t = T ⇒ from (2) = .
4 V cos α 4 4 2g

g V sin α 1
And hence tan β = tan α − ⋅ = tan α .
V cos α 2 g 2

Problem MEC1_24.
A and B are two points on level ground, 40 m apart. Simultaneously a particle is projected
from A towards B and another particle is projected from B towards A, each with speed 20 ms −1
at an angle of elevation of 45 0 . Given that the two particles collide, find the time and the height
above AB at which this occurs.

Answer: 2 s , ( 20 − g ) m .

Solution: Axes and origin:

 O is the centre of AB, i.e., AO = OB = 20 m . .

After t seconds the particle projected from A is at the position:

x = − AO + V cosα ⋅ t , (1)

y = V sin α ⋅ t − gt 2 / 2 . (2)

Because of the symmetry of conditions of the problem the particles collide over the point O.

AO 20
x = 0 ⇒ from (1) t = ⇒t= = 2s;
V cos α 20 cos 45°

⇒ y = (20 − g ) m .
g2
t = 2 ⇒ from (2) y = 20 ⋅ sin 45°⋅ 2 −
2

Problem MEC1_25.
A particle is projected under gravity horizontally with the speed 30 ms −1 from a point B 45 m
vertically above a point O on horizontal ground. Taking g = 10 ms −2 , find the time taken for the
particle to reach the ground and the horizontal distance it has then traveled.

Answer: 3 s ; 90 m .

Solution: Initial conditions: the particle when t = 0 x = 0 , y = h , x& = U , y& = 0 ,

−1
U = 30 ms , h ≡ AB = 45 m
After t seconds the particles are at positions.

x = Ut , (1)
2
gt
y =h− . (2)
2

1/ 2
 2h 
1/ 2
 2 ⋅ 45 
As B reaches the ground, y = 0 ; y = 0 ⇒ from (2) t =   ⇒t =  ⇒ t = 3s .
 g  10 

Let R be the horizontal distance travelled by B. Hence t = 3, x = R ⇒ from (1)

R = U ⋅ 3 ⇒ R = 30 ⋅ 3 = 90 m .

Problem MEC1_26.
A projectile is fired with speed V at an angle of elevation α from a point O and hits a
stationary target at a distance d from O on the same level. Find the value of V.

1
 dg  2
Answer:   .
 sin 2 α 

Solution: Axes and origin:

Equations of motion

x = V cos α ⋅ t , (1)
2
gt
y = V sin α ⋅ t − . (2)
2

Let the time of collision be T . Hence :

d
t = T , x = d ⇒ from (1) d = V cos α ⋅ T ⇒ T = ;
V cos α

gT 2 gT g d
t = T , y = 0 ⇒ from (2) 0 = V sin α ⋅ T − ⇒V = ⇒V = ⋅ ⇒
2 2 sin α 2sin α V cos α
1/ 2
 dg 
V =  .
 sin 2α 

Problem MEC1_27.
 A projectile is fired with speed V at an angle of elevation α from a point O. At the instant of
projection the target is fired from a point at a distance d from O on the same level with speed u
and angle of elevation β in the plane of the path of the projectile and away from O. Given that
the projectile hits the target, find the time at which this occurs.

d sin α 1
Answer: ⋅ .
U sin( β − α )

Solution: Axes and origin:

Equations of motion

projectile target

x1 = V cos α ⋅ t , (1) x2 = U cos β ⋅ t + d , (3)

2 2
gt gt
y1 = V sin α ⋅ t − , (2) y2 = U sin β ⋅ t − . ( 4)
2 2

At the time of collision the coordinates of the projectile and the target are equal. Hence
d
x1 = x2 ⇒ from (1) and (3) V cos α ⋅ t = U cos β ⋅ t + d ⇒ t = ; (5)
V cos α − U cos β
U sin β
y1 = y2 ⇒ from (2) and (4) V sin α = U sin β ⇒ V = .
sin α
Substituting this into (5), we get

d sin α d sin α 1
t = ⇒ t= ⋅ .
U (cos α sin β − cos β sin α ) U sin(β − α)

Problem MEC1_28.
A and B are two points on level ground 110 m apart. A particle is projected from A towards B
with speed 60 ms −1 at an angle of elevation of 30 0 . At the same instant another particle is
projected from B towards A with speed 50 ms −1 . Given that the two particles collide, find
(a) the angle of projection of the second particle;
(b) the time of collision.

3
Answer: tan −1 ; 3 3 − 4s .
4
Solution: Axes and origin:

AB ≡ d = 110 ,
π
u = 60, α = ,
6
V = 50, β = ?
Initial conditions:
when t = 0
particle from A particle from B
x1 = 0, y1 = 0 ; x2 = d , y2 = 0 ;
x&1 = u cos α, y&1 = u sin α ; x& 2 = −V cos β, y& 2 = V sin β .
Hence after t seconds, the two particles are at positions:
x1 = u cos α ⋅ t , x2 = d − V cosβ ⋅ t ,
2
gt gt 2
y1 = u sin α ⋅ t − , y2 = V sin β ⋅ t − .
2 2
When the particles collide their coordinates are equal. Hence x1 = x2 and y1 = y2 .
u 6 π 3 4
y1 = y2 ⇒ u sin α = V sin β ⇒ sin β = sin α ⇒ sin β = sin ⇒ sin β = ⇒ cos β = . Hence
V 5 6 5 5
3 3
tan β = ⇒ β = tan −1 .
4 4
x1 = x2 ⇒ (u cos α + V cos β) t = d ⇒ t =
110 11
⇒ t= ⇒
3 4 3 3+4
60 ⋅ + 50 ⋅
2 5
11 3 3−4
t= ⋅ ⇒ t = 3 3 − 4s .
3 3+4 3 3−4

Problem MEC1_29.
A particle is projected from a point O with speed v at an angle of elevation α . After a time t,
v sin α
where t < , the angle of elevation of the particle from O is θ and the angle which the
g
direction of the velocity makes with the horizontal is φ . Show that 2 tan θ = tan φ + tan α .

Solution: Axes and origin:

Initial conditions when t = 0

x = 0, y = 0; x& = v cos α, y& = v sin α .
Equation of motion: &&x = 0, &&y = − g .
Hence after t seconds we have
x& = v cos α , (1) x = v cosα ⋅ t , (3)
2
gt
y& = v sin α − gt , (2) y = v sin α ⋅ t − . (4)
2

When the particle reaches its highest point y& = 0 ⇒ from (2) the time of this event is
v sin α v sin α
t= . But we observe the particle at a time less than . Hence we have the
g g
following picture:

y
From the picture we see tan θ = ⇒ from (3) and (4)
x
gt
tan θ = tan α − . (5)
2v cos α
y& gt
Analogously, tan Φ = ⇒ from (1) and (2) tan Φ = tan α − .
x& v cos α
 gt 
Hence tan Φ + tan α = 2  tan α −  ⇒ from (5) tan Φ + tan α = 2 tan θ .
 2 v cos α 

Problem MEC1_30.
Two particles are projected simultaneously from a point O with speeds U and V and angles of
elevation α and β respectively. Show that at any time t during their flight, the line joining them
U sin α − V sin β
is inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal, where tan θ = .
U cos α − V cos β

Solution: Axes, origin and dimension diagram:

 Initial conditions when t = 0
x1 = 0, y1 = 0 ; x2 = 0, y2 = 0 ;
x&1 = U cos α ; x& 2 = V cos β ;
y&1 = U sin α ; y& 2 = V sin β .
After t seconds the particles are at positions.
x1 = U cos α ⋅ t , x2 = V cos β ⋅ t ,
gt 2 and gt 2
y1 = U sin α ⋅ t − , y2 = V sin β ⋅ t − .
2 2
y − y1 V sin β − U sin α
As seen from the picture tan θ = 2 ⇒ tan θ = .
x2 − x1 V cos β − U cos α

Problem MEC1_31.
A particle of mass m kg is travelling at constant speed v ms −1 round a circle of radius r m . If
v = 8 and r = 2 , find the magnitude of the linear acceleration.

Answer: 32 ms −2 .

ν2 82
Solution: a = is observed acceleration. ν = 8, r = 2 ⇒ a = ⇒ a = 32 ms −2 .
r 2

Problem MEC1_32.
A mass of 2 kg is revolving at the end of a string 2 m long on a smooth horizontal table with
uniform angular speed of 1 revolution per second. Find the tension in the string.

Answer: 32 N .

Solution: Forces on P

Observed acceleration is a = ml ω 2 , where ω = 2π rad s −1 , and l = 2 m is the length of a string.

The resultant has horizontal component ma = ml ω 2 ⇒ T = ml ω 2 ;
m = 2, l = 2, ω = 2π ⇒ T = 16 π 2 N .

Problem MEC1_33.
A particle of mass 0 .5 kg is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length 2 m .
The other end is fixed to a point A on a smooth horizontal table. The particle is set in motion in
a circular path. If the speed of the particle is 12 ms −1 , find the tension in the string.

Answer: 36 N.
 mv 2
Solution: The resultant force is to A where l = 2 m . Let T be the tension in the string.
l
m v2 0,5 ⋅122
Hence T = ⇒ T= = 36 N .
l 2

Problem MEC1_34.
A particle of mass 0 .1 kg moving on a smooth horizontal table with constant speed v ms −1
describes a circle with center O and radius r m . The particle is attracted towards O by a force of
k
magnitude 4 v N and repelled from O by a force of magnitude N where k is a constant.
r
π
Given that v = 40 and the time of one revolution is seconds, find the values of r and k .
10
Answer: 2 m ; 160 N.

Solution: Forces on the particle

k
where T1 = 4 v , T2 = , k >0.
r
π 2π
If t = is the time of one revolution, then the angular velocity ω = ⇒ ω = 20 rad s −1 .
10 t
v 40
v = ω ⋅ r and v = 40 ⇒ r = ⇒ r = = 2m .
ω 20
k k mv 2
The resultant force on the particle is T1 − T2 = 4 v − to O , hence 4v − = ⇒
r r r
k = 4v r − m v 2 ;
v = 40, r = 2, m = 0,1 ⇒ k = 4 ⋅ 40 ⋅ 2 − 0,1 ⋅ 402 ⇒ k = 160 N .

Problem MEC1_35.
A particle P of mass 0 .2 kg moving on a smooth horizontal table with constant speed v ms −1
describes a circle with center O such that OP = r m . The particle is subject to two forces, one
k
towards O with magnitude 8 v N and one away from O with magnitude 2
N, where k is a
r
positive constant. Given that k = 75 and r = 1 , find the possible values of v.

Answer: 15, 25.

Solution: Forces on P
 k
F1 = 8 v , F 2 = 2
, OP = r
r
ν2 m ν2
Observed acceleration is a = . Hence the vector sum of forces is ma =
r r
mν 2
m ν2
and directed to O. The horizontal component of the resultant force is ⇒ F1 − F2 = ⇒
r r
k m ν2
2
8r k 4r  4r km
8ν− 2 = ⇒ ν2 − ν+ = 0 ⇒ ν± = ±   − ;
r r m mr m  m r
k = 75, r = 1, m = 0,2 ⇒ ν+ = 25 and ν- = 15 .

Problem MEC1_36.
An inextensible string of length 2 m is fixed at one end A and carries at its other end B a
particle of mass 6 kg which is rotating in a horizontal circle whose center is 1 m vertically
below A. Find the tension in the string and the angular velocity of the particle.

Answer: 12 g ; g .

Solution: Dimension diagram Forces on B

The resultant force on B is a horizontal towards C of magnitude mr ω 2 . The resultant has a

l = 2m, h = 1m .
h mgl
vertical component zero ⇒ T cosθ = m g . But cosθ = ⇒T = ;
l h
l = 2, h = 1, m = 6 ⇒ T = 12 g .
r
The resultant has a horizontal component mr ω 2 ⇒ T sin θ = mr ω 2 . But sin θ = and
l
mgl g
T= ⇒ ω2 = ; h = 1 ⇒ ω = g .
h h

Problem MEC1_37.
 A light inextensible string of length 3 l is threaded through a smooth ring and carries a particle
at each end. One particle A, of mass m, is at rest at a distance l below the ring while the other
particle B, of mass µ , is rotating in a horizontal circle whose center is A. Find
(a) m in terms of µ ;
(b) the angular velocity of B.

g
Answer: 2 µ; .
l

Solution:
Dimension diagram forces on B forces on A

(a) The resultant force on A is zero ⇒ T = m g (1)

The resultant force on B is µ r ω 2 horizontally to the left. The sum of vertical components zero
1
⇒ T cosθ = µ g . But cosθ = ⇒ T = 2µ g . Using (1), m = 2µ .
2
r
(b) The sum of horizontal components is µ r ω 2 . Hence T sin θ = µ r ω 2 . But sin θ = and
2l
g g
T = 2µ g ⇒ ω 2 = ⇒ ω = .
l l

Problem MEC1_38.
A car has no tendency to slip when travelling at a speed of v ms −1 round a section of track of
radius 100 m which is banked at an angle of 12 0 . Taking g = 9 . 80 ms −2 , find the speed of the
car.

Answer: 14 . 4 ms −1 .

Solution: Forces on the car P.

Let R be the radius of the track: R = 10 m, θ = 12° .

The vertical components sum to zero ⇒ N cosθ = m g . (1)
 m ν2 m ν2
The horizontal components sum to ⇒ N sin θ = . (2)
R R
Dividing (2) by (1), we obtain
ν2
⇒ ν = ( R g tan θ) ⇒ ν = 14,4 m s −1 .
12
tan θ =
Rg

Problem MEC1_39.
A car has no tendency to slip when travelling at a speed of 30 ms −1 round a section of track of
radius 200 m which is banked at an angle of θ 0 . Find the angle of banking of the track, taking
−2
g = 9 . 80 ms .

Answer: 24 .7 0 .

Solution: Forces on the car P.

Let R be the radius of the track.

The vertical components sum to zero ⇒ N cosθ = m g . (1)
mν 2
mν2
The horizontal components sum to ⇒ N sin θ = . (2)
R R
ν2
Dividing (2) by (1), we obtain tan θ = ;
Rg
R = 200 , ν = 30 , g = 9 .8 ⇒ tan θ = 0 . 4592 ⇒ θ = 24 .7 ° .

Problem MEC1_40.
An aircraft is flying at a speed of 100 ms −1 in a horizontal circle of radius 4 km . Taking
−2
g = 9 . 80 ms , find at what angle the aircraft is banked.

Answer: 14 . 3 0 .

Solution: Forces on the aircraft P

. Let R be the radius of a circle.

The vertical components sum to zero ⇒ N cosθ = m g . (1)
 m ν2
The horizontal components sum to ⇒ N sin θ = . (2)
R
ν2
Dividing (2) by (1), we obtain tan θ = ;
Rg
R = 4000 , ν = 100 , g = 9 .8 ⇒ tan θ = 0 . 2551 ⇒ θ = 14 . 3 ° .